a photo essay

No Carb Left Behind

This weekend, I broke all the rules.

We drove to Dallas on Saturday to visit Fearing's. I later dubbed it the Fearing's Food Crawl, which took place in three installments.

We started off with a lunch cooking class where we observed the processes to make a few (very involved) dishes:

1. Watermelon/Jalapeno Glazed Nantucket Lighthouse Scallops on Creamed Corn Pan Stuffing with Crispy Texas Okra

2. Prime Cut Rib Eye Grilled over Live Mesquite with West Texas "Mop" Sauce served over

3. Heirloom Tomatoes with Barbecued East Texas Field Pea Salad

4. Grapefruit Rosemary Pops

5. Chocolate Mint Ice Cream Sandwiches

And then we got to eat it all.

That in itself could have been enough. But later that night, we went back for what turned out to be a seven-course meal fit for an emperor. Eric, the Chef de Cuisine, wanted to be sure we got a full Fearing's experience. So instead of ordering just one first course and main course dish, we got sample portions of several. I loved this idea because (a) we didn't have to decide what to order (b) it was always a surprise what was coming next and (c) we tried things I wouldn't normally have ordered. In order of appearance:

1. Yellowtail Two Ways: Tsukiji Market Hamachi over Avocado/Wasabi Puree and Basil/Peanut Salad with Kampachi Tartare, Candied Pineapple and White Miso Sorbet

2. Dean's Tortilla Soup with South of the Border flavors

3. Apricot Barbecue Glazed Bob White Quail on Iceberg Wedge Salad with Point Reyes Blue Cheese and Cider Braised Bacon

4. Chicken Fried Maine Lobster

5. Broken Arrow Ranch NilGai Antelope Glazed with 'D1 Sauce" on Poblano/Pepita Pesto with East Texas Field Peas, Heirloom Tomatoes, Brazos Valley Feta Cheese and Sweet Onion Rings

6. Osmanthus/Plum Glazed Lamb Chops on Three Bean/Shiitake Stir Fry with Five-Spiced Pork Roll and Mild Chinese Mustard

7. Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar with Caramel Peanut Butter Sauce and Cocoa Nib Tuile

There are no words for this dining experience. At several points throughout the meal, John and I were asking ourselves how much more we could handle. How many people do we know that get to do this. How much more amazing can food be. But, we didn't go there just to look at good food. The plates kept coming, and we kept eating. It was so good and so wrong all at once.

We finished off the food crawl with Sunday Brunch. The massive buffet offered fresh fruit, pastries out the wazoo, eggs, bacon, grits, migas ... and then you could order omelets, pancakes, waffles and more from the table so they came fresh and made to order. I actually was able to try Fearing's version of Muesli, which I posted about last entry. I have been eating a low-carb remix of that dish for breakfast. After having the real deal, all I can say is - even calling the low-carb version "Almost Muesli" is a stretch.

Before we left, I weighed in around 141. I just stepped on the scale to see 147. Yikes! Was it worth it? A big heck to the yes. But this week, it's back to Phase I for me. I have to undo the delicious damage. I am fully aware that this weekend was a splurge beyond all splurges. I fully intend to get back on the low-carb bandwagon. I just couldn't pass up an opportunity like that.

♥

kh

three months in

I committed to start living low-carb on April 25. I took my three-month measurements on July 19 with big plans for my three-month update after some blood work that week.

07/19/10
Bust: 38.5"
Waist: 32"
Stomach: 36"
Hips: 39.5"
Thighs: 22.5"
Arms: 12"
Weight: 145.4 lbs

I'm still not sure why some of the measurements went up, but the scale keeps going down. Maybe it was my body foreshadowing what was to happen the next day. On July 20, my appendix decided to get inflamed and infected and thus had to be removed. After surgery, the nurses shoved fruit juice and crackers in my face and I consumed them. Going from low-carb to surgery to sugary juice and carby crackers was a whirlwind for my tummy. It was a rough patch but I'm back on track. Luckily the appendix hadn't ruptured and all is now well, but it definitely turned my world upside down for a few days.

I went in to visit my doctor after things settled down because I wanted to make sure that she supported my lifestyle change and to make sure the inner workings of my body match the outer appearance and the way I feel. All tests came back great - she ran a panel for electrolytes to make sure I'm still getting the nutrients I need as well as the lipid panel to check my cholesterol, triglycerides and liver function.

