Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Day 16

I had a great workout today, and I am pooped. When I got home I rummaged around in the fridge and came up with an awesome Mahi Mahi dish.

For Dinner: Blackened Mahi Mahi with an Apple slaw. Served on of a crispy whole wheat tortilla. I grilled the tortilla until crispy, almost like a chip. I didn't use any oil or anything, it gets crispy in a matter of minutes, Grilled the Mahi Mahi, and seasoned it with Black and Cayenne pepper. The slaw had julienned apple, green cabbage, purple cabbage, green onion, bermuda onion and red bell pepper. Salt pepper and the juice of a lemon. The sweetness of the apple slaw really calmed the spice of the fish.

I am so tired. I am going to go read some of my book for school and then go to bed. I added a picture of the dish I made tonight to the "Tasty Creations" slideshow. I will try to do that more often.

Day 16

For Lunch: A Go Huskies Salad. Romaine, kohlrabi, capers, and a couple of pepperoncinis, topped with purple and yellow bell peppers! Something sweet: an apple.

we have our own internet and we are feeling good, tonight I am going to go to the gym, Cassi is working and I need to go through our refrigerator and see what's for dinner.

Day 16

I just got home from my first day of class. I am taking a Women's Studies class and I think it is going to be really interesting. Cassi woke up this morning and made me breakfast and coffee. I am home now, waiting for the comcast person. I have the rest of the day off and have plenty to do. I should probably start reading one of the many books I have to finish for school. I am not very good at staying on top of reading. But, I try. I guess I am a minimalist when it comes to school, always have been. I am ready to be done, it's a good thing it is my last year and I am studying things that interest me.

For Breakfast: Oatmeal and coffee.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Day 15

For Breakfast: Half a grapefruit.

Today was the first day of school for Cassi. She is very excited about her classes is ready to go. For me, my first day riding a real bike since before my injury at the end of April. I rode my bike on the Burke Gilman trail, down to the U Village where I needed to pick up a couple of things for my computer. Then straight to the gym. I worked out for about an hour. The cardio portion of my workout was noticeably easier, which makes me feel awesome. I hopped back on my bike and rode home. My knee is feeling stronger everyday. I can't even express how good it feels to be able to do normal things and not notice anything off about my knee.

For Lunch: A salad of romaine, red bell pepper, garbanzo beans, red onion, cucumber, purple cabbage and lemon and olive oil, with blackened, seared Ahi tuna.

I went to work, it was painfully slow, but that was okay with me, because I am tired and I got out early.

For Dinner: My appetite has not been super huge, A had a cup Cannellini bean soup from our work. It is vegan, and very filling, I also had an olive, yes just one, Have to write it down, don't want to be a cheater.

Now I am home, and getting ready for school tomorrow, also tomorrow morning the cable guy is coming and we will finally have our own internet. We have been "borrowing" wireless from one of our neighbors, unbeknownst to them. I am excited! For the past five months I have been sitting in the very small corner of our living room to check my mail and blog, as this is the only place we get a signal. So tomorrow, we will have freedom to surf the net wherever we want.
Fifteen days down, a lot more to go. The belt I use with my work uniform has officially been tightened two holes! Goodnight wonderful people, thanks for all your support!

Monday, September 28, 2009

Day 14

For Lunch: A bowl of my minestrone soup and spicy grilled tofu. I really do like that tofu. It is filling and tasty.

After work I came home, and for some reason I was not very hungry. I notice that I have been getting full on less food, and not feeling so hungry all the time.

For Dinner: Granola and non-fat yogurt.

Cassi and I are getting ready to go to the Beatles Rockband party, technically the party is "Bring your own Booze" but I have decided this means "Bring your own Veggies" for me.

Cassi starts school tomorrow and I on Wednesday. I have to make sure I am still going strong on my health regiment with the school schedule. Just need to stay on top of everything. Probably more recipes and food that I can prep for ahead of time and then make quickly on school nights.

