Health Progress Report...

 

I told you a while back that I'd begun a "psychology of weight loss" program through an app called "Noom". I began on April 26th of this year. The great thing about this program is that it's slow and sustained, and no food is forever off limits. In the (distant) past, I've easily lost forty pounds doing Atkins, but gained it all back when I went started eating carbs again.

Through this program, I eat those things, but in moderation, including dessert. I don't feel deprived or that I'm missing out at all. I've been more active, using a pedometer to track my steps, and a tracker for my food intake so I can become more aware of how my choices are different.

I still have a way to go, but I thought you might like to see my progress so far. Since April 26th, I've lost sixteen pounds. I sat at a plateau for longer than I cared, but when I began the program, I also took measurements for my bust, waist, hips, thigh and upper arm. I added those together for a total number. While I languished on that plateau, I retook my measurements. I'd lost 9" overall!  The other thing I did was told myself it was okay to plateau, because even at that point, I weighed less than I had in nearly 8 years (maybe longer)!

I wore this top when I met old classmates for lunch in August of 2019. Truthfully, I was kind of embarrassed when I saw how I looked in the picture. I had a great time, so that's what I focused on. Fast forward to 2022.

With all the surgeries I'd undergone in 2020 and early 2021, I decided I wanted to live healthier. That's when I discovered Noom and took the leap. In the image of me on the right, I'm wearing that same top. It's fitting me more the way it's supposed to, and I didn't wear the matching scarf to try to cover up.

Like I said, I have a way to go yet (about forty pounds), so I'm not crowing too loud. I feel better and healthier. My knees are happier, for sure. I'm getting in about 4,500 steps a day now, too. When I began, I was lucky to get in about 1,500. The goal is 10,000, but that will come, too.

Part of the program is to be accountable, so that's one of the reasons I'm telling you. The other reason is that my blog has always been a daily diary for me, so I'm making a post about this for that reason, too. I hope you don't mind. 

So, instead of just having that morning coffee before I start my day, I've added a healthy breakfast since April. I'm actually eating more and still losing weight. Yippee! You know the drill, I'm heading to the kitchen now. I may even do a little dance on the way.

Good To Know...

Low Carb Snack List

Whether decluttering, creating in my studio, or working in the kitchen, I’m also trying to be more conscientious about what I put in my mouth throughout the day. I’m really trying to make healthier choices. (I’m not counting the occasional morning donut, or homemade treat.)

I came across this great list, and knew right away I’d be sharing it with my readers, just in case someone else might find it useful. 

What are your favorite healthy snacks? I’d love to know. Something I can have anytime - guilt-free - would be especially nice. 

I went to see Shelly yesterday afternoon. She’s doing really well. She has at least two - three weeks of hospital care ahead of her, but she’s working really hard to get her left side moving. It was so nice seeing her, and we’re all looking forward to her being able to come home soon. Continued prayers are appreciated. 

Sharing What Works For Me...

Brynwood Needleworks - Fruit and Vegetables

Just over a month ago, I made a commitment to a healthier, more deliberate eating plan. I wasn't thinking "diet". Instead, I decided that I needed to change the way I think about and look at food.

Two weeks after I started, I had my annual doctor's appointment, and already the benefits were evident, with much improved blood test results. I was off to a great start.

Brynwood Needleworks - Fish and Meats

Then, one of my dear blog friends (who many of you also know through her writings) Dawn Edmondson of The Feathered Nest, decided to start a Facebook page and invited me to join.

It's called "Eating Healthy, Low Carb & Sharing What Works" (the name is a link). 

I found old friends there, and invited some of my own friends to join, as well. It's a great place for getting and sharing ideas and support for each other. It's "perfectly Dawn"!

The first two pictures are the result of my shopping trip to our local Amish market (Detwiler's) in Venice, Florida yesterday. All this glorious, colorful, healthy food (and the $12.99 succulent plant!) for slightly over $125.00, and this shopping trip will provide two meals a day for more than a week. Not bad!

***The raw honey in the back of this picture is a surprise for Handsome. This is a Sarasota product, with the bees collecting pollen from orange blossoms. mmm mmm! The jar next to it is Siesta Salsa, which I also use as a salad topping.

Brynwood Needleworks - Chicken Curry

Handsome is in Wisconsin right now, so the first dish I made while he's away was my own version of Chicken Curry. He's not a fan, so it's one of the things I enjoy in his absence.

I also create a side dish that is called "Raita" in East Indian cuisine. It has shredded carrots, baby peas, cabbage and chopped beets. Just right with the curry.

Brynwood Needleworks - Scallops and Brussels Sprouts

After shopping at our Amish market, I made sauteed' scallops with scallions; roasted Brussels sprouts; a side dish of avocado and heirloom baby tomatoes. I finished with a dessert of stewed fresh rhubarb, seasoned with Stevia, my homemade vanilla, cinnamon and topped with whipped cream.

It sounds decadent, doesn't it? Under the low carb (I chose Atkins to follow) plans, it's all allowed! So you don't think I'm feeding an army here, I served my scallops/sprouts on a 6" square plate and my side dishes are small berry bowls. It's a little hint to trick your mind into thinking you're actually eating more because your plates look full.

Brynwood Needleworks - Upscaled Tuna Salad

Lunches are healthy salads, like this tuna salad I made with a simple blend of Duke's mayonnaise and celery mixed into the tuna. I then topped a bed of lettuce with a nice scoop of the salad, and garnished with walnuts, chopped apples and shredded cheddar cheese.

Brynwood Needleworks - Meatballs and Cauliflower

Publix makes the most delicious meatballs that they sell raw in their meat department. I almost always have a package of them in our freezer for quick meal options. I made this batch into a stroganoff-type mixture and then served it over mashed cauliflower (blended with butter and cheddar cheese). Peas over the top were a nice finish.

Brynwood Needleworks - Chicken Kiev with a filling side salad

In a low carbohydrate diet, dairy is encouraged...whole cream, half and half, sour cream and cheese in moderation. Protein choices are meats, fish, and nuts, and vegetables add color, fiber and texture to meals. Anything "white" is to be avoided...sugar, potatoes, flour, breads, rice, and pastas. Juices and high sugar fruits in moderation. Anything "low fat" actually has added sugar, so avoid those items, too.

Brynwood Needleworks - Sonny's Sliced Pork, Sweet Potato and Broccoli

The reason I gravitate to this food plan is because it's easy to know what to eat (mainly by knowing what to avoid). I don't have to count calories and I'm not constantly thinking about food. I'm learning to "eat to live" rather than "live to eat" (the way I was raised). 

Brynwood Needleworks - Grilled Cheeseburger

The other component to this lifestyle change is that you don't need to feel guilty about eating something not in the plan once in a while. You just don't do it every day.

In the month since I started changing my eating habits, I have lost 14 pounds. Changing my outlook about food will continue to benefit my overall health, so I'm doubly motivated to keep on track.

Don't worry. This isn't becoming a "foody" blog. I only wanted to share this aspect of my life that helps support me so that I can accomplish all those other things that bring you back to visit me...like the time I spend in the studio.

These photos were all taken to share in our Facebook group. Many of the members share meal photos...and then share recipes, too. If you would like to join Dawn's group, you can click here and ask to be added. You'll find the group to be welcoming and generous, just like our leader.

Oh, and apologies right now if scrolling through these images has made you hungy. I only hoped to inspire, not tease. If you'd like any of my "recipes", just let me know and make sure I have your email address so I can respond.

Now it's time to get back to playing in the studio. I'm going to make more dresses today. Friday is our deadline!