Saturday, January 31, 2009

日71

Dinner ala Whole Foods

The food shall speak for me again! Talk, food! Talk!!!

Saturday - January 31, 2009

12:00 am

+ a cup of instant coffee with a few ounces of low-fat milk and a pinch of pure stevia

1:15 pm

+ a vanilla whey protein shake - (2 scoops of natural vanilla whey protein powder, 4 oz of heavy cream & 2 packets of Also Salt, 1 packet of stevia + FOS)

3:45 pm

+ 2 organic Roma tomatoes, sliced and topped with organic sour cream and sliced Manchego (raw sheep's milk) cheese

+ an organic avocado

+ thick sliced natural salami

+ a glass of organic red wine

6:00 pm

+ a strong cup of white tea (3 tea bags)

7:30 pm (pictured above)

+ store bought chicken breast (with skin), stuffed with spinach, peppers and goat cheese

+ 1/2 cup of leftover homemade chicken broth

11:30 pm

+ a strong cup of white tea (3 tea bags)


More to come ... I hope!

Friday, January 30, 2009

70 Days of LC Menu Blogging


Porterhouse Steak on a Bed of Broccolini

Tomato Islands in a Sea of Prosciutto


Breaking News: I wasn't selected to be on the jury! What a relief! The trial that I was a candidate for was of a very serious nature. It was expected to be a two-week trial. I was not looking forward to that at all! But, I didn't try to get out of it. I cooperated fully with the court and I was rejected fair-and-square. I've never been so happy to be rejected in my whole life!


To celebrate, my wife and I (and a friend) will go out to celebrate. We'll be celebrating our friend finding a new job. And now, we'll celebrate the jury news as well! I don't know where we're going but I'll document the proceedings. :)


Friday - January 29, 2009


9:00 am

+ a cup of instant coffee with a few ounces of low-fat milk and a pinch of pure stevia

11:00 am

+ 2 organic Roma tomatoes, sliced and topped with organic sour cream and sliced Manchego (raw sheep's milk) cheese

+ 3 oz of thinly cut prosciutto

+ a glass of organic red wine

1:00 pm

+ a strong cup of white tea (3 tea bags)

5:30 pm

+ a cup of instant coffee with a few ounces of low-fat milk and a pinch of pure stevia

8:00 pm (pictured above)

+ a porterhouse steak

+ sauteed broccolini

+ a glass of red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon)

11:00 pm

+ a vanilla whey protein shake - (2 scoops of natural vanilla whey protein powder, 4 oz of heavy cream & 2 packets of Also Salt, 1 packet of stevia + FOS)

Note:
It's unusual for me to eat/drink this late. But, I needed to take my supplements and they need to be taken with food. So, I tried to make the best of it by having a nutritious snack.


More to come ... I hope!

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Tag 69


Herb Grilled Chicken Thighs and Organic Avocado

Today, I will allow the food to speak for itself. What? Like your food doesn't talk?

But before I go, have you ever heard of a Bacon Explosion? Check it out!

Thursday - January 29, 2009

7:45 am

+ a cup of instant coffee with a few ounces of low-fat milk and a pinch of pure stevia

9:30 am

+ a vanilla whey protein shake - (2 scoops of natural vanilla whey protein powder, 4 oz of heavy cream & 2 packets of Also Salt, 1 packet of stevia + FOS)

12:15 pm
(my "sack lunch" - taken to the courthouse)

+ 5 slices of natural bacon

+ 4 natural breakfast sausage

+ 1/2 cup homemade creamed spinach

5:15 pm

+ a cup of instant coffee with a few ounces of low-fat milk and a pinch of pure stevia

6:45 pm (pictured above)

+ 3 pieces of herb grilled chicken thighs

+ an organic avocado, sliced

10:45 pm

+ a strong cup of white tea (3 tea bags)


More to come ... I hope!



Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Giorno 68


My Dinner Feast!

I'm back home from my first day of jury duty. Tomorrow morning, I'll go back to see if I'm to be seated on a jury (or not). Que sera, sera.

I was up very early (by my standards) this morning. A wake up call of 5:30 am. But with the proper planning, I was able to stick to a pretty decent LC menu today. That's always good - when your schedule changes but you still manage to stay on course. It's like a test. And, I passed!


Wednesday - January 28, 2009

5:45 am

+ a cup of instant coffee with a few ounces of low-fat milk and a pinch of pure stevia

7:00 am

+ a vanilla whey protein shake - (2 scoops of natural vanilla whey protein powder, 4 oz of heavy cream & 2 packets of Also Salt, 1 packet of stevia + FOS)

12:00 pm
(brought to the courthouse - eaten in the car)

+ 6 natural breakfast sausages

+ 1/2 cup of homemade creamed spinach

4:00 pm

+ a cup of instant coffee with a few ounces of low-fat milk and a pinch of pure stevia

5:15 pm

+ a strong cup of white tea (3 tea bags)

7:15 pm (pictured above)

+ thick sliced natural salami

+ 2 small Roma tomatoes, sliced and topped with sour cream

+ a medium avocado

+ a few ounces of Manchego (sheep's milk) cheese

11:00 pm

+ a strong cup of white tea (3 tea bags)


More to come ... I hope!

