Challenge 2 Day 36

I feel like a bottomless pit today. Thank goodness for venison. I snacked a lot today.

apple
cottage cheese

egg salad on light English muffin
venison

cauliflower
venison

light English muffin w/ butter
coffee w/ cream

chicken quesadilla
coffee w/ cream

light English muffin
venison

Calories - 1638
Carbs - 142 (37 fiber)
Protein - 152
Fat - 62
C/P/F Ratio - 32.8/35.2/32

Challenge 2 Day 35

Up a pound this week. Not surprising, considering the crap I ate earlier in the week.

Today was more marathon house cleaning. It took 12 hours over 2 days, but my house is completely clean and organized. I am very tired and very sore, but very, very happy to be starting the new year with a clean house. I just can't focus well on other things when my house is wrecked.

fortified french toast
coffee w/ cream

McDonald's grilled bacon ranch salad w/ ranch dressing

venison jerky

chicken
cauliflower

venison
mint 3 Musketeers bar

Calories - 1243
Carbs - 101 (22 fiber)
Protein - 135
Fat - 43
C/P/F Ratio - 30.5/40.6/28.9

Challenge 2 Day 34

It's a high protein/calorie day, but in my defense, I've been busy cleaning the house. Tomorrow will be more of the same.

BFL golden pancakes
coffee w/ cream

tuna wrap w/ light mayo & mustard

kielbasa
broccoli

chicken & onions

"fried" eggs
venison sausage
toast w/ butter

venison jerky

Calories - 1817
Carbs - 98 (28 fiber)
Protein - 199
Fat - 73
C/P/F Ratio - 21.2/43.1/35.7

Challenge 2 Day 33

I think I'm hitting the mid-challenge slump: resenting my workouts, hating protein, wishing I could eat whatever I felt like it in whatever quantities. It's probably time to change up my routine, but I have this thing about even blocks, so the end of week 6 (next week!!) won't come soon enough.

My approach to food is more liberal these days. For example, I made banana bread today, and it was good! High in calories and carbs, but it still fit in, I guess. I didn't have an adequate protein amount to go with it though. Oh well.

cottage cheese

BFL golden pancakes
coffee w/ cream

shrimp
brown rice
coffee w/ cream

chicken stuffed peppers w/ onions, cheese & enchilada sauce
coffee w/ cream

banana bread

Calories - 1563
Carbs - 142 (11 fiber - YIKES!!)
Protein - 149
Fat - 45
C/P/F Ratio - 36.2/38/25.7

Challenge 2 Day 32

I really wanted to pig out today, but I didn't. It's been a frustrating day, and I'm an emotional eater. I hope tomorrow is better.

banana
cottage cheese
coffee w/ cream

"fried" eggs
toast w/ butter

carrots
cottage cheese

shrimp
brown rice

ham

Calories - 1492
Carbs - 130 (21 fiber)
Protein - 143
Fat - 53
C/P/F Ratio - 33.2/36.4/30.5

Challenge 2 Day 31

Today was much better for me, even though I still felt kind of crappy. It felt like I was starving! Probably because I was - I got up late and didn't get to eat until almost 11 AM. But I feel better now, after having protein and good carbs.

cottage cheese
banana
coffee w/ cream

homemade bread w/ butter
roasted ham

cottage cheese
carrots

broccoli
roasted ham

Calories - 1348
Carbs - 116 (17 fiber)
Protein - 127
Fat - 45
C/P/F Ratio - 33.8/37/29.2

Challenge 2 Day 30

I've eaten myself sick. I've had so much crap today and now I feel horrible, physically and mentally. The sugar rush and carb crash are the worst, but I'm more disappointed in myself that I wasn't able to show any restraint. There really is no excuse for it. However, I'm going to put it out of my mind and start Day 31 tomorrow, back on track. I'm going to stick to the lower ends of my goal ranges for the next few days, and Sunday I have my Virtual 5K, so I'll at least get a little extra exercise.

