Fall 2021

[Rebecca001]

That sounds like you have things well under control @MadyVanilla

sensible choice with your meal, this is real life after all. 
 

Your posts always remind me to do more yoga. I love it, but I never make time for it, then will do a burst of daily practices and feel so good, then it dwindles off again. But you have motivated me to find a YouTube when my boys are out at football practice tonight 

 

[MadyVanilla]

@Rebecca001 - I hope you had time to YouTube a yoga class - I like yin and vinyasa and Yoga with Kassandra is my favorite.  There are so many, though, and so many styles, it's easy to find one to enjoy.  Finding and sticking with the time is another story...

I typed a bunch about yesterday (but it disappeared!), which basically ended with me not having time to cook the chimichurri chicken.

 

Day 9

M1-turkey rollups black coffee

M2-cauliflower, spinach, tomato paste, chicken breast

M3-Chimichurri chicken!

Busy day, will catch up tomorrow.  

 

 

 

 

 

[MadyVanilla]

Finally, I made the chimichurri chicken - and it was AMAZING!  The recipe was easy and definitely a keeper to add to the rotation.  I'm feeling settled into the days, not really having any cravings.  I'm waking up earlier (but not getting up yet), my energy level is improving, my sleep is better, I feel as if I may have lost a little weight.  Always starting over, whether it's after Day 2 or after months of eating well has a bit more of a motivating factor to it for me than does sustaining.  With sustaining, I'm not seeing the regular changes in my health that I do when I crash and start over.  I need to ponder this...

Day 10

M1-black coffee.  Not hungry and knew I could eat lunch earlier

M2-Finished the sausage hash with extra spinach added

M3-PRobably a burger and some sort of vegetables - going to a surprise party bbq this evening.  

 

 

 

 

 

[MadyVanilla]

The party was cancelled last night as one of the organizers tested positive for COVID.  Dinner ended up being a chicken Caesar salad, with compliant Caesar dressing. 
 

I woke up a little after 5 this morning.  I could have got up, but didn’t and fell back asleep for 2 more hours.  I think I’m ready to start getting up and going to gym next week.  I’ve been busy so far today, cleaning, taking dog to class, walking…just now sitting down to read for a bit.  
 

Day 11

M1-sausage and spinach

M2-leftover chicken chimichurri and spinach

M3-hamburger with the fixings, salad

 

[Semi]

How are you holding up, MadyVanilla? I hope you're still going strong

[MadyVanilla]

@Semi - thanks for checking in.  I'm restarting today.

We went to a comedy show Saturday night, the last day I posted here, and the last day I started compliant this week.  I had wine.  I don't even know why - the atmosphere, I guess.  I didn't even think about it, just ordered a glass.  Then, it was downhill from there, the cascading effect of well-I've-already-gone-off-plan-what -difference-does-it-make.  I've had lots of restarts this week, compliant for a good portion of the day, sometimes all day.  And then I'd have an "oh well" moment.  And then I decided that today, October 1, would be perfect for a restart.  

I struggle with being a pro at W30 (please feel free to call me out on that - LOL!)  Because I've had several successful ones under my belt, I think I can wing it.  Or I can restart easily.  But in fact, I'm sabotaging myself (there goes my pro status).  10 days is better than no days, but the impact 10 days has on my system is erased by the 5 days I'm off plan.  And while I've not been at my worst (binge on all the non-foods, the pizza, the wine, the sweets...) this past week, I have by no means been close to my best.  Too much wine, too many bread products, a slice of birthday cake thrown in there...I actually made an amazing, compliant meatloaf Wednesday night, accompanied by wilted kale.  Delicious.  And then I added two Hawaiian rolls with butter.  This has been an on-going issue for me, the idea that I can just restart.  As if I have an infinite amount of time to get my health in order.  As if it's a casino or parlor game of can-I-get-away-with-eating-the-rolls?  Ugh...restarting.  

Day 1

M1-blueberry, 1/2 banana, almond milk smoothie - I wasn't hungry, wasn't going to eat breakfast (we went out last night for fish and chips).  In an effort to kickstart today, I went with this rather than nothing.  

M2-leftover cauliflower, spinach, and compliant bacon mash.  I have to go home for lunch and this is what awaits me.  