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Jour 67

____________________________________________________________________

UPDATE!
- BOOM! I just got served! I'll be heading to the local courthouse (at a truly diabolical hour) tomorrow morning to report for JURY DUTY!

I'll report back as I'm able. But for now, I need to go practice my "crazy man" routine to see if I get off the hook! Wish me luck!
____________________________________________________________________

Today I had lunch with a few of my ex-colleagues in the film biz. It was good to see them both. I met them at my old place of work and we drove to a local Indian restaurant. The food was pretty tasty. It was served in a buffet style which was helpful - since we had a limited amount of time. Also, I'm not very familiar with Indian food and the buffet presentation allowed me to survey the grub before selecting the best LC options. :)

I think I did alright. I wish I would have remembered to bring my camera or to take notes about exactly what I ate though. Oh well. A basic description resides below.

More commentary to come ...


Tuesday - January 27, 2009

10:15 am

+ a cup of "choco-coffee" - (2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of instant coffee, 1 packet of Also Salt and 1 packet of stevia + FOS and hot water)

11:30 pm

+ a vanilla whey protein shake - (2 scoops of natural vanilla whey protein powder, 4 oz of heavy cream & 2 packets of Also Salt, 1 packet of stevia + FOS)

1:45 pm

+ Indian food - grilled chicken, savory lamb and a spinach side dish

Note: I had lunch with a few old workmates of mine. I think my food selections were all pretty low carb. Nothing tasted sweet and I felt fine afterward. Fingers crossed. :)

3:45 pm

+ a cup of instant coffee with a few ounces of heavy cream and a pinch of pure stevia

5:15 pm

+ a strong cup of white tea (3 tea bags)

7:15 pm

+ a fillet of spicy catfish (store-bought)

+ 1/2 cup of homemade mashed cauliflower

10:30 pm

+ a strong cup of white tea (3 tea bags)


More to come ... I hope!

Monday, January 26, 2009

일 66


Herb Grilled Chicken Thighs with Homemade Creamed Spinach


It's Monday. Weigh-in day. The moment of truth. Here's what the scale told me this morning:

_____________________________

This Week's Body Weight: 216 lbs.

This Week's Body Fat %: 32.7 %

_____________________________

Last Week's Body Weight: 217.6 lbs.

Last Week's Body Fat %: 33.8 %

_____________________________

2 Week's Ago Body Weight: 220.6 lbs.

2 Week's Ago Body Fat %: 34.1 %
_____________________________

3 Week's Ago Body Weight: 224.4 lbs.

3 Week's Body Ago Fat %: 36 %
_____________________________

4 Week's Ago Body Weight: 227.4 lbs.

4 Week's Ago Body Fat %: 35.7%
_____________________________

5 Week's Ago Body Weight: 228.2 lbs

5 Week's Ago Body Fat %: 38.2%
_____________________________

6 Week's Ago Body Weight: 230.6 lbs

6 Week's Ago Body Fat %: 36.9%
_____________________________

7 Week's Ago Body Weight: 231.8 lbs.

7 Week's Ago Body Fat %: 37%
_____________________________

8 Week's Ago Body Weight: 235.6 lbs.

8 Week's Ago Body Fat %: 38.9%
__________________________
___

So I'm down about 1 1/2 pounds and another percentage point in body fat. I'll take it.

More commentary to come ...


Monday - January 26, 2009

10:15 am

+ a cup of "choco-coffee" - (2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of instant coffee, 1 packet of Also Salt and 1 packet of stevia + FOS and hot water)

12:00 pm

+ a vanilla whey protein shake - (2 scoops of natural vanilla whey protein powder, 4 oz of heavy cream & 2 packets of Also Salt, 1 packet of stevia + FOS)

3:00 pm

+ a strong cup of white tea (3 tea bags)

7:00 pm (pictured above)

+ 3 herb-grilled chicken thighs (only two are pictured above ... I went back for seconds)

+ 1/2 homemade creamed spinach

11:30 pm

+ a strong cup of white tea (3 tea bags)


More to come ... I hope!

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Tag Fünfundsechzig


A Plateful of Love *

* My sweet wife prepared this most delicious breakfast. She's still not feeling 100% better and yet she found the energy to do it. Isn't she the best? All I was allowed to do was slice the avocado!


It's a beautiful Sunday morning and I do believe my lovely wife is on the mend! That's the best possible news!

Update: I just finished assembling a new entertainment stand for our home - with my brother-in-law (thankfully). I'm happy that's done with.

I'm actually not very hungry at all today. I had a big breakfast. I skipped lunch. And I'll likely have a light dinner later tonight.

Update: I eventually started feeling hungry (at around 8:30 pm) but I didn't feel energetic enough to prepare anything. But that's okay because I have a few "go to" meals that help me out in such circumstances.

I was able to whip something up that was rich in healthy fats, protein, non-starchy carbs and that satisfied my hunger and tantalized my palate. That's more than good enough, at times like this.


