Mexican Fiesta Made Healthy

Last night I made pinto beans, Mexican rice, and cheese enchiladas!! They were so good. I haven't been eating Mexican food lately because of the calories and fat content found in the tortillas and cheese. But, I had been wanting to cook Mexican for a long time now, so I made some homemade food.

The thing I must say is that at least I didn't overdue it when it came to eating time! What I mean is, last year I would have easily downed 4 enchiladas with a cup of rice and not even blinked an eye. Today I limited myself to 2 enchiladas with about a half a cup of cooked rice, and about a half cup of pinto beans and a cup of nonfat milk. Then I ate a piece of fruit and drank some water. I feel good by eating this way!

Also, in preparing the enchiladas, I used Christine's trick of heating the tortillas in a pan without oil. Traditionally hot oil is used to soften the tortillas in the preparation of enchiladas but I adjusted this step. I am using a rice blend of white rice mixed with brown rice. Traditionally, we used white rice to make Mexican rice. So, at least I am trying to eat semi-healthily with the brown rice! And, even though I fried the rice in oil, I used just a little bit of oil, and I used a good kind of oil, canola oil. I also added some peas at the end to the rice, mainly to use them up. But, by using the peas in the rice, it gave the rice a bit more of a healthy slant to it. And, the beans were just cooked in hot water over low for a long time, and I added a little bit of salt to taste. I'm quite proud of myself for omitting the oil in preparing to soften the tortillas. I could have made this meal a little bit healthier by adding a small salad or shredded lettuce to it. Maybe next time! Finally, I like to garnish my enchiladas with green onions, both for flavor and presentation.

The only thing that could have made this meal better would have been the enjoyment of this meal with another person. I should have invited someone to eat with me.

Yesterday I had lunch with one of my students. One of my ESL students. So, I wanted to take him somewhere he hadn't been before. So we went to IHOP. And, we ordered appetizers, the cheese sticks with onion rings and chicken fingers, and a cup of chicken tortilla soup, and a philly cheese steak sandwich. And, hot chocolate (with whip cream) afterwards. Yeah, not one of my best eating days. Okay, I should say meals.

Today started out okay eating wise. Ate a healthy breakfast. But, we were having a family dinner since sister is in town this week. So, for lunch just grazed on popcorn, diet soda, and yogurtland.

For dinner we had Woodranch. I was so hungry by dinnertime. I ate 2 pieces of chicken, 2 small ribs, and all the sides: mac n cheese, baked beans, mashed potatoes, garlic rolls (2), salad, and half a corn on the cob, and plenty of water. They had dessert too, but I didn't have any room for dessert, because I filled up on dinner. So, at least that was a good decision. But, that was after the damage had been done. At the time of eating, I was thinking that I had eaten light for lunch, and I was famished, so I used these reasons as justification for eating more than I would have normally eaten. So, tomorrow night I will have to go to the gym!

And, that was my day today!

Ugh

Today I don't feel good. I started out eating right for lunch. A salad, a corn tortilla with half of a small avocado, some yogurt, a nectarine and a small handful of nuts. And, then another handful of nuts. I just went crayze with the nuts and I dont know why. Sigh. I don't feel good at all. It's like my stomach and my body just know that I overdid it on the nuts. Next meal I'll do better. What else can I say? Naptime. I love Sunday naps.

A Little Good, A Little Bad

I might eat healthily all day, except once or twice each day (yesterday and today). For example, I ate mostly great the other day; I was truly pleased with myself. But, later I realized that I had eaten one small snack of rice cake (the glutinous kind). Even though it was a really small piece, like 4 or 5 bites, I still had it. And, it was good. It had beans on top of it, which is good for our health. But, it's something I have to definately watch and stay on top of (the eating of snacks).

For example, yesterday I was also pleased with my eating intake overall. But, for my afternoon snack I ate triscuit wheat crackers (about a small handful) and a cup of soy milk. Not a bad snack overall, but, I thought it could be improved if I were to snack on fresh veggies instead. Like carrots! By the way, I have some fresh cucumbers in the fridge now, so, I should remember to eat those. They would be way better for me snack wise, well calorie wise.