08/02/10
Weight: 145 lbs.
Cholesterol: 174
LDL: 88 HDL: 58
Triglycerides: 142

For those who don't know what these numbers represent, or how they fit in the spectrum ... First, take a look at the old numbers from April. A cholesterol total of under 200 is the goal, with LDL (the bad kind) coming in under 100. My LDL level months ago is what was making my cholesterol so high. You can see, my HDL didn't move much. And then Triglycerides surprised me a little - mine actually went up quite a bit. The normal or acceptable range is between 80 and 135, so I'm just barely over.

After visiting with my doctor and getting her feedback, I revisited the Atkins book to learn about Phase II. Turns out, I had already transitioned into Phase II more than I realized. It wasn't a constant thing, but I had started eating nuts and berries here and there, which are the first types of carbohydrates you begin to reintroduce to your diet after Phase I.

I am thoroughly enjoying where I am right now. I have a bit broader selection and I'm still losing. My doctor was astonished at my success in such a short time, had absolutely no problems with continuing to live low-carb, but said I should stop around 135 lbs. That is 5 lbs shy of my original goal, but if she says that is what is healthy for me, I will trust her judgment.

Atkins and low-carb living isn't for everyone, but I am a believer and am fully confident that it is what I needed to do and what I need to continue to do. I still feel great. Staring down a bowl of chips at a restaurant has gotten worlds easier.

I leave you with the recipe for my new favorite breakfast: Almost Muesli. The book suggests a few breakfast, snack and dessert options for each phase and they are all yummy, quick and easy. "This classic Swiss breakfast gets a low-carb update. Mix 2 Tbs flaxseed meal and 1 Tbs chopped almonds with 1/2 C plain Greek or low-carb yogurt. Add 1 packet Splenda and Cinnamon to taste. Top with berries if desired."

*I found organic flaxseed meal, Greek yogurt and organic blueberries at Drug Emporium. Me oh my, this is delicious! I'm ready for breakfast now!

♥
kh

check-in

*Looking back on the last few entries or ten, it appears that most posts start the same way. I should either post more or just quit apologizing and making excuses.

Shame on me. It's been one whole month without an update. I took my measurements at each two week mark, but neglected to share them. That's the whole point of this thing, I know. FAIL.

Let's get right to it.

06/13/10

Bust: 38.5"

Waist: 32"

Stomach: 37"

Hips: 40"

Thighs: 22.5"

Arms: 12"

Weight: 153.2 lbs

And now again!

06/29/10

Bust: 37"

Waist: 31.5"

Stomach: 37"

Hips: 39.5"

Thighs: 21.5"

Arms: 12"

Weight: 149.8 lbs

Your chin just dropped at the 1-4 digits? Mine too, I know. Granted, that's just 0.2 away from 150 ... Anyway, It's really been in this last month that I have physically noticed a change in the way my body feels to me. Does that make any sense? When you live in your own skin (doesn't everyone?), it's much more difficult to notice the subtle changes -- both good and bad.

Just in the same way I didn't wake up one day and weight 174 lbs. It happened gradually, but one day when my pants were so uncomfortable I wanted to cry and I saw a picture of myself that made me want to hide under a rock -- that's when my weight gain hit me in the face.

Well, now my weight loss has hit me in the face in the form of my clothes. As I was saying before, it's really been in these last few weeks that I am noticing that my body looks physically smaller. But it's the clothes that tell the story. Only one pair of jeans truly fit these days. (I'm really not sure how they made it, because I did force all 174 lbs of me into them on occasion -- surprised they didn't rip at the seems. Thank you, stretch denim!) So Mom bought me a new pair that I wore out to an event for work on June 12, (the smallest size I've bought since I can remember!) and now they are even sagging by the end of day.

But there's this dilemma ... when do you buy new clothes? When do you decide, "Out with the old, In with the new?" Because honestly, in the back of my head I still believe that I will need my bigger sized clothes at some point -- that point when I decide this isn't worth it; that I miss carbs and screw it. It's a bit terrifying because I've come so far. And then there's this other side of my brain saying, "There's still more to go! Yes, you've hit 149, but your goal is 130 lbs -- you're only halfway!" But once I get there, will I really stay there? Because honestly I'm thinking right now that I'm feeling pretty good where I stand. Maintaining a weight of 145-150 lbs feels more manageable ... but maybe that's because I haven't weighed 130 lbs since I was 13.

Regardless of where I end up, the exciting news is that I'm doing it. I'm two months in, doing it right, feeling good about it and want to continue living this change. I will have to buy new clothes sometime soon. But that's part of the reward, right?

