Day 31- Local Eats!

A great way of getting some variety in your diet is to try new restaurants.  Today I ate at a local place called "La Famiglia" A Southern Italian Deli.  The special of the day was pizza with pulled pork and caramelized apricots. Not your normal pepperoni and cheese pizza...but absolutely delicious.  It only took 2 very small pieces before I was stuffed.  My taste buds like variety and I seem to fill up faster when they are tasting something full of flavor or with unexpected flavor combinations.  Try it. Not only will you be supporting small businesses you'll be supporting a smaller you.

                                                                                                                              -Rachel

Day 30- All Day Breakfast

I was craving breakfast foods today.  First I had a flatbread breakfast sandwich, lunch was sausage, then oatmeal, and a granola bar.  I guess breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  Somedays it's the only meal of the day.

Week 4: Weight Loss Update

This week I lost another pound.  Wow, that sounds like I just misplaced it and will later find it next to my car keys or that earring I lost 2 years ago. But no! I made that pound leave like an annoying boyfriend.  I sent that pound to the curb.  It's alot of hard work losing weight so take charge and congratulate yourself on even the smallest of accomplishments.
                               
                                           -Rachel
PS: That makes 10 lbs gone for good.

Day 28- Unicorns For Dinner

The Magic of Unicorns made this average Monday night dinner fun.  Everybody perked up and had a great time eating their corn on the cob with these specialty holders.  Even my husband joined in.
                              -Rachel

Day 27- The Ghost of Birthday's Past

My 40th Birthday is coming up on Tuesday but I was surprised with a birthday party today.  It was wonderful to see everyone until I saw each blouse,tshirt and jacket proudly displaying a badge with the above picture.  My ghost of Birthday's past.  Picture it 1980...a young Rachel turns 7.  I never thought this pic would show up 33 years later.  Wow, how I've changed over the years but I'm glad to say I still  love that little girl in glasses who on that day loved Strawberry Shortcake and suit blazers.  

                   -Rachel

P.S. Today was a camera and calorie free day!  

Day 26- I Heart Panera!

Eating today at Panera was great because I ordered what I normally have and it was within my calorie count since I hadn't eaten breakfast and it was already lunchtime.  Next time I'm going to try one of the secret menu options that I read about last week.  I'll be sure to share.
                                          -Rachel

Day 25- Soup and Snow

 Cambell's Soup at Hand (chicken noodle)  is always something I gravitate toward on a cold, snowy day like today.  It's only 70 calories plus it warms me up in no time.

                           -Rachel

Day 24- Where Did the Colors Go?

As I look back on today's meal choices I notice that everything I ate was a shade of brown.  Where did the colors go?  It's always the healthiest eating when you have a variety of colors on your plate.  I really need to step it up on the vegetables/fruits.
                                   -Rachel

Day 23- Down South Dieting

I was surprised to learn just how calorie friendly Cracker Barrel can be if you just do your research first. Everything in the picture above was only 454 calories.  It included 1/2 order of chicken and dumplings,1/2 order hash brown casserole, and 2/3 of an order of fried okra.  So if you're in the mood for some country cooking.  Try this combo next time.
                               -Rachel

Week 3: Weight Loss Update

My weigh-in today resulted in 1.5 lbs lost.  That's a total of 9 lbs.  Also, I ordered another pair of my favorite jeans in a size smaller and they fit. That was really exciting and a great motivation to keep going.

Day 21- 3 Course Meal Under 450 Calories

Bob Evans is now offering 3 course meals for $9.99 for under 450 calories.  You just pick an appetizer,entree, and dessert from the special low cal options and go to town eating while knowing that the calorie count will be great.  I chose the vegetable beef soup, flounder w/ broccoli, and vanilla ice cream.  The soup was really nice but the flounder was practically inedible...the outer crust that should have been crispy was somehow soggy and the fish was "fishy" for lack of a better adjective.  The ice cream was fantastic and creamy but I was freezing by the time I left.  It was only 28 degrees outside.  Brrr.