Sunday - January 25, 2009

11:15 am

+ a cup of "choco-coffee" - (2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of instant coffee, 1 packet of Also Salt and 1 packet of stevia + FOS and hot water)

12:45 pm (to be pictured soon)

+ "cheesy eggs" - (approx. 3 organic omega-3 eggs, a dash of heavy cream, organic cheddar cheese, sea salt, freshly ground pepper and Also Salt)

+ 6 slices of natural (nitrate-free) bacon

+ 3/4 of an organic avocado, sliced

5:00 pm

+ a cup of "choco-coffee" - (2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of instant coffee, 1 packet of Also Salt and 1 packet of stevia + FOS and hot water)

8:45 pm

+ thick sliced salami

+ approx. 3 oz of "Mitica Naked Goat Raw Milk Cheese"

+ a glass of red wine

11:45 pm

+ a strong cup of white tea (3 tea bags)


More to come ... I hope!

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Dia 64


Chuck Roast Island (click to enlarge)

It's officially the weekend. That's the good news. The bad news is that my wife is suffering from a bad cold. It's dropped into her chest and she is suffering quite a bit. She had a really rough day yesterday and a worse night. :( We're trying all the standard tricks to speed the colds exit ... tea, bed rest, extra vitamins, etc.

It's always painful to see someone you love very much suffering. But, the best possible reaction to such a situation is to try and stay positive and not add to the problem. That's what I'm trying to stay focused on. And, I hope/think I'm succeeding.

As some of you may know, I haven't been successful in exercising or meditating much. But, these past few days, I've been more successful in maintaining a more positive attitude. How have I (seemingly) accomplished this? I think I've just made a conscious decision to try hard not to feel down. I know that may sound too simplistic, but that's the best (and most truthful) explanation I've got for y'all.

1) Identify the problem: Being depressed without good cause.

2) Try to fix the problem: Don't allow a down mood to form in the first place. If you feel it coming on, consciously decide that it's not an acceptable reaction - given the circumstances. Depression isn't the same as justifiable sadness.

3) Be accountable. Share your failures and successes, with steps 1 & 2 with your diary, blog or family and friends.


Update: The good news of the day? My wife seems to be getting better. Thank you all for your prayers and kind thoughts. They are much appreciated.

Another piece of good news ... Erika and Vadim are back in town! Hooray! Welcome back, lady and gent! :)


Saturday - January 24, 2009

11:30 am

+ a cup of "choco-coffee" - (2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of instant coffee, 1 packet of Also Salt and 1 packet of stevia + FOS and hot water)

1:15 pm

+ homemade vegetable soup - (fatty beef broth and organic broccoli florets ... made into a smooth soup via my immersion blender)

4:45 pm

+ a small organic avocado, sliced

+ 2 thin slices of prosciutto

+ approx. 3 oz of "Mitica Naked Goat Raw Milk Cheese"

+ a glass of red wine

6:45 pm

+ a cup of "choco-coffee" - (2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of instant coffee, 1 packet of Also Salt and 1 packet of stevia + FOS and hot water)

8:45 pm (pictured above)

+ the final leftover piece of chuck roast with a little beef broth

+ homemade mashed cauliflower

11:15 pm

+ a strong cup of white tea (3 tea bags)


More to come ... I hope!

Friday, January 23, 2009

天六十三


Homemade Veggie Soup (breakfast o' champs)

It's been a gloomy morning over here. It rained part of yesterday and last night. More rain is supposedly coming this weekend. Yah! That's right ... Yah! I love the rain. It was a perfect morning to sleep in. And so I did ... a little bit.

My agenda for the day? Stay positive and methodically take care of everything that needs doing. I'm confident that I'll accomplish that goal.

Later today I'll head over to Whole Foods for our weekly shopping spree. I'll try to find some interesting new items for my menu. I tend to be a creature of habit but maybe it would be a good thing to vary things up a bit - for me, my wife and for those that check in on this site.

I hope you all are rebounding (or trying to) as well. I know it can be hard but we must try! Please let me know if I can help you in your efforts to do so. In the meantime, I'll try to set a better example (than I have been). Happiness is a choice - at least it is to some degree :)

update: It's about 7:30 pm now. I did get a bit uptight earlier. Managing stress isn't my strong suit. Still, my mood hasn't taken any major turns to negative-town.

More commentary to come ...


Friday - January 23, 2009

10:30 am

+ a cup of "choco-coffee" - (2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of instant coffee, 1 packet of Also Salt and 1 packet of stevia + FOS and hot water)

12:00 pm

+ homemade vegetable soup - (fatty beef broth and organic broccoli florets ... made into a smooth soup via my immersion blender)

3:45 pm

+ 2 small Roma tomatoes, sliced and topped with organic sour cream and two types of cheeses: Manchego (sheep's milk) cheese and Comte cheese

+ approx. 2 oz of organic sliced salami

+ a glass of organic red wine

7:15 pm

+ a cup of "choco-coffee" - (2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of instant coffee, 1 packet of Also Salt and 1 packet of stevia + FOS and hot water)

8:45 pm

+ spicy catfish fillet (from Whole Foods)

+ 1/2 cup of homemade mashed cauliflower

11:00 pm

+ a strong tea made with 2 tea bags of organic white tea and 1 tea bag of a chamomile-blend


More to come ... I hope!

