Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Ok, I am trying to get back on track. It’s no longer cute. I have given myself too much grace, too many passes, and too many treats for many different reasons. Ha!
I’ve got all the excuses, you know?
Here is how my brain worked starting last spring…
“It’s almost summer and I am so tired of meal prep and packing my foods, it IS summer and it’s time to party and celebrate, the school year has started and I have a new schedule to get used to, now I have German houseguests and need to show them a good time, Mason left for England and I’m sad, it’s Halloween!, it’s my birthday, I’m too busy getting ready for my trip, I’m on my trip!, it’s the holidays!”
Can you relate? Please say you can!
I truly want to be a person who doesn’t obsess and that enjoys good food, good drink, and good company and those things can sometimes be at odds for me.
With all that said, it was time to get back to tracking WW points because that worked for me. I hate it and I love it.
I knew it would be easier to start January 8th when I got back into the school routine.
I am packing breakfast, snack, and lunch for school (on my days). I get home later so I don’t always have time or need for a snack before dinner. I had already pretty much cut out the evening snack habit and stop eating after dinner – so that’s one point for Amy! Ha! I try to take my shower and brush my teeth immediately after dinner on school nights.
My fellow Spanish teacher and friend Erica is still doing lunches with me and she says she is all in, too. It really helps to have someone doing it with you.
For inspiration, I went back to my very own blog posts. I typed in the search bar “healthy eating” and it reminded me of all the great food I have to pick from!
Last week for lunch, I made a lightened up shepherd’s pie:
Erica made a farro bowl:
I’m trying to eat more salads, but in the winter I like a cooked vegetable more, so I am roasting a lot of vegetables.
I’m trying to up my protein and it really does keep you more full:
Can you read my little post it notes?
On my Saturday Costco trip with Tom, I knew that these items would really help me:
I won’t eat anything I don’t like, to be honest. I like all of the things I purchased.
These are a great morning or afternoon snack and I really like them!
I am trying to do my protein iced coffee again. I’ve missed it!
I roasted a can of chickpeas for the first time this weekend and they would add a nice crunch to a salad. I just snacked on them. Yum!
I love egg salad. I didn’t use all of the yolk, added a bit of mustard and dry mustard, and a tiny, tiny bit of mayo. I tried to add Greek non fat plain yogurt and couldn’t handle the taste. These are my favorite tortillas – so soft. This is great in place of a bun or bread for various things.
I love Dave’s bread and Aldi has a dupe for it. It makes great avocado toast, which also makes a great snack or breakfast. I passed on this because I like the thin sliced better. I keep it in the freezer so it lasts a really long time.
Popcorn is a favorite snack. I pop raw kernels and use some salt and popcorn spray.
Yesterday I made the WW zero point cabbage soup. I love it and plan to add some sausage to it (the above apple gouda).
This week I also plan to have a Boca burger, Montreal Chicken – chicken breast baked with Montreal steak seasoning, a buffalo dip stuffed sweet potato, and lots of vegetables and some fruit. The first week or two are not perfect as you are figuring out what keeps you full and satisfied. I am also trying to drink a ton of water, using Bubly when I need a break from plain water, and reducing alcohol.
For breakfast, I made my low carb egg casserole using 6 eggs (this time I did 3 eggs and a carton of the egg whites from Costco), a cup of cottage cheese, and a can of green chilies, and my favorite spices. I baked it at 350 for 45 ish minutes until set. I will portion it out and and the Amylu chicken sausages.
I am thinking of adding LMNT to my Amazon cart. Any thoughts on that?
Anyone else cleaning up their act? Let’s help each other!
Send me any favorite foods, websites, etc. I am all ears!
I do plan to use my weeklies for some treats!
Amy
Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa 
My husband and I talked about this all cruise (I did only gain 2 lbs all fall/winter so I was great about keeping myself accountable) but I really, really want to get back down to my goal weight.
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That’s maintaining, so that’s great! I bet the cruise food was so decadent!
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You are so very lucky that you have Erica to eat with! The meal planning and support makes it so much easier I’m sure. I am trying to eat to feel better and plan to do a post on that soon!
xo,
Kellyann
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Yes, I am! It really keeps me from getting bored with my food! I can’t wait for your post!
