A First, With Tofu

Atkins has recently launched a new website with gourmet recipes from professional, famous chefs: Atkins Chef Recipes. Seeing as one of my goals is to start cooking some more complex recipes, this is perfect timing.

The first recipe I tried from this site was Almond Panna Cotta. I think I messed this one up in the very first step with the unflavored gelatin. Rather than sprinkling it on the cream and letting it set, I stirred it right away. I'm assuming this is what went wrong, though I haven't re-made the dish to test that theory. I know it sounds like that's a small mistake, but I think gelatin is truly finicky like that. Don't get me wrong, the stuff still tastes good. "It'll eat!" as Mom used to say. But the texture is off ... it has a weird grainy layer that settled up to the top. I will get back to you next time I give this one a whirl and let you know if the not-stirring made a difference.

Last night, I made a second: Walnut-Crusted Tofu Cutlets. Ohmygoodness, folks. This is a MUST try. I had never even purchased tofu from the grocery store before, and finding the Tahini was a process. But I cannot stress how delicious this dish is. I did take their suggestion and toast the coconut and walnuts prior to enhance their flavor. Also, I used cilantro for the herb because it's in another dish I'm making this week. Otherwise, I followed the recipe and the steps were honestly quite simple. John and I ate it up last night, and I finished off the leftovers today at lunch on my salad. I dare say it was even better today!

If tofu freaks you out, I'm confident this recipe would translate beautifully for chicken. The marinate and "crust" is what made it - the protein on the plate is just the base for these awesome flavors.

♥

kh

cinco nuevo

Considering that I grew up on, well, not-health food (frozen dinners and take-out were daily occurences), it continually surprises me that I enjoy cooking. In the last two days, I have made five new recipes!

Thursday night for dinner we started off with the best Spinach-Artichoke Dip I've honestly ever had. I served it up with raw zucchini and red bell peppers and we feasted. I also made these Maple Chicken Strips. The marinade was radically simple, but I much preferred them grilled, not baked as the recipe suggests.

John decided to go downtown for a show, so I tried my hand at a Zucchini Nut Bread recipe that I'd been eying. It's different really than anything I've had. John says he almost prefers it to the Pumpkin Cranberry, but ... that's a bold statement in my book.

Hot off my success from Thursday and knowing I didn't need to mope around all evening alone while John was in Houston, I found this recipe for Earl Grey & Chocolate Pots de Creme and knew I had to try it. I've made it a goal to venture out and try new, more complex recipes. Seeing as this involved baking in ramekins in a pan filled with boiling water - I thought that was a good place to start. Unfamiliar processes. Turns out, the prep was so miraculously easy that it really surprised me. And the pouring of boiling water into the pan wasn't as terrifying as it seems. I put the pan in the oven first, pulled out the rack a bit and poured straight in.

This recipe just called for egg yolks. Rather than breaking them over the sink and discarding the whites, I used two separate bowls. I didn't realize this would be a good thing until I was just about to pour out the egg whites when, WAIT! There are other recipes that call for egg whites. So I found this recipe, luckily had everything on-hand and thus made a double batch of Chocolate-Coconut Haystacks. Yum!

Note to self: Find camera charger and start taking pictures. Just linking to boring recipes is really no fun...

Note to readers: I've just discovered that several of these recipes are also gluten-free. But for those that aren't on any dietary restrictions, just because these recipes are from Atkins and are 'low-carb' or 'gluten-free' doesn't mean you can't enjoy them, too! Take the concept and serve with pasta or on a sandwich. There really are endless options.

♥

kh

Here's to the New Year

It's no surprise - I fell off the blogging bandwagon. But something that may be a surprise? I'm still living low-carb. I started at the end of April, and here it is 2011, still going strong. Sure, I've lightened up a bit. Who couldn't over the holidays? But now I'm honing in on the goal.

01/04/11
Bust: 39"
Waist: 32"
Stomach: 36"
Hips: 40"
Thighs: 23"
Arms: 12"
Weight: 147 lbs

I've of course fluctuated between today and July back when I made it to my three-month weigh-in. At one point, I dipped a shallow toe into the 139s, but that was short-lived. However, considering I've begun to reintroduce certain carbs, ate far too many holiday treats and allow myself to a glass of wine (or two) on a regular basis, I'd say holding steady ain't bad!

But, a goal is a goal and I'm going to get there. I know how to get there. I have the knowledge, the willpower and the drive to do it. 135, here I come!

So, that's that for Resolution: Hit Goal Weight. As for the others for 2011, I have Resolution: Do More Fun Stuff. Oh yeah ... We moved to Austin! So now that we are in a new city where one could never truly use the words "There is nothing to doooo" I have made it a personal goal to not use those words or "I'm bored." Any Austinites have some "must-do"s to share? I want to embrace this fun city, enjoy time with my husband and friends.

And then there's Resolution: Knock Out Debt which I have high hopes for this year. We're serious and are already making progress. Lastly, there is Resolution: Take a Vacation. John and I haven't been on a vacation since our honeymoon. We plan to book a trip either for our two-year anniversary in May or around our birthdays. I'd love to go somewhere I've never been before, but the all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean are really hard to beat when on a budget. Suggestions are welcome on this front!

A few other goals for 2011: take/post/tweet more pictures. Start making button flowers. Try more difficult-sounding recipes. And I may have another surprise or two up my sleeve. Stay tuned - who really knows what 2011 has in store!

Speaking of recipes, this became an instant favorite and it's been perfect for the holidays: Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins. I got tired of cleaning out my muffin pan each time, so last go-round I made it in a bread/loaf pan and it worked beautifully! (Just requires a bit longer bake time than muffin form.)

♥

k

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

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