Anyway, the diet has been going well. Atkins isn't too hard, it just gets a little boring when you don't take time to make a recipe or two. Because of the Spring Break and I was trying to think of things to keep the kids entertained (even though it turns out the most fun is just playing in dirt out back!), I really just stuck with meat, cheese, and spinach leaves. Yum. Oh, and eggs...lots and lots of eggs.
I did encounter one evening this week where I went a little astray. I'm not afraid to admit! Friday night we went to some friends' house with the kids and had a nice little "dinner party". They have two kids and the mom and I hang out very often, so we decided it would be nice for the daddies to join! Thankfully, my friend is super considerate and sweet, so she made steaks and veggie kabobs for dinner. I brought a little appetizer of bacon wrapped artichoke hearts (from one of my new cookbooks!), so I definitely was able to eat on plan. The "astray" part is alcohol. I know any drinking is only going to result in slower weight loss (or worse, none at all!), but I think we can all relate to needing a nice evening winding down with a few beverages. I made a conscious decision to have a few drinks. Due to my diet over the past few weeks and only having water for as long, it didn't take many for me to wind down! Anyway, I drank 40 ounces of water when we got home before bed, and I have had extra water today. So...on the food and drink front - there is my confession. I have not had one "bad" carb to EAT, but I did have some "beer margaritas" last night.
EXERCISE: The DVD is getting a little easier!! A very little. Ha, ha. In addition to my plan of 10-20 minutes a day following the 30-day body makeover, we did some major playing this week!! On Thursday we went to the zoo. This involves a lot of walking and maneuvering and chasing on a regular basis, add in the fact that it is Spring Break week and we got a 70+ degree sunny day...well, let's just say it was pretty darn busy and there was a mental workout going on just keeping track! Luckily, I was with a friend, so she was able to help during the many bathroom breaks I had to take various kids on. Whew. Now, the even better "extra exercise" activity was Friday morning at a fun little place called Bounce U. Inflatables galore including a very tall slide which Zoe found to be the best thing EVER. This meant I got to carry her 28 pound self up the steps over and over and over. I was sweating! We were there for an hour and forty-five minutes and I'm pretty sure my heart rate was at a higher level for most of that time! Good times.
TIPS/ISSUES: As I mentioned above, I definitely think it is important to create unique recipes when doing Atkins. Especially when you love food like I love food! So, I would say my only issue is boredom right now. I plan to try a couple of things this next week, and I promise to include recipes when things are tasty!! Speaking of...see below for the Bacon Wrapped Artichoke Hearts Recipe. Also see below for more "cures" for the boredom...
Artichoke Hearts Wrapped in Bacon
from Dr. Atkins' Quick and Easy New Diet Cookbook
1/2 pound thinly sliced bacon
2 14-ounce cans of artichoke hearts, drained and halved, or one 10 1/2 ounce
package frozen artichoke hearts, thawed and halved
Slice bacon in half, broil for 3-4 minutes, then allow to cool completely. Once bacon is cool enough to handle, wrap each artichoke fully and secure with a toothpick, broiled side in. Broil for 4-5 minutes or until bacon is crispy.
Thursday evening I used the payments I have received for my first 18.5 pounds for this...
It doesn't even look like my hand!!! Beautiful nails compliments of Silky Nails. Love!!
Then, my sweet husband did some side work today and gave me the money to get my hair done...
BEFORE AFTER
Tiffany at The Loft Salon did an incredible job!! For some reason, I really don't feel like the picture is doing it justice...there are so many levels of color and streaks and it is just beautiful!! Plus, the cut is just perfect. If you ever need a recommendation in Nashville for hair cut/color/whatever, call her!!
So, tonight I'm feeling super girly and dolled up and loving it. I'm hoping to at least be at (or past!) the 20 pound mark Monday morning.
Good night!
LOVE THE HAIR!!
ReplyDeleteLove the hair! Love the nails! Love the blog! Love the weight loss!
ReplyDeleteGreat Hair!! I honestly don't know how you keep the pace you do. As every 'older' woman says..."that's why you have your kids when you're young!" Anyways, how about a little cheesecake?
ReplyDeleteThis is a crust-less one but it is SO GOOD + it is a microwave recipe.
In your food processor (or a mixing bowl) combine 2 well-beaten eggs, 1 (8 oz) package of softened cream cheese, 1/2 C of Splenda, 1 tsp vanilla, and 1 1/2 cups sour cream.
Once everything is mixed and is creamy-smooth, pour in PAM SPRAYED individual cups OR 1 glass pie plate. I usually got 7 tea-cup-sized cups and then spaced them evenly inside the microwave. Next, cook on high for about 6-7 minutes. I usually pulled the entire glass turntable from the micro and set things on a wire rack to cool. Once cooled, put saran on top and store in refrigerator. With a dollop of whipped cream these are good. If you cook it in one dish, I'd go for the 7 minute time.
See you soon!
You look magnificent. 20 lbs. - speaking as an overdue pregnant woman, you have lost 2 or 3 babies! That is awesome!
ReplyDelete