Work It Out

Hello my lovelies!

So I forgot to weigh my self on Monday…I was fighting a brutal migraine that lasted from Sunday afternoon to Wednesday. Anyways, I don’t think I lost anything anyways :(

So now that my migraine is gone, I’m going to take up my exercise a notch. Not only will I continue to walk on my lunch breaks, but I’m going to start walking my fur babies in the mornings before work and in the evenings as well. I’m also going to start doing some at home workouts. I have a few videos in mind. The 30 Day Shred is at the top of my list along with The Brazilian Butt Lift set and my personal favorite Jane Fonda VHS from 1980 hehe. It’s a classic and it reminds me of my mom so I love it and will never get rid of it.

So the walking/exercising is starting tonight. I’m just waiting for my dinner to settle before I get going.

I’ll keep you posted on my progress!

Low Carb Peanut Butter Cookies

TGIF!!! I felt like baking something last night. While I could have make brownies or cupcakes, I decided to make something that I could eat and still be on my diet -Peanut Butter Cookies.

I eat Peanut Butter everyday, usually with a spoon right out of the jar. Terrill is convinced that I would die without it lol. Thank goodness that I finished school before that whole peanut ban thing. While I was eating, I was reading the recipe on the label. Peanut Butter Cookies are made with sugar, which is a no no. So I followed the recipe and replaced the sugar with Nuvella (you can use any sugar substitute). They turned out great! My mum even liked them J

Here is what you need

1 cup Peanut Butter

1 egg

½ cup sugar substitute

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Mix your ingredients together. I used a hand mixer. Roll the mix into balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Press down with a fork and bake for 15 minutes or until they are golden brown. Don’t over cook them. If anything, under cook them. Soft cookies are the best J

This recipe claims that it makes 24, I’m not so sure. I doubled the recipe and had about 18 lol. Ok mine were a little on the big side. Nobody has ever complained about a cookie being too big!

Happy Friday!

Let Down Your Hair

I decided to wear my hair down today, which doesn't happen very often. I washed my hair on Monday night so its 3 days 'dirty' lol. I love dirty hair btw. I had it in a super high ballerina bun yesterday (very common Courts look) and when I woke up this morning, this is what it looked like. I didn't brush it, just clipped it up.

I find that when I have my hair in a ballerina bun instead of a messy bun, my hair falls really nicely when I take it out.

Happy Thursday!

My Lunch Break

For the last 2 weeks I’ve gone walking on my lunch break. I only go for about ½ an hour, but it’s better than sitting on my a** right? 

I’m fortunate enough to work super close to Victoria Park. It’s a totally gorgeous space. I love it. Today I walked alone. Just me and my music. Its very peaceful, beautiful and stress relieving. I walked along the river where tons of ducks, geese and swans hang out. Simply stunning.

The Incredible Shrinking Me – Week 3 Results

Ok, ok I’m a day late. I completely spaced yesterday morning and I didn’t record my weight. So I’m posting it today.

This was a pretty good week. I basically am back to the week 1 results weight, which is good. Period. I’ve been a bit more active, just a bit. I have been totally consumed with Beverly Hills 90210-the original series. It’s on Netflix…I changed my ring tone to the theme song. I am a looser lol.

Back to the weight loss. The food thing is getting easier and easier. I’m not craving anything really. I think its because my body is getting the fuel it needs instead of all the processed garbage. I feel good. I’ll feel better once I start moving. 

Please ignore my unpolished toes. They will be fixed asap!

Happy Tuesday!

Sunday Morning

Hello lovelies!

I slept a lot this weekend, it’s been wonderful. A mostly lazy weekend except for the walking. I went out for about an hour on Saturday and about an hour and a half today.

I woke up this morning at 8am and immediately put on my running shoes and headed out the door. I took Abby and Jersey on a walk around the neighborhood we were only out there for about 15 minutes. Jersey is a pretty old lady and can only handle so much walking. I dropped Jersey off back at home and continued with Abby.

I love walking. It’s really the only form of exercise that I actually enjoy. Abby loves it too. She is a crazy girl and needs lots of exercise to keep her happy. She is my little motivator.

We are fortunate enough to live down the street from some beautiful trails. I love walking them first thing in the morning. It’s so peaceful. We are usually the only ones out there. Well except for the deer, rabbits, birds and all of the other lovely creatures in the woods.

When I got back, I made some breakfast for me and Terrill. I made a sandwich for Terrill with probiotic bread, cheese, sautéed spinach, bacon and a poached egg with some baked beans. I had the same thing without the bread. Super yum!

The rest of my day is going to look something like this: groceries, cleaning, laundry, mani/pedi and dinner at the in laws.

Braid & Messy Bun

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted to share a quick shot I took of my hair this morning. Please ignore my roots! I'm getting my hair done soon I promise! I did a messy bun (as per usual) and wrapped a braid around the front to add a little somthin, somthin. I think it turned out pretty well, considering I had 15 minutes to get ready this morning. I ended up with no make up, but that is ok with me!


