Thursday, February 20, 2014

Annual Physical

Yesterday, I went to the doctor for my annual physical.  She and her nurses were amazed when they entered in my weight.  "You're 50 pounds lighter than last year", they said.  It felt good.  Tonight while I was working at the library, a little girl, who comes in with her mom asked me if I was smaller and had lost weight. I told her yes, that I had lost almost as much as she weighs.  Both of those conversations felt pretty good.  Now to get down to business and get the other 50 off.  I will be interested to see what my test numbers look like and if I can make changes in my medications. 

Last night, I went to a Zumba class here at the university. One of the students that I work with in HPER teaches it.  I was definitely the oldest one there, but I can keep up for the most part.  The problem is I can't dance well and my hips don't move like theirs do.  Oh well, at least it is movement.

I haven't gone back to the induction phase with Atkin's, but I believe that I need to do that to get things going again.  I was noticing today that clothes that haven't fit me for years are now starting to get a little baggy.   A good sign!

A friend of mine wants to do the Nitty Gritty Dirt Dash.  It is on April 12th at Camp Alexander. That is prom, but if I go early enough, I should be okay.  It might be fun.  If I do that, I need to start doing more exercise and get in better shape. 

Monday, February 17, 2014

Dr. Appointment Tomorrow for my Annual Physical

Tomorrow is my annual physical appointment with my doctor.  I will be interested in seeing what my blood work looks like and her response to where I am right now.  I also want to ask her about long term plans.  My total weight loss at this point is about 50 pounds, give or take a pound.  This is about halfway where I want to be ultimately.  People have said to break it down in smaller segments.  So my next small goal is to be 10 pounds lighter when the semester is over.  Since I have been plateaued since November, I am going to return to the Atkins Induction Phase for at least 2 weeks to see if that will jump start more weight loss.  I need to have a renewed commitment to exercise.  One step in that direction is joining the Healthy Hornets program at work.  With this promotion, I need to do weight training exercise for 30 minutes 3 times a week and Cardio exercise for 30 minutes 3 times a week.  The weather is also getting nicer, so I can go outside and exercise again, which is what I prefer.

The other day I started reading another book, New Atkins for a New You.  This book lays out the Atkins plan moving from induction to pre maintenance to maintenance.  I think that I can follow this to see what results I get from moving back to being more restrictive in what I eat.   http://www.amazon.com/New-Atkins-You-Ultimate-Shedding/dp/1439190275/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1392677561&sr=1-2&keywords=dr.+atkins+new+diet+revolution

One thing with getting healthier is that I have been trying more vegetables in different ways.  The other night I made a recipe called Low Carb Crackslaw.  It really isn't coleslaw, but a version of hamburger mixed with a coleslaw salad mix that is cooked.  It is similar to the filling that would be in a Runza or Bierock.  It was really good. 

This is the recipe that I used:

Recipe: Classic Crackslaw

Summary: The classic recipe, blending ground beef with cabbage, ginger, soy sauce and other low carb ingredients. This is super-addictive and oh so tasty.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 minced garlic cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon white sugar or sweetener
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger paste
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 3 sliced green onions
  • 14 oz coleslaw mix (or shredded white cabbage)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet and season it with salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside. Drain off the fat if you wish.
  3. Heat up the sesame oil and sauté the garlic, onions and coleslaw mix or cabbage in there until the cabbage is cooked to the desired tenderness.
  4. Stir in the hot sauce, soy sauce, sugar or sweetener, vinegar and ginger.
  5. Add the ground beef back in and mix well to combine.
  6. Serve with hot sauce on the table for people who like it extra spicy.
Preparation time: 10 minute(s)
Cooking time: 15 minute(s)