Thursday, January 22, 2009

День шестьдесят два


Natural Salami & Thick Sliced Roma Tomatoes withAlign Center Sour Cream and Soft Goat Cheese

I pledge to not allow myself to feel downbeat today. I will remain optimistic no matter what this day brings. That is my intent.

So far, it's about 2:45 pm and I've managed to keep fighting the good fight. Now, it's just a matter of using that momentum to finish off the day in the same spirit. I intend to do just that.

Will I? Won't I? I'll report back later. :)

It's 6:00 pm now and I'm still going strong. My "choco-coffee" definitely helped my lagging energy and mood. The strong white tea is another invaluable aid. I may need one later tonight.

Be back with another update soon ...

It's nearing the midnight hour. I'm off to dream. Positive dreams, I hope. :)


Thursday - January 23, 2008

9:30 am

+ a vanilla whey protein shake - (2 scoops of natural vanilla whey protein powder, 4 oz of heavy cream & 2 packets of Also Salt, 1 packet of stevia + FOS)

12:45 pm

+ a cup of organic instant coffee, 2 oz of heavy cream and 1 packet of stevia + FOS

2:00 pm (pictured above)

+ 2 oz of sliced organic salami

+ 2 small Roma tomatoes (sliced), topped with organic sour cream and chevre (goat's milk cheese)

+ a glass of red wine

5:30 pm

+ a cup of "choco-coffee" - (2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of instant coffee, 1 packet of Also Salt and 1 packet of stevia + FOS and hot water)

7:30 pm

+ leftover chuck roast

+ 1/2 cup of homemade mashed cauliflower

10:30 pm

+ a strong cup of white tea (3 tea bags)


More to come ... I hope!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

The Day They Call 61


One of My "Go To" Meals


Today, I will do my best to stay positive. That is my intent.

More commentary to come ... positive commentary! :)

Thanks for all the support everyone!

update: It's 3:00 pm and I'm feeling quite a bit better than I have the past few days. Yah!


Wednesday - January 21, 2009

9:45 am

+ a cup of "choco-coffee" - (2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of instant coffee, 1 packet of Also Salt and 1 packet of stevia + FOS and hot water)

11:15 am

+ a gorgonzola mushroom stuffed beef burger, topped with grilled onions and natural bacon

+ a small organic avocado, sliced

1:30 pm

+ a strong cup of white tea (3 tea bags)

2:45 pm

+ chorizo sausage, sliced

+ 2 small Roma tomatoes (sliced), topped with organic sour cream and chevre (goat's milk cheese)

+ a glass of red wine

5:30 pm

+ a cup of "choco-coffee" - (2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of instant coffee, 1 packet of Also Salt and 1 packet of stevia + FOS and hot water)

8:00 pm

+ natural prosciutto, thinly sliced

+ Manchego (sheep's milk) cheese

+ a small organic avocado, sliced

10:30 pm

+ ginger/white tea (1 tea bag of "Ginger Aid" and 2 of White Tea)


More to come ... I hope!

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Giorno Sessanta


Homemade Chuck Roast and Mashed Cauliflower


Every day feels like a battle to hang on. I don't mean to be a downer but that's how I often feel. I suppose one good thing is that my mind's car no longer steers onto Binge Boulevard every time I feel like life is just too much.

I often wonder if it's ever going to get any easier. History isn't a good indicator that it will. Still, I cling to some hope - as foolish as that might be. What's the alternative? I must live. And if I am to live, I must try.


And so another battle begins ...


Tuesday - January 20, 2009

10:30 am

+ a cup of "choco-coffee" - (2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of instant coffee, 1 packet of Also Salt and 1 packet of stevia + FOS and hot water)

12:00 pm

+ leftover vegetable soup - (ultra-fatty chicken broth, a bratwurst sausage and green beans ... all blended into a smooth consistency via my handy-dandy immersion blender)

3:45 pm

+ LC lamb "burrito" - (ground lamb, grilled onions, spicy salsa and organic sour cream)

+ a glass of red wine


5:45 pm

+ a strong cup of white tea (3 tea bags)

7:00 pm (pictured above)

+ homemade chuck roast - (cooked in a slow cooker with roasted, canned tomatoes, fresh garlic, an onion, red wine, red pepper flakes, sea salt and fresh ground pepper)

+ homemade mashed cauliflower

9:30 pm

+ a strong cup of white tea (3 tea bags)


More to come ... I hope!

Monday, January 19, 2009

Tag Neunundfünfzig

(Click to Enlarge)

Poached Salmon with Homemade Mashed Cauliflower


A bit of good news. My weight is continuing to drop.

My weigh-in information is listed below.

_____________________________

This Week's Body Weight: 217.6 lbs.

This Week's Body Fat %: 33.8 %

_____________________________

Last Week's Body Weight: 220.6 lbs.