Challenge 2 Day 29

I'm not tracking today because I've really lost track of what I've eaten, in terms of quantity. I can tell you that I've had:

cottage cheese
banana
fortified french toast
coffee w/ cream
cookies, cookies, cookies
toast w/ butter
chicken sandwiches & fries
vodka & diet cokes

Challenge 2 Day 28

Merry Christmas to me! Down to 149.5! Of course, more baking today, so that means lots of spoon licking. I also had a bunch of cookies (and I feel totally sick!!!). They aren't reflected in my stats because again, I'm too lazy to enter the information.

I ended up doing my ab boot camp today instead of doubling up yesterday. It's not going to kill me to work abs two days in a row on occasion.

cottage cheese
toast

cookies
hard boiled egg

cookies
carrots
coffee w/ cream

chicken wrap w/ mustard

shrimp & pasta


Numbers, sans cookies, for what it's worth...

Calories - 1085
Carbs - 103 (24 fiber)
Protein - 129
Fat - 24
C/P/F Ratio - 36/45.1/18.9

Challenge 2 Day 27

I've been baking all day and, other than testing a shortbread cookie, the most I've done is lick my fingers. I'm not tracking the licking. Or the cookie. I'm too tired to enter that info tonight. From now on I will, though.

banana
cottage cheese
hard boiled egg
coffee w/ cream

chicken wrap w/ mustard
yogurt

carrots

broccoli
carrots
bear chops

Calories - 1206
Carbs - 91 (15 fiber)
Protein - 130
Fat - 38
C/P/F Ratio - 29.7/42.6/27.8

Challenge 2 Day 26

So far, so good with the goodies in the house. Tomorrow, I'll start my Christmas baking. Here is what's on the menu:

whole wheat chocolate chip cookies (and maybe some with Shrek M&Ms)
flourless tiny peanut butter cookies
shortbread cookies
sugar cookie cutouts w/ powdered sugar icing
low carb peanut butter fudge
coconut meringues
choco-coconut no bake oatmeal cookies
low carb NY cheesecake muffins (George Stella's recipe)
low carb chocolate cheesecake muffins
whole wheat bread

It looks like a lot, but I'm going to split the loot with my mom and step-dad. My niece and nephew are there visiting and I'm sure they will enjoy the offering.

Since Christmas in on a workout day and I have a 3 year old who will want me to play all day, I'll be doing my Tuesday workout on Sunday, so it's cardio all weekend. I don't want to do abs two days in a row though, so I'm just going to do a double ab workout tomorrow. I need to work up to doing 2 sets anyway.

cottage cheese
hard boiled egg
pumpkin muffin

fortified french toast
coffee w/ cream

broccoli
sweet potato
chicken breast
1 bite of meatloaf

hard boiled egg
no bake cookie
popcorn

Calories - 1321
Carbs - 117 (24 fiber)
Protein - 123
Fat - 46
C/P/F Ratio - 34.1/35.7/30.2

Challenge 2 Day 25

I made the mistake of starting my holiday baking. Well, technically they were no-bake cookies, but still. They were gooooooooood! I had one for a snack and another later. I'm going to make a small batch tomorrow with some vanilla protein powder to see if I can make them friendlier for BFL/BFFM.

It's a high fat day. Bah.

cottage cheese
hard boiled egg
pumpkin muffin
coffee w/ cream

tuna salad w/ lite Italian dressing

grilled cheese sandwich
cookie
coffee w/ skim milk

McDonald's bacon ranch grilled chicken salad
ranch dressing
cookie

Calories - 1629
Carbs - 109 (22 fiber)
Protein - 119
Fat - 89
C/P/F Ratio - 25.4/27.8/46.8

Challenge 2 Day 24

My 3 year old ticks me off sometimes. I made myself some toast and he wanted his own. I made him 2 slices with butter. He wouldn't eat it. He didn't want toast. Bread and butter aren't cheap and I hated to waste it. So I ate it, after I'd just eaten my own portion. GRRRR!!!!

