Day 56

Day 54

Day 52- Ready Made Food

Just because you don't have time to make all your meals doesn't mean you can't stay on track.  I find it easier to calculate my calories on days that I've been too busy to cook because the nutrition info is right there on the label. No breaking a recipe down into single servings.  But don't do this everyday because homemade is usually healthier than prepackaged because you know (and can control) exactly what your eating.
                       -Rachel

Day 49- Sandwich Gets an Upgrade

Today's topic is: choosing the right bread.  I know when I first started on this weight loss journey I found eating only half a sandwich odd and unfulfilling so in order to combat that I searched for the most flavorful bread I could find.  Pepperidge Farm Deli Swirl Bread is now my everyday pick.  The pumpernickel and rye combo really makes my taste buds happy and the once too small sandwich now seems like the perfect portion.
                  -Rachel

PS: If you don't like robust breads then you can always go for a low calorie thin sliced bread and use 2 slices for your sandwiches.

Day 47- 1/2 Portion Enchiladas

Today I had homemade chicken enchiladas and wasn't sure about the calorie count so I trusted my stomach to know when to stop.  If this happens to you just stop eating when you start to feel full.  20 minutes later you'll be completely satisfied.
                      -Rachel

Day 46: Skunk...Appetite Suppressant?

There is nothing like the smell of skunks spraying your house to help you lose your appetite.  That's what happened to us today...on Tuesday they will be humanly relocated to a land far far away.  I wish them well but hope to never lay eyes on them again. Stinkers!
                -Rachel

Day 45- Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day.  There were no chocolate covered treats or conversation hearts for this dieting girl.  But in the spirit of the day of love I did try to include the color red in all my food pics today. Enjoy and may love find you happy and healthy.
                           -Rachel

Day 42- Almost Banana Cream Pie

Craving banana cream pie! Try this combo...a slice of banana on a vanilla wafer.  It tastes almost as good as the real thing and it's 200 calories for eight.

                         - Rachel

Day 42- Lasagna Means I Love You

I went to spend the day with my mom today.  She made homemade lasagna rolls. YUMMY!  What a wonderful way to say I love you.  Right back at ya momma.
                               -Rachel

Day 40- Saturday Food Crawl

Today's food crawl started at a tiny place called "River and Rail Bakery" for vegan sloppy joe's and black bean soup.  Then onward to an midday dessert at "Tahona" finally finishing up the day at "New York Bagel Co" for a cinnamon raisin bagel.  This was so much fun getting to try lovely foods from different restaurants.
                                   -Rachel

Day 38- Deja Vu Thursday!

After sitting down tonight to upload pics...I noticed that 2 out of the 4 meals that I ate today are exactly the same as meals I ate yesterday. My taste buds are experiencing a sense of deja vu for good reason.  My thought is that if you find a meal that you enjoy and it keeps you satisfied why not eat it again another day.  If it makes dieting a little bit easier.
                                   -Rachel

Day 37- Potluck Temptation

Today was the monthly potluck day at my work.  I usually don't work on Wednesdays so this is the first time I've been bombarded with the savory smells and sweet concoctions that have been carefully homemade by my coworkers. Some of the wonderful items included chili,cream cheese/hot pepper jelly, chocolate covered strawberries, and multiple cakes which included an eclair variety. Yum.  While the others tasted a little of everything I stuck to my packed lunch and was very proud of myself for resisting the temptations that could have easily lead into a free for all calorie meltdown.
                                              -Rachel

Week 5: Weight Loss Update

This week I weighed-in at 2 lbs lighter. That makes a total of 12 lbs since Jan. 1st. It's been so motivating to share my journey.  Thanks to all who are supporting me.  I couldn't do it without you.
                                 -Rachel

Day 35- No Time For Snacking

Today was super busy even too busy for snacking!  Better luck tomorrow.
                             -Rachel

Day 34- Taco Time

Next time you're in a rush and find yourself in the Taco Bell drive thru.  Try something from the Fresco Menu.  I love the Fresco Chicken Soft Tacos. They're only 150 each and are really satisfying.
                                        -Rachel

Day 32- Calories Overboard

I went a little overboard at Red Lobster today.  I had 1/2 salad with ranch dressing and the pick two option with shrimp scampi and broiled scallops.  It ended up being 530 calories.  I had to cut things back the rest of the day so I could say within my calorie counts.
                      -Rachel

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 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 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