I resolve…

I had a very long conversation with a very dear longtime friend last night. My spiritual advisor of sorts. She knows me well, and have been there through all of my major life transitions. she has always told me that I’m too hard on myself and that I’m a pretty amazing/awesome/lucky/blessed/talented/gifted/beautiful soul.

 

And sometimes, I believe her…

 

I think it’s natural for most people who aren’t where they want to be (regardless of what situation or where exactly their destination is) to be extremely hard on themselves.  There are some things out of our control, but there are alot of things IN our control, too.

 

Health? Alot of that is in our control.  Weigh loss (and gain) is mostly in our control, too. The choices that we make that affect the final outcome of the aforementioned things are pretty much on us as well. Which makes it very frustrating when you know you are doing The Work, and are still stuck in a place you are fighting tooth and nail to get out of.

I realize that over the past month or two, I have totally become obsessed about my weight. All-consumed. Every moment of every day. I couldn’t do anything or eat anything without thinking about the calorie count and ramifications of eating [whatever] it [was].  I mean, yeah…you need to be mindful of what you eat and make sound nutritional choices. Keep indulgences to a minimum & keep your eyes on the prize.  But it shouldn’t become something that overwhelms you to the point of stress…every. Single. DAY.

And it has gotten that way to me. (Breakdown level stress with tears and the whole shebang)

Especially when I realized that I’d be in a full-on panic about not logging every single thing every single day on My Fitness Pal that crossed my lips.  The thing is – MFP is an aid to help YOU.  But it became a hinderence when I’d get myself in a tizzy because I didn’t want anyone ELSE to think I had fallen off the wagon.  Who really gives a $h!t, anyway.  This is about ME, not anyone else. While I do LOVE utilizing  such clever little tools to help me be accountable, I shouldn’t feel the need to become a slave to it. I shouldn’t stress about not logging every single thing every single day (unless I’m on a challenge/bet/etc.), but alas…I DO. And it’s made me HATE the journey even more.

I do know that I have encouraged and inspired many people – which is another reason it stresses me. But I refuse to be a slave to this thang. My life is more than my weight.  I have a husband, child, full time job, and business to tend to.  I can’t sit around worrying all day about food & exercise every moment of the day. NORMAL people don’t do that.  Once you have made that change in your life, it should become natural…not forced. And certainly not something to obsess over.

 

So you know what? Given the thoughts on my last post and knowing that this is a lifelong commitment…I’ve decided that it’s time to try something different. I’ve been stressing out entirely TOO much about My Magic Number… been losing sleep over this last 30-40 pounds that I need like to get off… underwhelmed by the fact that I’m still super bottom heavy (though I still think chicks with curves rock!). I cannot live the rest of my life like this. and I can almost guarantee that my stress ove the matter is part of the reason for the matter.

 

Ya dig?

So…

 

It’s high time that I resolve…

to stop obsessing & stressing

to be kinder to myself on this [weight loss] journey

to remember that where I have to go is not nearly as far as from where I’ve come

to appreciate my progress & my transformation

to celebrate my fit curves and fabulous God-given womanly figure

to stop worrying so much about what other people may think about where I’m at in this struggle (because they probably don’t care anyway!)

to continue making the best possible choices for my future health & well-being

to stop comparing my journey to other peoples journey/results/success

to show LOVE to and be KIND to myself….every. Single. DAY.

 

That’s all I can do.

 

And it’s high time that I started doing it.

 

 

 

Recipe: 2 ingredient cookies!!

I’d been hearing about these cookies for some time, but just got around to test-driving the recipe.  And while the original/base recipe truly does only call for 2 ingredients (bananas & rolled oats – baked at 350 degrees for 15 minutes) – as usual, I’ve put my own spin on it.

These are 100% NATURAL, HEALTHY “cookies” – that have served as an alternative breakfast/dessert option. Now, I’ve done several versions – to include a “protein bar” version. But here I will just outline the basics, and what I’ve tried that have turned out to be my favorites.  Best served right out of the oven!