Day 14

2 weeks baby, 2 WEEKS! Woke up this morning and went to my doctors appointment and took x-rays of my knee. I have been cleared to go biking outside! This is awesome and adds a powerful new element to my health regiment, not to mention a convenient way to get to and from school. I am also allowed to work towards running again, for right now only moderate jogging on soft surfaces like tracks. Today Cassi and I are running some errands, I go to work and then we have been formally invited to a Beatles rock band party which I myself have been practicing for.

For breakfast: 2 eggs over medium topped with sauteed swiss chard

Day 13

We had such a busy day today. Woke up early in Arlington and ready to paint! Our mission was to get as far as possible on the exterior paint on mini me and boy did we do well! Me, Cassi, Mom and Dad worked our booties off all day long. Cassi and Mom are neat little artists that handled the trim work while Dad and I took on the front side of the house and practically took a bath in white paint. We painted from 9:30 until 5, 7.5 hours of hard work. The whole house is completely done except for two windows trim paint, other than that, mission completed! We couldn't have asked for better weather, it was a perfect Sunday.

For breakfast: 1 poached egg, and a cup of coffee

For Lunch: some light snacks, a few slices of apple, a couple strawberries, carrots, celery, a little handful of nuts and an almond granola bar

For Dinner: Mom's homemade shrimp and scallop cioppino: Chicken stock, beef bouillon, diced tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, onion, bay scallops, shrimp, garlic, parsley, chives, old bay seasoning, salt and pepper served with baked acorn squash topped with nutmeg and cinnamon and some whole rye crisp bread

At the end of the night, Cassi and I made the trip back to Seattle and into our bed and slept like babies.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Day 12

For Lunch: Cup of Minestrone soup and some steamed broccoli.

We went to Parker's game, then rushed to work, then drove up to Arlington, and here we are. Well rested and ready to paint some more house!

For Dinner: I had no choice but to eat at work, I had a cup of out work's vegan cannellini bean soup and a salmon salad: Baby spinach, grilled salmon, mushrooms, onion, and avocado. In a very light lemon dressing.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Day 12

For Breakfast: Half a grape fruit, and sauteed rainbow chard topped with a poached egg.

Cassi and i just went to the university district Saturday Market, The produce was beautiful, I think I will post pictures. Then we are going to Cassi's cousin's soccer game. Currently listening to Tim's football game, Go RPI!

Friday, September 25, 2009

Day 11

I am home from work and have had a big day. Cassi and I woke up this morning and decided to go to the gym. Cassi doesn't usually go to the gym with me, 1. because I usually go when she is working. and 2. because she is not a member of the UW gym (the IMA) and so it is expensive when she pays for a guest pass. We ate breakfast and took off to get in a good workout.

For Breakfast: Blueberry muesli (1/2 cup dry, I prepare just like oatmeal) it was good, and it is filled with lots of fiber.

We had a mega workout! First the elliptical, then we did a whole set of weights, worked our arms and I worked with my knee for a while which is feeling a lot better lately. Then . . . I tried the pool again. It was GREAT! My knee didn't hurt at all. And it was fun to be in the pool with Cassi, not only does she look quite stunning in a swim cap (hair condom) she is like PHELPS out there. I knew she swam in high school and did water polo, but the girl is a turbo swimmer! I however, am slow and steady, and now: pain-free.

For Lunch: Bowl of Minestrone Soup. The recipe is at the end of the post. It is great. Colorful, flavorful, and really healthy! We also had a sliced tomato and fresh basil on the side.

Then, off to work. A peaceful night, it was slow.

For Dinner: I am really proud of this one. Grilled Eggplant, and Spaghetti Squash, with a fresh basil and garlic marinara with Dungeness crab. This was awesome, and if I get things in order I will post pictures of some of the dishes I have prepared lately.