Today, this morning for breakfast is another example of a little good and a little bad eating. For the good part I ate one egg scrambled with a cup and a half of fresh chopped veggies and an orange, one cup of non fat milk, and a cup of hot green tea. The "bad" part of my breakfast today was eating one biscuit. And, I must say, it was one tasty and delicious biscuit!! I put a little butter and a little jam (jam has 50 calories for one tablespoon serving), but oh, the taste! And, I have a 2 dozen in my fridge. I can't eat them all. I gave a dozen away to Maria, one of Gerilyn's caregivers. What will I do with the other dozen?

I got up this morning and was planning on going to gym for body works class but after preparing breakfast, cleaning up the kitchen, and doing the laundry, I ran out of time. So, I was planning on going after worship service tonight, but, they're closed! So, sometime this afternoon I might be able to get in. We'll see.

That's it for now. I ate a multi vitamin today and the fish oil supplement. Got some fiber supplements too, so that should help my body's regularity. 45 minutes until morning worship service. Plenty of time!

On My Way to Success Today

I am pleased with my day today in terms of food and exercise.

Breakfast consisted of one scrambled egg with about a cup and a half of mixed veggies sauteed in margarine (country crock). Also, 2 turkey sausage links, one orange, one cup of nonfat milk, and one cup of hot green tea with brown rice (oh my how I love this blend). I also took a multi vitamin and fish oil supplement. Drank 8 cups of water overall.

So, yesterday I learned through my online research about some foods that are high in soluble fiber content. My stool is a little bit hard to come out right now (because I ran out of fiber supplements). That usually happens whenever I run out of fiber supplements. So, I thought I would add a half a cup of pinto beans to my diet, as well as some avocado because both contain good amounts of soluble fiber which our body needs. So, for lunch I warmed one corn tortilla (can you say 60 calories for one) and added half of a small avocado into it and rolled it up and ate it with some salt and lime juice. I felt so Mexican! And it was so good! I also ate a half a cup of pinto beans seasoned with cumin, oregano, salt, lime juice and some hot sauce (Tapatio brand). And THAT was so tasty too!! I also ate a nice big salad, about one and a half cups of lettuce, and a variety of fresh veggies chopped like cucumber, tomato, red onion, bell pepper and green beans. I used a little lime juice and some chipotle dressing. I went easy on the chipotle dressing because 2 T. contained 100 calories! I was out anyways, so I probably got around 1 T. or maybe 1 and a half.

My exercise today was a one hour class at the gym called "Body Works Plus Abs". We use weights throughout the workout and repetitions. I worked out I think every part of my body: upper body, lower body, torso.

Dinner was leftovers of the following: garlic mashed potatoes, and mint-fennel steak (but just a tiny bit like 2 oz. maybe), and a side of fresh green beans (not leftovers). After eating that I felt satisfied. But, I wanted to include some yogurt, and fruit afterwards, along with a 1/4 cup of mixed nuts. I feel totally great now!! I think I ate adequately healthy today overall. I am so pleased. I exercised and watched what I ate.

Oh yeah, one more thing. When I got on the scale today while at the gym, I weighed 139 today, and that was WITH CLOTHES ON. So, my body is doing something.

Something good I mean. Yesterday, I was thinking about my weight. And, how it has been around 140 for a long long time. I thought maybe my body is converting some fat into muscle, which weighs more. But, as long as I remain faithful to eating right, and exercising, then I do believe my body is going to eliminate more fat. It's a cause and effect thing. If I do A, then my body should do B. So, that's where I am at today.

I love writing in my blog. If you're reading this, I hope you enjoy my blog. And, more than that, if you're reading this, I hope that you too are finding success in your own personal weight loss and fitness journey!! I hope that this blog informs, motivates, inspires, encourages and/or helps in some way you the reader. Blessings and good day!!

Some Thoughts on Fat

A couple of thoughts come to mind. I've decided to try and lose my excess fat. I was doing some research online today on fat, and losing belly fat. In my research I learned that there are 2 kinds of fat: subcutaneous fat and visceral fat. The visceral kind of fat is what you feel under your skin. The other kind of fat, subcutaneous kind, is the fat found in your abdomen area. This is the kind of fat I have right now. It's also the kind of fat that is, incidentally, not good for you either. So, although I've made a tremendous amount of progress this year in losing weight, I think I am going to have the mindset to lose the next 10!! I've had the mindset before that I would like to lose this amount if my body would cooperate. Now, however, I insist that my body cooperate due to the health benefits it will have for my body. So, that is what I am thinking today.

