Sleepy Head & Quinoa

I was planning to post about one of the four pillars of the 20 Year Younger lifestyle plan today.  I thought things were going well in that department.  I know I am doing better.  Since changing our diet, I've been getting really good sleep...even waking up fairly early and feeling rested.

I was informed today that my husband is not experiencing better sleep.  He claims to be having trouble and his shoulder hurts.  He has adjusted his sleep number and changed his pillows around.

I found it difficult to believe that he was having trouble....because the guy can sleep ANYWHERE.

So...not sure what to think of his sudden problems with sleeping.  If anyone has any suggestions I'd love to hear them.

What is your sleep number?

I have been going to bed between 10-10:30.  I have been forcing myself not to lay in bed playing Word with Friends and turn my phone face down on the end table so that the light doesn't wake me up during the night. I getting anywhere from 7-8 hours of sleep. And I'm not getting sleepy at 3pm anymore.

I haven't been using an alarm clock...just waking up when my body wakes up.  Next week, I'll be setting the alarm to get up for a morning walk.  I had planned to start that this week but Mother Nature hates me and decided to snow.

Colorado....you never cease to amaze me.

I have some recipes posted on my food blog and you can find them all in the tab at the top of my blog.

Ouinoa

Week One: Fruit and Veggies ROCK

I stopped my daily updates because I got tired of complaining about *my dieting partner*.

He got better.  I changed his food up a little bit AND he liked some of the things I made later in the week better.

We kind of made a bad choice for Mother's Day Dinner (PASTA) because we were trying to please our hungry picky kids.  I'm thinking eating out is going to become a thing of the past unless we can find a babysitter.

Coming up this week:

• Recipes for the meals we ate last week.  I've decided to post the recipes on my food blog since this is going to be a lifestyle change.  Go to The Rookie Foodie for the recipes.
• Our skin care routine.
• Beginning exercise!!

So...results for week one.

Keith:

Starting weight: 215
Week One       : 212
Lost:                     3 pounds

*also....One week without taking a acid reducer, sleeping better and more alert at work.



Connie:

Starting weight: 208.6
Week One       : 207
LOST:                  1.6 pounds

*Also....one week without taking an acid reducer, sleeping 7 hours a night without waking up, more energy.  AND this was TOM week!

Yes, you read that correctly.  I LOST WEIGHT DURING TOM!

Praise The Lord!

Day Two: Stumble

*Someone* complained about the food all day yesterday. I must really love him because I did not enjoy torturing him.  But something amazing happened....

He didn't have heart burn last night and he didn't wake me up snoring. 

That seems pretty great for one day of eating REAL food.  Hmmmm....

He also appears to have lost 5 pounds overnight.  I'm sure it's not really weight...just water but still.

*******

I stumbled today.....had a McDonald's breakfast burrito.  I didn't mean to order one when I got one for my kids but out of habit I ordered three.  Then I ate it.  I made it my lunch and I'm still under my calories so I guess I'm okay.

TOM arrived today.  I don't know why I wasn't expecting him.  This is going to be interesting....dieting while he's here.  I want ice cream soooo bad.

Must resist!

I made another 20 Years Younger Recipe today.  Tuna Salad and it was great!  I can see us eating this frequently.  Hubby even liked it!

Tuna Salad

Day One: One of Us is Grumpy

Stocked Up!

Hubby and I weighed and measured this morning and then put the scale away.  We'll bring it back out in 30 days.  I want to focus on how my clothes fit and how I'm feeling and NOT how the scale makes me feel.

Our breakfast this morning was Steel Cut Oats with cinnamon, apples and walnuts and a side of cantaloupe.  I think it was very filling but hubby seemed to want more.  He's going to have to adjust to eating less food.

Oats and Fruit

We had breakfast at 8am and by 11:30 we were hungry so I whipped up lunch.  We had Sardine Salad, a wheat roll with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and a cup of grapes.  It was a huge amount of food and it took me 40 minutes to eat it all.  Husband is complaining about how long it takes to prepare each meal and that a sandwich is quicker. I tend to agree with him....this is labor intensive.  AND I can't send this meal in his lunch.

I really enjoyed the roll (from Whole Foods) with the olive oil but I had to force myself to eat the grapes.  I was full by then and I'm not a big fruit eater.

