Saturday, October 31, 2009

Day 47

Happy Halloween! We woke up today and made breakfast, actually Cassi made me breakfast!

For Breakfast: two eggs and one piece of nine-grain toast, dry.

We listened to Tim’s Game on the Internet radio. Tim got hurt, nothing serious I hear, but he was out almost the entire game. They lost in a close game against Union.

Then we made lunch and went to Cassi’s Soccer game.

For Lunch: Spicy Chicken and black beans. (Diced chicken) sautéed with, chili powder, fresh cilantro, onion, garlic, cayenne, salt and pepper, and oregano. I also sautéed some peppers and onions with jalapeno. We had it on top on fresh Romaine and a corn tortilla.

Cassi did awesome in her game. I hate not being able to play, but Cassi scored all 3 goals for our team and we tied 3-3!

We went trick-or-treating with Cassi’s Cousins, Skyler (3) Spencer (5) and Parker (10) it was really fun! Then we went out in Seattle and met up wit a bunch of friends from work. Everybody loved our costumes, they were a big hit! I posted pictures of us on the “Misc. Photos” slide show. The best Halloween ever!

Friday, October 30, 2009

Day 46

I slept in today because I didn’t have my class. I stayed up last night until 2 am working on our costumes. Today I woke up and went to lunch with my mom. It was the first thing I ate all day so I guess it was breakfast, but it was more so lunch.

For Lunch: Salad from Dish D’lish with chicken, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, romaine, mandarin oranges. It was nice and fresh!

After that I literally went home and worked all day on those costumes. I finished around 8 o’clock in the evening and then put in on and picked Cassi up from work and we headed out to a couple of parties we were invited to. Since we are not drinking we were able to drive around to different places and see lots of people this Halloween. We went to bed at a decent time, and while we were at the party we had lots of veggies and snacks.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Day 45

For Breakfast: Muesli. Coffee.

I went and worked out today. It was good to get in there. I am so busy lately with everything that I am finding it hard to get into the gym. I am working on a plan for an “at home” workout for days that I don’t make it into them gym.

For Lunch: I had a late lunch today, just some yogurt.

For Dinner: Tuna with kalamata olives, garbanzo beans, and lemon and olive oil. With steamed broccoli.

Cassi and I went to the fabric store and got some things because we have decided to dress up this Halloween! I am so excited!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Day 44

When I got home from school, I had to get ready and go to work. I had a few dried cranberries and some peanuts, but didn't get to eat a lunch.

When I got to work I had a hard boiled egg and a cup of soup, Beef Barley and vegetable. I had lots of water tonight, which is good because I have not been drinking enough.

Now I am home and relaxing a bit on the couch before I go to bed. I can't believe I haven't worked out yet this week. I will workout tomorrow and Friday and at least one weekend day. I had a long meeting today about my thesis project. I am leading a Focus Group winter quarter. It is basically a small class that I get to teach and plan. I had to turn in the Course Description today so people can register for it.

Here is the Course Description:
"Food For Thought"
This Focus Group will be a communal discussion of our relationships with food. This may include:
Keeping a daily journal of food choices
Meeting at various local restaurants and cafés
Sharing ideas of current favorite dishes and food spots
Discussing childhood memories of food
Researching food accessibility and global awareness
Feasting as a community
Investigating food and the degrees of separation from field to table
Snacking and Tasting are for sure!

The goals of this Focus Group will be centered around those of the individual members. Each member will bring their own individual experience and ideas of food to the group.


I am really excited!

Day 44

Today, I woke up and it was so darn chili in the apartment. I guess we could afford to turn the heat on a little more! Cassi made me breakfast and coffee today and I always feel so much better when I have breakfast in the morning. It really is important and it is amazing how much I can feel the difference now that I am so much more in tune with what goes in to my body.

For Breakfast: Two eggs, over medium. Coffee.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Day 43

Well I am still not feeling very well, I woke up late so I didn't have time for breakfast, which was a big no no because today is my really long day. I had five hours worth of class today spread out through the day, so I never got to come home and eat food.

For lunch: Leftover Cioppino from last nights dinner.

For Dinner: A jalapeno and cilantro omelette topped with fresh avocado and salsa. I also had some granola with rice milk.

Last night after dinner I had an apple, and I even had a small piece of chocolate, leftover from our pumpkin party, I am not proud, but I have to write it down.

