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Monday, July 21, 2014

If I'm Being Completely Honest

If I'm being completely honest and transparent then I need to admit that I've let some of those bad behaviors back in my life and I need to daily surrender my addiction to God. Daily

The result of my addiction? Self-doubt, self-loathing, self-bullying and self-consciousness. Oh...and weight gain. Yup...that's happened. I've gained weight. It's not a huge amount, but 6 lbs is a big deal!

What habits have invaded my life again?  Well, here's a quick list off the top of my head:

- licking the spoon/bowl after fixing something tasty or when clearing the dinner table. 
- taking a nibble of this, a bite of that (unplanned/unconscious/unhealthy eating)
- lack of portion control
- eating too fast
- eating in the car (fast food on the go)
- lack of weighing regularly
- bread
- dessert
- chips/snacks
- taking the elevator and not the stairs
- not getting in all my water
- not walking (exercising) like I was 

So today I prayed and I asked for prayer. I have not been "cured" of my addiction like I had hoped. But that doesn't mean God isn't working in my life. For me it means He wants me to rely on Him minute by minute for every part of this. I am the branch and He is the vine...apart from Him I can do nothing. 

Friends, if you believe that weightloss surgery is the easy way out, you couldn't be more mistaken. This is hard...especially if you're addicted to food like I am.  It's a daily struggle, but one that is worth the fight! 

Before everyone gets worried about the "results" listed above, I'm at a good place. I know that the enemy wants me to believe I'm a failure. But I am not. I am redeemed. I am clay in the Potter's hand and He is Victorious!!!

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Live Well, Evansville!

I've tried to be sensitive about posting information on my bariatric center or any of the staff.  But I've been given the thumbs up to share the blog that my awesome RD, Corey Filbert, and another dietician maintain for the hospital where I had my RNY surgery.  Again, I can't say enough positive about Corey, the other staff or the center.  I truly believe they were the exact place I was to go for this procedure.

It's a great blog and one that I'll be linking on the side.  But until I get that done, why not check them out at the link below:

Live Well Evansville
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"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

Curried Chickpeas with Spinach and Tomatoes

I really didn't want this blog to become a recipe blog, but then I figured if someone was wondering what a gastric bypass patient eats a few recipes here and there isn't bad.  Right?!?  (C'mon...make me feel better about posting recipes here!)

This week I've ventured out in my cooking endeavors. Found this recipe and not only was it totally delicious, it's healthy!!  Win/win!!

So thanks for understanding the recipes are for me to share some fun foods I get to enjoy!

CURRIED CHICKPEAS WITH SPINACH AND TOMATOES

(4 servings)

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
  • 4 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 red jalapeño or Fresno chile, coarsely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chopped ginger
  • 1 pound fresh flat-leaf spinach, tough stems trimmed
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
  • 1 heaping teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 15-ounce cans chickpeas, rinsed
  • 1 24-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes
  • Flatbread or steamed white rice, for serving

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

1 serving contains:
  • Calories (kcal) 340
  • Fat (g) 10
  • Saturated Fat (g) 1
  • Cholesterol (mg) 0
  • Carbohydrates (g) 53
  • Dietary Fiber (g) 16
  • Total Sugars (g) 14
  • Protein (g) 15
  • Sodium (mg) 1330

PREPARATION:

Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic, chile, and ginger; cook until fragrant and softened, about 4 minutes. Working in batches, add spinach by the handful, tossing to wilt between additions. Cook until fully wilted and bright green, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Transfer mixture to a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. Season with salt and pepper; reserve. 

  • Heat remaining 1 Tbsp. oil in same skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until softened, 5-6 minutes. Add curry powder and chili powder and cook until toasted and fragrant, about 1 minute. Add chickpeas and tomatoes with juices, squeezing tomatoes with your hand as you add, and 1/2 cup water. Season with salt and pepper and simmer until tomatoes are broken down and sauce has thickened, about 10 minutes. Fold in spinach purée. Serve with flatbread or steamed white rice.

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Veggie Tales

I'm starting to rethink my food choices for today. Is it possible to have too many vegetables? 

Yes, they were quite delicious, but I am feeling mighty bloated right now! Oh, breakfast was normal – instant oatmeal. But after that? Morning snack included sugar snap peas and mini sweet bell peppers. Lunch was a yummy salad with spinach, carrots, green onion, cucumber, tomato, feta cheese, and a light vinaigrette dressing. Afternoon snack was my usual PB2 and banana. (That is never a bad idea!) Dinner tonight was some sautéed veggies in a garlic-infused EVOO: zucchini and yellow squash, more carrots, bell peppers, onions, garlic. That's it. 

Of course I know my protein is nearly non-existant today, but once in a while it's not a problem. A digestive system full of vegetables, however, could be an issue later. We'll see!