M3-Pork chops smothered with onions cooked in ghee.  Kale salad (massaged kale, almonds, complaint balsamic vinaigrette) 

I got my Thrive order a few days ago (I still haven't opened the box) and a ButcherBox order yesterday.  

 

[Rebecca001]

I could have written your post @MadyVanilla September on the whole had been the worst month I’ve had in over a year. I feel so utterly exhausted by the Covid situation (it’s pretty much gone here, except in schools - I work in a school office and trust me, it’s not gone) and my injury and then the worst cold I’ve had since I actually had Covid last year! I feel like I’ve wasted a month and I feel rotten! 
 

but enough of that! We know what we need to do, we know it works, and we know that we feel amazing so quickly when we do it! What are we waiting for?! 

 

[ShadowInTheKitchen]

@MadyVanillaHi there! You're not alone.  I re-started on Oct 1 too, didn't even get through Day 1. Sugar is everywhere, as is bread and fast & easy dining options.  

On 10/1/2021 at 12:26 PM, Rebecca001 said:

We know what we need to do, we know it works, and we know that we feel amazing so quickly when we do it! What are we waiting for?! 

I second @Rebecca001.  It's tough though, to get into the mindset.  

Good luck, here's to your success.

[Rebecca001]

@MadyVanilla how have you got on today? 

[MadyVanilla]

@Rebecca001 and @ShadowInTheKitchen - thank you both!  The support means so much!  

I'm on Day 2....I had one final glass of wine (It would be wasteful to throw away what was left in the bottle, right????  Ugh.....) Saturday night while sitting by the fire with some friends.  It was lovely.  But will be equally lovely with a tea or soda water in the coming weeks.  

Yesterday was quiet, getting settled back into it.  I made a list of rewards to buy for myself after each 7 days - they include a new lanyard for my name badge, a new lunchbox, and new dishes.  I have been wanting new dishes for a long time.  Mine are chipped and have a huge lip and small center, they've never been very useful and so we often use paper plates.  After 15 years, it's time to replace them!  It will be fun to on-line shop for these things.  And I really just need the kick in the rear.  

Today, Day 2:

M1-Coffee with full fat coconut milk and cinnamon, just not hungry.  

Snacked on nuts and raisins since I didn't eat breakfast and won't have lunch for another hour.  

M2-Cherry tomato and olive salad with 3 compliant bacon strips crumbled into it.  

M3-Pork chops with a Primal Kitchen BBQ sauce, big salad with cucumber and tomatoes and compliant Caesar dressing

hot tea for before bed

 

[Rebecca001]

That is such a good motivator, I desperately need new cooking equipment, I am going to do that too! 

[MadyVanilla]

I had to stop and think if today was Tuesday or Wednesday....so I missed posting yesterday.  Crazy busy at work right now, but I'm doing okay.  Today is Day 4. I've been on such an eating roller-coaster over the last month that my body doesn't know if it should hold off on reacting to the positive changes, or just wait me out to see if I revert back to the old stuff.  Well, at least I'm not dealing with fatigue and grumpiness.  

I had a lovely walk through the woods last evening with one of my dogs, right after a downpour and just before dark.  It was soul-soothing.  

Day 4

M1-black coffee, no breakfast.  I have not been hungry, but I'm really ready for lunch right now! 

M2-Taco salad

M3-probably more taco salad to finish up the leftovers.  

I'm gearing up to finally take that 6:00 am cycling class on Friday morning.  I really want to do it, but I'm feeling nervous because I haven't been in the morning, and in my experience (read: assumption) morning exercisers tend to be a little bit territorial about their space and routines.  I know that's probably all in my head (am I like that??).  It's just more of a naked reality - An "I'm here!" spotlight situation.  And then I imagine (or maybe it's real?) the judgment - "Oh here we go with another 6 am wannabe.  I wonder how long she'll last?"   But what difference does it make, if I go, I go. I'm certainly old enough and wise enough to be able to do what I want to do and what works for me without being concerned with the thoughts of people I don't know.  And really, they could ultimately end up being a support network for me.  It's much more likely that they will come forth with welcome and support than cold judgement, anyway.  