Get this – BEFORE any add-ins, the ENTIRE BATCH of cookies (14-16 depending on the size) is roughly only 500 calories!! (2 medium sized bananas = about 210 cals; 1 cup of oats = about 300 cals, so even if you wolf down half, it’s all good! Or as the poster of the original recipe states “…If I ate 8 cookies, I’ve had: 1 banana, 1/2 cup of oats, and half a handful of chocolate chips and walnuts. Amazing. Leave out the chocolate chips and they are all health…”)

For the “protein” version – added a scoop of whey protein powder & 2 TBSP of greek yogart which added roughly 150 calories – to the ENTIRE batch.

For my favorites versions, I usually split one batch into thirds (or make a half batch), and add one or two “mix-ins” (no including spice/cocoa powder) roughly 1 TBSP each. Again, the additions are minimal and will not add a significant amount of calories to the mini-batches.  I only can eat 3 at one sitting, so I’m not sweating the additional calories.

My faves:

• Oatmeal Raisin – add cinnamon & raisins
• Banana Nut Bread – add cinnamon, walnuts, & raisins/dried cranberries (shown below)
• Almond Joy – add cocoa powder, almonds, coconut flakes (shown below)
• Chocolate Chip  – add vanilla extract, dark choco chips, & nuts if you like
• Peppermint Patty – add peppermint extract & cocoa powder
• Cafe Cocoa – add coffee extract, cocoa powder, & chocolate chips

I believe that the possibilities with these are endless (and YUMMY!)

My Invisible Life?

I’ve been blessed to have an amazing support system on this journey. And over the past few months that I’ve been on Instagram, my support circle has grown…and includes alot of people who have also used weight loss surgery to battle obesity. A posting on someone’s page today stuck me deep. I won’t quote, but the gist of the comment was something to the effect of “I wish I had more ‘before’ pictures (referring to before the drastic weightloss) but I felt pretty invisible in my life then” – or SOMETHING to that effect. And it was a sentiment that I have read or heard MANY times from people on a similar journey. That they felt invisible.

*trying to compute, but it just doesn’t resonate*

Anyone who knows me, knows that couldn’t be FARTHER from the truth *lol* I was (am?) a total camera whore…who never shied away from a good photo-op. I never felt like anything other than the bodacious, beautiful center of attention. I was never at a loss for male attention – and my shape/size/stature (OBESITY) was even celebrated by some. That was MY life. And if I’m going to be 100% honest, I will say that I feel more invisible AFTER losing over 100#, than I did at my largest (totally different blog topic. Still working thru the why’s of it).

…in all my big gal “visibility”. couldn’t tell me JACK!

I get that each person’s journey is different, and their experience alone. You can’t tell anyone how they should feel or process their feelings, and everyone has [the right] to work through their own emotional mess. I also know that I, personally, cannot under stand how some people choose to totally disassociate their post weight loss selves with their former obese selves – as if they are two totally different people. In theory, yes. I get that. I DO GET that there is a mindset shift/change/and transformation that has to take place in order to be successful. But in my case, in my mind I’m still Gina. Size 24…size 14…and every size in between or below that!

YES, I have become a new creature, so to speak. YES, my mind has been transformed to allow for the necessary changes to take effect where my health is concerned. YES I know that I can’t resort back to my old ways & habits, lest I end up back where I started 3 years ago.

Yes.

Yes!

1ooo times YES!!!

I get it.

But in my head, I will ALWAYS be battling with my inner Fat Girl, much like an addict battles with their addiction years after they are clean & sober. But that is MY personal story…and I’m uncertain that I will ever be able to totally disown my [food] addiction just because by the grace of God (and medical intervention) I’ve found a way to “get clean”.

A very dear friend left this comment on my previous post, and it renewed my spirit for the rest of the journey, and helped me to realize that for most (including self) this will be a LIFE LONG battle that won’t end at a goal weight.

“A close family member struggled with drug and alcohol addiction for years. He went through multiple trips to rehab and all the other assorted things people do to “kick the habit”. Finally, after an epic meltdown which resulted in him losing his job, wife, and home in a single bender he tried NA.