Day 42

For Lunch: That Butternut and acorn squash soup I made a few days ago. With a side of Dried Cranberries and pomegranate.

I started to feel really sick after I got home and I ended up calling into work. I stayed in bed most of the evening and got up to eat some dinner. Cassi and I made a quick Cioppino together.

For Dinner: Cioppino, with calamari, shrimp and scallops (TJ's seafood medley) with a spicy tomato vegetable broth.

For Dessert: An apple, and I did actually have a leftover cookie from the Pumpkin party we had. It was good, but honestly . . . not worth it.

I need to Drink more water and get enough sleep because I do not want to be sick and I feel like I am in the beginning stages of it.

I have been on my computer tonight researching books that I want to read for my senior thesis project. I am basing my project around this blog and thought that some good "food" reading would really help my project along. I want to know everything there is to know about food and different ingredients, have any suggestions? I already have a small collection of cookbooks and books on food, mostly given to me by my Nana, whom I believe has a pretty impressive cookbook collection herself. I think her and I share this passion for food. She has given me a few books that I will definitely be using for my project, do you have any "must reads" in the realm of Cuisine? Let me know!

Monday, October 26, 2009

Day 42

The pumpkin party went great last night. We had about eight people over and we all carved great designs into the pumpkins. Everyone loved my Chicken and Black Bean Chili and homemade apple cider.

I am going to put pictures up on the Misc Photos of our pumpkins.

After everybody left Cassi helped me study for my midterm I had this morning. I stayed up very late and woke up extra early this morning to study. I just got home from taking the test and I think I did really well! I feel really, I haven't gone into a test feeling that prepared and I haven't walked out feeling that satisfied in a long time!

I came home and and made breakfast for Cassi and Me.

For Breakfast: Sauteed Jalapeno and Fresh Cilantro scramble topped with fresh avocado and salsa.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Day 41

We had a soccer game this morning then a team brunch. We kicked booty in our game! It was so cold! it's the first time this season that I have been able to see my breath when I exhale. I brought a coffee with me so it kept me warm . . . for about five minutes.

For Breakfast: Two poached eggs, during the brunch with the team.

Today is our Pumpkin Party. We are having just a few work buddies over, and we are going to eat and carve pumpkins.

Cassi bought the game Catch Phrase a few days ago, that game is so fun! We played it a lot during our orcas island vacation with my family. Good stuff.

Day 40

After work last night, Cassi and i just laid low, I had a piece of dark chocolate. It was good.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Day 40

Well, I just finished watching RPI pull out a win in Troy. Tim had a great game and I can't wait to go back for a game in a few weeks.

For breakfast: Egg and green bell pepper scramble, and coffee.

I had some left over squash, (Acorn and butternut, half of each) and I slow roasted them in the oven and then pureed it to make a squash soup. I have never done this before but it was good. I have only tasted it but I will probably have it for lunch later on.

Cassi and I are having a few people over tomorrow to carve pumpkins, we still have to buy our pumpkins and make some food. I going to make my black bean and chicken chili, just because it is just so darn good!

Day 39

I left for my class today and didn't get a chance to eat breakfast, and finally got home at around 3 o'clock.

For lunch: I heated up some of my homemade minestrone soup. (I had some frozen) I added to it some dungeness crab, and it was delicious.

For dinner: Romaine with pomegranate and heirloom tomatoes with grilled chicken.

For dessert/ snack: I was still pretty hungry, I had An asian Pear, and an apple.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Jeans Louise!

(get it? like "geez louise" it's a stretch, I know)

Breaking News: Today I am wearing a pair of jeans I bought 2 years ago that I haven't been able to wear in 1 1/2 years! I was so excited that I made Cassi take a picture of me before I go off to school. This is big news folks!

I just put the picture on the "Misc. Photos" slideshow, first progress picture of me posted, check it out!!!!!!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Day 38

For Breakfast: Two eggs, scrambled.

I spent all day at school, I had morning class, then I worked out and then went to my afternoon class and finally got home. The result of all of this is: no lunch. I drank lots of water but didn't pack a snack. I just finished eating an early dinner.

For Dinner: Red Curry with veggies and chicken with Organic Brown rice. This is a re-run, but it was good the first time and even better then second time!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Day 37

Wow, I had such an amazing workout today! I worked so hard, I haven't felt that tired in a long time. I did over an hour on the elliptical, and then another 1 1/2 of weights and biking at the end. By the end I was drenched! I am going to do it all over again tomorrow.