Day 20- The McRib Experience

Today my daughter and I went on a journey of the taste buds.  We had never experienced a McRib from none other than the infamous McDonalds.  I know what you're thinking.  Unhealthy and Calorie filled. I think sometimes you just have to enjoy a new experience within reason.  We split the sandwich and fries...and may I say it was quite tasty.  The bbq sauce they use is both sweet and sour with a kick of spicy.  Now I can understand why people are so psyched when they come back.  I won't be eating another though till the next time their available.  It's an occasional treat.  Definitely not something to live on everyday.  But experiencing another first was fun.

Day 19- Bubble Poppin'

Crave something sweet after a meal.  Pop a piece of gum...I like the Extra Dessert Delights-Mint Chocolate Chip. It gets rid of that annoying sweet tooth for only 5 calories.

Day 18- Go For Flavor

Today I was unusually hungry toward the end of the day.  I find it really satisfying to eat something super flavorful when this happens. So I gave my palate a shock by eating a few Triscuits with jalapeno white cheddar cheese.   Try it next time...you're waist will thank you.
                                      -Rachel

Day 17- A Good Day for Chili

A cold and grey day calls for chili and grilled cheese.  I don't make chili from scratch so I've tried just about every brand of premade chili that my grocery carries.  Wolf Brand Chili is by far my favorite. Especially if you like it spicy.  It may seem to be high in calories 360 per 1 cup serving. But trust me it will fill you up and then some.
                                       -Rachel

Day 16- Youtube Channel Up and Going

My youtube channel is now up and going. Please stop by and give any comments or questions you may have.  Suggestions to improve my blog or videos are greatly appreciated.
 User Name: 4eyes4health
                                        -Rachel

Day 15- Week 2 Weight Loss Update

This week I lost 2.5 lbs.  That's a total of 7.5 lbs in 2 weeks.  I'm getting pretty comfortable with my 1200 calorie intake. Now I need to start working on drinking more water.  That's going to be my goal for this coming week.  At least 1 bottle of water a day. This may seem easy to some but I am a self proclaimed Diet Soda addict.
                                 -Rachel

Day 14- The Cupboards Are Bare

I haven't been able to get to the grocery store this week.  The common cold has hit my household.  I personally haven't been sick.   My daughter hasn't been so lucky.  So if my meal combos seem odd over the next few days it's because I'm going through and using up everything we have on hand.
                                 -Rachel

Day 13- Snack Happy

Today ended in a low calorie snack combo of ginger snaps, chewy granola bar, and white chocolate pretzels.  It's a fun surprise when you end up with extra calories occasionally and can blow them on sweets.  Definitely not something you should do everyday but every now and then is fun.
                                 -Rachel

Day 12- Trusting Your Gut

Some days you won't be able to calculate your calories especially if you're eating at someone's home.  Make your best guess and stop eating  just as you start to feel full.  You're body will know when to stop since it's getting familiar with the reduced calories taken in at meal times.
                                   -Rachel

Day 11- To the Moon

While shopping today I ran across an old favorite: Moon Pies.  The classic size had way too many calories but the mini's were perfect with only 110. They are delicious and you almost  feel like you're cheating.  The great thing is... you're not.
                                     -Rachel

Day 10- A Mug Full of Inspiration

I pulled this mug absentmindedly from the cabinet to hold my soup little did I know that it would be more than a vessel; it would become an inspiration.  A simple word "Shine".  To give forth and glow with light.  That small mug had me thinking about how I wanted to contribute to the light of the world.   I will laugh more, forgive often, and speak kindly.  How would you "Shine"?
                                        -Rachel

Day 9- Carbs,Carbs, and More Carbs

Today was a day full of carbs.  I was feeling so tired today that I needed the extra boost they provide but I still made sure to have plenty of protein for breakfast.
                               -Rachel

Day 8- Week 1 Weight Loss Update

Today was my weigh-in for Week 1.  As I stepped on the scale this morning I hoped for the best.  I was surprised to see that I have lost 5lbs.  Wow!  Insert big smile here...
                                -Rachel

Day 7- Protein for Breakfast

The two eggs with a side of Pump and Rye toast kept me full till way past my usual lunchtime.  This breakfast combo is definitely a keeper.
                             -Rachel

Day 6- Granola to the Rescue

Today was very busy.  So I had to skip lunch and make due with just a pack of granola.
                                        -Rachel