Sardine Salad

After lunch...I had my husband take BEFORE pictures of me.  They were....horrible.  I'm shocked that I look like that.  I won't be posting them here because I mortified.  Instead I'll give you a picture I took yesterday.

before

I have to say that our Chicken and Grapefruit Salad was my favorite meal today!! I don't like grapefruit...at all. I hate grapefruit. But...a bite of chicken thigh, grapefruit and romaine with a light dressing of olive oil and cider vinegar....is fabulous!! My picture does not include the two Wasa Crackers that we were allowed. I only ate one. MY KIDS EACH ATE ONE and liked it. HOLY COW!

Forgot the Wasa Cracker

DO NOT TELL BOB OR MY HUSBAND...but I got a little treat for after dinner. This is not BOB approved unless you are exercising your ass off but I thought if we made it through the whole day without quitting then we deserved a treat.

This will not be a daily treat. Perhaps only on Sunday Nights. I bought this faux ice cream made with raw agave and cashew nut milk. It's actually gelato and it's raw, vegan, organic, low glycemic, low in saturated fat. It's also free of dairy, soy, gluten and cane sugar. It's a freakin miracle from Cashewtopia.

Happiness in a Cup

My kids loved it! I even told them it was healthy and they still loved it. Happy Mommy!

All in all, the food was pretty good and I'm not feeling dissatisfied or hungry.  I'm liking it a lot better than my husband who is a little grumpy with the changes.  I hope he lightens up about it in the coming days. 

Need To Know Basis

I spent the entire day yesterday reading the food section of 20 Years Younger and planning a menu for next week.  Some of these recipes are things we really wouldn't eat but I'm going to be adventurous and try some new things.  However...I'm leaving out the smoothies for now.

What I learned is that I need to not talk about this plan with my husband too much and just pack his food and tell him what to do. 

I started trying to explain the diet to him and his eyes glazed over.  I'll have be selective in what I share with him so he doesn't quit.

What I do know is that....he isn't feeling well and I have got to do something to help him.  I hope this is the answer.

We start tomorrow!!

Keith and Connie: 20 Years Younger

Did you watch Oprah yesterday?

What am I going to do without this show?  I'm going to be like a lost puppy.

20 minutes into the show....I bought Bob Greene's Book, 20 Years Younger because I've been feeling and looking old lately.  I don't know if it's the stress of raising kid's or if Utah just wasn't very good to me...but I'm not doing so great.

I need a plan.  

Bob's plan is centered around what he calls the four pillars: Exercise, nutrition, skin care and sleep.

I'm deficient in all of these areas.  Bob says that exercise is non-negotiable.  I tend to agree with him....but haven't been walking the walk.  Pun intended.

Bob also believes in Super Foods and 1700 calories a day with a plate that is half fruit and veggies.  He wants me to eat Brussels Sprouts and Seaweed.  And this is NOT a diet.

I couldn't wait for my husband to get home so I could tell him what I was about to do.  My plan was to talk it up so well that when I asked him if he wanted to do it with me....he'd have to agree.

He rolled his eyes....until I reminded him that his 30 year high school reunion is only 93 days away.

He changed his tune.

We're going to do this together!  YAY! 

I'm quickly reading the book and we're starting on Sunday.  May 1st.  

We'll be weighing in....and then putting the scale away for 30 days. 

Wish us luck!

Results of the 34 Day Challenge

Yesterday was my son's 5th birthday and the end of my 34 day challenge.

I can't say that I followed my plan exactly....but I did about 80% of the time. I didn't lose the amount of weight that I was hoping for.  But I did lose inches and a pant size.

Last week when I was at story time with my kids....I noticed that my pants were falling off.  They were a size 16.  I went home and tried on a bunch of my clothes and the 12's are super tight...but I got them zipped.  I just can't sit in them. 

I ordered a pair of slacks from New York & Co for $14 (regular $46) in a size 14 and they fit perfectly! YAY!

Start Weight:        208.6
March 24th:          205.2  
March 31st:           205       
April 7th:              207.4    
April 14th:            207.4
April 20th             207.2


POUNDS LOST: 1.4 pounds

I am calling this a success and I plan to step up my workouts once the weather warms up. I'm itching to get out and walk/run again! I'm even thinking of putting the scale away.  WOW!  I can't believe I just wrote that.  I think I've become a slave to the scale.

I'd like to thank everyone that supported me during this challenge! You guys are the best!

Wk#3 Weigh-In: Frustrated

I'm still sick.  AND Tom was here....he's about to leave and I'd like him to take these two pounds with him.

Starting Weight: 208.6
Wk#1 Weight:    205.2
Wk#2 Weight:    205
Wk#3 Weight:    207.4
GAIN:                  2.4 pounds

I feel like I spend 3 weeks busting my ass to get rid of what TOM does to me.  This up and down is driving me crazy! 