For Lunch: Leftovers from last nights dinner, turkey meatloaf with roasted fall veggies.

I know that I recently told you about my allergy to pumpkins and other squash . . . well from dealing with the butternut and acorn squash, my hands are red and on fire! But that is about it, nothing major happens.

For Dinner: A light salad: romaine, baby heirloom tomatoes, hard boiled egg, purple cabbage, cucumber, pomegranate, and raw slivered almonds with a red wine vinaigrette. Along side I had a piece of whole wheat pita.

Whenever I have a big workout I feel like I don't have a very huge appetite, does anyone know why that is? It's fine with me, and nice for the whole weight loss side of things! but why? I do not know.

I went into work tonight to drop Cassi off and one of the managers was back for the first time in a few months, she has been out of maternity leave. She knows nothing about this blog or about my latest efforts but. . . the first thing she said to me when she saw me was, "Hey you look great . . . skinny!" Can you believe it!? Somebody used the word "skinny" (relatively speaking of course) but it was amazing to hear somebody say that that doesn't know how hard I have been trying, that means it really is working, not that I had any doubts but it was really nice for somebody on the "outside" to notice. Yipee!

Day 37

I Woke up this morning so excited to go to the gym, what's that all about?! Can't wait to go feel the burn.

For breakfast: oatmeal. coffee.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Day 36

For Dinner: Turkey meatloaf and roasted fall Vegetables. (I started with the Turkey burger recipe that ally gave me, with grated zucchini and carrot, I added some extra spices, including some really tasty stone ground mustard and shaped it into a little loaf, into the oven at 350, until it's done!) The veggies I roasted were red potatoes, acorn squash, butternut squash, sweet onion, and apple with just a little bit of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper.

I'm full and relaxing after a really long day. Tomorrow should be an easier day, and I will finally get into the gym after class.

Day 36

For Lunch: An Egg, just hard boiled. and Baked apple and cinnamon. (I sliced and peeled an apple, into small pieces, not in any uniform way. Then sprinkled them with cinnamon and little bit of nutmeg. Put my little mixture into a small cobbler dish and put it in the oven for about 15 minutes. I covered the dish with foil for the first half.) The baked apples were really good, It tasted like the inside of a fresh apple pie, just minus the sugar, and buttery pie crust. Plus! it made my apartment smell like I had been baking all day!

I know it's boring to have just an egg for my protein during lunch, but I was busy doing homework and frankly didn't have time to thaw some chicken or what not. I will attempt to make things more interesting for dinner.

¡Hasta Luego amigos!

Day 36

For Breakfast: Oatmeal.

I just got home from my first class. I am getting settled to write up a paper I have to turn in in a few hours, just a quick reflection for an article I read. School is going well, I have y first midterm next Monday! I think I will be okay though.

I am having a hard time getting to the gym as much as I want to. For example: Today I would have gone after this first morning class, but I have homework, and I came back here to make myself a healthy lunch. So, after class I will go to the gym. That means that I will not get home until after 6, which is okay I guess. I should probably make some more soup or something to have around for the week. The veggies and apples are amazing right now. I love going to the produce stand and picking up whatever they have. The squash that they have are wonderful and pomegranates, and those apples . . . man are they delish!

I am still losing weight even though I have only been able to go to the gym 2-3 times a week. My diet change has been the huge part, and not drinking. If I think about how many calories I used to have by just having a beer or two after work, that's major weight right there!

Still no scale, I am not going there. I feel great, I look better than I have looked in a long time and I have so much energy. So, the only thing I am keeping numbers on is how many days I have been going strong!

Day 36 and counting . . .

Monday, October 19, 2009

Day 35

Cassi's Aunt was so nice and was very conscious of my healthy eating plan and she made a wonderful nutritious meal.

For Dinner: Grilled chicken breast, with a soy ginger glaze, with grilled vegetable skewers (zucchini, yellow squash, bell pepper, and onion) and red potatoes. For Parker's birthday there were brownies, I snuck in a little bite, but that is all.

Just water with dinner and a little coffee because were are home now and staying up to do homework! I am always so exhausted from playing with the kids when we are there. It is a lot of work. Spencer is 5, Skyler is 3, and of course today Parker turned 10. Busy Busy Busy!

