Living on a Dime in 2009

[Edwards20]

Yesterday the BP was lower. I have an appointment with the doctor this morning at 8:15. Those that know me are well aware that I never go to the doctor myself ... I feel like it is a waste of time, and I usually have no $. I plan on covering the BP issue, asking for a cortisone shot for my back and discussing a mammo (yikes - I'd tried to avoid EVER having this done, but I suppose I need to).

Mandy's surgery lasted over 6 hours. Amazingly they were able to do everything lapro (except the feeding tube). This will be good for recovery. She also did not have to go to ICU afterwards, which was the plan. Yesterday's events in her life were truly a miracle. We just pray now that this works and that she can now get the nutrients she needs to continue to live !

I ate OK yesterday. Had my flax muffin w/cheese for breakfast. Had Buffalo's boneless hot wings w/bleu cheese for lunch and we made baked chicken parmesan for dinner. For dessert it was LC ice cream. I came in around 20-21 carbs.

Today, I have nothing here for breakfast ... ugh I suppose I could fix an egg, but I don't feel like cooking. I am taking 2 pieces of the leftover chicken for lunch today.

[monet0329]

Hey Candy..

maybe tonight you could boil some eggs.. for those days you don't feel like cooking or are on the run??.. just an idea ..

glad the operation went as planned..

[Edwards20]

Great idea Monet ... but I'm already in the bed .... I can't believe I haven't thought of boiling eggs this time around. Not to far back that is what I was eating for breakfast. Thanks for the reminder.

Those of you that know me well will be proud ... I actually went to the doctor and took my laundry list.

I have a mass on my side that is probably a fatty tumor. It doesn't bother me, but it has gotten bigger and depending on how I sleep, it can be bothersome. He told me to call him when I decided I was ready and he'd send me to a surgeon. Yeah, like I have time for that !!

My BP was actually not too bad ... but it usually isn't in the mornings. We decided to actually change up my prescription and continue to take them twice a day. However, he found a big knot on my neck at the base of my skull ... ugh, I guess my head was hurting so bad I didn't notice. He is pretty sure it is a muscle that is really spasmed (spelling?). He thinks the severity of it and the pain is elevating the BP. So, we are starting some muscle relaxers. If it goes down in size (it's the size of a golf ball) and the pain eases we will know that is it. However, if it doesn't alleviate it, we will have further testing on it.

He also gave me a cortisone shot for my back, and it may help the neck as well.

Ate my chicken for lunch. DH wanted pizza for supper, but I stood my ground (nicely) and we cooked our dinner that we had planned. We had baked tilapia and broccoli casserole. Not my favorite meal at all .... but a much better option than the pizza.

I waited til I got home from work and took the meds with my meal as directed. I didn't want to chance them at work until I see the reaction. BUT according to folks at work that have taken it, I could be slightly groggy or even sound asleep real soon.

[Livywilltim-mom]

Candy, I am so proud of you for going to the doctor. It can be tough to finally get yourself to the top of the "to do" list. What kind of muscle relaxants did you get? Unfortunately, I have lots of experience with them. Some are much better than others.

Your menu sounds great! I think we are all very motivated right now, and am feeling optimistic.

Love you, and thanks for always standing by me.

Hugs

[Edwards20]

You are welcome Jaimie ... I might not always be here ... but there are a few of you that I adore and think of daily !!

Flexiril (I am not sure how you spell it). I haven't been able to tell a lot yet. Not sure the cortisone helped either. I am assuming it will take a bit for it all to get in my system.

Dinner was 3 hot dogs (no buns), LC chili and cheese.

[monet0329]

Originally Posted by Edwards20

You are welcome Jaimie ... I might not always be here ... but there are a few of you that I adore and think of daily !!

Flexiril (I am not sure how you spell it). I haven't been able to tell a lot yet. Not sure the cortisone helped either. I am assuming it will take a bit for it all to get in my system.

Dinner was 3 hot dogs (no buns), LC chili and cheese.

sounds like heaven.. ..and you should have a veggie wiff that Candy.. not telling you what to do.. just trying to help.. love you!