Some months later, he asked me if I’d go to one of his meetings with him just to see what it was like. He’d been clean and sober for a few months and was eager to share this new found experience. I went. Many things from the experience stuck with me, but the most memorable were the words of the people who’d been clean and sober for years. To my surprise, they still described themselves as addicts. That struck me because it was an acknowledgement that all the bad things that they’d overcome were still a part of their present day selves. It wasn’t that they’d conquered their challenges, more like they’d learn to peacefully co-exist with them on their terms. Many times when people talk about how they’re going to “beat” this challenge or “overcome” that obstacle they neglect to appreciate that the obstacle is always going to be a part of them…”

so NOT invisible *lol*

Certainly, it’s discouraging as hell sometimes when I’m doing all in my power to see the results that may come easy for others. But despite my propensity for feeling invisible — ie: uncomfortable — in my “new skin”, I keep going. Almost 3 years later I am still dealing with alot of the mental & emotional ish that goes along with a drastic physical transformation. But bet your bottom dollar that I will not allow that to keep me in that unhealthy physical place where I felt far more comfortable (read: more “visible”, so to speak).

The fat I used to “wear” so proudly now feels more like a death trap…and I think it’s that which gives way to some of the “invisibility” factor for ME. I still have a longggg way to go…and sometimes I feel ashamed that I’m not there yet (see my previous post on this matter). I shrink into the background because there are only but so many “progress pics” I can post to validate myself when I’m at a virtual stand still. (that’s what the whole progress pic/comparison shot thing is about…if you didn’t know *lol*. Sometimes its the only way to see (read: validate) your success)

But I know I’m doing The Work.

Let’s face it, ALL of us who are truly committed to this journey are here because we are willing to do the work. Whether or not I will ever see my “magic number” should be of no consequence. The fact that I have changed my life (and thereby my health) should speak far louder than any numbers on the scale can read….

I’m just Gina, after all is said & done. A pseudo invisible food addict in recovery…A Fat Girl in a smaller body than before, with improved sensibilities making better choices and DOING SOMETHING to improve my quality of life.

AND…

I’m too “Gone with the Wind FABULOUS” to be… invisible. Always have been, always will be.

#runteldat

#stampdat

Better believe it!

Epic FAIL(ure)…

 

So I’ve been trying to write this particular post for 2 weeks.

It started with me having an emotional moment (or two, or three, or ten) about not having my weight loss goal yet – coming up on year 3.  I had a pity-party, and shook it off. I found a new workout to channel my energy into (Kettlebells ROCK – more on that later)…made some progress on the scale. Was feeling great about coming up out of an almost year-long stall/plateau. *sigh* (and YES, I keep coming back to the Numbers Game – after all, the whole point of surgery was for me to move OUT of the obesity category)

I guess it would help if I verbalized what sends me off the emotional cliff as far as not reaching my goal is concerned. If not for others to understand, for MY SELF to get a hold of.  The fact that so many people look to me for support, and encouragement.  The fact that so many folks have not hesitated to tell me how much I’ve inspired them.  The fact that in the past 2 years, so many people in my circle (real life/online) have used my journey/success as an added boost to kick them in the @$$ and get them on a serious pathway to heath – either via a lifestyle/nutrition/exercise change – AND/OR helped them to decide to use surgery as a tool to fight [morbid] obesity and reclaim their health.

That’s all good, right?

Well, in my head (sometimes) it makes me feel like a failure.

a big. fat. EPIC. failure.

Why?

It’s quite simple: I still struggle DAILY with my weight. Still. Every. Single. DAY.

How can I continue to serve as “inspiration” when I can’t even get all the weight off WITH the help of surgery?

I’m not yet to my goal almost 3 years post-op; I’ve seen people who have had surgery well after me lose more than me – some with little effort, some with 3 times the effort that I literally can’t afford to put in to workouts/healthier organic food options.  I do what I can with my resources. I get 45 minute workout’s in 4-5x a week, b/c that’s what time I have I have available. I make fairly solid nutritional choices and on a daily basis and generally stay within my daily caloric allotment. And I’m doing all I was taught to do (in nutrition class, and pre-op counseling, and post-op research/study, etc)…and all I know I should be doing to get the rest of this weight off.