Off to write a paper, and do some more reading.

Day 35

For Breakfast: One Egg. Oatmeal. Hot Green Tea.

Mid-Morning Snack: An apple. I had to munch on something while I was reading for school

For Lunch: Veggie Chop Salad with shrimp and pomegranate . Chopped romaine, Basil, Cucumber, Red onion, Bell pepper, Cannellini beans, and pomegranate, in a Red Wine vinaigrette with grilled shrimp and grilled whole wheat pita bread. Really good!

Now Cassi and I are going to her Aunt and Uncle's house to celebrate Parker's 10th birthday. It's a big one! It's so great to hang out with Cassi's family too.

Day 34

For breakfast: A Spinach, zucchini and bell pepper omelette. An a soy latte.

We went out on the boat with my parents this morning. We cruised the lake and looked at all of the old fishing boats that were docked. Then we went to the ballard farmer's market.

Cassi and I went straight to our (her) soccer game. It was a good game, we won 3-2. Cassi played really hard and even got herself a yellow card because she totally schooled the goalie with a header goal, but ran into her while doing it. So the goal didn't count, but it was still awesome.

We got home so late, around 5, so we skipped lunch and went straight to dinner.

For dinner: : Leftover Red curry, chicken and vegetable stirfry, with brown rice. We also sauteed some "skinny" eggplant in some black bean sauce.

For dessert: an apple and a bit of granola.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Day 33

After work Cassi and I went to the movies because we got done early. It was slow, we are definitely feeling the effects of the economy. The weather here is amazing. It is raining so heavily the alley behind our apartment has turned into a small river. Maybe I could put my swim cap on and swim a few laps. I am listening to my brother's game on the radio. They are playing in Pennsylvania and a lot of my family is there watching him, wish I was there.

For breakfast: Muesli. Some Coffee.

For Lunch: Homemade Thai Red Curry Chicken and Vegetable stir-fry. bell peppers, broccoli, onion, carrot, with fresh ginger and light coconut milk.

For Dinner: A mini Wheat pita with pepper turkey breast, stone ground mustard, and lettuce I also had a small salad when I went to the bar to watch the Huskies game with my parents. It had a really nice tomato basil vinaigrette. The huskies totally lost the game, it was bad.

For Dessert: An apple

Friday, October 16, 2009

Day 32

I slept in today because I didn't have class. It was nice to get lots of sleep. I just got back from the produce stand and got some good stuff for the weekend. I work tonight and I really want to go dancing. It has been a long time since I have gone out on the town, but just because I am not drinking doesn't mean that Cassi and I can't go out and get a little crazy. Besides, Dancing is one of the best workouts ever! I had lunch with my parents today which was nice. They are super busy, it is good to steal them away sometimes. We are all real busy though, so we just have to make time to see each other.

I didn't eat breakfast, I woke up late, and then got ready and by then it was time for lunch, my bad.

For lunch: Taco salad with grilled shrimp, onions, and pepeprs. From tacos guaymas, really good salad.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Day 31

Wow, Can't believe it's been a whole month. School is well into the swing of things, and although it has been more of a challenge to stay on top of things, I think I am doing pretty well. I drank lots of water, ate well, and had a good workout today. I didn't have any coffee, I slept like a baby and . . . I had a small but important stare-down with the Workout machine bully. All in all, a good day!

For Breakfast: oatmeal.

For Lunch: A bowl of the 17 bean soup, and an apple.

Afternoon snack: Trail mix, Cranberries, almonds and cashews.

For Dinner: Spaghetti Squash with a homemade puttanesca sauce with prawns.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Day 30

For Breakfast: Sauteed spinach and bell pepper scramble.

After class I went to the gym and had a good workout. I looked around for the senior citizen machine bully, but he wasn't around. My nana said that I had to stand up to him and not rush my workout, So I am waiting to show him what I am made of.

For lunch: A bowl of my Vegan 17 bean soup. I made a batch last night to have around for quick meals.

I worked tonight, it was really slow and now I am home and ready for bed, I had an egg and a cup of tomato soup at work tonight, I might have a little bit of granola or something but I am not really hungry.