[Edwards20]

Been trying to have veggies at lunch and dinner, but don't always. Today, was a hot dog wrapped in cheese for breakfast. Lunch was a large salad, and dinner was tacos (no shells) and a serving or so of LC ice cream. That stuff is gonna get me !

The scales haven't been great this week, but after my slips at the beginning then getting back on plan my weigh-in was flat. I deserve it .... but I'll take flat anyday over a gain !

Weigh-In
Highest Weight: 264 (12/07)
Lowest Weight: 228 (5/08)

Start Weight: 248 (7/9/09)
Current Weight: 242(7/23/09)

Current Loss: -6
Total Loss: -22

First Goal = 240 (8lbs) -- only 2 more lbs til my first goal.

[monet0329]

Originally Posted by Edwards20

Been trying to have veggies at lunch and dinner, but don't always. Today, was a hot dog wrapped in cheese for breakfast. Lunch was a large salad, and dinner was tacos (no shells) and a serving or so of LC ice cream. That stuff is gonna get me !

The scales haven't been great this week, but after my slips at the beginning then getting back on plan my weigh-in was flat. I deserve it .... but I'll take flat anyday over a gain !

Weigh-In
Highest Weight: 264 (12/07)
Lowest Weight: 228 (5/08)

Start Weight: 248 (7/9/09)
Current Weight: 242(7/23/09)

Current Loss: -6
Total Loss: -22

First Goal = 240 (8lbs) -- only 2 more lbs til my first goal.

That sounds GOOD...

you have a good day tomorrow candy..

[monet0329]

wheres Candy this am?

[Edwards20]

Originally Posted by monet0329

wheres Candy this am?

Ha ! I ran out of time and didn't get to post this morning. We had some issues trying to pay the car payment online ... DH got frustrated before work and gave up. I finally got it to work after 30 mins.

I haven't had enough to eat today. Coffee with a few pieces of cheese for breakfast and left over taco meat w/cheese & sour cream. I am starving. We have to got to AL to get DD ... so our free dinner will be served. Here's hoping it is carb friendly.

[monet0329]

Originally Posted by Edwards20

Ha ! I ran out of time and didn't get to post this morning. We had some issues trying to pay the car payment online ... DH got frustrated before work and gave up. I finally got it to work after 30 mins.

I haven't had enough to eat today. Coffee with a few pieces of cheese for breakfast and left over taco meat w/cheese & sour cream. I am starving. We have to got to AL to get DD ... so our free dinner will be served. Here's hoping it is carb friendly.

Y'all be careful..

for a low carb dinner..

[Livywilltim-mom]

Originally Posted by Edwards20

You are welcome Jaimie ... I might not always be here ... but there are a few of you that I adore and think of daily !!

Flexiril (I am not sure how you spell it). I haven't been able to tell a lot yet. Not sure the cortisone helped either. I am assuming it will take a bit for it all to get in my system.

Dinner was 3 hot dogs (no buns), LC chili and cheese.

Flexeril is a good one...you should be able to work and drive with that.

I am heading to Maine tomorrow...I will miss you! Hoping for a whoosh for you while I am gone.

Hugs

[Edwards20]

Jamie I hope you have a wonderful trip. Thank so much for stopping by to see me. I will miss you too.

Monet, you are always such an encourager ... thank you !!

Friday night I can't remember what we had, but it wasn't too bad. I was exhausted when I got home.

I got up early EARLY yesterday and met our Children's Director at the Church. We drove to another church in Calhoun for an all day Awana training. She assumed that the would allow us a lunch break since they are close to many restaurants in walking distance, so I just brought some money with me. Well, they didn't give us a real break and they brought lunch in. I had Chick Fil A sandwich ... yikes ! I would have picked off the bread but I was sooo hungry and we were running behind in the meeting so I had no idea what time I'd get home.

Shame on me for not taking some sort of snack in my pocket book .... peanuts maybe ? I don't know but I need to think ahead next time and come up with some pocketbook ideas. Maybe an Atkins bar ?