Hearty Vegan Minestrone Soup
4 carrots, chopped
3 celery, chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
2 zucchini, chopped
2 cups chopped green beans
1 12 oz can cannellini beans
1 12 oz can red kidney beans
1 28 oz diced tomatoes with juice
1 medium onion
1-2 32 oz Hearty Vegetable Broth
1/2 head green cabbage, chopped
1 tablespoon of Olive oil, just enough to sweat the onions.
Spices: Dried oregano, thyme, parsley, basil, bay leaf, Salt and pepper . . . all to taste.

Sweat the onion and garlic, add veggies, wait a bit, add tomatoes and broth, season, and simmer until you taste it and you say, damn thats good.

Spaghetti Squash is an awesome alternative to pasta. I put the squash in the oven at 375 for an hour, after I stab it with a fork so it doesn't explode. After it is done, I take it out, split it and pit it. I scoop the seeds out and then take the spaghetti-like squash strands out of the shell and there you go.

The eggplant I sliced into sheets, as thin as possible. A little bit of olive only so it won't stick to the grill, and a little salt and pepper.

From our trip to the San Juan islands I had shelled crab meat in the freezer. I sauteed some garlic and basil and a few grape tomatoes, then added the crab. I used a TJ's organic Marinara and added it to my crab and let everything simmer down.

Day 10

I didn't get a chance to post last night, I was wrapped up in the Grey's Anatomy premiere. Pretty intense stuff. I had a great day though.

For Lunch:Greek Chop salad, I chopped up into small pieces: basil, radishes, kalamata olives, red onion, cucumber, pepperoncinis, red bell pepper, added Garbanzo beans, and capers, with chopped romaine. Red wine vinegar and olive oil, with some salt, pepper and dried oregano. I know I had this salad before, and I know it's probably boring to read about me having repeats, but the salad was so good.

After Lunch Cassi and I met Claudia, a friend of ours and of Cassi's Family, and she suggested we go on a hike, it was great. We calculated it and it was approximately 5.2 miles. Among our chatting, Claudia said, "Katy, you're making a lot of salads." well, I guess I am going to have to mix it up a little.

So when I got home from our hike, I took off my running shoes and put on my apron. I prepped a couple dishes for the busy weekend. I made vegan minestrone soup, I cooked a spaghetti squash I have plans for. I sliced eggplant into sheets, seasoned and grilled it, also going to be a part of the spaghetti squash dish, and I prepped the chicken and marinated it for last nights dinner.

For Dinner: Butterflied and pounded chicken breast marinated in stoneground mustard, salt, pepper, chili pepper, and parsley. Grilled on the BBQ, and then topped with fresh arugula. I drizzled a bit of EV Olive Oil and then half of a lemon. They make a dish at my work kinda like this, so I figured I would try to re-invent it. It was good and a nice change up to the salad I admit. I had another apple for dessert. Crispy and delish.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Day 10

We got up early this morning, and packed a salad for lunch, and left at around 8:00. We are over in Bellevue, Cassi is painting for Nancy, and I am sitting gitty with my computer, reading the comments people have left and strongly considering posting pictures of the swim cap shot at Cory's request.

It was so nice outside yesterday and after my monster workout I decided to walk home from the gym. It's pretty far, but It was a good cool down. The smells from Louisa's Bakery almost made me fall over. So good. But not good for me. Honestly, some of the things that come out of that bakery are straight from heaven. That being said I quickly went home and made a salad.

I have not had a drop of alcohol. I thought this might be hard, not because I need an alcohol fix, just because it seems natural to have a glass of wine after a long day, or with dinner. On the contrary, it has not been difficult at all, I haven't even thought about it.

For Breakfast: Half a grapefruit.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Day 9

Well, I had a busy day. Cassi and I painted for about 4 hours and then hauled it back to Seattle so Cassi could go to work. I went to the gym for about two hours. I was watching Top Chef while I was on the elliptical, so once I got hooked on that I had to watch the end. I am super exhausted and am going to call it a night.