Last Week's Body Fat %: 34.1 %

_____________________________

2 Week's Ago Body Weight: 224.4 lbs.

2 Week's Body Ago Fat %: 36 %
_____________________________

3 Week's Ago Body Weight: 227.4 lbs.

3 Week's Ago Body Fat %: 35.7%
_____________________________

4 Week's Ago Body Weight: 228.2 lbs

4 Week's Ago Body Fat %: 38.2%
_____________________________

5 Week's Ago Body Weight: 230.6 lbs

5 Week's Ago Body Fat %: 36.9%
_____________________________

6 Week's Ago Body Weight: 231.8 lbs.

6 Week's Ago Body Fat %: 37%
_____________________________

7 Week's Ago Body Weight: 235.6 lbs.

7 Week's Ago Body Fat %: 38.9%
__________________________



Monday - January 19, 2009

10:15 am

+ a cup of "choco-coffee" - (2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of instant coffee, 2 packets of Also Salt and 1 packet of stevia + FOS and hot water)

11:30 am

+ a vanilla whey protein shake - (2 scoops of natural vanilla whey protein powder, 4 oz of heavy cream, 2 packets of Also Salt, 1 packet of stevia + FOS)

2:30 pm

+ LC lamb "burrito" - (ground lamb, grilled onions, spicy salsa and organic sour cream)

+ a glass of red wine


4:45 pm

+ a strong cup of white tea (3 tea bags)

9:00 pm

+ poached salmon

+ homemade mashed cauliflower


More to come ...

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Ημέρα πενήντα οκτώ

Mushroom & Gorgonzola Beef Burger w/ Natural Bacon, Roma Tomato and Grilled Onions


"Cheesy Eggs", Natural Bacon and Organic Avocado


I'm trying to bounce back today. I'm beginning to see glimpses of hope in the horizon. That reminds me of the lyrics from a song by Cracker: "I see the light at the end of the tunnel now. Someone please tell me it's not a train."


Sunday - January 18, 2009

11:30 am

+ a cup of instant organic coffee with a splash of milk and one packet of stevia + FOS

1:15 pm (pictured above)

+ "cheesy eggs" - (3 organic omega-3 eggs, a splash of milk, grilled onions, soft goat cheese, cheddar cheese, salt and pepper)

+ several slices natural bacon

+ 3/4 of an organic avocado, sliced

4:00 pm

+ a strong cup of white tea (3 tea bags)

5:30 pm

+ a cup of "choco-coffee" - (2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of instant coffee, 1 packet of Also Salt and stevia + FOS and hot water)

7:45 pm (pictured above)

+ 2 hamburgers with mushrooms, gorgonzola cheese (the mushrooms and gorgonzola were imbedded in the burgers) and topped with natural bacon

+ grilled onions and 3/4 of a Roma tomato, sliced

+ a glass of red wine

11:00 pm

+ a vanilla whey protein shake - (2 scoops of natural vanilla whey protein powder, 2 oz of heavy cream & 2 oz of cold water, 2 packets of Also Salt, 1 packet of stevia + FOS)

note:
I usually don't eat anything this late at night - at least not lately. The reason I'm doing so tonight is that I couldn't take my supplements with dinner. My shake was simply a means to take my supplements (as I'm supposed to take them with food).


More to come ... I hope!

Saturday, January 17, 2009

The 57th Day


Tom Reagan: "If you want me to keep my mouth shut, it'll cost you some dough...I figure a thousand bucks is reasonable. So I want two thousand."

Miller's Crossing
, written by the Joel and Ethan Coen


I haven't got much of an appetite again today. I just feel kind o' mellow.

Therefore, my favorite films shall speak for me or against me ...


Saturday - January 17, 2009

10:30 am

+ a cup of "choco-coffee" - (2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of instant coffee, 1 packet of Also Salt and stevia + FOS and hot water)

12:15 pm

+ a vanilla whey protein shake - (2 scoops of natural vanilla whey protein powder, 4 oz of heavy cream & 2 packets of Also Salt, 1 packet of stevia + FOS)

3:15 pm

+ 2 leftover spicy, herbed chicken thighs

+ 1 Roma tomato, sliced and topped with organic sour cream

+ a glass of red wine

5:45 pm

+ a cup of "choco-coffee" - (2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of instant coffee, 1 packet of Also Salt and stevia + FOS and hot water)

8:30 pm

+ a small piece of poached salmon (store bought)

+ 1/2 cup of homemade creamed spinach

10:30 pm

+ a strong cup of white tea (3 tea bags)


More to come ... I hope!

Friday, January 16, 2009

Jour Cinquante-Six



Andy Dufresne: "You know what the Mexicans say about the Pacific?"

Red: "No."

Andy Dufresne: "They say it has no memory. That's where I want to live the rest of my life. A warm place with no memory."


I feel really quite sad today. That's just the way it is sometimes.

I guess I should be grateful that I just didn't feel like eating - rather than going on a binge. Small favors, eh?


Friday - January 16, 2009

10:00 am

+ a cup of "choco-coffee" - (2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of instant coffee, 1 packet of Also Salt and stevia + FOS and hot water)

12:00 pm

+ 8 slices of natural ham

+ 3-4 oz of organic cream cheese

+ 2-3 tablespoons of organic grilled onions

note: I made a roll-up out of these ingredients. I used the ham like a tortilla and filled it with a little cream cheese, sprinkled with grilled onions.

