obesity
A Lesson in Time Management, and Low Carb Cauliflower Au Gratin
I had a little problem yesterday with my exercise. I learned early on that in order to get in my 7500+ steps, I need to walk early in the day and again in the evening… not a problem, usually. I walk one dog in the morning after I take my daughter to school and walk the other after dinner. I also bike in the morning after I take the dogs out to play fetch in the yard, at the same time I am going downstairs to do laundry. It’s a nice little system and it works. EXCEPT… when there is something else in the morning (like volunteer work or some other appointment), then I have to “make up” the walking and biking later in the day. Or …
Make Some Changes, Go Ahead and Do It
This morning, I was out at a park helping a friend set some things up for dog training. Usually this involves a little walking and a lot of standing around, but this time, we were using a larger area. I was walking up and down a large parking lot, around grassy fields, and up and down a couple of small hills. I can tell you that even 2 months ago this would have been nearly impossible for me. I’d have hated it and it would have left me out of breath and sweating as I walked and in pain for several days after. But today, I really noticed a difference! I actually enjoyed all the walking, there was almost no pain, and I was able to keep going …
Rosacea and Diet
Yesterday I had another visit with my endocrinologist for a check-up. She mentioned that since I am off injections (my new insurance won’t cover them without a diabetes diagnosis) and trying to stabilize blood sugar by diet and exercise, and also because I am off Synthroid and taking some thyroid supplements instead, we needed to have some further blood tests. Hashimoto’s disease does not just go away, so we have to make sure my thyroid function isn’t suffering. She ordered thyroid tests and another A1C, which I had drawn yesterday and we’re waiting for the results to decide what’s next.She also mentioned that it looks like I have Rosacea. I have mentioned this before on my blog: for years, my cheeks have often looked …
Test Results Are In
This week I got back the results of my blood work from the appointment with my endocrinologist. The tests were for two purposes: 1) to determine whether my lifestyle changes alone are enough to keep my blood sugar in normal range. I’d been taking Victoza injections to help stabilize my blood sugar but had to stop using it when my new insurance declined to cover it. 2) to check my thyroid levels since I stopped taking Synthroid a couple months ago and switched to a selenium supplement to try and manage my levels. I have Hashimoto’s thyroid disease so it is important to keep an eye on thyroid function and go back on Synthroid if needed.Results:A1C measures average blood sugar levels over the past 3 …
May 1 Update
Today I am feeling a little down about all the stuff I’ve been dealing with in the background… things I don’t share online because I respect the privacy of my family, and things I try to stuff in the background sometimes instead of dealing with them. But I’ve always shared my emotional state on this blog, and right now it is kind of defeated. Not about my health and weight, but about being 46 and maybe going through a bit of that mid-life crisis business. I mean, maybe it’s the changes of years going by and kids growing up and moving out, and me trying to find new focus for my life… change can be hard. It’s also about always being the caretaker and getting a little …
Farmer’s Market Find: Quail Eggs!
Look what I found at a farmer’s market: quail eggs!A dozen local, pasture raised little quail eggs in a teeny little carton! They were so cute I had to try them, even with the $6/dozen price tag. They’ve very pretty, and much smaller than an average chicken egg as you can see:I was very curious about these since I didn’t know if there were any special health benefits, better nutrition, or a different taste… so here’s what I found out!Nutritionally, 1 quail egg contains 14 calories, 1.2 g protein, 1 g fat and no carbs, whereas a chicken egg contains 78 calories, 6 g protein, 5 g fat and 0.6 g carbs. It takes about 5.5 quail eggs by weight to equal one chicken egg. So the nutrition per gram is about …
Cravings
I have gotten SO hungry this week and my eating has been not so good. I just suddenly started *wanting* things, maybe even craving them?? This is different; I have not had much in the way of cravings for a long time. But this week, one day I saw someone eating ice cream and I was like, “I have GOT to have some ice cream!” Since I have been on the “say yes to everything in moderation” train for awhile (and losing weight) I went and got some ice cream. Mistake because the pint was gone in 2 days. Since then I have had some cravings for things like those yogurt cups with stir-ins, sugar cereals, and fried foods (which I did not give in to, …
Mother’s Day Weigh In
It’s been an interesting week here with the weird cravings and indulgences. I have had cravings for ice cream every single day since early in the week, and I think I bought 5 different pint flavors which is probably a record for me. Well no, I take that back. I am pretty sure I bought (and ate) more than 5 pints at some point when I used to binge. This time, I felt like I was reaching for some long lost sensation of the comfort of the Ice Cream Pint. Realizing that turns my thoughts to some emotional stuff that is probably driving those cravings, and understanding the WHY helps me not to panic and think I am actually going off the rails and on my way back to 280 …
Cambodian Pork Belly and Quail Egg Stew: Another Low Carb, High Protein Recipe!
Look what I made for lunch today: the Cambodian Pork Belly and Quail Egg Stew I linked to earlier! I had the quail eggs on hand and a pork belly in the freezer so I had to make this.Oh it is just divine! This would be a great dish to make if you’re wanting lots of protein and very little carbs. The video I linked to doesn’t actually have a recipe listed or any amounts, so I just followed along and estimated amounts so it looked like what she did in the video. Here’s a written summary:Cube the raw pork belly. I used enough to layer twice in a large frying pan.Brown the cubes in a nonstick pan, stirring and turning as needed. Then …
Happy Valentine’s Day!
I want you to know that I am thankful for all of you that come here, read what I have to write and let me know that you care. No matter who you are or what your circumstance might be know that we are all on this journey together. There are times I feel alone and I allow myself to dwell in a place of self pity. We must not do that. Food can only be a temporary comfort. I have gone back to it time and time again in my life only to find it lacking in the end. Though it has been hard I am crawling back out into the light. The last month has been a time of self reflection. And through many comments…
Oven “Fried” Chicken Drumsticks with a side of HOPE!
Last Friday started with waking up and heading to the coffee maker for some of the best coffee I ever randomly found on a sale rack at Marshalls! I enjoyed this as I was taking my kids to school. On a side note, my daughter Charlotte loves to blast disco music in the morning on the way to school. There’s nothing quite like singing “I Love The Night Life” at 7:45 AM! Did I tell you all that Charlotte has started middle school this year?!! And she’s doing awesome. A/B Honor Roll and she had a part in the Legally Blonde Musical this year. When I got back home, I had a little bit of time so I decided to begin preparing a new…
Keep Seeking Freedom
Last Friday was the first day I’ve had in a LONG time where I felt ‘in control’ and at peace with hunger and I know this is due to the changes I’ve made recently. Each day after that I have tried to follow what I did on Friday. Amazingly things seem to be falling into place. I’m not sure what happened Friday morning that set me in the right direction. I can only attribute it to God’s loving mercy and grace reaching down and pulling me from the great abyss. I believe the soul searching and willingness I have had to return at least to TRYING has made the difference. Sometimes even when we’re failing there is still progress if we…