In other news....we bought a Wii Fit and I've been more active because of it.  Playing games with my kids.  My little fat Mii....is kind of cute.

***** 

We went to the Zoo over the weekend and walked for 2 hours straight!  It was 80 degrees in Denver that day and everyone was there.  It was packed with people and kids and strollers!  We ate breakfast at McDonalds before going...thinking this was a healthier (and cheaper) option than eating at the Zoo.

And we brought healthy snacks.  Fruit, granola bars and water.  It was so hot that we ended up getting the kids small ice cream cones.  I decided that I wanted to drink my calories.

I got a soda.

I've been a bad girl....

Caffeine and Sugar is my drug.  I felt so good after drinking this that I started making googly eyes at my husband.

I'm itching to get outside and walk again.  As soon as mother nature stops jacking up my plans and snowing and raining every time I get an urge.  I swear she reads my twitter account!

How did you do this week?

Wk# 2 Weigh-In: Sickness Sucks!

I've been sick since Saturday.

I felt it coming on Friday afternoon and it was all downhill from there.  I haven't even been able to sit at my computer much.  UGH!

Amazingly....I lost weight!

Starting Weight: 208.6
Wk#1 Weight:    205.2
Wk#2 Weight:    205
Loss:                   .2 pounds!

It's not much....but I'll take it!

The bad news....TOM is coming in a few days. I must keep him from destroying what progress I've made!

Day Nine: Operation: Piss Off My Neighbor

My downstairs neighbor.....keeps parking in my parking spot.

I like the spot right outside of my kitchen window because I can keep an eye things.  I drive a very expensive vehicle and I worry about people messing with it.  Sometimes...I don't leave the house because I don't want him to take my spot.

I found a sign at the mall but my husband wouldn't let me buy it.

Sometimes my husband just doesn't have a sense of humor!

We came home from having mexican food last night and Don was in my spot.  I lost it!!  I ran upstairs and I queued up a Jillian Michael's workout!  My husband and my son joined me and we shreded for 20 minutes!  We jumped around so much that our entertainment center was rocking back and forth!

I've had The Shred for over a year but I didn't do it after moving to our apartment out of respect for our downstairs neighbors. 

But all I have to say now is.....F@#K That! 

Operation: Piss off Don is in full effect!

Note: I don't recommend doing The Shred right after eating Mexican food. 

Wk #1 Weigh-In: The War With Sugar

Starting Weight:   208.6
Wk #1 Weight:    205.2
Loss:                    3.4 pounds

WOW.  I'm kind of shocked.  I knew I had a problem with sugar but I didn't realize it was this bad.  Of course this whole week could be water weight.  This next week will be the true test.

I did fall off from the sugar wagon yesterday.  My kids have been sick and I'm getting sick so I bought two comfort foods that I have no business partaking in.

Soda and M&M's.  

I need to find a new way to deal with stress and a different comfort food.  Like Broccoli. 

34 Day Challenge: Day Five

Confession: I had carbs.

Over the weekend...I had Subway twice!  According to my rules...Subway is allowed.  I had intended to not partake of carbs as much as possible.  It's just so hard impossible for me to not, when faced with eating away from my house.

Interesting development.....I'm thinking that my swelling lip is not sugar related but is a GLUTEN problem.  After eating a sub on Saturday, my lips was very swollen and red yesterday and is also today after eating another sub yesterday.

By the way, you can see what I'm eating here. 

The interesting thing is that when I had my allergy testing a year ago.  Gluten didn't come up.

I'm going to be gluten free today and see what tomorrow brings.

My kids are both sick again!  DANG IT!  I'll be doing a bunch of this (see video) and lifting weights at home today.

34 Day Challenge: Day Three

After two days of being basically sugar and glutten free.....I feel good.  I've been sleeping better and woke up this morning at 5am wide awake and clear headed.

Looking forward to what day three brings.

I'm also curious if this issue I have with my lip swelling up and turning red is related to sugar.  I noticed lately that it seems especially enflamed when I've been on a little bit of a binge. I'm looking at you Cadbury Mini Eggs and Thin Mints.

I drank 108 ounces of water yesterday.  Two things that help so much....having that water in the fridge with the spicket attached and throwing a straw in my water bottle.  I did spend a lot of time in the bathroom but it's for a good cause!


I've decided that I really want to wear this swimming suit from Victoria Secret this summer.