cottage cheese
hard boiled egg
pumpkin walnut muffin
coffee w/ cream

carrots
chicken wrap w/ mustard

carrots
chicken wrap w/ mustard
(not a typo - I ate twice - seems to be a pattern today)

toast w/ butter
chicken breast
coffee w/ skim milk

peas
bacon wrapped shrimp
coffee w/ skim milk

Calories - 1588
Carbs - 152 (48 fiber)
Protein - 146
Fat - 62
C/P/F Ratio - 34.7/33.4/31.8

Challenge 2 Day 23

I think I'm going to be bumping my starting pace for running soon, probably when I start Week 7. It feels too slow. Also at Week 7, I'm going to double the sets in my ab workout. I'm currently only doing 1 set, mostly so I can get my form down. So there - progress!

banana
cottage cheese
hard boiled egg
coffee w/ cream

ground chicken
kidney beans

carrots
cottage cheese
coffee w/ cream

broccoli
jalapeno chicken
coffee w/ cream

Calories - 1417
Carbs - 113 (26 fiber)
Protein - 132
Fat - 51
C/P/F Ratio - 31.4/36.6/31.9

Jalapeno Chicken Recipe

This is what I'm having for dinner tonight. I used to make it all the time when I was on Atkins. I'm feeling nostalgic and my current philosophy is to not deprive myself (hence the resolution to work on portion control).

1 boneless/skinless chicken breast
1 tbs cream cheese (regular, low fat, nonfat - whatever floats your boat)
3-4 slices jalapeno rings (or just chopped/minced - to taste)
2 slices turkey bacon

Butterfly the chicken, or pound it thin. Spread cream cheese in the center, topped with jalapeno. Fold or roll chicken and wrap in bacon. Secure bacon with toothpicks. Bake at 350F until chicken is done.

Challenge 2 Day 22

I reached a milestone today! I started doing the President's Challenge for fitness and today I earned my Silver Award! Yay!

One thing I really want to work on in the coming year is portion control. I'm eating too much at once, I know.

cottage cheese
hard boiled egg
pumpkin muffin

ground chicken
kidney beans

coffee w/ cream
fortified french toast

coffee w/ cream

sweet potato
barley
stew meat

Calories - 1541
Carbs - 133 (30 fiber)
Protein - 141
Fat - 56
C/P/F Ratio - 33.3/35.4/31.3

Challenge 2 Day 21

I was really disappointed to see no loss on the scale this morning. I though I had a fantastic week, too. Oh well. I beat myself up and ate a piece of pizza. I should be able to stay within acceptable ranges though. I know I won't hit maintenance levels, so there's that!

I tried a new whole wheat pumpkin muffin today. It wasn't sweet enough. I like the carrot pumpkin muffins I made last week better. It's just a pain shredding the carrots.

cottage cheese
hard boiled egg
coffee w/ cream

pizza

carrots

cauliflower
kielbasa

yogurt
pumpkin muffin

"Big Mac" salad (just everything that's on a Big Mac, except for the bun - and I used ground chicken!)

Calories - 1745
Carbs - 116 (13)
Protein - 109
Fat -97
C/P/F Ratio - 26.2/24.5/49.3

Challenge 2 Day 20

I was hungry today. I hate days like this.

cottage cheese
hard boiled egg
coffee w/ cream

cottage cheese
carrots

chicken breast
kidney beans

pasta
shrimp
broccoli
Caesar dressing

Calories - 1818
Carbs - 147 (33 fiber)
Protein - 196
Fat - 51
C/P/F Ratio - 32.1/42.7/25.2

Challenge 2 Day 19

Today was the first day I've been able to complete a weight training session without a single "Mommy, are you done working out?" or "Mommy, I need a peanut butter & jelly sandwich." or "Mommy, I need you to come snuggle with me on the couch." As much as I love snuggling my kid, it was nice to have him sleep all the way through for a change.