In one more month, I will visit the doctor to have my cholesterol levels checked again. Here's to hoping that my progress will eventually make me not require medication to regulate those levels.

I leave you with my favorite new recipe: cauliflower mash. John and I were both amazed at how great this dish turned out, and how similar it is to mashed potatoes. The same night I made this, I also tried two other new recipes: Tarragon Cream Chicken and Turnip Fries. Now, it's not that these other two recipes were subpar. The chicken was amazing and the turnip fries are a great alternative to the way I used to enjoy sweet potatoes. But the cauliflower mash is my favorite probably because (1) it surprised me so much (2) it is so easy and convenient and (3) I know I will make it again and again and again.

♥

kh

one year. month one.

I was asked by two people on Friday night "What happened to the blog?" Well, life happened. And then I forgot to write about it. I'm sorry! But, I'm still here, still living the "lifestyle change."

I will admit, I experienced some defeat after my last weigh-in post and didn't know how to begin to write about it ... so I just didn't. Which completely defeats the whole purpose of "an all-encompassing, informative log," I know. So, I weighed myself that Monday evening and saw the numbers 156.2. Either I accidentally transposed the numbers in my brain or the scale experienced a momentary glitch, because the next morning I woke up and wanted to again be encouraged by that lovely number -- and I saw 162. That still means I lost 12 lbs in two weeks and it makes more sense with the inches I measured that same evening. Regardless of the fact that I didn't post about it, I didn't let that defeat me. I've kept on going and am happy to share some new numbers again with you today. It's one day shy of exactly two weeks, but ... who's really counting?

05/30/10

Bust: 38.5"

Waist: 32.5"

Stomach: 37.5"

Hips: 41"

Thighs: 23"

Arms: 12"

Weight: 156.2 lbs

Yes, the weight is the exact same as I posted two weeks ago - the weight that was inaccurate for whatever reason I'll never know. So that means I've only lost about 6 lbs in these last two weeks, but I'll take it. Along with the 11.5 inches total lost! I still have yet to incorporate exercise regularly, which I know will help get me going again. And I also had one weekend of living large, throwing low-carb out the window.

Last weekend, John and I celebrated our first anniversary. I cheated all weekend -- and paid for it by the time Sunday rolled around, with the stomach pains back and feeling overall lethargic and disgusting. (The way I used to feel on a weekly basis.) But the food! Oh, the food was delicious. We visited my friend Chef Dean Fearing at his restaurant, Fearing's, at The Ritz-Carlton in Dallas and we ate like kings. It was a truly amazing weekend getaway with my husband that we both needed.

We were both able to 100% surprise one another with our gifts ... it's been a while since that happened for us! John ordered me this amazing Kurt Halsey print - the biggest print of my collection thus far. It's even more amazing in person. I have NO idea how he kept it a secret - he's that kind of gift giver ... The kind that can't contain excitement and must-give-gift-now! But, he held it in. Because he loves me and knows that I want the gift on the appropriate day - not a moment before.

And I got John tickets to see The Beach Boys - the concert is tonight in Shreveport. So, here in just a few short hours, we'll be heading out to see a band that has influenced him musically in the biggest of ways. I know it's not the original group of guys, but I still think it will be a neat experience to share.

I will leave you with another dessert recipe - one that I couldn't survive this diet without. I'll call it a chocolate mousse. You mix 2 T heavy cream to 1 T cocoa powder and one packet of a sugar substitute such as Splenda. This is just one serving but it is so rich and yummy that I couldn't eat the whole serving at once. However, I make up about five servings at a time so it lasts all week, and after lunch I can just grab a spoonful on my way out the door to satisfy my sweet tooth. You can also mix in vanilla extract, coconut extract or instant coffee for a mocha version that is extra delicious and helpful when I need a mid-day boost.

♥
kh

units & increments

The Atkins Diet starts with Phase I: Induction. The minimum period of time to remain in Phase I is two weeks, but most choose to stay longer depending on how much weight is left to lose. I officially started Atkins (the low-carb lifestyle change) on Monday, April 26. Today marks two weeks.

Last week was so busy with work that I was unable to take my measurements on Monday, so I decided to wait until the two week mark for that. I hopped on the scale some mornings, though not daily. And today I am glad that I chose to monitor the diet this way because boy, did I have a nice little surprise!