Then DH decided since I had already cheated it didn't matter for the rest of the evening ... NOT TRUE !! That was a big disagreement last night. So we opted for pizza and I tried to just pick the toppings off ... "tried" but didn't succeed .... I wound up eating some of the crust in my irritation !!

Anwyhoo, the scales were nice to me this morning ... and hopefully I am back on track. I've decided things are just going to happen in my life and I am not going to be able to be as strict as as should ... but instead of beating myself up and then continuing the bad habits on into the next meal ... I MUST eat properly the next meal. I've tried it all, I've tried to give it God and then I just take it back and try to control it myself.

For me, the issues are not in the "cheat" ... the issues are in what I do the next time after the "cheat" ....

Well, time to go eat some eggs and get ready for church. Then it's back to AL to take DD .... for the last time this summer ... atleast to leave her for the week. They have orientation at school this week on Thursday night .. and school starts August 3rd ! I can't believe summer is over, but my DH and DD and I couldn't be more thrilled. We are probably the only family in the world that doesn't look forward to summers.

[Edwards20]

Just posting a recipe for future use:

Crack Slaw

*1 bag of Dole Cole Slaw Mix (I try to pick out the carrots) or Shredded a head ofCabbage.
*2-4 tablespoons of sesame oil. The sesame oil makes the dish so it's important to have it.
*1 1/2 -2 pnds of 95% lean ground beef
*Red Pepper Flakes

Brown meat till it's cooked, place in strainer and tap off fat. Place meat on side. Heat up sesame oil in another pan, then add in shredded cabbage. Cook to desired tenderness then you sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top and even can add soy sauce. Very Easy

Number of Servings: Depends if you can put the fork down.
Carbs per serving - include all nutritional information if known: Ony carbs is the cabbage which is very little.
Preparation Time: 20 Minutes for everything

and here is the version I use...

Brown ground beef & drain - if I remember, I will brown with a clove or 2 of garlic, but I usally forget so I add garlic salt at the very end of the recipe.

Drain and set aside ground beef. Wipe out excess fat from pan. Add some sesame seed oil. Add a package of brocolli slaw. Stir fry till brocolli changes to a brighter green. Add ground beef back to the pan - turn off heat. Add soy sauce to taste. I usually leave the soy sauce off since I avoid it and I let people add it to their liking. This is why I can use garlic salt, however, you wouldn't want to use garlic salt and soy sauce - way too salty. If you forget the garlic while browning and you are going to add soy sauce, use garlic powder instead of the garlic salt.

This one calls for brown rice, which I would not use. A couple of these have fairly close ingredients so I am not sure which one I'll try.

Crack Slaw Recipe
Crack Slaw

Servings: 2


* 1/2 lb ground beef
* 1 T sesame oil
* 2 cloves garlic
* 3 gr onions
* 1 c broccoli slaw
* 1 cup shredded napa cabbage
* 1 T soy sauce

1. Prepare brown rice according to its package directions

2. While the rice is cooking, in a medium skillet or wok, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Remove the beef from the skillet, drain and set aside.

3. Heat sesame oil in the skillet over med-high heat. Add garlic and green onions; stir-fry for 2 min. Add the broccoli slaw and cabbage; stir-fry for 2 min. Add rice and soy sauce, stir-fry for 2 min.

4. Return the cooked ground beef to skillet with rice and vegetable mixture and season with red pepper flakes, to taste. Stir until ingredients are well combined and heated through, about 2 minutes.

5. Divide into two portions

This one actually calls for sausage instead of beef:

1 bag broccoli slaw (2 bags would work too, next time I'm doing that)
1lb of sausage (turkey, pork, hot or mild)
Soy Sauce
Its a stir fry so brown the sausage then toss in the broccoli slaw, cook until tender, and season to your taste with soy sauce.

Then I found this link for a couple of different variations: Crack Slaw

[Edwards20]

Ok, I wasted a lot of morning time looking for those recipes ... but it will be worth it when I get to make it.