I had some coffee with lunch, can't forget.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Day 29

Today I woke up early and took another picture of myself, so I could send a "progress photo album" to my sister across the country. I have lost a bunch of weight and feel really good about doing it. I am not ready to post those pictures yet, but I have a feeling that someday soon, my "progress" pictures will make it onto my blog. I talked to my sister yesterday who has been reading my blog and is very interested in my progress both, physically and mentally, emotionally etc. When I was talking to her I got so excited about my new focus. I realized that my passion for food is not being denied or forgotten, but celebrated!
I will never tell you that movie theater popcorn is gross, or that the thought of a fudge-covered sundae makes me cringe, that is ridiculous. BUT . . . there are "everyday" foods, and then there . . . let's call them "Holiday" foods. And every day can't be a holiday, ya know?

For Breakfast: Oatmeal.

For lunch: Broccoli, bell peppers and cucumbers with fat free italian dressing.

Afternoon/ Pre-gym snack: A yogurt.

Dinner: Roma Tomato, Avocado and Cucumber Halo, with Sauteed Shrimp, capers and a Basil infused Olive Oil. This was delicious and quite pretty, I just posted a picture on the dish on the Tasty Creations Slide Show.

Dessert: I am half way through a delicious pear.

Tomorrow is day 30, I need to make sure I am staying focused. What do I need to work on?
I need to make sure I am Drinking lots of Water!
I need to cut back on the coffee a bit.
I need to make sure I am making time for a good workout.
I need to keep up on preparing food when I have time for the busy week.
I need to make sure I am getting good sleep.


Goodnight wonderful people!

Monday, October 12, 2009

Day 28

Can you believe I am on Day 28! It's been going really well. Going to the gym, working, homework, and class, all while being home long enough to make myself good food has been hard. I am trying to get used to my busy schedule again. I have lots of homework tonight and a paper to write tomorrow, but I really need to get into the gym. I am not very good at managing my time. I was supposed to get a lot of my reading done but found anything I could do instead of reading. So . . . I cleaned the kitchen, did two loads of laundry, vacuumed the entire apartment, and did the dishes. Then I went to work. It was slow but painless. I am home now and just ate dinner, and am going to go read, I promise.

For Dinner: Yummy Tomato Salad. Roma tomatoes, fresh basil, kalamata olives, cucumber, red onion, and avocado, with olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt and pepper.

Day 28

Many of you know that I am allergic to pumpkin and some other squashes. Every year when these tempting squashes are in season I cannot resist and end up with a whole mess of complications. The weird part, is that my reaction is purely topical. I can eat pumpkin (if I want) but I have a hard time touching it. That being said, I always have a pumpkin carving party! I love carving pumpkins, and I always decide to have a party so I can control my environment. I make sure I have the proper tools, rubber gloves, and sturdy tools, and some years, a rain coat, goggles, rubber boots, and the occasional helmet, just for fun! We usually make some kind of comfort food, and have good pumpkin beer. This year I will have to change my menu and stick with some homemade apple cider or something. I will let you know when I plan my menu.

For breakfast: Oatmeal.

For Lunch: Tossed green salad, with purple and green cabbage with a strawberry vinaigrette. and a pear.

I am staying on campus today to do some homework.

Day 27

It is so cold in our apartment! Cassi and did homework and laundry last night, and went to sleep nice and early.

For Dinner: Vegetable stir-fry spaghetti. I had two pieces of that lasagna I had to use. I chopped it up (since it is basically just vegetables with red sauce and chicken sausage.)Put it in a pan with a bit of olive oil and fresh basil and sauteed it. I put it on top of spaghetti squash. Yummy.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Day 27

For Breakfast: Scrambled eggs and spinach. Coffee.

Josh, Mom, Dad, Cassi, and I drove up to the Ice Caves today. It's a short, easy hike, and it was beautiful up there.

For lunch: Mom's homemade chicken spetzel soup.

Cassi and I are getting ready to head home and start in on some hefty homework.

Day 26

For Breakfast: Coffee. Spinach, Basil, and Red bell pepper Frittata.

We drove up to Arlington in the morning and helped Josh, Mom, and Dad trim the laurel hedge. Lots of work! But it was beautiful outside.

For Lunch: An apple.

Fro Dinner: Filet mignon on the grill with dungeness crab and roasted vegetables. (red potato, butternut squash, and onion)

For dessert: Another apple and I did have a small snickerdoodle cookie. Only a small one (about 1 1/2 inches in diameter) It was worth it. I savored it slowly.