BUT…the scale keeps laughing in my face.

YES: I’ve lost an amount equivalent to a “small person”.
YES: I have much less to still lose than I’ve already shed from this frame.
YES: I’ve maintained my weigh loss in the face of varied & sundry health issues.
YES: I. Know. THIS!

 

My surgeon is not concerned. Nor is my doctor. Such a “stall” in loss is quite common after the 2 year mark.

Meh. *shrug*

And while some people think I’m being way too hard on myself…I MUST BE…and will continue to be for this reason: One thing’s for certain and two thing’s for sure: I ain’t NEVER. EVER…going back down that path to 300+ again. Not EVER!

So, much like someone who has never lost a job can truly empathize with someone who just got notice that they’ve been canned… Or someone who has never experienced the loss of a parent can genuinely FEEL that particular type of grief…  Sympathy – certainly!  But truly feeling & understanding at the core – what I’m going thru…not really possible.  But that is also because we all have our own story that effects how we relate/cope/adapt/etc. in any given situation. More to point: if you are not a person who has had weight loss surgery, can not fully grasp all of the emotional/mental bits & pieces of the puzzle…and can not fully understand my struggle with this particular portion of the weight loss journey. It would be impossible to.

There, I said it.

And while I will not WALLOW in my feelings –  I have a right to own them, process them, get them out of my system, and move on.  That’s one of the reason’s I created this blog at the inception of my journey.  I know me. And I knew that there would be ALOT of things to deal with on the emotional/mental end of the spectrum.  But in all honesty here, what I DID not expect, was to have to WORK SO HARD.

There, I said it (again).

So…. it is what it is, was what it was, and will be what it will be.

I’ve not given up. I WILL not give up. And I WILL win the fat-fight!  As I was reminded in one of my fitness forums: this is a LIFELONG journey. So what, I’m not at my weight goal yet.  I WILL get there. EVENTUALLY. And I’m learning to be ok with that (verrrrry slowwwwwllly, but surely).  What other choice do I have right?

I’ve also come to realize that my disappointment and feeling of failure is only because I DO truly want this…and I AM committed to this. And I am DOING this.

 

That’s half the battle right there.

MY. battle.

And I will fight [the fat] to the finish!

Please believe it…

2 for 1 Recipe(s): Banana-Walnut-Blueberry Protein Pancakes & Easy Omelettes

Administrative note: as a general rule of thumb, if you see something I’m posting a “recipe” for, it’s something that I’ve worked into my own lil’ mix of something I saw somewhere else – either that, or an experiment of bringing together my favorite foods/flavors/things and attempting to make them more healthy. That’s it.  Not a chef but any stretch of the imagination – I just know what I like. My dietary needs  (and portions) are a bit different than most due to my weightloss surgery (particularly getting in enough protein)…but this food is good for eating for ANYone.

Now…let’s get to the grub

This protein pancake re-mix is based off of the recipe I posted last week. I did add the milled flaxseed as planned to beef up the fluffiness this go round)

BANANA WALNUT BLUEBERRY PROTEIN PANCAKES

• 1 scoop of protein powder
• 1 egg white
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 dollop (I’m guessing maybe a heaping TBSP) of GREEK yogart – I used plain, but for added flavor you can use flavored, though it will add calories
• splash of milk (as needed to thin out batter, BUT batter will NOT be as thick as regular batter)
• 1 scoop of protein powder (I used vanilla, but chocolate would work just as well for this)
• 1 egg white
• 1 tbsp milled/ground flaxseed* (not required, but the texture/fluffiness I found was better with this batch)
• 1/2 mashed banana (save the other half for topping!)
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 dollop (I’m guessing maybe a heaping TBSP) of GREEK yogurt – I used plain, but for added flavor you can use flavored, though it will add calories
• splash of milk (as needed to thin out batter, HOWEVER, batter will NOT be as thick as regular batter)

After blending all of the ingredients, cook using your usual method of making pancakes. This go round, I used organic virgin coconut oil – which added a level of flavor and deep golden color that I loved!