On Friday, I reported that I had officially hit the 10 lb. marker, weighing in at tenths over 163 lbs. I started, as you may recall, at 174 lbs. I took my measurements this evening around 7:00 p.m. - hours after lunch and before dinner. I took the original measurements around the same time two weeks ago.

05/10/10

Bust: 41"

Waist: 32.5"

Stomach: 39"

Hips: 42"

Thighs: 24"

Arms: 13"

Weight: 156.2 lbs

I was in shock when I stepped on the scale and saw those numbers. Because I did that after I took the measurements, and yes I noticed it was an inch here and there which I was pleased with, but I did NOT expect the first numbers to be a "1" and "5," respectively. I was giddy with excitement.

So, in two weeks, I lost 4.5" and 18 lbs. I'm not entirely sure where those 18 lbs. went ... I notice a change in the way my clothes fit, yes - but not what I would expect 18 lbs. to feel like. Regardless of what I think, the numbers don't lie. I'm still feeling great. And I have yet to truly incorporate exercise on a regular basis! That's coming next...

Over the weekend and today I was beginning to feel discouraged because I have been surrounded by Sweet Potato Smashfries, Chili's chips and queso, KFC biscuits - things I would have loved to inhale into my belly. But that's where I was going wrong. And because I did not do what habit wanted me to, I did not endure one stomach ache, nor one WHY-DID-I-EAT-SO-MUCH-I-WANT-TO-DIE feeling. Just because I miss carbs doesn't mean I want them back in my diet. And don't get me wrong - I enjoy what I'm eating. It fills me up and tastes pretty good. It does what food should do.

For Mother's Day, I made the Decadent Chocolate Cake that's allowed in Phase I. I do realize this was a bit of a selfish gift, but I wanted to be able to share a bit of what I'm doing. It's not melt-in-your-mouth delicious, but it was better than what most "diet" desserts probably are. I served it up with a dollop of whipped cream, sweetened with a smidge of Splenda.

The moral of the story? I am beyond happy with where I am. I know the weight will not continue to fall off as easily as it has over the past two weeks. And I know that once I do hit my goal weight, it's staying there that will be the biggest battle. But I just need to remember that the way I'm feeling is worth it - and the fleeting taste of that biscuit and the baskets of chips are not.

♥

kh

ten for ten

I am excited to announce that I have officially lost over 10 lbs! Following this "lifestyle change" hasn't been the easiest thing I've ever done, but it also hasn't been as difficult as I first thought it may be. Yes, when John and I go out to eat the waiter sits the bread or chips down in front of me, I want to bite his head off and say, "DON'T YOU KNOW THIS IS TORTURE!"

But, I think it's helping me to have to sit there and face said item and make the decision not to eat it. Just like with the ice cream cake last week. And the cupcakes this week. This is a choice.

And I have to say, while I do miss the crunch of chips and my morning half-a-bagel, I am feeling stellar. I occasionally stand up too fast and get a smidge dizzy, but I have yet to experience even the slightest of stomach aches and pains that used to plague my life daily. And that, my friends, is totally worth it.

The newest issue of BSCENE Magazine will hit the streets next week and I really couldn't be more excited. It is the first full issue in my new role as Production Manager, which I am loving. John doesn't even know who is on the cover or what the cover story is about -- it's that under wraps and totally amazing! Everyone grab the next issue, officially on the racks Wednesday!

♥
kh

a new direction

I was diagnosed with high cholesterol at age 17 and up until now I have chocked it up to genetics. After recent months of stomach pains, overall feeling lousy and gaining weight, I scheduled an appointment with my doctor, determined to come up with a way to make myself feel better. I have ended up with "The New Atkins for a New You" book and have dived straight in to this new lifestyle change, encouraged by the support of my husband and family.

Because I want to document this journey for myself ... And because I dislike documenting in a hand-written journal because I write so furiously my hand hurts ... I have decided to revamp the direction of this blog and make it about this. I will share weekly updates, recipes and more about what I'm learning from the book and through this process.

4/22/10

Weight: 174 lbs.

Cholesterol: 242

LDL: 164 HDL: 60

Triglycerides: 88

I did not commit to starting the Atkins plan until Sunday - so that's when I took my initial measurements:

4/25/10

Bust: 42"

Waist: 34"

Stomach: 40"

Hips: 42"

Thighs: 25"

Arms: 13"

** I'm sharing this information not because I really want it known to the world that I'm 40+ lbs overweight, but because I want this to be an all-encompassing, informative log for anyone out there who is possibly on the same journey -- or considering something similar. To hold myself accountable, I will say that my goal weight is 130 lbs. I know I won't have drastic changes each week. I'm sure at some point I will hit a plateau. But I am determined to get there.