As for dinner, I didn't even finish all my dinner! I felt full. Wild. So, I stopped when I felt the full feeling. There was no sense in continuing eating. It was a half cup of rice, about a cup of leftover seaweed chicken soup that I added some clams into, and about 4 pieces of kimchi since that's all that I had left. I drank a cup of water, a cup of nonfat milk and also ate a nectarine. I feel great! Not too full, not still hungry. I feel just right!

Planning still to go to Zumba class tonight with Jane. And, if my body is up for it, do the elliptical machine afterwards. But, that would be like 90 minutes of exercise straight, so I'm not sure my body can do it. Last night I failed to go to gym. So much for my new commitment. Today is a new day. I am committing to the next 6 weeks and making a renewed effort in my healthy lifestyle. This includes a daily (6 days) of elliptical machine for 30 minutes on top of my regular dance and aerobic program. I think now is a good time to add yoga/stretching to my routine as well. Why not? Afterall, I am "starting over" at this point!!

Oh, okay, there's one more thing I'd like to share with my readers. I went to the food pantry today in the morning to volunteer. One of the male workers said how nice I looked and how he couldn't keep his eyes off of me now! I know it sounds funny, but, I will say that English is his second language and I think he was attempting to say something kind to me! He was saying how nice I look. I look soo nice that he can't keep his eyes of off me. LoL. So, that is how I took it.

How can I decrease my fat intake? This is something else I am thinking of these days too. Less country crock, less oil, less margarine. But, a tiny bit is okay I think. More exercise. I learned that aerobic exercise is good for decreasing body fat in my online research today.

Workout Buddies

Having a workout buddy needed. Will help me get/keep motivation high. Sigh. Who can be my gym buddy?

September 15

So far so good today. Did not make it to the gym last night. Boo! Oh well, today is a new day. Breakfast was one egg scrambled, with about a cup of sauteed veggies used country crock, one orange, one cup of nonfat milk, one cup of green tea with brown rice (so delicious, I love it), and about a 1/4 cup of mixed nuts. Should have waited to have nuts as a snack later in the day, but I was craving them in the morning. Oh well. Lunch was yogurt and fruit. Sort of grazing the mid day meal. Will eat a salad too. Dinner? Who knows? Will look in the fridge for something to put together. Leftovers of some sort. Zumba class with the wonderful Miss Jane tonight!! And, if I'm up to it, elliptical machine after that. Don't do good without a regular schedule. Sigh. Slept too much yesterday! Okay, today too is a new day! I have to tell myself this. I am smiling now as I read this!

Wednesday, September 14th

Breakfast: 1 egg scrambled with 3/4 cup chopped veggies like onion and tomatoes wrapped in a half of a large white tortilla, 1 cup nonfat milk, 3 turkey sausage links and 1 talblespoon of ketchup. 1/4 cup of trail mix (dried cranberries, almonds, and cashews)

Snack: canteloupe, 1 cup and yogurt a half cup, and 1/4 cup walnuts.

Lunch: salad lettuce with 2 T. low calorie dressing. Trader Joes Sesame Ginger type.

Snack: One cup of pinto beans, seasoned with salt, red pepper sauce, cumin and oregano. Yummy! Wanted seconds! (But I didn't).

Dinner: Chicken and seaweed soup about 1 or 1.5 cups, 1/2 cup cooked rice of white/brown rice blend, and a side of kimchi. One cup of nonfat milk also.

So far today has been so good! Satisfied with my choices today. Maybe too many nuts though. And, definately lacking in fruits and vegetables.

Still, likely to eat fruit for dessert tonight. We'll see.

Didn't exercise today though. Maybe tonight. I started a new commitment to diet and exercise for the next 6 weeks. My goal is to be on the elliptical machine 30 minutes a day daily for the next 6 weeks in the evenings at my local gym, in addition to the regular Zumba and other exercise classes I may be interested in doing. But, I definately want to commit to the elliptical machine so I guess I'll go tonight!

I'm on my way. Hopefully my body will cooperate and get there! It's a 10 pounds is my goal now. I'm at 140 or 141. Would like to get down to 130 if my body will do it. On the one hand, what I've accomplished this far has been amazing! And, I am pleasantly satisfied! However, I've come this far, so why not go all the way in my weight loss journey? I could actually get a slim and flattering figure once again. I'll at least try. And, let my body do what it wants to do. But, if it wants to go down 10 more pounds, I'll just say that that is fine by me!!