2:45 pm

+ a strong cup of white tea (3 tea bags worth)

4:15 pm

+ a coffee whey protein shake - (2 scoops of whey protein powder, 4 oz of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of instant coffee, 1 packet of stevia + FOS and 2 packets of Also Salt)

10:30 pm

+ sliced salami

+ sliced manchego (sheep's milk) cheese

+ a glass of red wine


More to come ... I hope!

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Día Cincuenta y Cinco

Spicy Herbed Chicken Thighs, Creamed Spinach and Avocado

Confession time. I haven't been exercising. I have only been meditating sporadically. And, I've been feeling kind of "down" and "tired" a lot of the time. This isn't unusual. It's been with me most of my life. Still, I thought there might be merit in mentioning it.

I've managed to stick to my diet plan quite successfully but not a heck of a lot more than that. And I want to do more than what I'm presently doing. I'm just not satisfied with my current rate of progress. The weight loss side of things is going a-okay. But, there's more to it than that. A lot more.

I really believe that the best way to part ways with my past is by incorporating more order in my present and future. I've just started using a daily planner my wife gave me.

There are a few harsh realities that I think I need to come to grips with:

1. Even though I'm a "night owl" by nature, I really need to bring myself closer to nature's clock. Fall asleep earlier and rise earlier too. Start my days, with a plan, and get as much done as early as possible.

2. I need to document things like a tax accountant. My daily planner shall become my new best friend. We'll likely have a love-hate relationship or vice versa.

3. Setting time-limits will become important. I'm quite tortoise-like in my demeanor. That probably needs to change. How? I don't know. Maybe more coffee. Maybe better focus via meditation. Maybe eating more rabbit. There's a will and there must be a way.

I feel like I must acknowledge that I'm not really looking forward to much of this. It'll be a chore, mostly. But, like Jimmy Moore mentioned in his menu today: At one point, "we" considered reducing "our" carb intake to be a chore as well. And that was a change for the better. Perhaps this will be too.

I hope you'll join me on this little experiment. Even as a spectator. See where I succeed and fail. Learn from my many missteps and day-to-day victories. That alone would be a measure of success, as far as I'm concerned.

I thank you all for your continued support and kindness. It really does help me to feel less alone in this world.

Thursday - January 15, 2009

9:30 am

+ a coffee whey protein shake - (2 scoops of whey protein powder, 2 oz of heavy cream, 2 oz of water, 1 teaspoon of instant coffee, 1 packet of stevia + FOS and 2 packets of Also Salt)

1:30 pm

+ 2 bratwurst sausages

+ 1 small Roma tomato, sliced

+ 3 tablespoons of sour cream (placed on the tomato slices)

+ a glass of red wine

4:15 pm

+ a cup of "hard choco-coffee" - (2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of instant coffee, and hot water)

7:30 pm (pictured above)

+ 2 pieces of spicy herbed chicken

+ 3/4 of an organic avocado

+ 1/4 homemade creamed spinach


Exercise Amount: TBD

Meditation Time: TBD


More to come ...

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

일 54


"Do you know that the harder thing to do and the right thing to do are usually the same thing? Nothing that has meaning is easy. 'Easy' doesn't enter into grown-up life." Michael Caine speaking to Nicholas Cage, in The Weather Man - written by Steve Conrad


I was thinking back on yesterday and I noticed that my food/caloric intake was probably quite low. That's a problem that I rarely have - at least not in many, many years.

My loosely-tailored plan is to eat three robust meals a day. No snacks in-between (apart for my coffee-breaks). I think this may be a better way to go than to eat more frequently - from a physiological and weight standpoint.

I've got some cooking planned for later today. On the menu is some ground lamb with grilled onions, herbs and spices. I plan on mixing that with my leftover mashed cauliflower for dinner. Kind of like a shepherds pie of sorts.

More commentary to come ...

Wednesday - January 14, 2009

10:00 am

+ a cup of "hard choco-coffee" - (2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of instant coffee, and hot water)

note: I forgot to add the packets of Also Salt and stevia + FOS this morning. I noticed after my first sip but decided to ride it out. It tasted just fine. Not sweet at all, but fine.

12:30 pm

+ homemade vegetable soup - (ultra-fatty pork broth and about a cup of frozen organic green beans). I blended these ingredients into a smooth consistency, using my handy-dandy immersion blender.

3:30 pm

+ approx. 3 oz. of natural prosciutto

+ a whole organic avocado

+ approx. 3 oz of soft goat's cheese

+ a glass of red wine

6:00 pm

+ a cup of instant organic coffee with a splash of milk and one packet of stevia + FOS

8:45 pm

+ ground lamb with grilled onions

+ homemade mashed cauliflower


Exercise Amount: TBD

Meditation Time: TBD


More to come ... I hope!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

天五十三


Spicy Herbed Chicken Thighs and Homemade Extra-Creamy Creamed Spinach

It's about 6:00 pm on the West Coast and I'm in the kitchen causing a fire-hazard (cooking). On the menu tonight is spicy herbed chicken thighs and homemade creamed spinach. I'm a little concerned about how things will turn out because I accidentally bought the chicken "naked" - no bones, no skin. I thought it looked a little strange when I bought it. The thighs were extra expensive too. Oh well, that mystery is solved.

