I have not mentioned this to many people because of the ever-present possibility that I will lose interest in the project, but I guess I am committed enough at this point that I can let the cat out of the bag. On August 10 my new doctor and I had a serious chat about taking more and more medication to control my blood pressure vs. reducing the need for medication by reducing me.
So...since that date I have lost 22 lbs. No magic formula. I ride the exercise bike everyday and eat less food. Hmmm...maybe there IS something to this diet and exercise business...
Bill has joined me in the quest and together we have become big label-readers and calorie counters. I have had to start thinking about food more as a means to an end than as a great source of pleasure. Because, frankly, most low-carb, low-sodium, low-fat food does not fall into the category of "comfort food.".
But we HAVE discovered a few outlets for our love of going out to eat; chicken fajita pitas at Jack in the Box, the Thai shrimp lettuce wraps at BJs, the shrimp or chicken speilini at Macaroni Grill, the Ultimate Chicken Grill sandwich at Wendy's... You'll note that there are no hamburgers on the list. Neither of us have had a hamburger in two months. Snacks are sugar free popsicles, pudding, and Jell-O, 100 calorie bags of smart pop popcorn, and unsalted, raw nuts.
I have also devised some tasty home-cooked meals that fit into our perameters. Clare inspired one of my favorite lunches; 1/2 Cup of fat free cottage cheese mixed with a whole, chopped apple and a handful of raw almonds. We enjoy sandwiches made from thinly sliced deli meats, low fat swiss cheese and raw baby spinach leaves on Orowheat's new sandwich rounds which are whole grain rounds of very, very thin bread. And this weekend I tried a recipe that I found online and tweaked to suit us. It was DELICIOUS!!!
Mix one pound of ground turkey with one peeled and chopped apple and 2 Cups of cooked brown rice. Add 2 Tbsp. low sodium soy sauce or Yoshida sauce and fresh ground pepper. Form into patties and fry for 4 minutes on each side in 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil. The apples made the turkey moist and the rice gave it a wonderful texture. We served them as is with cantalope slices and green salad. But if you're craving carbs, you could slap a patty between two buns to make a very acceptable "hamburger." But enough about me...
I have been asked to post photos of my finished kitchen and I would if my kitchen was finished. The ceiling is done and looks fabulous. The appliances are in and are beautiful and work perfectly. The new handles have been installed on the cupboard doors and are fun and a little funky (like me). We are still missing two drawer fronts and the new hinges. I have great hopes that all will be completed this week.
Sarah and her doctor have pencilled in October 26 as the date for her to be induced. Interestingly enough, that is also Alvie's second birthday. If all goes according to plan, we will drive over to St. George on Friday, the 23rd, attend an early birthday party for Alvie on Saturday and greet our new grandson, Ezra Michael, on Monday.
Finally, sad news to report. Charley and Alison's son, Hunter (who is in the eighth grade) was playing in a football game yesterday and broke his femur. He had surgery last night to install a titanium rod through the marrow channel of the broken bone. The surgery went well, but I know they would appreciate your prayers and good wishes. Maybe Hunter and I can start a club...