We watch the Huskies game and relaxed in Arlington. The game was amazing! Go Dawgs!

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Day 25

Well, I had a long day. I didn't get a chance to eat breakfast until I got home from class so, I was more in the mood for something more "lunchy"

For breakfast-lunch: A MahiMahi taco that I had from the night before. Wonderful.

For lunch-lunch: I had a serving of the Eggplant lasagna. (We have quite a bit of leftovers in the fridge so we are doing a lot of repeats.)

Then I went to work and ended up munching on a salad for dinner from there because Cassi and I decided to go to the movies.

For dinner: Insalata di Salmone. Baby spinach, grilled salmon, bermuda onion, mushrooms, and walnuts with avocado, in a light lemon dressing.

Cassi and I saw "Whip It" It was really good. It has been a long time since I have been to the movies, and it was definitely my first time since my blog has started. I was worried because . . . Movie theater popcorn and I have a very close relationship. I love it. You'll be happy to know that in anticipation of those popcorn cravings I counterattacked by peparing healthy snacks to munch on instead.

Move snacks: sliced apple and kiwi and trail mix.

Thursday, October 08, 2009

Day 24

For lunch: cucumber, bell pepper, and broccoli, with a little bit of caesar dressing for dipping.

For dinner: Grilled MahiMahi Tacos with spicy avocado salsa and cabbage and jalapeno slaw. Yum. For dessert, an apple.

Day 24

Woke up this morning. Went to class, and then I walked down to the gym and sat and had breakfast before I started feeling the burn.

For Breakfast: One banana and a 1/2 of vanilla yogurt.

I worked out for almost two hours today. I am beat, yet surprisingly refreshed. I am up at school again and I am going to do some things for class at 2:30. I am really enjoying my classes and I think it is going to be a challenging but productive quarter. Since I have started this blog and since I am doing so well, I have been thinking about incorporating my "journey" into my thesis for graduation. Not to mention, incorportating a this into an academic project could be a really good thing to prepare me and help me with Culinary school. We will see what comes of this blog besides my killer beach bod. (fingers crossed)

I would like to dedicate this next part of my blog to a certain someone who I have run into at the gym quite a few times recently.

There is a man that works out at the gym around the same time I do. He is probably about 70, maybe 67. And he has the thickest glasses I have ever seen. We wears light grey tiny cotton shorts, a little white tank, and a towel slung over his neck. It's great that he is there working out, and from what it seems he looks like he is in pretty good shape,BUT. . . When a person is on the machine that he would like to work at, he stops what he is doing and glares at the person. Usually when a machine is being occupied a person moves on to another machine and waits patiently until that machine is available, not this guy. This little ordeal has happened to me 3-4 times now. I was using a machine and he walked over to it and got closer than "comfortable" and just glares at me through those thick glasses. He never says anything, just stares until you feel so uncomfortable you get up. I feel myself rushing through my workout because I am so intimidated by this senior citizen-workout machine-bully. It's pretty nuts.

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Day 23

I had a great workout today. Went swimming, and did a full workout. Then I walked to Trader joe's and got a few groceries that we desperately needed. When I got home I prepped some things. I cooked a spaghetti squash and then made an awesome Eggplant lasagna. I made it early and then let it set so i could have it when I got home from work tonight.

For Lunch: Just a hard boiled egg and some trail mix.

For Dinner: The Eggplant Lasagna.
I had some marinara that I made by hand a while back. I had it in the freezer. I also had some extra lean all natural italian chicken sausage. I took the sausage out of it's casing and sauteed it, with some garlic, red bell peppers, zucchini, sweet onion and at the very end I threw some spinach in there. Just a little salt and pepper and oregano. While that was sauteing, I sliced a whole eggplant into very thin pieces and grilled it. I did not use anything on the eggplant and just cooked it until it was tender. Once everything was cooked and cooled I got my pyrex casserole dish and started layering. I used the eggplant sheets instead of pasta, and used the veggie and chicken as my filling with the homemade marinara. No cheese. I don't like cheese, which is good because it doesn't help with the weight factor. I put it into the fridge and let it set and when I got home I sliced it and baked the individual pieces for Cassi and I. I topped it with fresh basil after it came out of the oven. It was really good and it is fun to come up with interesting new HEALTHY recipes for popular dishes that are usually so bad for you. I will definitely make this again. I will eat it again too, because I have lots left over.