Starting tomorrow I plan on listing my daily exercise (or lack thereof). I've decided to shame myself into being less sloth-like. Feel free to flame me on my inactive days.

I may also start to list my meditation time. I haven't been doing that as consistently as I should. I'm not sure what the punishment should be if I fall short in that department. Maybe you can all repeatedly type a mantra at me instead of typing a message?


Tuesday - January 13, 2009

10:30 am

+ a cup of "choco-coffee" - (2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of instant coffee, 1 packet of Also Salt and stevia + FOS and hot water)

1:00 pm

+ homemade vegetable soup - (ultra-fatty pork broth, a few ounces of stewed pork and a cup of broccoli florets). I blended these ingredients into a smooth consistency, using my handy-dandy immersion blender.

4:00 pm

+ a cup of "choco-coffee" - (2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of instant coffee, 1 packet of Also Salt and stevia + FOS and hot water)

7:45 pm (pictured above)

+ spicy herbed chicken thighs - (marinated with extra virgin olive oil, a purple onion, sea salt, fresh cracked pepper, red pepper flakes and a natural poultry herb blend)

+ homemade creamed spinach - (made with frozen spinach, butter sauteed garlic, grilled onions, cream cheese, Also Salt, sea salt and provolone cheese)

+ a glass of red wine

note: My concern was unwarranted. The chicken turned out really well - if I do say so myself. Actually (and more importantly), my wife really liked it too. It was juicy, flavorful and nicely accompanied by the extra-creamy, creamed spinach. :)


More to come ... I hope!

Monday, January 12, 2009

День пятьдесят два


In-N-Out "Triple-Triple" (Animal Style, Protein Style, No Sauce, No Pickles)


The big day is here. In about an hour, I'm expecting a call from Mr. Livin' La Vida Low Carb himself. :) I think/hope I'm ready for it. I'll report back after the interview has passed.

I also have good news to report on the weight loss front. I'll post the new numbers later today. Something's working. :)

update: I just completed the podcast interview with Jimmy. I *think* it went pretty well. Jimmy was super kind and supportive. A nicer host I could not ask for. I hope it'll be an entertaining listen if you guys give it a shot. I tried my best. :)

And now for the numbers I promised to post. It's been a good week. I'm down almost 4 lbs. That's my biggest loss yet! That makes a total of 15 lbs down since I started menu blogging. And, I'm down about 40 lbs from my highest weight.

_____________________________

This Week's Body Weight: 220.6 lbs.

This Week's Body Fat %: 34.1 %

_____________________________

This Week's Body Weight: 224.4 lbs.

This Week's Body Fat %: 36 %
_____________________________

Last Week's Body Weight: 227.4 lbs.

Last Week's Body Fat %: 35.7%

_____________________________

Last, Last Week's Body Weight: 228.2 lbs

Last, Last Week's Body Fat %: 38.2%
_____________________________

Three Week's Ago Body Weight: 230.6 lbs

Three Week's Ago Body Fat %: 36.9%
_____________________________

Four Week's Ago Body Weight: 231.8 lbs.

Four Week's Ago Body Fat %: 37%

_____________________________

Five Week's Ago Body Weight: 235.6 lbs.

Five Week's Ago Body Fat %: 38.9%

__________________________


Monday - January 12, 2009

10:00 am

+ a cup of "choco-coffee" - (2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of instant coffee, 1 packet of Also Salt and stevia + FOS and hot water)

11:30 am

+ a vanilla whey protein shake - (2 scoops of natural vanilla whey protein powder, 2 oz of heavy cream & 2 oz of cold water, 2 packets of Also Salt, 1 packet of stevia + FOS)

3:00 pm

+ a cup of "choco-coffee" - (2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of instant coffee, 1 packet of Also Salt and stevia + FOS and hot water)

5:00 pm

+ 3 glasses of water and psyllium husk capsules (part of a periodic digestive system cleanse)

7:15 pm (pictured above)

+ an In-N-Out "Triple-Triple" (three hamburger patties, three slices of American cheese, grilled onions and a slice of tomato)

+ 3/4 of a small Roma tomato, sliced

+ 3/4 of an avocado, sliced

+ a glass of red wine

More to come ... I hope!

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Dag Éénenvijftig

An Easy Dinner - Salami, Manchego, Avocado and Wine


Our Sunday "Morning" (Afternoon) Pasticcio!


Sunday morning. The end of another night not sleeping very soundly. I even considered taking an OTC (over the counter) sleeping pill late, late last night. Part of the reason was probably because of some pesky new neighbors we have. They were sitting out on their balcony hooting, laughing and just talking like drunk people do (loudly and obnoxiously). Ultimately, I just put in a pair of ear plugs and eventually fell asleep - after it became clear that lightning wouldn't strike and take care of my little problem. :)

I wanted to get an earlier start to the day but it just didn't work out. No big deal. Tonight's another night and another shot at sweater dreams.