Happy Friday!!

The Incredible Shrinking Me - Week 2 Results

Wow! I gained all the weight back that I lost lol. I had a really great weekend, and I didn’t watch what I was eating and there was no exercise. I spent the weekend at Wasaga Beach for a bachelorette party. I had a fabulous time drinking, eating more drinking. I had good intentions, brought some healthy food with me. Things just got in the way.

Now, I’m using this as an excuse. I could have said no to the chips and jello shots, but I didn’t. I had a good time and that is that. I did my weigh in and I’m posting it because I’m not worried about it. I’m back on track as of today and I’ll loose that weight again.

I want to loose weight, but I also want to live my life. It was just a bad weekend.

I'm sure this has happened to everyone. If you have any stories to share, let me know!

Happy Monday!

Cha-Cha-Cha Chia!

I know what you are thinking. Courts why are you talking about this weird house plant from the yester years. Well I’m not. I want to talk specifically about the seeds.

These little health miracles are considered to be one of the newest miracle foods. I’ve read quite a bit on them and I’m going to have to agree with the claim. I bought some on the weekend from The Bulk Barn, but you can buy them on line here. I’ve been adding a tbsp to my yogurt and fruit combo. These things are so awesome!

First of all, they taste like nothing. Perfect. They also, don’t stay in a crunchy seed form once they are mixed with anything that has moisture. They swell up and become chewy. They hold a lot of water, so it makes you feel full!

Here are a few reasons Chia seeds are Fabulous:

1. Lose Weight

The tiny, healthy seeds can be made to taste like whatever you want, and their unique gelling action keeps you feeling full for hours.

2. Balance Blood Sugar

Blood sugar may spike after meals, especially if you eat high-starchy foods or sweets. This can lead to ‘slumps’ in your day where you feel tired and out of energy. By balancing your blood sugar, you not only lower your risk for type 2 diabetes, but you also ensure steady, constant energy throughout your day.

3 Omega 3    

Chia is the richest plant-source of this healthy oil. By weight, chia contains more omega 3 than salmon, and it still tastes like whatever you want! Omega 3 oil is important in heart and cholesterol health. It’s also recently been targeted as a weight-loss helper. USA Weekend magazine also reports on a study where overweight dieters who included omega 3s in their eating plan lost 2 more pounds monthly than the control group, who did not.

4 Feel more energized

 Chia is one of nature’s highest plant-based sources of complete protein. The combination of complete protein, vitamins, minerals and blood-sugar balancing gel all work together to make sure you have steady, never jittery energy.

5. Age defying anti-oxidants

Anti-oxidants help prevent free-radical damage in your body. Free radicals lead to problematic conditions such as premature aging of the skin and inflammation of various tissues.

Incredible Shrinking Me – Week 1 Results

Well ladies and gentlemen….I’m down 4.6 lbs! I fell pretty good and although its only been a week, I think that this success is going to continue J Saturday ended up being kind of a cheat day. I had some taco dip, a small piece of cake and a Smirnoff Ice. It didn’t seem to slow me down though.

Well on to week 2!

Cauliflower Pizza

Hello my lovelies!

I hope everyone is enjoying their long weekend so far. I know I am.

Today was the first day on my weight loss journey that I had a craving for something. That something was PIZZA!!!! A low carb dieters nightmare. Pizza is one of my favorite token ‘bad’ foods. I will never get sick of it.

 The little devil on my shoulder whispered Courts, just go for it, order a pizza. Luckily, the angel on my other shoulder has a really loud voice and doesn’t know how to whisper. I did not order pizza. What I did do, is make my own low carb pizza instead.

Low carb pizza?!?!?! Yup its possible and its actually really, really good! The crust is made with cauliflower! Woohoo! I know what you are thinking, and no it doesn’t taste like cauliflower. It tastes like cheesy garlicy goodness.

Here is what you will need:

1 cup cooked riced cauliflower
1 egg
1 cup mozzarella cheese
½ tblsp of chopped garlic
1 tsp oregano
2 tsp parsley

1 tsp basil

Tomato sauce

Additional cheese

Toppings

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees. Cook the cauliflower. I used frozen and just cooked it in the microwave. Drain the water and place the florets in a food processor. I pulsed the processor until the cauliflower looked like rice.

 

Dump the ‘rice’ into a bowel and add the garlic, cheese and egg. Mix it up and then you can scoop it out onto a greased baking sheet or onto a pizza stone. I used a stone. Bake it for about 12-15 minutes. You want it to be browned.

Dump the ‘rice’ into a bowel and add the garlic, cheese and egg. Mix it up and then you can scoop it out onto a greased baking sheet or onto a pizza stone. I used a stone. Bake it for about 12-15 minutes. You want it to be browned.

Once it’s browned, take it out and add your sauce and toppings. I only had cheese and sautéed mushrooms with more garlic. Place the pizza back in the oven, switching it over to broil. Broil on low until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes before you cut and serve. 