Had a good day yesterday. Breakfast was a fried egg and a sausage patty. Lunch was provided at the in-laws (thank goodness she is back on plan). I had roast, green beans, and brocolli w/cheese. There were other offerings there but at least she had some choices for those of us eating LC. I personally don't understand why she continues to provide the other options such as potatoes, etc. as my FIL is a bad diabetic. Dinner was a bowl of LC ice cream. Not the best choice, but in my world it could have been much worse.

Sipping on my coffee, eating a boiled egg (Monet you will be proud). Made tuna salad for lunch. Ran out of snack foods to take so hopefully I won't be too hungry. I just can't eat a boiled egg at work.

[Edwards20]

Just stopping back in to add another recipe: Chicken Brocc Casserole

[monet0329]

Have a great day Candy..

good job on the boiled egg hehe.. maybe you could slice it up and put it in a baggy... for just incase..

[Edwards20]

Originally Posted by monet0329

Have a great day Candy..

good job on the boiled egg hehe.. maybe you could slice it up and put it in a baggy... for just incase..

I guess that is a thought, but they always crumble with me. It is the smell that I worry about. I already got some looks with my tuna yesterday. Thankfully another lady walked in a just opened up her can of tuna and started eating it ... so it wasn't ALL my smell.

We had a small salad and buffalo chicken strips last night .... yummy !! DH also cooked up the turkey brats on the grill. They don't taste any different, and they only have 1 carb each. The ones we usally get have 3. So, hopefully they will continue to have these on sale !

Drinking coffee now, gonna try and look around. I'll have two boiled eggs before I go. Taking 2 turkey brats and a salad for lunch. Dinner is undecided, and that always makes me nervous .. BUT DH said he'd take something out of the freeze at lunch !

[mycattaz]

Hi Candy you are doing so good.... WTG! I had my gall badder surgery 2 weeks ago and I have been eating really bad... shame on me, but i am trying again today to get back on plan... wish me luck.... the brocolli dish looks good have you tried it yet... I love brocolli

[monet0329]

Morning sweet lady..

I will have to get me some of those turkey brats for next week.. ..

I was in the shower this am.. and for some reason it hit me that I didn't answer a question that you asked.... my mind is always going...lol.. anywho.. you asked about my lettuce.. well, I rip it off the head.. the put it in a big baggie.. then I get all the air that I can out of it.. like.. I'll zip it almost all the way and squeeze the air out.. then zip it the rest of the way.. seems to be ok.. .. they do have those new bags.. seen them at the dollar store.. they are green, yet still see through.. they say those keep veggies much better.. a lady came in here one day while I was eating my salad.. said she swears by them.. ..

you have a great day!!

[twinkerbell]

Hey Candy!
You are doing great! Your foods look good, too! I am so proud of you! You have a great attitude and you will succeed, dear friend!
Did you know that you can purchase a small little Glad tupperware cup, and it holds a boiled agg perfectly? I think you can get a 3 pack for a couple of dollars...I carry those, and mini babybel cheeses and beef jerkey, also nuts. Remember, I am in classrooms ALL day (or the hosp) so I usually have to carry stuff with me too. When I eat the egg, I will wait til we take a quick break and step out into the hallway to enjoy it. No bad smell
Have a super day!!!

[Edwards20]

Lisa ... it is so good to see you !! I bet you feel much better now that you've gotten rid of that nasty ole gall bladder !! Can't wait to catch up !

Thanks Monet .... I've been keeping it like that. It seems to last longer than the shreds and actually I think it works out cheaper.

Twink ! Thanks for stopping by and thanks for those great suggestions. I might have to think about taking the eggs to work. Where do you get the cheese ? How many carbs ? What kind of jerky ?? Inquiring minds need to know this stuff.

Well ladies, I took some green beans to have with my broughts today AND I had green beans with cube steak tonight ... aren't ya proud ? I'm trying to work in these veggies .. argh !! Of course, I had my ice cream ... maybe one day I can wean myself ... but hey, still right at 20 carbs for the day.

Also, I made chicken salad for lunch tomorrow. Normally I would just take a bowl of it ... BUT, I pulled off some lettuce and put it in a big container with a bit of shredded cheese .. rounded out the middle and added my chicken salad ... veggies are good !! I know this ... but I have to try and implement it.