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I talked about the same thing today on my blog! I have got to get my act together again, because I do not want to put back on even one pound. I’m good with breakfast, lunch, and dinner; it’s the snacking that does it for me! Thankfully I have only gained back three or four pounds, but it’s time to get them off. One of our new favorite meals is chicken sausages (brats?) with air fried bell pepper, and onion tossed with a bit of soy sauce. We had that last night, and I also made some spinach squares to go along with it; I pinned it to my “healthier eating” board on Pinterest. All of that was delicious!
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Yes! We are always in sync,no? Smart to catch it while you can and I let it spiral. That is a great sheet pan supper that is yummy, easy, and healthy.
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I have been wanting to try LMNT but haven’t yet. Let us know what you think.
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Will do!
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I love adding Nutritional Yeast to my popcorn….sprinkle on for a cheese flake taste/consistency and 2tbsp is 5 grams of protein for 40 calories. I also add it to soups etc…,give it a try!
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I have a bag in the pantry! I haven’t really known what to do with it besides popcorn. Great idea. I have veggie soup right now that I can add it to.
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I loved this post and am incorporating back in many of these things. I’ll be making your low carb egg casserole too. Mine has too much regular cheeese which I know it too much fat. Can’t wait to use the cottage cheeese. Ok wanted to comment on the LMNT! I love how much better it makes me feel. I only use a half a packet because it is expensive and it goes further that way and I am now buying it directly from their website and not Amazon. I get the variety pack, but I really don’t like the watermelon but I still suck it down. I would say I drink it three times a week on mornings where I just feel like I need a little bit more energy. I can’t explain it, but it just makes me feel better so there’s something to that whole electrolytes and sodium!
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Thank you! I don’t even miss the shredded cheese in the breakfast casserole. And, by adding a full cup of cottage cheese (I used fat free) it made the casserole really fluffy! Even my son loved it. Good tip on the LMNT.
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Great ideas, as always!
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Thank you!
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Yes! I haven’t eaten so poorly in December. I expected that but I am trying to get back on track too. I still have leftover Christmas candy and sweets in the freezer. 😬
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It’s so hard to get your stomach back on track! Oh no! I have to get rid of all the bad stuff or stuff that tempts me. I try to buy the sweets for Tom and boys that I don’t like!
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I am also on a weight watchers journey so this makes me super happy! I love having the tuna salad pouches, baked apple pouches, laughing cow, velveeta slices for snacks. Protein is my best friend! Looks like you got some great finds at Costco. I’m in CA so I will check mine for your ideas. Thank you!!
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Oh great! Yes! I need to buy more tuna pouches. Tom loves that for lunch on weekends. what are baked apple pouches? Costco has a lot of Amylu products that are also at Whole Foods in smaller quantities.
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The baked apple chips are from Walmart and are 1 point. Nice crunchy, sweet snack.
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I love that you and Erica do lunches together! Lunch is my least favorite thing to plan and pack. I am working getting back on track with healthier meals, too. It seems like the time of year for it. My guys love Chomps!
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Thank you! I think having a “lunch list” for this weekend helped. I immediately forgot what I had as options! Love Chomps!
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I’m right there with ya. Except I’m baking 2 loaves of sourdough bread today. I need to get myself in gear too. My meals are somewhat healthy, but my snacking habits have taken a turn the past few months. I am trying to game plan for snacks.
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Snow days are for baking and sourdough is my love language. I have never tried to bake it myself. Snacking is hard. TV = snacks for me!
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Good on you Amy! And with all that yummy food it looks like you’re treating yourself, not the other way around!
I spent 25 years in the fitness industry, always being scrutinized for my body, and now I’m so over it…! I’m quite lanky by nature, but you know, 55 years old and it tends to stick on you here and there… I used to have goals that worked for me, you know, “soon it’s time for bikinis” and so on, but I’m really not motivated… I need a goal!
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Hi Amy,
I am a fairly new reader of your blog. Wanted to let you know that I really enjoy everything that you share. I loved following along on your trip this past month. You did a wonderful job putting that trip together. I also love how you nurture your relationships with your girlfriends.