I topped these with sliced bananas, blueberries, walnuts, & organic maple agave nectar. Delishhhhhh.

EASY (microwave) OMELET

I know this is probably nothing new to most folks, but I get asked about the “recipe” alot, so I decided to post.  It’s quite simple, really:

• 1 egg
• splash milk (your preference)
• non stick cooking spray
• your favorite omelet ingredients
• bowl (regular cereal size is fine)

 

      spray the bowl with non stick cooking spray; crack & scramble the egg (add your favorite things & scramble again to fully mix); microwave for approximately 2  minutes (I use 2 minutes, as I like my eggs hard. Also, if you use more than one egg or ALOT of additions to your omelet, the cooking time will increase)

Recipe: Buffalo Chicken “Cupcakes” (you’re welcome!)

Let me first preface this by saying that CLEAN EATING is best.

I get it. (and you should, too)

However, due to a limited food budget, I can’t always totally “clean” everything up.  The next best thing for me, is to make it as healthy (ie: lower calories and reduced fat) as possible.

That said, I decided to try a different version of the savory “cupcake” since it seemed to go over well with everyone I shared the recipe with (you can check out the Lasagna cupcake recipe HERE) I just needed to find something worthy that would make me want to give it a go. I had heard rumors of a buffalo chicken cupcake circulating on Pinterest, but upon doing my research, was not impressed with what I found.

I’m rather picky (go figure)…and I HATE bleu cheese. But I DO have a great buffalo chicken dip “concoction” that everyone seems to lovvvvve (full of fat & calories, no doubt!)…and I decided to tweak that a bit, and use it as the base for this version of savory ‘cupcake’.

You are SOOOOOOO gonna love these!!
While this is not a CLEAN recipe… it IS  a delicious, low-fat alternative to something I love. (Granted, due to the fact that I am a bariatric surgery patient, I can only consume one or two of these at one sitting…but the ingredients keep this on the healthy side, no matter the serving size you choose)

What I did was loosely based on what I do for the dip.  I also only made 6 cupcakes, so you will need to double my measurements for a full pan. I will work on tweaking the recipe each time I make it – but for now…

Base ingredients & recipe (no real measurements, I just went with what felt good *lol*) –  here goes:

• All natural won ton wrappers (2 for each “cupcake – more info/nutrition for these won ton wrappers HERE)
•  shredded chicken breast (about 1 cup; broiled/sauteed/boiled/roasted. YOUR CHOICE; sea salt & pepper to taste. I also used some dried spices)
• hot sauce (to taste!)
• Reduced Fat/Fat Free Cream Cheese (about 4oz – I used the Weight Watchers reduced fat Cream Cheese Spread – you can use FF cream cheese to also)
• Light /Fat Free Bleu Cheese dressing (about 1/4 cup – I HATE b.c., so I opted for Ranch)
• Reduced Fat shredded cheese (about 1/2 cup – I opted for a mexican cheddar/jack blend, but that is up to you)

1. Toss the shredded chicken in hot sauce & set aside.

2. Take half the package of cream cheese and warm (about 30 seconds) until soft enough to blend with a fork. Pour about 3 TBSP of dressing (bleu cheese or ranch), and 1/4 cup shredded cheese and mix.

3. After you’ve lined the muffin  pan with the 1st won ton wrapper layers, continue to layer as follows:

• Cream cheese mixture (about 1 tsp)
• Dash hot sauce
• Chicken
• Wonton
• REPEAT (do not add a 3rd wonton)
• Top 2nd chicken layer with a sprinkle of shredded cheese

Bake at 350 for about 15 mins.

THE BEST PART OF THIS RECIPE (for me)? See image below under dinner (based on the info I plugged into My Fitness Pal, for 2 “cupcakes”. You could eliminate the 2nd layer of wontons if you like, but as is, roughly only about 300 calories for some seriously satisfying yummy goodness! Pair a couple with some fresh veggies, and you’re golden!!!