It is possible to have some 'naughty' foods while on a diet, you just have to change them to suit you! 

Happy Saturday!

The Incredible Shrinking Me – Day 4 & 5

So day 4 went well. So far I haven’t had really any lapses or cravings-thank goodness. I took the stairs again and went for a half hour walk with Abby. She is loving this new lifestyle lol.

Day 5 was overall pretty good, except I ate some chocolate. Only a little and then the rest of the day was good. I went out tonight, so I didn’t get a drink to compensate for the chocolate. I met up with some girls for dinner at Baker Street Station. I have never been there before, but the other girls are frequent visitors. We met at 7:30 and in the spirit of keeping to my eating and money diet, I made my self dinner before we went. When we went out all I had was some edemame beans, a diet coke and a glass of water. Not bad. Usually I cave when I go out to restaurants. I order an appetizer, main course and dessert. Hopefully that person is gone, at least for now. I will allow my self some wiggle room once I get to where I need to be.

Here is what I ate yesterday and today:

Day 4 Breakfast – Water, hard boiled egg, half a bagel with plain cream cheese, iced coffee

Day 5 Breakfast – Same as day 3

Day 4 Morning Snack – Coconut yogurt with fresh fruit

Day 5 Morning Snack – Same as day 3

Day 4 Lunch – Oopsie Roll with peanut butter and sugar free jam, water

Day 5 Lunch – Same as day 3 and some chocolate

Day 4 Dinner – Hard boiled egg, cheese, water. Later in the evening Terrill brought me a turkey pita. I ate a little less then half.

Day 5 Dinner – Water, home made burger, no bun with avocado, roasted red peppers, mushrooms, blue cheese and HP sauce. Later I had edemame beans and a diet coke.

All in all, I’m pleased with my week. This is a long weekend though, and it is filled with parties, BBQ’s and drinks so who knows what is going to happen. Must stay strong!

The Incredible Shrinking Me - Day 3

Well, my migraine carried over to today so I spent most of the day sleeping. Another day wasted –le sigh. Oh well, such is the life of a migraine sufferer.

I did eat properly today, that’s for sure. I basically left my bed to eat and let me dogs out. I didn’t start feeling better until early evening. Here is what I ate today:

Breakfast

A glass of water, iced coffee, hard boiled egg, ½ a bagel with plain cream cheese

Snack

Liberte Mediterranean Coconut Yogurt with chopped up fruit (pineapple, honey dew melon, blueberries, red grapes, strawberries, cantaloupe) and a glass of water.

 * Side note on the yogurt* This is seriously delicious! It tastes like something sinful, but it’s not because its yogurt! It’s thick, creamy and tastes like a tropical paradise. If you are a coconut freak like me, you have to try this.

Lunch

Water, handful of almonds (unsalted, skin on) , peanut butter and jam sandwich-sort of. I made these things called Oopsie Rolls. You can find the recipe here at Your Lighter Side. They are low carb version of a bun. I made them a few weeks ago and froze them. I used regular peanut butter, but sugar free jam.

Dinner

Baked chicken breast (Terrill had chicken legs-back attached bone in, skin on), cauliflower mashed faux-tatoes, roasted parsnips, broccoli, carrots and gravy. *Side note about the chicken* Hands down best chicken I have ever made. Terrill ate two legs and just kept saying oh my god oh my god lol. I got the original recipe here at Kitchen Bounty, but changed it as I always do. I forgot to take pictures, but here is the recipe.

You will need:

• Chicken legs, bone in, skin on or boneless, skinless chicken breast. The baking times I’ve listed is for the chicken legs, you don’t need to cook a breast as long as this.
• Olive Oil
• Chopped garlic
• Old Bay Seasoning (I bought this in the US and I’m not sure if it’s available in Canada. You can use any ‘all seasoning’ you have
• Italian seasoning
• Dried Rosemary
• Salt & pepper
• Butter
• Wine (recipe called for white, but all I had was a Rose)
• Franks Red Hot (mine is the kind with lime)

Heat your oven to 375 degrees. Place chicken in a baking dish and rub with olive oil. Sprinkle a good amount of all the remaining ingredients (except the butter and wine). Bake for 20 minutes.

Remove from the oven and increase the temperature to 425 degrees. Add some butter to the dish and pour in some wine. The amounts don’t really matter, just do what you feel J Once the butter has melted, mix the sauce that is forming in the dish around and baste the chicken. Pop it back into the oven and bake it for another 25 minutes, basting every 5 to 10 minutes.  Once the juices run clear when you poke the meat, you know its cooked. I turned the oven off, and left the chicken in there for another 10 minutes or so. Then let the meat rest on the counter.

Snack

½ Ricotta Cheese with pure vanilla extract, Splenda and dates. This is a really delicious dessert or snack. Ricotta Cheese is low carb and high in protein. By including the dates, I added some serious vitamins, minerals and fiber to my day.

I should be back to normal tomorrow so walking will happen. I just can’t do much when my brain feels like its trying to escape my skull.

Happy Wednesday!