As for the LMNT, we occasionally use Liquid IV, mostly on hot summer days when doing yard work, hiking, sweating, physical exertion. I read the statement from LMNT that most of us don’t get enough sodium, which is exactly the opposite of what doctors say. I am not ready to believe a company who is shilling their products over a doctor. This reminds me of many other health trends of the past – the fat free trend, the melt your body fat while you sleep diet pill, etc.
Keep up the good work with your blog, Amy! Have a great day!
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The chocolate LMNT is really good hot. I drink it at night like hot cocoa.
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Thanks for the tip! Doesn’t affect your sleep?
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No, it does have magnesium in it so if anything I think it helps?
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I can relate! I have the best intentions and then a special event comes up, or I’m too tired to cook something healthy, I cut corners all the time with unhealthy options…because they are quick and easy and taste SO good! We started the Whole 30 on January 1 and are still going strong on Day 16. It’s very restrictive but it’s what we needed because both of us don’t seem to have much energy and have a lot of aches and pains as well as some lab numbers that need work. Once the 30 days are over, we’re going to switch to our own 5:2 plan, 5 days of continued Whole 30 and 2 days of allowing a few Whole 30-forbidden items back into our diet. I can’t tell you how much I am looking forward to that first slice of bread!
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Such a great idea to take a pic of foods to remember points and protein. My brain works the same way haha…& I always do so much better with everything during the school year.
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Right? New idea I came up with!
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I found your blog this summer and read it every day but rarely comment. Wanted to pop in and say that I am in the same boat – there’s always a special event or reason I find to make poor choices and I’m trying to correct that now. Otherwise I’ll have no clothes that still fit!
Thanks for sharing your plans.
Curious about your buffalo chicken dip that you were eating with veggies. It looks yummy! I’m totally going to steal your egg salad in a tortilla idea too.
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Welcome! Yup – same! Honestly health is my biggest motivation, but clothes are a second because I have all of these cute spring things and I want them to fit.
The dip is so good – I will post it in Friday Favorites.
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Oh, your plan looks great! You are not the only one who has reasons or excuses for not jumping back on the wagon, believe me! I have to lose about 10 lbs., but more than that, I need to go back to eating bland foods. My stomach is starting to bother me (again), and cutting bread and carbs in general will help. I’m also eating too many sugary treats. I have gotten some great food suggestions from you! I now buy sandwich thins, Dave’s Killer bread, and my all-time favorite: Morning Star Spicy Black Bean burgers. I love them! Good luck! Your meals always look great!
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Thank you! Thank you for commiserating with me, too. I know – even after 3-4 days doing this I feel better, so it will happen for you. Oh, I’m so glad. I will try to post once a week or two to give more ideas.
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For some reason, WW just doesn’t work for me anymore. I did lose almost 60 pounds on it 12 years ago. I’m really trying to get more protein in, but it’s really hard. So, good job on all that protein. Good luck!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
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Getting more protein is really hard. The Premier or Fairlife protein shake mixed with a bit of instant coffee tastes great to me and really helps. It’s like a cold brew or iced coffee. Tuna, chicken, turkey, salmon, chicken sausages are all things I rely on and try to get at each meal when I’m watching my protein.
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I meant to say *MOCK cocktails ,,,,,,not more cocktails! LOL
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Your subconscious mind wants “more cocktails”!
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My other long comment somehow didn’t post 🤷🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
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I think I figured out part of what you were saying!
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Check out Delay Don’t Deny (book) by Gin Stephens. She also has a podcast called Fast Feast Repeat. All about the benefits of an intermittent fasting lifestyle. So much less work than WW, less money, too! Best of luck to you on your journey towards better health and getting back on track to the best version of yourself!
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Thanks for the tip! I will see if my library has it first! Thank you!
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I’m currently double tracking with WW and MyFitnessPal (for cals/protein). I did WW for years and had slowly crept up a few lbs, switching to MFP only led to a few more. It’s curious how over points I go with staying just within calories. I guess I’m eating more carbs? Or different proteins? Time to get back on track here too!
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It’s very interesting, isn’t it? Sometimes I will go over my points if I know something is good for me. I think the idea with WW is to really base everything off of the zero point foods. It is a low carb and high protein plan for the most part.
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