I looked up a few cookie recipes that would pass for acceptable for me to eat, mostly oatmeal-type no bakes. I may give those a shot this year. I decided against making a bunch from scratch - too much temptation. I will buy a couple packs of the pre-made cookie dough to bake Christmas Eve, and the rest, if I make them, will be the no bakes I found today.

I'm giving up apples for a while. The last bag I bought tasted funny and the bottoms were a little fuzzy.

cottage cheese
hard boiled egg
toast
coffee w/ cream

broccoli scrambled eggs

cottage cheese
hard boiled egg

cheddar cheese

chicken breast
kidney beans

carrots
peanut butter sandwich

Calories - 1652
Carbs - 138 (43 fiber)
Protein - 170
Fat - 65
C/P/F Ratio - 30.5/37.5/32

Challenge 2 Day 18

So much for continuing my streak of getting up early. I slept in until almost 8 today. Then I had to hurry up and get through my workout and do everything I needed to do. Hopefully I'll get up early tomorrow.

I know I've said before that I'm not big on frankenfoods, but I absolutely have to plug the Atkins Advantage Chocolate Peanut Butter bar. I had a meeting an hour away today and needed a snack to take with me. I just happened to see these in with the bars and they had a better carb-protein ratio than the EAS stuff. One bar (about the size of a regular candy bar) is 240 calories, 22 carbs (with 10 fiber!!!), 11 fat, and 19 protein grams. And the taste was actually decent. So now I know what to get when I need something portable and non-perishable.

apple
cottage cheese
coffee w/ cream

fortified french toast

Atkins bar

"fried eggs"
toast w/ butter

cauliflower
cottage cheese
hard boiled egg

Calories - 1469
Carbs - 137 (37 fiber)
Protein - 137
Fat - 59
C/P/F Ratio - 33.6/33.6/32.8

Challenge 2 Day 17

Two days in a row I've been up before 6 AM to work out. I plan to do the same tomorrow if my husband has to start work early, as he has been this week. This is a trend I'd like to continue. Heck, I would like to get up at 5 AM and work out. That's when my husband wakes up if he starts early. Maybe I will, on cardio days. I'm a bit shy about lifting weights in front of him.

No final numbers today - dinner is unmeasured.

apple
cottage cheese
coffee w/ cream

ground chicken
cauliflower
pumpkin muffin
popcorn

peanut butter sandwich
yogurt

cottage cheese

chicken & pasta salad (regular pasta & light mayo/sour cream dressing)

Pre-dinner stats:

Calories - 1257
Carbs - 112 (20 fiber)
Protein - 114
Fat - 52
C/P/F Ratio - 32.7/33.3/33.9

Challenge 2 Day 16

It's been a funky day, food-wise. I was testing out a cookie recipe and had a few nibbles to see if whole wheat sugar cookies are any good. They're not, so that's going to save me some unneeded carbs. Unfortunately, it means I will most likely be buying some regular flour or pre-made cookies.

apple
cottage cheese

pumpkin muffin w/ peanut butter
coffee w/ cream

barley
ground chicken

cauliflower
strawberry yogurt (I only ate half of it - I hate chunks of fruit in yogurt - but still counted all of it)

shrimp w/ cocktail sauce
brown rice

Calories - 1721
Carbs - 218 (23 fiber)
Protein - 120
Fat - 43
C/P/F Ratio - 50.1/27.5/22.4

Challenge 2 Day 15

I've really been slacking in the getting up early department. That needs to change. At least on Wednesdays I'm up early, because my son has speech therapy. I definitely need to work on the other days of the week.

With the holidays upon us, I've been debating whether or not I want to make goodies. I'm quite scared to, to be honest, because I don't trust myself to go overboard. Yesterday's slowly eaten candy bar may be a fluke. Though, I did make some wonderful pumpkin carrot muffins, and I only ate one! My son ate two. I think I am going to make a batch for my mom. If I can find more "healthy" recipes like this, I may do some more baking. I know it's not really BFL/BFFM friendly, but my rule lately has been just eat it if it's under maintenance levels, though I do try to stick close to my goal ratios for macronutrients. Quite honestly, I'm tired of worrying about it. I feel good, I'm losing weight, and I'm not usually pigging out. I don't feel like I'm dieting, and that's something positive. I don't feel deprived like I did when I was doing low carb or low fat. Maybe I'm doing that intuitive eating mumbo-jumbo I scoffed at earlier this year. Damn, reading it now, it makes so much sense.