Recipe update: new refrigerator oatmeal flavor combo’s

You know what this means…

You can find the base recipe for the no-cook refrigerator oatmeal HERE, along with some other additional flavors HERE.

This latest batch was on the fly, as the others have been.  And I’ve used what I already have on hand in my pantry.  And other flavor suggestions are appreciated!!!!  As a reminder: the use of flavored extracts is a personal preference to boost flavor and is not required.

PB & J (edited**)

• 2 TBSP NATURAL  Peanut butter (**after trying the PB2 in this recipe – I think conventional PB will lend more flavor & texture to THIS particular recipe)
• 1/4 cup of mixed berries (or any berry, really)
• splash of strawberry extract

 

 

Cherry-Choco Chip

• 1 TBSP cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup cherries (I use frozen – NO SUGAR ADDED)
• 1 TBSP chocolate chips

 

 

Banana Nutter-Butter

• 1/2 thin sliced banana
• cinnamon (to taste)
• 2 TBSP Chocolate PB2  Powdered Peanut Butter (you can use the plain peanut flavor, or conventional natural PB)
• banana extract
• 1 TBSP chopped walnuts

 

 

Crunchy Peanut Butter Cup (not pictured)

• 1 TBSP cocoa powder
• 2 TBSP Chocolate PB2  Powdered Peanut Butter (you can use the plain peanut flavor, or conventional natural PB)
• natural/organic chopped peanuts (unsalted/NO SUGAR ADDED)

Recipe: Protein PANCAKES! (and who doesn’t love PANCAKES?!?!)

Well, I have found another breakfast option that will help me stay on track, but also give me plenty of room for flavors/textures/layers. The PROTEIN PANCAKE!! It’s not totally “clean” due to the protein powder (and whatever else you may decide to add to it) – but it IS healthy! And that’s the goal…

I have been scouring The Interwebs for a quick & easy recipe since there are so many out there. Based on them, this is what I came up with for a BASE recipe:

• 1 scoop of protein powder
• 1 egg white
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 dollop (I’m guessing maybe a heaping TBSP) of GREEK yogart – I used plain, but for added flavor you can use flavored, though it will add calories
• splash of milk (as needed to thin out batter, BUT batter will NOT be as thick as regular batter)

Today, I went with chocolate protein & a dash of cinnamon along with the other ingredients. I cooked with Pam cooking spray today, but next time, I’m going to try coconut oil. I finished them off with chopped pecans, diced strawberries, maple flavored organic agave nectar & fat-free whipped cream. DIVINE!!! (kid tested & approved, too!)

From here, there are endless possibilities & incarnations.  And though they aren’t as fluffy as regular pancakes, you can beef up the batter with one/more of the following – which I will be doing on the next batch. A little trial & error never hurt!

• 2 TBSP whole wheat/almond/coconut/etc FLOUR
• 2 TBSP rolled oats
• 1/2 mashed banana
• Flax/Chia seeds (ground)

Additionally, there is SO much you can do with the layers of flavor (in the batter and/or as a topping), too.  some examples that I plan to test are:

• Flavored extracts
• Fruit (dried/frozen/fresh fruit (NO SUGAR ADDED if possible!)
• Dark chocolate chips (a few won’t hurt!)
• Peanut butter (PB2 would be GREAT for this as it will add all the flavor and very few calories/fat)
• 100% pure maple syrup
• agave nectar
• organic honey
• flavored yogurt
• nuts
• applesauce
• dried coconut

I’m already thinking about what I may like to try next: Maybe peanut butter & jelly (raisins)? Or Choco-coconut? Perhaps Peach-pecan? Even Peanut butter-banana? How about chocolate-mint?

*DROOL*

Really beginning to love the possibilities.  I hope you do, too!!!

Something old? Something new!

 

I’m not really good with change.

AT ALL!

I don’t embrace it as I should.

AT ALL!

 

But along this journey, there have been LOTS of changes.  Especially where food is concerned. What, how much, and the type of food. Things that I love I not longer eat by the long ton. And things that I never used to eat are beginning to find a place in my daily meal plan.