Felt hungry today but that was normal before dinner hunger! I remember as a kid getting hungry before meals like lunch in school and home dinners. I drank enough water today. Woo hoo.

One day at a time. One meal at a time. Exercise doing what I love. Drink lots of water. Eat the right foods in the right portion sizes. Snack on veggies not crackers (my weakness) when hunger pangs kick in before mealtime. Grab a buddy and lose weight together. These are some of the things I've learned along the way, that I pass along to you, as I give myself a pep talk. LoL. We can do it!!

FrIdAy StEaK dInNeR

A view from the top!

Steak

It's what I made for dinner last night. Steak pan fried, and sauteed fennel and topped with chopped mint and lime juice, and a sprinkle of salt. It was delish~!! I was wishing I had someone to eat it with!!

Not one of my best days

My day started with not really wanting to get out of bed. But, since that is not an option for me, I got up. Breakfast was okay. I ate leftover steak from the night before, with an egg "sunny side up" (but really it was cooked more like over medium), one orange and one cup of non fat milk. So far so good, eating wise.

No exercise today. Giving myself the day off. Was going to go for a walk but didn't have anyone to go with. And, not too motivated to just go alone for some reason today. So, I slept in till about 8.

Was busy in the morning at the library, getting ready for class on Monday.

Went home for lunch and ate a nice salad, with a little bit of leftover steak, some trail mix, and tomatoes. Fruit and yogurt. Feeling good. With the exception of tea biscuits. Not one, nor two, nor three, nor four; but something outrageous like 8 little cookies. Not good for a person watching her waistline, like me! But, no worries, I can make it up with the rest of my day by how I eat in the future. Well, so I thought!

But, after lunch is my downfall. Instead of going back to work, I lie around, in front of the tv. Food Network catches my eye all the time. The food truck episodes I cannot stay away from! Of course, tv in and of itself is not a bad thing! But, once I get started watching something, it is so hard to stop sometimes!! Hours can fly by, in between little cat naps. So, that is my Saturday.

With boredom, came boredom eating. A handful of wheat thins. Another handful of triskets. Then, some bites of milk chocolate!! I just went crazy ballistic with the food. What happened? Boredom, and lack of motivation, accountability kind of got in my way.

Then, a trip to McDonalds. Not for food necessarily, but to use their internet since ours is down right now at home. Well, since I'm in McDonald's I committed the big sin: I ordered a cheeseburger (I don't want to know how many calories I just ate), and the hot fudge sundae (so much for "making up for it in my next meal").

Tomorrow is DEFINATELY a new day!!! That is what I can count on, and what I am telling myself. Today's eating is not the end of the world. I know just not to make a habit of eating like this!

A couple of thoughts come to mind. First of all, I can celebrate the progress I've made thus far. What I mean is, a year ago, if I ate junk food I wouldn't have thought twice about it at all. I mean, not in the least. Today, I know better and am thinking about and have concern for what I feed my body. At least, today I have knowledge and I care. (I might have cared before, but lacked knowledge about proper eating). Second, I love the compliments that have been coming my way!! For example, last Thursday I received loads of compliments from people about my weight. First at the food pantry, at least 2 or 3 of the men commented on my weight. One guy said if I lost any more weight the wind might blow me away! And, a couple others asked me what happened, and did I lose weight? I guess that would be considered a rhetorical question. And, the next day, on Friday, at the gym, in my Zumba class, 3 of the girls also noticed that I had lost a lot of weight too!! I think, though, that part of it was the outfit that I was wearing. I think the outfit lent itself to making me appear thinner too. Anyways, I love the comments and don't have a mind of putting on the weight any time soon. Therefore, I had better take good care of my health and be sure to monitor what I eat and make healthy food choices, starting with my next meal!!

Yummy Banana Shake

So, Tuesday night after dinner I was craving fruit. I had frozen bananas in the freezer, so I decided to use one of those for a shake. I thought that would be better instead of spending my money on fresh fruit. Anyways, the shake was so good! I used about 3/4 cup of soy milk, 3 ice cubes, a dash of cinnamon, and about a teaspoon of honey; mixed it all up in the blender, and whoala! A shake!!