Day 23

I woke up this morning early enough to make myself breakfast. And have a little coffee. I only have my one class today, so I am excited to get in the gym afterwards. I feel like I haven't worked out in a long time and I need to get back in there. Planning on swimming today, depends on whatever strikes me when I get into the locker room. I have decided that I really love my Women's Studies class. The instructor is really great and it has been a long time since I have felt excited to go sit in lecture, It's really interesting.

I don't know if I mentioned this before, but my bike is broken. :( The gears all really screwed up and I need to take it into a place before I get out there again. I don't know where I should take it though, any suggestions Seattle people?

For Breakfast: Oatmeal, and like I said, Coffee.

Tuesday, October 06, 2009

Day 22

I had a really long day and I feel like going to bed, but it is only 5:30 so I guess I need to hang on for a few hours. On tuesdays I have class for five hours. I had to grab breakfast after my first class because I was late out the door this morning.

Last night I got a text message from my brother asking me if I had heard about Jessie Frable. I had not. I went to school with Jessie Frable and her identical twin sister Jenny. We were in classes together but were not good friends. What most people knew about the twins in high school was that they were really smart and dedicated students. Jessie was a really sweet girl and I don't know if anybody could say a mean thing about her. A week and a half ago she commit suicide. I feel so horrible for her family and especially her sister Jenny. It is just hard to understand something like that and I have been feeling sad all day. I can't even imagine what her family is going through. My thoughts are with them.

For breakfast: Non-fat plain greek yogurt and 1/2 cup of kashi blueberry crunch cereal.

For lunch: A turkey burger, with spinach and stoneground mustard on a whole wheat bun.

Monday, October 05, 2009

Day 21

I can't believe it has been three weeks. I can take my jeans off without unbuttoning them. Isn't that neato! What a trick, right? I am sorry I have to give you these ridiculous measurements of my improvement. I have decided to not let numbers get in the way of my journey. I just finished writing my first paper for of the quarter and I am glad it's over!

Snack: I had an apple.

For Dinner: I had another turkey patty with some mustard. I know how boring that is, but I desperately need to go to the grocery store, and it was so good that I figured I should just eat one.

Cassi and I spent have spent the night on opposite sides of the living room to do our homework and I for one am impressed by how productive we have been. This is great! I am tired and going to go to bed early again, after I do some reading. ¡Hasta Mañana!

Day 21

For Breakfast: Oatmeal. no coffee.

I went to bed nice and early last night and woke up feeling good. I got home from class and made turkey burgers for lunch from the recipe ally gave me, they were really good! And I cooked them all up so Cassi and I have something quick to grab during the week. I decided not to go to the gym so I could write a paper I have due for my class tomorrow. I work tonight so I need the time. I hope I finish early so I can go for a power walk, or a bike ride.

For Lunch: Turkey burgers with grated zucchini and carrot, on a whole wheat bun with baby spinach and stoneground mustard. yummy!

Sunday, October 04, 2009

Day 20

I had a busy day. Soccer game, the jungle of ikea, and cleaning up at home, and of course, I still have way too much reading to do for school. I woke up and made some breakfast and turned on the the TV. Here in Washington Referendum 71 has been a big topic and this morning on King 5 news there was a debate in regards to it. Ref 71 is the "everything but marriage law" for same-sex couples here in Washington State. I'm not sure about the timeline but I think it was last year that the "everything but marriage law" was signed by our governor Christine Gregoire. Since then people against gay rights have been fighting to take those rights away. Now, it's on the ballot, and once again people all over Washington are at risk of losing their rights. Obviously a sore topic for me . . . I feel like Cassi and I live in a safe and loving environment and are surrounded by people who love and support us, I seem to forget how many people out there think the LGBT community is disgusting and undeserving of happiness. I just hope that the vote goes the right way. I think it will, I don't want a "proposition 8" on our hands here in Washington. Steps forward, not back. Keep those fingers crossed for equal rights!

Moving on . . .

For breakfast: I had an egg and the rest of my mashed sweet potato.

Cassi and I ended grabbing something to eat after the soccer game . . . only my second or third time in twenty days.

For Lunch: Small Cobb salad with roasted turkey, avocado, egg, and a little bit of bacon, with red wine vinaigrette.