For Breakfast: Just one Hard boiled egg

For Lunch: Fresh Dungeness crab salad. Organic mixed greens, celery, radish, carrot, purple cabbage, and Dungeness crab to go on top. The dressing was awesome. It was an avocado, lime dressing with extra virgin olive oil.

For Dinner: Greek Chop salad, I chopped up into small pieces: basil, radishes, kalamata olives, red onion, cucumber, pepperoncinis, red bell pepper, broccoli, added Garbanzo beans, and capers, with chopped romaine. Red wine vinegar and olive oil, with some salt, pepper and dried oregano.

Snacks for the day: I had half a grapefruit and an apple during the day, and it would be cheating to not write it down!

How Am I Feeling?

I absolutely love it. I just thought about it and how badly I want to get healthy. It is working too. Because I am writing everything down and not leaving anything out, I have no choice but to only eat good wholesome things. I think it is perfect for me, because strict things like the "fat flush" or some other crazy cleanse diet are too easy for me to fall off the wagon. With this, I get to decide what I eat, and get full, really full.

The energy I have from my diet change has been incredible. I feel ready to go and when I go to work out, it is not because I have this crazy o-blog-ation to go, so I can write it down on this thing. It is because I have the energy, and I get on the bike or elliptical and I envision myself at my "goal", and I will tell you, I look damn good.

Day 8

Work was pretty decent today. Not too busy, not to slow. I didn’t get out of there until much later than I thought though. Cassi picked me up and we went to Trader Joe’s to get a few things. I have some plans up my sleeve for some homemade Minestrone. When we got home, I prepped some celery and carrots for snacking. Just like I helped my mom do when I was in Arlington a couple days ago. I found myself doing the exact same thing she does. I made sure my carrots and celery were sliced ever so thinly. We learn from example I guess! I made Cassi and myself a quick lunch, and had some down time. It was nice to just hang out with her and relax before we resumed to our busy schedules.

For Lunch: Heirloom Tomato salad with basil, kalamata olives, Bermuda onion and red wine vinegar with EV olive oil. We also had grilled tofu again. A repeat, yes, but a good repeat. It really is delish!

Tonight I had my good friend, Kay, over for dinner while Cassi had to work. I made Grilled Mahi Tacos, with a green cabbage and jalapeno slaw. They were really good! We played guitar and gossiped, ate good, healthy food, and relaxed.

For Dinner: Whole-wheat tortillas (96% fat free) with Grilled Mahi-Mahi filet. Topped with a slaw made of green cabbage, jalapeno, limejuice, lime zest, a bit of green onion, and a lil’ bit of minced purple cabbage for color. (salt, and pepper) Served with black beans. I made a spicy avocado salsa to go with that was so good! (In a food processor, half a jalapeno, 1 avocado, 1 clove garlic, limejuice and zest, salt, pepper)

We are sneaking away to Arlington again to paint for my dad. I am excited to have the day off with Cassi.

Thank you so much for your emails and words of encouragement; you don’t know how motivating it is to know that you are all reading and routing for me.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Day 8

Woke up this morning, with cramps. I always used to welcome my period so I could eat anything I wanted and then say, "wow, I am must be PMSing." That way I would feel guilt-free about eating 4 slices of pizza. Not me being a pig, just satisfying those undeniable monthly cravings. NOT THIS TIME.

I feel so energized today, regardless of my irritating work shift last night. I go to work for the day shift and then I am going to go to the gym and kick my own butt into shape.

For Breakfast: Oatmeal and half of an apple diced into it. Just water today, I need to cut back on the coffee.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Day 7

I ended up going to the gym after all. I went swimming for the first time, it was good except . . . my knee really hurt. I have gone swimming since my surgery and it hasn't hurt, it was tight before but today it was actually painful. I have had trouble going up and down stairs since I started going back to work. I thought it was just sore and tight. But, I think something might be wrong. It really scared me today, when I felt such a strong pain in my knee when I got in the water and started swimming. I have a doctors appointment next monday and I hope to hear good news. I need to be more careful with my knee.