I think the use of soy milk instead of regular milk added another dimension of pure yumminess flavor to my shake!! I was in total heaven!! Definately a repeat recipe.

Tuesday's Morning Breakfast

Nothing exciting to report. Just one egg, scrambeled with some veggies I found in my fridge: 4 chopped baby carrots, makes like a small palmful, and same with some green onion I had frozen in my freezer. Sauteed these in a little bit of country crock spread. Two slices of toasted raisen bread; just trying to go through what I have before getting more food if possible.

Sidenote: I spent $25 last week on just 5 things! It was like oranges, nectarines, a gallon of milk, a bag of trail mix, and some yoplait yogurt!! I think that is too much to spend! I'll have to start looking for some better deals on food and only buy that. Sheesh!

Anyways, back to breakfast. So, today, egg, veggies, one orange, one cup of nonfat milk, and 2 slices of toast with spread. So, nothing exciting here; just need to watch the white flour products. Took a daily multivitamin and supplemental fish oil for the heart. Have not exercised today yet. Will most likely go to gym this afternoon for zumba class.

Lunch should be a salad and some yogurt and fruit with cold tea or water.

Dinner-so boring these days. Eating leftovers. Curry squash over mixed grain rice. Well, at least it's quick and simple. But, sometimes I get so tired of eating leftovers. Once I start eating the food in my freezer it'll free up some room for freezing leftovers and making a variety of meals.

Happy Labor Day!

So, today I started off with a 2 egg burrito, much like yesterday! A few slices of cucumber and seasoned with catsup, mustard, a little salt, pepper and hot sauce. One orange, one cup of nonfat milk.

Off to early morning exercise. Zumba!! Zumba "Master" Class. That just means 90 minutes of dance; exhilerating, calorie-burning fun!

Afterwards, ate a lunch of yogurt, fruit, and a veggie burger with lettuce and catsup, mustard and mayo (but,light and easy), on a white bun.

Then, relaxed time in the jacuzzi and pool at my condo. I was thinking I should have invited someone to join me this afternoon at the jacuzzi. But, I didn't think of it in time to do so.

So far today, my eating is okay. A little high again on the white flour products, but, hey, I was in a Zumba Master Class today, so I can definately afford it!

Drinking plenty of water and barley tea; one of my loves.

Sunday 9/4/11

Breakfast-2 egg burrito with some sliced cucumber, seasoned with ketchup, mustard, salt and pepper, one orange, one cup of nonfat milk, and that's it.

Lunch-ham and cheese sandwich on white, mustard no mayo, cup of yogurt,

Dinner-curry zuchinni with tofu, over mixed white and brown rice cooked about a half cup, one cup of nonfat milk, and side of radish kimchi, and for dessert a nectarine, which was rotten so about half. BFB (big fat bummer).

So, kind of alot of white flour today: like the tortilla, and white bread, and white rice (though mixed with brown rice too). I'm just going through my pantry trying to use up what I have, so that is how I came up with some of these "recipes". Next time, if I get any tortilla, I would choose a whole grain such as wheat, tortilla. I think that would be a healthier alternative!! But, I'm satisfied with how I ate today.

I drank plenty of water. Oh, just to share with you. In the mornings, I typically drink at least 2 cups of water easily. Just an FYI.

But, no exercise today. I'm such a bum! Well, tomorrow I am going to a 90 minute Zumba dance party, so that will more than make up for a rested weekend! ha!

I got a wonderful compliment this morning. I ran into Linda at church, and 1st she said something like, how nice I looked. Then, she changed her mind, and said that I looked "gorgeous" today!! And, of course, I said, thank you. Later, I was thinking about her comment, and some of its significance for me personally. As I was growing up, no one ever told me that I was pretty! I even remember, as a young girl, perhaps in the 2nd or 3rd grade at the time, and one of the adults around said how pretty one of the other girls was in the group. But, she, nor any of the other adults, said if I was pretty!! I always remembered that. Even now. So, I felt a sort of healing moment when Linda mentioned about my appearance. And, that is just the way it is! My truth. So, if someone wants to tell me that I look pretty, or gorgeous, or beautiful, today, then I shall surely receive it!! And, until next time. I so love to write. It's not a chore at all. And, oh my goodness. 5 minutes until worship service starts! I better leave now! Leave me a comment and say hello! Hope you have a great day!!