 

 

[Rebecca001]

@MadyVanillai think you’ll enjoy your class. I do a few fitness classes and I find the morning ones really enjoyable, but I think you’re right in that they have a different ‘vibe’ sometimes. Often here they are entirely populated with working or busy mums (and dads, but funny how mums often squeeze their workouts in at dawn and dads not so much!) and I’ve always found them to be more efficiently run as people are off to work etc, more of a ‘get it done’ mentality. I love a dawn class, especially outdoors! You will love it I’m sure, 

[MadyVanilla]

@Rebecca001 I didn't do the class .   I just couldn't be brave enough...not yet, anyway.  I'm going to keep trying to talk myself into it.  I did get up this morning and walk a mile with the dog, though.  That's the first time I've done that since early August.  It's dark that early, but such a great way to start the day.  

I've been busy at work and haven't been good about logging in to journal.  I've made journaling one of my daily healthy habits to do this week in working toward my "prizes", so I'm going to try to do at least a short entry each day.  

Day 9

M1-Slice of egg, scallion. kale, bacon casserole that I cooked up yesterday. 

M2-Homemade chicken salad over salad greens

M3-Nom Nom Paleo chili over kale.  

I did some good meal planning and preparation yesterday, which will make this week so much easier.  It took less than an hour to get the chili going in the crockpot, get the casserole in the oven, and make the chicken salad.  Clean-up included.  Now I have breakfast for 4 days, lunch for 4 days, and dinner for at least 1 night.  The rest of the dinners are intended to be made in 30 minutes or less, with leftovers for either breakfast, lunch, or another dinner.  I can be more consistent with prepping on Sundays when I remember how quickly I can do it

  

[MadyVanilla]

Mile long pre-Dawn walk this morning.  
 

Day 10

M1-egg casserole and black coffee

M2-Chipotle W30 chicken bowl.  I thought I’d have time to go for lunch, but didn’t. 
 

M3- leftover chili over spinach.  
 

I made chia seed pudding last night-just the seeds and almond milk.  I need to perfect my technique, but it was pretty good.  It would be good for breakfast or a snack, especially with fruit added.  
 

plan to walk again after work and yoga. 

[MadyVanilla]

I added some body weight exercises to my routine last night.  Did not get up to walk this morning, just wasn't feeling it.  I woke up, and then just laid in bed trying to go back to sleep, unsuccessfully.  Just lazy.  

Day 11

M1-nothing, I had to do labwork this morning, which required a 12 hour fast.  

M2-rest of the chicken salad over mixed greens

M3 - chicken with Primal Kitchen BBQ sauce, broccoli.  Maybe a sweet potato.  

I have an appointment after work and so probably won't have time to walk or do yoga.  A no exercise kind of day.  

 

[MadyVanilla]

The day is almost over and I’m just getting to  journal.  Dense fog this morning, so no walk, but I did get a nice short hike in this afternoon. And yoga.  

I had routine lab work done yesterday and most of my numbers were good, except my HDL cholesterol was a little high and my Vitamin D was quite low.  First time for both.  I haven’t been spending as much time outside in the middle of the day and I guess it shows. I haven’t talked with the doc yet-I do not want to take meds for my cholesterol.  The other cholesterol numbers were good.  This will give me incentive to stay away from the processed food.  
 

Day 12

M1 egg casserole

M2 Chipotle lifestyle chicken bowl

M3 rest of the chili over kale. Bowl of frozen blueberries with almond milk. 
 

I was craving something sweet after dinner, but I ignored it and I’m ok now.  
 

 

[MadyVanilla]

I use the Headspace app frequently to help me sleep.  I discovered last night there are mediations on there for cravings and for mindful eating.  I think I will try them.  

Day 13

M1 final serving of egg casserole.  That was really good this week.  

M2 I would really like to have Panera for lunch, rather than go home.  I'm going to see if I can find something compliant on their menu, but if not, I'll go home and make chicken salad over salad.  

M3 BBQ chicken, broccoli, sweet potatoes if I need the extra carbs.  

Plan for walk, yoga, and bodyweight exercises after work.  

 

[MadyVanilla]

For lunch today, I ended up going with Five Guys.  Researching on-line, I did find compliant meals for several quick places near me, including Panera, but a juicy Five Guys burger sounded yummy.  I did not realize they don't use oil or butter on their grill and no seasonings.  Two patties, no cheese, lettuce wrap, with tomato, grilled onions and mushrooms, and mustard.  Filling and satisfying.  