 

Incorporating clean eating has not come without some challenges. Since I started the 1st DietBet challenge a few weeks ago, I’m glad to say that I’m at about 85% clean eating – and can definitely tell the difference in how I feel.  AND the scale has started to move. FINALLY. Not dramatically so – but on average, about a pound a week. And I’m ok with that.

 

It stands to reason that as I grow in health, I’m open to other food options that I may not have considered before. Vegetarian fare is not something I ever would have considered for myself.  I LOVE chicken. Even more than bread & pasta…and that’s saying ALOT. I can live without beef, and even pork (so long as there is turkey pepperoni on the market)  But not long ago, I was preparing dinner for my daughter – veggie pasta and green beans – and I was complaining because I didnt take out the chicken tenderloins to cook.  She said “that’s ok. I don’t have to eat meat every time”. Direct quote from my 4 year old. *SMH*  It was THAT moment that sparked the idea of having some vegetarian meals on heavy rotation.

 

Fast forward: I’ve always wanted to try “meatless” products (a’la Boca/Morningstar Farms/Quorn/Gardein and the like). In fact, I have had a couple of Boca “burgers” (Blackbean. Meh *shrug*). I wasn’t sold, though.  Then last week, my co-worker (a vegetarian) let me taste a piece of her meatless “chicken” patties.  I was FLOORED! It tasted like a chicken nugget! I was befuzzled… Could it be that I had been missing out on the opportunity to have a meatless meal that I actually enjoyed?!?

That night, I hi-tailed it to the grocery store and decided to go with the Morningstar Farms Buffalo “wings”. Mannnnn LISTEN: I was not prepared for HOW GOOD those things tasted!!! Crispity. Crunchety. Spicy. Yummery-goodness. No qualms with the texture, either – much to my surprise.

I figured if I could somehow swap out my daughter’s regular chicken nuggets for some veggie “chik’n” nuggets (not the spicy ones of course, just regular ole nuggets), we may be on to something. To my delight – she didn’t bat an eye or miss a beat, or question them. She ate them with glee and even commented that they were the “best ever”.  How’s THAT for change?!

*side note: a few weeks ago I managed to dupe the finicky 4 year old with spaghetti squash and then the next week, with some shirataki “miracle noodles” (though I used a different name brand) to replace pasta. I’m still going to do the veggie pasta or 100% whole wheat  pasta on occasion, but I’m loving being able to replace some of the things we love with healthier versions*

spaghetti squash w/turkey sausage, spinach, & parm cheese!

shirataki noodles – low cal, low carb!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I guess all of that is to say – you never know what you like – or DON’T like – until you try it!  I know for sure that the ONLY way I’ll be able to keep on this journey and be successful, is to broaden my horizons & palette when it comes to different foods…so I’m not eating the same thing every day.

So……IF you are able to find products to help cut the fat/calories – without losing the taste, why not at least TRY it?

Some one in one of my fitness groups posted about powdered peanut butter (PB2*).  I thought “ick”.  But when I looked up the nutritional info, and did some calculations of how many calories/fat I’m consuming by adding natural peanut butter into my protein shakes and such, I figured I’d give it a try.  Again – PLEASANTLY SURPRISED! Now I can layer on the flavor without adding unecessary fat & calories. (*PB2 is ALL NATURAL, but not “clean”. The only ingredients are peanuts, salt, & sugar. The chocolate one has cocoa powder, of course)

I’m excited about all of the changes taking place.  And the BEST part, is that my daughter is paying attention. SHE is making better decisions (when given the opportunity) because she sees ME making them.  Case in point:  I had a super Proud Mommy moment this week. Mini asked for a snack-bag of chips like her uncle was eating. Without a thought, I said OK…because it’s not something she normally eats, or even asks for.  She returned from the pantry with some applesauce and says “I changed my mind, Mommy. I want to eat healthy like YOU” – THAT RIGHT THERE… MAKES IT ALL WORTH IT. The fact that she CHOSE FOR HERSELF the best possible option means I really am doing something right. Not just for me, but her too.

It’s never too late (or too early!) to grow your tastebuds in the name of health.

Give it a try.

I DARE YOU.