Sunday - January 11, 2008

11:00 am

+ a cup of "choco-coffee" - (2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of instant coffee, 1 packet of Also Salt and stevia + FOS and hot water)

1:00 pm (pictured above)

+ 3 omega-3 scrambled cheesy eggs (w/feta and cheddar cheese, a splash of heavy cream, Also Salt, sea salt and a pepper blend)

+ 5 slices of natural bacon (one was eaten post-meal - with my supplements)

+ 3/4 of an avocado

4:00 pm

+ homemade vegetable soup (homemade fatty pork broth, organic broccoli florets, Also Salt) *

* I blend this up using my immersion/stick blender. It ends up being a creamy consistency.

5:45 pm

+ a cup of instant coffee, a packet of stevia + FOS and a splash of low-fat milk

8:15 pm (to be pictured above)

+ sliced (natural) salami, sliced Manchego (sheep's milk) cheese & a whole avocado

+ a glass of red wine

note: I had a few more slices of cheese and salami than were pictured. I started snacking before I started plating for the photo! :)


More to come ... I hope!

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Tag Fünfzig


Rib Eye Steak (slightly overcooked) with a Sliced Roma Tomato

It's Saturday morning. I had a really restless night of sleep last night. I simply couldn't get comfortable. Too cold. No! Too warm. Couldn't seem to position my pillow quite right. Too much light in the early morning. Every possible sleep disturbance occurred, with the exception of poltergeist.

Note to self:
Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to watch a horror film (1408) while trying to fall asleep?

The truth is that I think I'm doing fairly well with my diet but not so much with the exercise or the meditation. There are also some other psychological issues that need attending to. But, I need to prioritize. And I haven't been in the right mental space to get all those issues in order ... yet.

In the meantime, I did send Mr. Jimmy Moore my info. yesterday (my BIO and a photograph). And he replied saying that he's looking forward to the interview! So, it looks like it's actually going to happen! Hard to believe. Exciting though. :-)

I've got a busy day ahead of me. A busy weekend actually. So off I go. Look out world, here I come!


Saturday - January 10, 2009

10:30 am

+ a cup of "choco-coffee" - (2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of instant coffee, 1 packet of Also Salt and stevia + FOS and hot water)

note: I temporarily switched to another brand of organic cocoa powder. I buy the Now Foods brand online - for a better price. I bought the Dagoba cocoa because it was the only organic variety at my local health food store. I thought it tasted just fine. I'm not sure which one of the two is of better quality.

12:00 pm

+ scrambled eggs ala Harry - 3 omega-3 eggs, a splash of heavy cream, grilled onions, an once or two of soft goat cheese, two packets of Also Salt

3:00 pm

+ 6 slices of natural salami (whole salami, sliced thick)

+ a few ounces of Manchego (sheep's milk) cheese

+ 3-4 tablespoons of full-fat sour cream

+ a small Roma tomato

+ a glass of red wine

5:30 pm

+ a cup of "choco-coffee" - (2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of instant coffee, 1 packet of Also Salt and stevia + FOS and hot water)

7:45 pm (pictured above)

+ a medium-sized rib-eye steak

+ a small Roma tomato

11:15 pm

+ a cup of mixed tea - (two bags of organic white tea and one bag of an organic spicy ginger blend)


More to come ... I hope!

Friday, January 9, 2009

Giorno Quarantanove


"The Wake-Up Crew"


Happy Friday everyone. I'm in the final stages of preparing my "show notes" for Jimmy Moore. Tonight, my wife will "snap" my picture and I'll send that over, along with the notes.

Next on my to-do list is trying to personalize my blog. Vadim mentioned starting a video blog. That seems like a big step but I'm thinking about it. One thing I should do first is to flesh out my biography and perhaps start listing approximate amounts of the macro-nutrients and calories that I'm consuming.

I'm not sure if you've noticed or not but I've linking a lot more recently. I thought it might be helpful to see which specific foods and products I personally use. My hope is that this will a) give some practical ideas about good LC sources or b) will prompt others to let me know of better options! A win-win situation. :)

The last couple of days, my mind has been really scattershot. I really need to find my equilibrium. To that end, I think I need more order in my life. I need to plan better and create a tighter system - since I'm no longer getting that from my job.

Look at the time! You know what time it is? That's right, it's menu time!


Friday - January 9, 2009

10:00 am

+ a cup of instant coffee, a packet of stevia + FOS and a splash of low-fat milk

1:00 pm

+ a leftover bacon-provolone-grilled onion hamburger

+ one small Roma tomato

+ one medium avocado

5:00 pm

+ a cup of "choco-coffee" - (2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of instant coffee, 1 packet of Also Salt and stevia + FOS and hot water)

note: I temporarily switched to another brand of organic cocoa powder. I buy the Now Foods brand online - for a better price. I bought the Dagoba cocoa because it was the only organic variety at my local health food store. I thought it tasted just fine. I'm not sure which one of the two is of better quality.

8:00 pm (same dinner and same picture as last night)

+ slow-cooked pork butt - cooked with a can of roasted tomatoes, a diced onion, several cloves of garlic, fresh cracked pepper, Also Salt and sea salt, water and a splash of red wine

+ 1/2 cup of mashed cauliflower

11:30 pm

+ a cup of mixed tea - (two bags of organic white tea and one bag of an organic spicy ginger blend)


More to come ... I hope!