Sunday night, I made a delicious Thai Coconut Curry Chicken served over Cauliflower Rice that turned out beautifully. It was not only my first meal ever to cook with onions -- but I also ate them!

Monday was rough. I didn't realize how much the change in diet would affect my whole body - and so quickly - but I felt weak and highly irritable. I weighed myself Tuesday morning: 168 lbs. I understand that it's mostly water weight and that weight naturally fluctuates a few pounds, but I was very encouraged to see that number so quickly drop! I weighed Wednesday morning: 165 lbs.

I had my first true test of commitment on Wednesday afternoon. It was a staffer's birthday and I walked into the conference room, and there sat a beautiful ice cream cake, in all of it's sugary-sweet glory. At first I was delighted - that's habit kicking in - and then it hit me that I couldn't eat it. And it wasn't so much that I couldn't eat it because of "the rules," but that eating even a bite would be a digression from what I am trying to teach my body. I know how sugary, carb-loaded foods make me feel, and I don't want them. It's a decision. It's not forced.

The book does a fantastic job of explaining the process of how our bodies process what we consume, and reading that information has made me aware that yes, it is genetic how my body processes food. But it's up to me to make the decision what food I give it to process.

Today, I made Creamy Crab Dip and a Raspberry Mousse for a Sunday School social because I knew that my options at the pot-luck would be limited. I first found the recipe for the dessert in the book, and the only difference between the book's method and the linked method is the cream. I used heavy whipping cream. This is a sugar-free, delicious dessert that I will make again! The crab dip is also fabulous. I do miss the fact that I didn't eat it with bread or crackers of some sort, but soon enough I will be able to slowly reintroduce these types of food with a new mindset.

I am learning new ways to eat. Breaking old habits. Trying new foods. (I have since eaten onion - again.) I bought celery and lettuce and an artichoke - things I never would have bought before. I am loving my new breakfast of bacon and eggs, snacking on cheese and avocado and learning how to incorporate food I enjoy into this new way of life.

♥

kh

naptime isn't just for kids

I love naps. I could nap any day, any time, anywhere.

Put me in a car for longer than 20 minutes - I nap. Sunday afternoons post-Don Juan's visit - heavenly nap. Pop in a movie - if it doesn't hold my attention, I nap. I even snag the occasional nap during my lunch break.

But there is one downside to my napping: the impending drool.

One of my most favorite nap-related memories involves my dear husband, John. I had fallen asleep on his arm or chest, I can't remember, and what woke me up? The pile of drool that had accumulated. I realized what I had done, sat up and looked at him and apologized. He said he had already noticed, but didn't want to wake me up.

I love my husband and I love naps.

♥
kh

try, try again

Well, that didn't go as planned.

Turns out, it's not easy to blog once a day when you don't even have a personal computer at home. It's a sad story, but my iBook died a few weeks (months?) back ... hard drive failure. I haven't seen the need nor had the funds to replace it. John has a Netbook as well as a desktop computer (used mostly for recording) that I can access when necessary. I have my Droid Eris (most favorite phone ever) and a work computer that occasionally comes home with me.

There are so many things we "need" to spend money on, from credit card payments to home maintenance, but right now we are barely make the minimums. Any excess spending is out the door. But then John's mother and sister's whole family announce they have purchased plane tickets to Germany for two weeks at the end of July. And what do I want to do? Figure out how to make it happen. What do I need to do? Anything to make it happen.

What do I have to do to make this happen?

♥

kh

failure is not an option, pt. 2

Exactly 10 months since my last post. Pathetic. I had a plan on what my first post back would be, but then that plan fell through. I postponed posting because I wanted to come back with a bang. With news. A big announcement. But no such luck.

So I come back to do what I intended to do in the first place ... to write about my life. To not hold back. To hold myself accountable to what used to be a passion of mine - writing for fun.

I am setting a goal: I will blog each day for the next 30 days.

It seems unthinkable at the moment, that I am giving myself an ultimatum on something that I should enjoy. But I have a premonition that if I just do it, I will get back in the habit of enjoying it.

For today's quality content, I present to you a haiku I accidentally wrote yesterday on twitter:
"Weeds grow too fast. Pollen covers everything. Yay spring."

♥
kh