We've not had our flax muffins this week ... so I'll steal Monet's phrase ... I've got some plumbing issues !!

[monet0329]

Originally Posted by Edwards20

Lisa ... it is so good to see you !! I bet you feel much better now that you've gotten rid of that nasty ole gall bladder !! Can't wait to catch up !

Thanks Monet .... I've been keeping it like that. It seems to last longer than the shreds and actually I think it works out cheaper.

Twink ! Thanks for stopping by and thanks for those great suggestions. I might have to think about taking the eggs to work. Where do you get the cheese ? How many carbs ? What kind of jerky ?? Inquiring minds need to know this stuff.

Well ladies, I took some green beans to have with my broughts today AND I had green beans with cube steak tonight ... aren't ya proud ? I'm trying to work in these veggies .. argh !! Of course, I had my ice cream ... maybe one day I can wean myself ... but hey, still right at 20 carbs for the day.

Also, I made chicken salad for lunch tomorrow. Normally I would just take a bowl of it ... BUT, I pulled off some lettuce and put it in a big container with a bit of shredded cheese .. rounded out the middle and added my chicken salad ... veggies are good !! I know this ... but I have to try and implement it.

We've not had our flax muffins this week ... so I'll steal Monet's phrase ... I've got some plumbing issues !!

.. I feel for you.. ..

ya know what else is good?? I need to add this to my fitday.. but I made the fam BLT's tonight.. and there was 2 pieces of bacon left.. so I took me off a piece od lettuce.. put some mayo on it.. a slice of tomato.. folded it over.. yum..oh and the bacon..lol.. delishhh...

ok gotta runnn.. .. proud of you girl

[twinkerbell]

Originally Posted by Edwards20

Twink ! Thanks for stopping by and thanks for those great suggestions. I might have to think about taking the eggs to work. Where do you get the cheese ? How many carbs ? What kind of jerky ?? Inquiring minds need to know this stuff.

I get the cheese at Sam's...it's portable and I get little Jack Link's steak links, they are individually wrapped too.

[Edwards20]

Thanks Monet ... that sounds yummy. I am on a mission to find some reasonably priced LC bread !!

Twink, do you get the steak links at Sam's too ??

Sipping on my coffee ... adding todays foods to fitday ... DH says pork chops tonight.

[monet0329]

Good morning Candy...

Pork chops sounds delish.. ..

Next week I am going off the menus.. and doing a simple menu for the week.. then back on .. I wanna see if not so much.. cheeessseeeee will help me out.. ya know.. cheese and bacon..lol.. I'm not loosen to well right now and even gained today.. so ... and I had the cheesee cake.. so I am wondering if its the whole cheese thing.... so next week I will keep it simple..

any suggestions?

[monet0329]

thought you might like this..

DANA'S HOT DOG SCRAMBLE
1 tablespoon butter
2 Kosher hot dogs, sliced diagonally *
1 1/4 ounces onion, chopped, 1/2 small
4 eggs, beaten
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 ounces cheddar or Deluxe American cheese, shredded or diced *

In a medium nonstick skillet, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the hot dogs and onions. Cook until the onion is tender and the hot dogs have browned. Add the beaten eggs, salt and pepper and cook over medium-low heat until nearly done. Add the cheese and continue cooking until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted. Serve at once.

Makes 2 servings
Do not freeze

* The carb counts are based on using hot dogs that have 1 net carb each and Deluxe American cheese, not cheese food singles.

Per Serving: 462 Calories; 39g Fat; 25g Protein; 4g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 3.5g Net Carbs

[monet0329]

heres one with your flax...