It's late, and for some reason I am really not hungry. I know I shouldn't skip any meals, but I don't think I am going to make myself dinner tonight.

Work was ridiculously slow tonight. And the only table I did have, was a group of obnoxious Italians, they didn't speak any English, which is totally fine, but they left me a 1% tip. Literally $1.11 on a $104.00 bill. Thanks. I need to ice my knee and put my swim cap on, to re-gain some confidence.

Until Next time. Ciao.

Day 7

For Breakfast: Just an apple, I ate on the way home from Arlington.

For Lunch: Grilled tofu, and Zucchini with an heirloom tomato salad, with bermuda onion, basil, kalamata olives and red wine vinegar and EV olive oil. I have never grilled tofu before, it was soooo good!

Now I am going to go for a power walk before I go to work. I have not been to the gym in a few days, It's hard to go when I work, but the rest of the week should be manageable. Plus, going inside to workout when it is this beautiful outside doesn't make sense.

Off I go.

Day 6

We went to visit Josh at his new apartment and for the first time since I have started my blog, I had to eat out! I had a salad, It was okay, but I definitely should have asked for the dressing on the side.

For Lunch:
Tex-mex Chicken Caesar. Romaine, black beans, Corn, Tomatoes, Chicken Breast, and Caesar salad dressing.

Then Cassi and I drove from Ellensburg to Arlington to go hang out with my parents. It was an absolutely gorgeous day, and we went down to the river to watch the spawning salmon. It was amazing to see the salmon fighting against the current in just a few inches of water.

For Dinner: Fresh Dungeness crab salad. Organic mixed greens, celery, radish, carrot, purple cabbage, and I picked some Dungeness crab to go on top. The dressing was awesome. It was an avocado, lime dressing with extra virgin olive oil.

For Dessert, I had the best apple I have ever had in my life. All natural Honeycrisp from the produce stand here in Arlington. We spent the night and are getting ready to head back to Seattle and go to the gym!

My Mom let me barrow her swim cap and goggles, I am really excited!

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Day 6

Eating breakfast right now, about to go hop in the shower and then off to visit Josh!

For Breakfast:
1 hard boiled egg, Half of a grapefruit, and one kiwi.
I am taking some coffee with me on the road too.

By the way, from my little at-home workout yesterday, I am SO SORE! My arms and chest and abs feel so tight, which hurts and feels great at the same time! I will have to work that into my regular routine.

adios amigos.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Day 5

Work was busy and I am exhausted.

For Dinner:
Bowl of my chicken soup. fresh veggies, Carrots, bell peppers, florets of broccoli, a couple of cherry tomatoes, and some radishes.
And for dessert . . . an apple.

Goodnight.

Day 5

Just watched Tim play. It was a stressful game but RPI pulled through winning 17-14. Then I made myself lunch.

For Lunch:
A bowl of my Chicken Soup with Wild Mushrooms and a salad: romaine, radishes, bell peppers, carrots, and purple cabbage, in light vinaigrette, with a couple pieces of raw broccoli on the side along with a kiwi.

Because I work tonight, I don’t have time to go to the gym today, so I got out the dumbbells and did my own workout in my living room. I also did quite a few knee exercises. My knee is sore and I think I need to spend more time with it, keeping it loose and really work on re-strengthening my hamstring.

Another night at work, and then I get to go visit my youngest brother, Josh, tomorrow morning and see his new place over at Central Washington University!

Oh yeah, and the Huskies are kickin’ major booty, Go dawgs!

Day 5

Just woke up and I'm getting ready to watch my brother, Tim's game. I admit I am having a touch of coffee. I got a few emails from my sister and Mom, saying that they were proud of me, It almost made me cry, I am proud of myself too, and feel like I have already lost weight, but I don't know for sure, I realize that I do not have a scale, Perhaps I need to invest in one, hmmm?