A lesson was learned today, as well: the ends of a loaf of bread are terrible for french toast! They don't soak up the egg mixture. I used 3 slices of "butts" and one regular piece of bread and I still had mixture left over. At least I'm getting a little fiber this way.

apple
cottage cheese

fortified french toast
coffee w/ cream

carrots
homemade kielbasa
pumpkin carrot muffin

tilapia w/ tartar sauce
sweet potato

Calories - 1539
Carbs - 158 (32 fiber)
Protein - 138
Fat - 53
C/P/F Ratio - 38.1/33.2/28.7

Challenge 2 Day 14

After eating everything in sight yesterday, I was afraid to get on the scale today. But I was pleased to see I'm almost down to where I was when I left for vacation. I weighed in at 152.5 today, so only 1.5 pounds to go before I'm back to my old self.

I overate protein at lunch, so I allowed myself a 3 Musketeers Dark Chocolate Mint bar. I ate it very slowly. It was wonderful.

"fried" eggs
toast
cottage cheese
skim milk

tilapia
broccoli
3 Musketeers bar

rice cakes
cottage cheese

zesty baked eggs
cheddar cheese

Calories - 1561
Carbs - 128 (22 fiber)
Protein - 149
Fat - 67
C/P/F Ratio - 29.8/34.8/35.4

Challenge 2 Day 13

I did a normal BFL workout instead of HIIT on the elliptical. I might try the HIIT again next weekend, but I just couldn't face it this weekend.

apple
cottage cheese
coffee w/ cream

rice cakes
cottage cheese

coffee w/ cream
fortified french toast

carrots
chicken breast

chicken breast
sweet potato

banana
grilled cheese sandwich

Calories - 2005
Carbs - 204 (40)
Protein - 204
Fat - 58
C/P/F Ratio - 37.9/37.8/24.4

Challenge 2 Day 12

I was really hungry today. I finally bought more protein powder (vanilla, but I want to buy a chocolate, too) and I had every intention of making fortified french toast for lunch, but then I just didn't feel like cooking. So I just grabbed easy stuff. Tomorrow though, I am having it, with my coffee (which I didn't even get today).

apple
cottage cheese
hard boiled egg

cottage cheese
hard boiled eggs
dry toast

peanut butter sandwich

kielbasa ("homemade" from the meat market in PA)
carrots

chicken (in an Asian marinade I made that was WAY too spicy)
sweet potato

Calories - 1768
Carbs - 162 (37 fiber)
Protein - 154
Fat - 72
C/P/F Ratio - 33.8/32.3/33.9

Challenge 2 Day 11

I just had such a fantastic dinner - and I ate a lot of it. Homemade sausage, egg, and cheese biscuits made with hot bear sausage. Not enough yums to describe it!!!! So, the sausage and peanut butter make it a very high calorie day.

apple
cottage cheese
hard boiled egg
coffee w/ cream

scrambled egg w/ onion & green pepper
dry toast

rice cakes w/ peanut butter

carrots
cheddar cheese

sausage, egg, & cheese biscuits

Calories - 1906
Carbs - 128 (21 fiber)
Protein - 155
Fat - 92
C/P/F Ratio - 26.1/31.6/42.3

Challenge 2 Day 10

I think I'm getting weaker :( I really struggled with my UBWO today. I even ate beforehand. Or maybe I'm doing it right - I am working to muscle fatigue, or almost, especially with triceps and biceps.

banana
cottage cheese

carrots
venison
coffee w/ cream

California vegetable mix
venison
coffee w/ cream

McD's grilled bacon ranch chicken salad w/ ranch dressing

Calories - 1406
Carbs - 104 (18 fiber)
Protein - 142
Fat - 46
C/P/F Ratio - 29.7/40.8/29.6

