Planning Ahead (147)

It is time.  I think I am going to take my old size-24 jeans to the alterations place, after Friday's attempt to try them on.  I'm sure it won't fit yet, but I know they need hemming.  I'm going to take them in, in anticipation of wearing them within the next 3-4 weeks.  (Watch me not lose for the next month now.  Ha!)  The pants I'm now wearing are on the baggy side of comfortable, so it can't be much longer.  Maybe by the new year?!!

We're expecting winter weather sometime this evening.  We have a planned dinner out with friends tonight, but that may be put on hold.  It all depends upon the approaching storm system.  No one wants to drive in ice conditions.  So, I'm not quite sure how to approach my lunch today.  Normally, I (now) scale back lunch to allow for restaurant dining.  I guess I should do that anyway.  Then, if we eat at home, I have calories to play with, if I choose.

The couple we're supposed to dine with this evening is great fun!  The husband was recently diagnosed with Type II Diabetes, and was instructed to lose weight.  He has completely altered his diet, and is already down 35 lbs (in something like 2.5 months).  He chose a low carb diet, and is really enjoying it.  The hardest part for him has been to give up those carbs (he misses breads and fruits mostly).  I'm eating a heart-healthy low fat diet, so we drool over what the other gets to eat.  LOL  I miss cheese.

I messed up late last night on my plan.  I was feeling a little ... um ... "backed up" shall we say?  I decided to have a small cup of hot chocolate to help move things along.  That usually does the trick (and it did).  But, I failed to account for the calories in the cocoa.  I was already at 1172 for the day, so that late-night cocoa pushed me over my calories yesterday.  I was still well below my goal calories (1595), but I've been diligent about working the 1200 calorie plan for this challenge.  The goof won't cost me pounds, but it was a lesson to pay attention ALL THE WAY, even if it is late at night.  If it goes past the teeth, it needs to be recorded, tired or not, right?  So, that was another weakness I uncovered, that needs to be fixed.   No excuses! 

I'm in the "take no prisoners" mode of my journey.  I'm not beating myself up, but nor am I giving myself a pass with excuses or rationalizations.  Tired and constipated are explanations, but they don't get me off the hook (to myself).  I'm taking the lesson from that, and making sure I pay more attention next time.  Any hot liquid would've worked, so when I'm that close to calorie limits, I need to make better choices.  Period.

On that note, I'm heading out to get errands done.  Enjoy the afternoon!  And smart choices to all! 


12 Days of Salads

This easy salad has primary ingredients from vines, thus the name.  It serves 12.

Day 6:

VINE SALAD

2 large shallots, minced
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 TB Dijon-style mustard
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1.5 lbs. thin green beans, trimmed
1/2 cup basil, finely shredded (use fresh basil only)
3 pints red, yellow and orange pear or plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise (can substitute halved cherry tomatoes)

In a medium bowl, cover shallots with vinegar and let marinate for 2-3 hours or overnight.  Whisk ln mustard, salt and pepper.  Gradually whisk in olive oil. 

In large pot of boiling water, cook green beans until tender, but still firm to bite (this is approx. 2 minutes after the water returns to a boil, after adding the beans in.)    Drain.

Rinse beans under cold water, and drain this well. 

Stir basil into dressing.

In a bowl, toss the beans with half of the dressing.  Arrange on a platter.  Toss tomatoes with the other half of the dressing, and mound next to the beans. 
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Day 147 and compensating for last night's decision, which needed more effort behind it.