And Cassi made me dinner tonight!

For Dinner: Tuna tossed with artichokes, capers, green onion, lemon and a dash of olive oil on a bed of baby spinach.

Off to go do some major reading.

Day 19

Real quick:

For Dinner: Just a bowl of low-fat granola with raisins and non-fat vanilla yogurt.

Saturday, October 03, 2009

Day 19

For Breakfast: Sweet potato cake topped with sauteed spinach and over easy egg. I had some sweet potato, last night I cooked it, and mashed it and saved it in the fridge so it was ready for whatever I wanted to use it for. This morning I added a few things . . . sauteed onion, a little bit of breadcrumb and an egg, to hold it all together and the breakfast turned out awesome!

For Lunch: Another bowl of the Black Bean and Chicken Chili topped with fresh cilantro and avocado. Cassi and I have come to the conclusion that this is one of the best things I have ever made.

I bought some extra lean ground turkey this morning at the grocery store, I have some ideas, but does anybody have any good recipes for ground turkey? I don't usually cook with ground meat, so I am looking for something tasty and healthy of course!

We just watched a very frustrating RPI football game. They ended up losing, but Tim had an unbelievable game and we got to watch it on the big screen. I saw Mom, Dad and Aunt Lisa in the stands too! Better luck next time I guess!

Day 18

For Lunch: Cassi and I made a salad with Arugula, Romaine, Kohlrabi, capers, and yellow and purple bell peppers. With a Red Wine vinaigrette. There is a picture on the slideshow.

For Dinner: Awesome Black bean and chicken Chili topped with fresh avocado and cilantro. I made this during the day and let it simmer down in the crock pot for 4-6 hours.

Black Bean and Chicken Chili:
3 cans of black beans, washed and rinsed.
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic
2-3 carrots, diced
chicken breast, diced chunky and pre-cooked in a bit of chicken broth.
1 32 oz of Hearty Chicken Broth
1 jalapeno, roasted on the grill whole
Spices: Fresh cilantro chopped. Chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper, and cayenne pepper. To taste, it takes a bit of chili powder, and don't add to much cayenne, the whole jalapeno will add lots of flavor and the personal amount of spice.

Sweat onions, and garlic and spices, add carrots, and then add cleaned black beans, and cooked chicken, add chicken broth and whole jalapeno. Bring to a boil, and transfer to crock pot.

Friday, October 02, 2009

Day 18

Today I ran out the door without eating breakfast! I was so sleepy this morning and sore from yesterday's workout. I went to my one morning class and then to the gym but before I did anything, I bought a piece of fruit and ate it so I would have a little breakfast. I worked out hard and I am exhausted. I have the entire night off and I am going to cook. And make a drink with a bit of caffeine in it so I don't fall asleep while I am cutting something. Coffee or hot tea, It's my weakness, I will admit it, but I can't give it up. It's better than my weakness being fried chicken or doughnuts.

For Breakfast: A banana.

Thursday, October 01, 2009

Day 17

After class I took the bus down to see Cassi, I hadn't seen her since early this morning and wanted to come say hi while she was at work. I ate at work. I ended up reading while I ate for about an hour.

For Dinner: Pounded Chicken Breast, with arugula, tomatoes and spicy sauce.

It is officially Grey's Anatomy time!

Day 17

I am in a computer lab on campus. I just got back from the gym and my arms feel like jelly. I didn't plan my day very efficiently. I have four hours inbetween classes and I should have gone home and made myself something to eat. But, I forgot that today was the day I had this huge break. So I have been hanging out for a while. I just read through the syllabus for the class I have in about an hour. I am scared. There is so much reading, even more for this class than my women's studies class, maybe twice as much. If I read every day for 18 hours, from now until the end of the quarter I still don't think I could get this reading taken care of. I put everything in my planner, I know when I need to have everything done, it makes my stomach hurt.

I had a great workout today, and am feeling good about being so determined and disaplined. 17 days strong. I brought a bag of celery, carrots, and kohlrabi, and have been munching. I guess that is my lunch. Off to class now, we will see how it goes, I guess I just need to stay positive, and keep my head in those books.

Day 17

I am at school, In-between classes. I am asctually about to go to the gym. I think I am really going to enjoy my Women's Studies class.

For Breakfast: Half a Grapefruit