Challenge 2 Day 9

I'm having a bit of a problem getting over some qualms I have about making some homemade whole wheat bread. The carbs are scaring me off, even though I know they aren't bad carbs. Heck, I eat bread several times a week, but for some reason, the thought of making my own (especially with so little fiber) is making me nervous. But I'm dying for homemade bread. Such a catch 22 :( Maybe I will use it as a "treat" during Christmas meals. Oooh, I could make a loaf and then turn it into some fancy french toast.

apple
cottage cheese
hard boiled egg

toast w/ cottage cheese
coffee w/ cream

roasted venison
carrots

shrimp & broccoli bake w/ butter, Parmesan cheese, bacon bits (I didn't measure, so I had to estimate)

Calories - 1904
Carbs - 124 (30 fiber)
Protein - 192
Fat - 79
C/P/F Ratio - 25.1/38.8/36.1

Challenge 2 Day 8

I know I shouldn't be getting on the scale every day, but I couldn't resist. Saturday night's binge effects are wearing off and the scale is going back down. So I can stay off until next Sunday's official weigh in now.

LBWO sucked. My calves were still sore from my HIIT. Single leg calf raises are really something.

apple
cottage cheese
hard boiled egg
coffee w/ cream

chicken & broccoli w/ Italian dressing
coffee w/ cream

yogurt

peanut butter on rice cakes

tuna wrap

Calories - 1393
Carbs - 106 (21 fiber)
Protein - 118
Fat - 53
C/P/F Ratio - 30.8/34.2/34.9

Challenge 2 Day 7

My legs are killing me from yesterday's HIIT session. Grrr! I have LBWO tomorrow and my calves want to go on vacation.

Against my better judgment, I did get on the scale today. The 4 pounds of water weight lost in the first half of the week were obliterated by last night's carb & fat fest. I suck, truly. Ok, I don't suck, but I really did know better. Why I ate pizza and cheese logs and whatever the hell else it was is beyond me.

With that in mind, I am making this promise to myself. I'm scheduled to make Christmas cookies with my son on December 23, as part of a big activity I have planned all month long with him. I will stay on plan until December 23, and at that time, I will sample my cookies (reasonable samples) and enjoy a moderately healthy Christmas dinner. Then straight back on plan!

apple
cottage cheese
hard boiled egg
coffee w/ cream

cottage cheese
rice cake

rice cake w/ homemade beef dip

leftover soup
small biscuit

chicken breast w/ broccoli & Italian dressing

tuna on rice cakes

Calories - 1606
Carbs - 140 (21 fiber)
Protein - 160
Fat - 44
C/P/F Ratio - 35/40.2/24.8

Challenge 2 Day 6

Ok, I do not like real HIIT on the elliptical!! The sprint intervals about killed me and I just could not wait for my 20 minutes to be over!!! I'm not sure if I'm going to do it again next Saturday, or do it on the treadmill, or stick with my regular BFL cardio. OMG, it was brutal.

Tomorrow is my "free" day. I think I'm going to treat it like a normal day. Or, I'll have a bowl of Cheerios for breakfast. I love plain old Cheerios.

apple
cottage cheese
hard boiled egg

fortified french toast
coffee w/ cream

peanut butter sandwich
pork rinds

homemade venison, barley, and vegetable soup

And damn it, this is where things fell apart. Since I didn't actually publish this post before turning off the computer last night, I wasn't compelled to leave the menu alone, and I ended up in a binge. I started with one proper serving of Cheerios, then a huge bowl of Cheerios. It didn't stop there, oh no, it did not! I ate some of my husband's special sausage (trust me, it's not as dirty as it sounds!!!), then a pizza boat, then some cheese logs. After that, I was finally disgusted enough with myself to brush my teeth and go go bed, where I dreamed of cardio machines and scales and the Kimkins diet.