For Breakfast:
Half of a Grapefruit and One egg.

Go RPI!!!!!

Day 4

Before I went to work I made up another quick soup to put in the Crock-pot, I also prepped all of the veggies. I have Ziplocs in my fridge of cleaned, washed, sliced, or chopped (whatever the veggie entails) vegetables. I know this is great, because I already did all the busy work, now when I go to make up my salad or throw things in a pot, everything is right at my fingertips.

My Chunky Chicken Vegetable Soup with Wild Mushrooms:
Chicken Breast: a few whole breasts, or 7-10 chicken tenderloins, diced
I packet of TJ’s dried wild mushroom medley (I cut the largely dried pieces, so make them more uniform in size)
1-2 32oz Hearty Chicken Broth, Low sodium if you have it.
1 bag of baby spinach
A few baby red potatoes, diced chunky
1 medium onion, diced
4 carrots, diced chunky
4 celery stalks, diced chunky
2 cloves garlic, crushed and diced
And the spices . . . touch of salt, pepper, thyme, parsley, bay leaf, hint of savory, and a little rosemary. (All to taste)

In a large pot, I sweat the onions and garlic, and chicken, added the celery and carrots and the potatoes, then put the broth and mushrooms and a little later, the spinach. I then added my spices. Once I got things going in the pan, I put everything in the crock-pot, really only because I needed to go to work . . . so everything in the CP (on low) and off to work I went!

For work I packed a few snack so I could have something to nibble on if it was going to be a late night. Work wasn’t even a threat, no pizza, no soda, no bread drenched in olive oil.

I got home early enough to eat some of my soup for dinner, and those snacks I brought for work on the side.

For Dinner:
One bowl of my chicken soup with mushrooms, and sliced red bell peppers and celery sticks with a bit of very light lemon vinaigrette (from our restaurant)

I’m drinking tons of water too, all day out of my new SIGG, It says “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” on it, I think . . .hey, that’s what I am doing with myself!

I feel amazing.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Day 4

Cassi and I just walked greenlake and then to the produce stand, about five miles all together. It is a beautiful day here and I am excited about all of my fresh veggies I got. Lettuce, tomatoes, onion, kiwi, sweet potatoes, avocado, zucchini, radishes, and more, and cheap too! I go to work tonight where I serve focaccia bread and big heavy pasta dishes, with cheesecakes and tiramisu, but I have confidence that I won't even be tempted, I am on a roll!

For Breakfast:
Mixed berry smoothie: For the two of us, 2 cups of frozen mixed berries, 2 cups of cran-water, 2 scoops of finely ground flaxseeds, and 2 scoops of whey protein powder.

For Lunch: Simple salad with Romaine, purple cabbage, carrots, radishes, cherry tomatoes, and raw almonds, one hard boiled egg, and a bit of extra virgin olive oil and some balsamic vinegar.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Day 3

I had a really good day! I worked on posting my blog so more people could see it, I put it on my Facebook profile. I had a few comments already which totally inspires me. Thank you!

I went to the gym and worked out really hard. For two days now this guy has been on the elliptical right next to me, he has a towel wrapped around his head, like a bonnet . . . you know, tied under his chin. It's pretty weird, but whatever works.

For Lunch:
Another bowl of my bean soup, and a salad with romaine, carrots, red bell peppers, a couple of raw almonds and a homemade apple cider vinaigrette. It was good!

For Dinner:
I mixed 1 can on Tuna, with a few artichoke hearts (not marinated) a couple of kalamata olives, and some capers, with a little Extra virgin olive oil and the juice of half of a lemon, and some fresh ground pepper, tossed it and threw it on top of a bed of baby spinach. Awesome. After dinner I did sneak in a couple of bites of Trail Mix, the dried Crans, almonds and cashews, just a few ounces though.