34 Day Challenge: Day Two

I decided to put my fancy drink dispenser in the fridge. It holds 16 cups of water. 128 ounces.  I also put all my healthy food on the top shelf where I can see it.  It's working out great so far!

I woke up starving today. My stomach was growling and I felt sick to my stomach. I made eggs with mushrooms for breakfast and then my stomach hurt. Weird right?

I'm resisting the urge to snack. This is a bad habit that needs to be brought under control.

Okay...weigh in.

Starting weight....208.6. Damn Chunky Cheese Pizza!

34 Day Challenge: Day One

Well....here we are.  Day one.  

You'd have thought I'd be all gung ho and that I would have drove my happy ass to the gym this morning.

You'd have thought WRONG!  

I thought starting this on a Thursday would be different.  

Here's my problem.  I drank too much wine at Chuck E Cheese last night.  

True Story!

3 Buck Chuck E Wine

It was my daughter's birthday and to get through the 2 hours of dirty, gross table tops and rides and games.  I medicated myself.

I'm sure the wine came out of a box because I have a MAJOR headache today.

The good news is.....that I only ate a small piece of amazing cake and I'm on track with my eating today.

Side Note: the thing about eating really good cake...is that a small amount is totally satisfying.



Goals for the 34 Day Challenge

No Sugar
No Processed Food
No Booze
No Soda
Lose 10 pounds

First Weigh In and measurements will occur tomorrow.

Weigh In and a New Plan

Saturday's weigh in....208.2.  I think this is the least amount I've gained during TOM in a while and I'm crediting all of the water.

My daughter's birthday is tomorrow.  We're going to Chunky Cheese and then having cake.

I was thinking seriously about doing the hCG diet again....but my husband has asked me not to.  Instead...I'm going issue a challenge to myself.

For 34 days (until my son's birthday in April) I'll be working really hard!  This is my commitment to myself:

Exercise (at least) 4 days a week
Eat low and slow carb
No Alcohol
No Fast Food
No Processed Food (if God didn't make it...I won't eat it)
No Soda

 I can do anything for 34 days!

Water Works!

I tried a new trick for drinking my water yesterday that seemed to help!

Every single time I went to the kitchen....I drank a glass of water.  If the kids needed a snack...I drank.  If I wandered in there thinking I was hungry (when I wasn't) I drank.

I drank 8 glasses of water.

I was down .2 pounds this morning.  WOOT!  Take that TOM!

A Challenging Week

I weighed in Saturday at 207.   Up one pound since last week.....

TOM is arriving today.  I'm going to work really hard to NOT GAIN this week.  I went to the grocery store yesterday and I DID NOT buy pop tarts or candy.  There isn't any soda in my house.

I'm going to drink water and eat low carb.

I'll see you on Saturday with an update!

How My Husband Lost 6 Pounds

He lost ANOTHER pound.

*connie shakes her head*

We went over everything he ate and drank this week.  We did eat more salad and there IS the Quinoa that we tried but I think we figured it out.

He stopped drinking ZERO soda.

He lost 6 pounds and his beer belly has shrunk up a little bit because he stopped filling his body with chemicals.

Also...his horrible stomach pain has almost disappeared.

Damn Diet Soda!

UPdate: Many of you have asked me how much soda my husband was drinking.  Amazingly, it was one or two cans a day.  He has switched to one can of regular soda a week and all of his stomach pains are gone.  And now he's down 7 pounds.

When Husband's Lose Weight

My husband announced as he was walking out the door for work this morning that he's lost 5 pounds.  I'd love to know exactly how this has happened because he's been prowling through the cupboards most nights after I've served him a nicely balanced, adequately portioned meal.

He's not been to the gym in two weeks.

Last night, he ate a half a stick of butter on several pieces of toast.

How on earth is HE losing weight?

****

Two nights ago...I served Quinoa instead of rice.  I'd eaten it several months ago and liked and kept hearing about it.  It's gluten free and I wanted to experiment serving it to my husband.  He has type 2 diabetes and his blood sugar levels have been all over the place.

2 hours after eating the Quinoa...his blood sugars were 30 points lower than most evenings.  And he liked it.  We'll be eating more...especially if it's responsible for his weight loss.

Bad news...kids' wouldn't touch it.

********

I've been drinking tons of water today to flush out all my bad eating on Wednesday.  I ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and I don't like PB&J.  I don't know what I was thinking.

I also haven't been to the gym.  Sickness has struck my house for the 4th week in a row.  I'm about to quarantine myself at a 4 star hotel with a spa and room service.