TYLER'S MOST AWESOME INDIVIDUAL PIZZA
3 tablespoons flax meal
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon granular Splenda, optional
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 egg
2 teaspoons water
1-2 teaspoons oil
Toppings

Mix the dry ingredients; add the egg, water and oil. Spray a microwaveable dinner plate with cooking spray. Spread the batter on the plate in a circle. Microwave on HIGH 1 minute 40 seconds. Meanwhile heat a little oil in a medium skillet on about medium heat; slide the crust off the plate and into a skillet. Brown on both sides. Place the crust on a baking sheet; add the toppings of your choice. Bake at 350º about 15 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Makes 1 serving
Can be frozen

Per Pizza Crust: 300 Calories; 24g Fat; 15g Protein; 10g Carbohydrate; 6g Dietary Fiber; 4g Net Carbs
Per 1/2 Pizza Crust: 129 Calories; 10g Fat; 8g Protein; 5g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber; 2g Net Carbs

With the following toppings:

[mycattaz]

candy as long as the ice cream doesn't make you stall, or cause craving I say go for it... good job for staying on plan today....

yes I am feeling better since I got the gall badder out, really I didn't know how sick I was until I got it out... for example I have been having really bad dark circle under my eyes in the evening and now I don't.... not sure what that had to do with it... but they seem to be gone since I had the surgery....

I use low carb bread, I think its put out by nature own I think its 9 grams of carbs in it... and there is another one I get when I go up to my parents house, can't remember the name of it, but it only has 5 grams of carbs in it....

[Edwards20]

Weigh-In
Highest Weight: 264 (12/07)
Lowest Weight: 228 (5/08)

Start Weight: 248 (7/9/09)
Current Weight: 240(7/30/09)

Current Loss: -8
Total Loss: -24

First Goal = 240 (8lbs) -- made goal (7/30/09)
Next Goal = 230 (10lbs)

****************************************
Woohoo, I made my goal !! It wasn't as tough as I thought towards the end of this weigh-in period, but I was a little worried a few days ago. So, I guess the ice cream is doing OK with me for now.

I plan to take baby steps now. I have a long term goal, but the easiest and most obtainable is to this is 10lbs increments. I am not putting a time frame on it really ... but I did put 1 month in Fitday. Is it doable in a month ? Maybe, maybe not ... it might take me months, but this is just how I need to do this.

Monet, thank you so much for those recipes I do like them. I am more apt to try the hot dog scramble than I am the pizza thing though. I've never been good at crusts, dough type things, etc. but I'm not ruling anything out.

I also wonder about the cheese ... hmmm. I looked back and I noticed I've not had as much cheese as I used to this week. I normally always used to have chunk cheese on hand and I had it with whatever I was having for breakfast and then took it for a snack. Then I use shreds on salads, taco meat, broccoli, etc. I had less this week than last week, but I don't think it stalls me. I was more worried about my ice cream.

As far as menu suggestions, I admire the planned out ones. But, normally I don't have time to prepare things that require mixing ingredients and then cooking. I will say I am jealous that you have time for it and your foods always sound yummy. For us, it is typically a meat and either a salad, green beans or broccoli w/cheese. We don't venture off that much. But, because of that I think that is why we are tempted to eat off plan. So, I am not sure I am the best person to advise you.

Lisa, good to see you again ! Both myself and DH have had our gallbladder's removed. Mine was years ago and I still have issues with my bile duct. DH had his out earlier this year, and can tell a huge different. My sister on the other hand has had all kinds of trouble. I am glad you are doing well.

As far as the LC bread, I would rather find 5 carbs. The 9 is too much for right now. I just really want to make a sandwich sometimes and it will feel like a treat. So, 2 pieces of the 9 would put me over the limit. If you happen to know the 5 carb one or can find out where to get it let me know. I still plan to go to this natural food store that is near here and check them out. I've seen some online, but not sure I want to pay shipping on the already expensive stuff.

Today, DD will be home for a bit. We go meet her teacher tonight at school. This is the teacher she was wanting so it should be a pleasant evening. We have a cheerleading fundraiser on Saturday. Then we have some company that will be in the area and want to do lunch with all of us (extended family too). Sunday morning Church ... then woohoo, DD stays home and we don't have to take her to AL for the week as school starts Monday morning. From now til October things will be crazy for us with cheering. Then there is regular homework, the gifted class homework (this will be her first year). We are going to do Awana on Wed. night at Church and there is a possibility I will be teaching one of the classes, etc. Oh, and let's not forget GA TECH football !! Fan day is next Saturday, then cheer camp the following ...... yeah, here we go hang on !!