Sunday, November 28, 2010

1 Year out and things I'm thankful for



So as of last Wednesday I am now officially 1 year postop RNY surgery! I praise God for allowing me to have had this surgery. I cannot even begin to described the MANY ways in which my life has changed for the better!! Okay...maybe I can...
-I've lost 118 lbs! That is the equivalent of the complete set of Encyclopedia Britannica

-I have a crazy amount of energy on a daily basis, I rarely am able to stay at home and do nothing! I use to be the biggest hermit...not wanting to get out and do things b/c I was ashamed of myself.
-I actually look forward to clothing shopping and just found out that I am now a size 12! That's a heck of a lot better than a size 26! I no longer have to shop at Lane Bryant!
-I have a crazy desire to exercise now...and I like it! I actually am making a habit to hit the gym a couple of days a week. Love the elliptical/treadmill and bike.
-My thyroid is finally regulated for the first time since high school!
-I can very comfortably buckle my seat belt in my car...with lots of extra slack!
-I am no longer prediabetic, my blood sugar is normal these days
-No longer have high cholesterol, nor high triglycerides
-I can ride a roller coaster!

I can honestly say that I've never been happier!


On a more serious note, I have noticed a rather annoying eating patter as of late: The munching on crunchy food when I get stressed.  It is particularly bad when I am dealing with family or work related problems. Thankfully, I now see this habit and I am determined to nip it in the bud!
I am CONSTANTLY keeping tabs to make sure I eat because it's time to eat or because I am TRULY physiologically hungery. Again, I cannot reiterate enough that this is a daily battle for me. Emotional eating has not left me....but again I am dealing with it one day at a time.
It's especially hard around the holidays, with so much 'crap food' around. Nine times out of ten, I can refuse the unhealthy foods and feel absolutely fine about it.
As far as calories and such goes, I am now allowing myself 1100-1200 calories a day along with 75-100 grams of carbs *in which I try to stay below 80*  and 75-110 grams of protein.
The big thing for me now is making sure that my carbs are NOT refined...but complex ie: natural from dairy, fruits and veggies. I finally figured out that I cannot have snack foods in the house ie: triscuits for the shear fact that when I get stressed I tend to eat them instead of healthier foods.

I'm currently stalled on my weight loss due most likely to the fact that I've had too many refined carbs and not enough good carbs.

I have been researching the 5 day pouch test . I really do want to try this just to see if 1) I can wean myself off of simple carbs 2) increase my daily water intake  3) increase my non-starch fruit and veggies food intake and 4) get back to losing weight again...1 to 2 lbs per week.

That is all I've got for now! Have a great week everyone!

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Eggface recipe saves the day again!!

Okay, have I ever told you how much I love Eggface??
Just when I feel as though I get in a rut with eating bariatric friendly foods, she surprises me again with some awesome and easy to make foods!

My fav right now:

Shelly's Ricotta Bake Cups
















1/2 cup Ricotta Cheese

1 Tablespoon Parmesan, grated

1 Egg Yolk

1/2 teaspoon Italian Seasonings (Oregano, Basil, Garlic Blend)

a few twists of Black Pepper

Mozzarella Cheese, shredded

Large Pepperoni Slices (from deli department, not prepackaged)



Mix all ingredients together (except mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices) till well blended.

Place a pepperoni slice in each hole of a mini muffin tin. Spoon a tablespoon of ricotta mixture into each pepperoni "cup" sprinkle top with a pinch of mozzarella cheese.















Bake at 375 for 10 minutes. Allow to cool slightly and remove from tin. Reheat in toaster oven or broiler.

**AMY NOTE** I actually didn't have any large pepperoni slices, so I used thinly sliced turkey breast meat instead and it still rocks!!!

If you haven't visited Eggface's page yet please do!

Saturday, November 13, 2010

11 Month Belated Photos

Hello, everyone! Sorry it's been awhile since I've updated. I just got back from a much needed vacation to south Florida! Got to spend time with my amazing family as well as romp around Universal studios.

Of course I didn't lose any weight while I was on vacation, actually I believe I gained 2 lbs...but I'm pretty sure its because I was mostly sedentary while in FL.  Anyhow, now I'm back and I'm back on track with my food journaling and exercise! I've found that food journaling keeps me honest...as well as help me see where I can subtract carb/calorie wise from my diet.

Anyhow, I do have new pics. They are of me at 174!! My one year surgiversary is Nov 24th and I cannot wait!
It's crazy to think that in only a year, I've lost 116 lbs!!

Me before at 290lbs Oct 2009                   Me now 174lbs Oct 2010