Thoughts on Being Regular

So, for the past 3 days I've noticed my system seems to be more regular. I am wondering why this is so. Is it the oatmeal? Or trail mix? Or, a combination of both? Is it the fiber choice tablets? I wish I knew what it is that is making my system more regular. The yogurt? The only "new" thing I've eaten is the oatmeal and the trail mix. The others I seem to eat pretty regularly. So, I'm thinking either the oatmeal or the trail mix is having a positive effect on my body's internal digestive tract!

sAtUrDaY

Today is Saturday, the first Saturday of September. So, my eating wasn't great today. I'd describe it as mediocre.

Breakfast-a half cup of cooked oatmeal in non fat milk, topped with trail mix. Yum, and oh so delicious! The trail mix had craisens, raisens, almonds, peanuts and dried apricot. so yummy.

Snacks-I kind of grazed on chips today. Those cheddar jack cheese nip type of crackers. I had a bagful, so, one serving. Plus a handful of wheat thin type crackers, and another handful of cheese nips. Just grazing but a little here and a little there eventually, if not watched carefully, can add up! It's just like money. If we don't watch our money closely, it can just slip through our fingers like water in no time. I know, I have personal experience in this department.

Lunch-a late afternoon bowl of rice and cucumber kimchi. Along with a cup of yoplait yogurt in the 6 oz. container. Just about a half cup cooked white and brown rice mixed and about a half cup of cucumber chopped with the spices. That was delish.

Dinner-2 tamales(pork with red chile). And, a cup of nonfat milk. And, a nectarine fruit for dessert. Plus, another handful of trail mix. Trail mix is one of my weaknesses right now (if you're reading this don't laugh). Trail mix and chips today were my excess spending in terms of food and calories. I'm not down on myself. I'm simply AWARE more of the fact that what I put into my mouth affects so many things: my physical appearance, my inward body's organs, my mood and energy levels, just to name a few.

Multi-vitamin, check. Supplemental fish oil, check. Fiber choice, check. Water, in progress, check! On my last cup and a half for the day. Exercise, no, not today. Just a lazy bum on a lazy Saturday afternoon.

Food balance check: okay, allright in the dairy department today. Okay with the fruits. But, lacked in protein and veggies today. Also, okay in the whole grains. Oh, a little bit of protein from the nuts in the trail mix, and a little bit from the milk and yogurt, so, maybe okay there. But, seriously lacking in the veggies department today. Will have to work on that tomorrow!

Food Related

I started a new position this week, and it has affected my eating routine. So, I am adjusting right now. I have a super early morning twice a week, which means cooking an egg with veggies, eating and cleaning up in time to leave, not to mention taking the time it takes for getting ready in the morning proves to be difficult. So, I have been taking 10 minutes in the morning to hard boil 2 eggs, cut up an orange and pack a yogurt for my breakfast, and have found myself grazing as time permits. So, I have to figure out how to better eat on these 2 particular days.

Yesterday, after dinner, I noticed that I still felt a mild hunger in my stomach. But, I had already eaten my dinner. It was about a half cup of cooked rice, some cabbage, and some fish and cucumber kimchi, plus a cup of non fat milk. So, really, with all that food in me, I shouldn't have been hungry. But, I was. So, I drank about a cup of water, and that helped. Then, I ate some fruit, about a cup worth of canteloupe that I had cut up in the fridge, and ate that along with a cup of Job's tears Korean hot tea! After that I was definately satisfied, if not full!!

But, prior to my new eating regimen, I might have just gone for an extra dose of rice, or fried fish, or more milk, or something like that!! I would have thought nothing of taking 2nds, because I felt the hunger in my stomach. But, this time, I chose to drink water and fill up on fruit instead.

I really like what I have achieved the past 8 months. I don't want to stop now. It is sustainable, because what I've chosen to do is make a lifestyle change, per se, not go on a temporary diet until I reach my goal. With change, there are always little hurdles to jump over, little hurdles, sometimes seemingly big hurdles, but, nevertheless, they are hurdles that can be overcome.

So, these are my thoughts for today. If you're reading this, thanks for letting me share. I mean, thanks for reading this. I wish you all the best on your own journey to health and wellness also.