See you tomorrow, Cassi and I have the morning off and we are going to take a walk, I am excited!

Day 3

The doctor says that swimming is super good for my knee. I should do that, I know it is a great all-body workout. My mom swears by it. I think I am a little nervous about getting in the pool, admitting how out of shape I am, and not being able to do more than 1 or 2 laps. I have been contemplating the purchase of a swim cap and goggles, nothing will boost your confidence like putting on a hair condom!

For Breakfast:
I had oatmeal again today, it fills me up and it's only 120 calories, not bad.

Day 2

Well, I didn't post anything last night, so I am writing up my report for yesterday, this morning. I had a great day, went to the gym and did the elliptical foe an hour, while i watched the food network. I think I am the only person who works out to the food channel. I don't have cable at home, so the food network is a huge treat.

For Breakfast:
Instant oatmeal with fresh apples and one egg over medium.

For Lunch:
Tofu and steamed brussel-sprouts, with a touch of soy sauce and some sriracha.
Note: don't eat brussel-sprouts with teriyaki sauce, not a good combo, but my sprouts were in my fridge for a while and I had to use them up!

After lunch I had a couple of handfuls of trail mix. Trader Joe's Trek mix, raw almonds and cashews and dried cranberries.

Then I went to the gym, the IMA (UW's student gym) is amazing, it has everything from climbing walls to squash courts. It is a beautiful place to workout with the best equipment. One suggestion: People who go there should be required to wear deodorant and tame their pubic area if wearing revealing clothing or swimsuits. The free weight area reeks so badly of body odor you can't even walk thru, let alone stay there long enough for a workout. What's the deal?

For dinner:
I heated up a bowl of soup that I made in the crock-pot earlier. It was my first time making this soup, and I think it's absolutely delicious! (So does my girlfriend!). Along with the soup i had a small salad with romaine, red bell peppers, a couple of croutons, and a couple of capers. A bit of light caesar dressing too.

Vegan 17 Bean Soup
I used TJ's 17 bean medley with barely, and soaked them before using, I admit I did it the quick way.( the whole bag, 16oz dry)
2 cloves garlic, crushed, chopped.
1 small-medium white onion, chopped
3 carrots, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
1 16oz can of diced tomatoes, NOT strained
1 1/2 to 2 32 oz Hearty Vegetable Broth, (TJ's)
And a whole bunch of spices: cayenne pepper, dried bay leaf, thyme, parsley, Red chile flakes, pinch of paprika, salt, pepper. All to taste, I like a bit spicy.

I put it all in the crock-pot and let it do it's thing, over night. I sautéed the mirepoix first.

I have been drinking lots and lots of water too!

One more thing, No Alcohol, not even a glass of wine.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Day 1

I have never blogged anything before, but here I am. I figured it would be a good way to hold myself accountable. You see . . . I am on a mission to get myself back into shape. I am 3 1/2 months out from major ACL knee surgery (soccer injury) and I realized how important it is for me to keep myself healthy. It's not like I get to trade in my body, I am stuck with this one, and it is time to get it back to something I like. Right now I look in the mirror and automatically think of something to wear or throw over myself to cover up all this extra stuff. I have been upset about it for a long time, and I am done being upset, it is time to rethink this whole "chubby girl" thing.
My confession is . . . I love food, and I love to cook, but I know that I can make healthy and delicious meals for myself and bring myself back to a weight that I feel good about. I have already started going to the gym. My workout is a little tricky with my knee, so I need to remember to be careful and not do anything harmful, I'm not even allowed to or, for for that matter able to, run yet.
My plan for this blog is to keep a journal of everything that I eat, no secrets, no fibs. I will lists ingredients and recipes of what I cook. I need to keep track of what goes into my body, if I know I have to admit to it by writing it here, then perhaps I will make better decisions, purely to spare the shame.