[MadyVanilla]

Day 14

M1-3 eggs, 3 slices bacon, spinach cooked in olive oil

M2-Charcuterie at winery with friends: meats, olives, grapes, berries, cashews. I avoided the cheeses, crisp breads, olives stuffed with blue cheese, and chocolate dusted almonds.  And it was fine! 
 

M3-Leftover chicken over kale. 

[MadyVanilla]

Day 15

M1-salami, raspberries, and black coffee

M2-BLT salad, cashews, grapes

M3–pork chops, skillet sweet potatoes, cauliflower rice. 
 

meal-prepped egg muffins for breakfast and egg salad for lunch.  Overdoing the eggs this week.  

[MadyVanilla]

From Monday 10/18 - forgot to hit submit: 

 

I'm killing time waiting for a meeting that starts in 45 minutes.  I've worried about all weekend.  I had breakfast this morning and packed lunch, but I think I'll wait until after the meeting to eat.  It's either going to go well and be fairly quick or it's going to go horribly and end quickly (only to have to be rescheduled).  

I find Sundays to be a little bit tougher - certainly, the work week is easier because it's fairly regimented.  And Saturdays I'm often busy with housecleaning, dog obedience class, and then an afternoon or evening activity that allows me to be planful and structured in my eating for the day.  But Sundays, I lounge in the morning, reading and drinking coffee.  Sometimes I attend church (virtual, but maybe it will help if I go back in the building).  Usually, I'm out of leftovers and need to prep for the week, so lunch and breakfast are always a bit of a struggle.  By dinner I'm usually back on track.  Yesterday, I snacked on cashews through the afternoon and so wasn't terribly hungry for dinner.  I ate it anyway, minus the sweet potatoes, and seem to be ok this morning.  

Day 16

M1-3 egg muffins

M2-egg salad over greens, blackberries

M3-leftover pork chops, rice, kale, blueberries and almond milk.  

 

 

  

[MadyVanilla]

Interesting note - I was packing grapes for my lunch this morning and I remarked to my husband and son how delicious and sweet they were.  Both tried them and said they barely had any taste.  I'm guessing it's the lack of sugar in my diet 

Day 17

M1- 3 egg muffins and black coffee

M2 - egg salad over spinach, grapes

M3 - taco salad - ground beef, sautéed bell peppers and onions, big salad, fresh pico de gallo.  

I've been doing well getting a daily walk and yoga.  I just started a vitamin D supplement last night and I'm hoping that will help with my fatigue.  I was blaming my sudden loss of morning wakefulness on jet lag, and then W30, but it continues with only a little improvement over the last few weeks.  Where I used to pop out of bed by 5:30 am most mornings (and have time for a walk and coffee meditation) I'm now staying in bed until the last possible moment of 7:00 a.m.  I have been waking sometimes at 6:30 and have gotten up and walked twice in the morning, but it's not usually this hard for me.  Even when it's dark in the morning.  Researching Vitamin D deficiency, fatigue is a symptom.  I got some time in the sun this weekend, but I'm hoping the supplement will help.  

I'm just realizing that this is the farthest I've made it this round without having to start over - I think I have had two restarts since starting the day after Labor Day.  Dinner tomorrow night at a Japanese restaurant will present a little challenge, but otherwise I should make it to Day 21 without any challenges.  Other than today - Taco Tuesday at work, and they smell amazing!!! - I'm about to leave to go home for lunch, but really I'm not terribly tempted despite how good they smell.  Anyway, if I make it to Day 21 the rest should be pretty easy for me.  Plus, I had someone tell me this morning I looked good, had I lost weight?  That made my morning.  Continuing on...

 

[MadyVanilla]

Day 18

M1-egg muffins

M2-egg salad over salad, grapes

M3-Japanese restaurant-fish and vegetables is the plan. 

[MadyVanilla]

Day 19

M1-last of the egg muffins.  I need to plan breakfast for tomorrow (chia seed pudding?)

M2-Green Goddess salad from Panera with oil and vinegar and no bacon

M3 - leftover taco salad