Lady Cat Lady

For regular readers of my blog, you may already be aware of my eating habits because I’ve talked about them in the past.

This post is specifically for my family, who live quite a distance away, and just recently found out about my one hundred pound weight loss. Hi family! *Waving wildly from Orlando*.

I know none of you asked for this specifically, but I suspect you may be curious. So, here we go:

First thing I want to impart on you is there is no such thing as “bad food”. There is food that is good for your body, and food that is good for your brain. I know many of you are very fond of chocolate and/or sugar, it’s like it’s a genetic thing in our family or something. Ha.

Chocolate/sugar is “brain food”. It’s the type of food that makes your brain feel good.

Lean Protein, vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grain are all “body food”. It’s the type of food that makes your body feel good.

The goal is to eat lots of “body food” and keep the “brain food” to a low moderate amount. If you think I gave up chocolate completely, you are mistaken. I just don’t eat as much of it as I used to…once upon a time.

The second thing I want you to know is Calories count more than exercise. I know that’s not what you’ve been taught, but if you want to lose weight: Limit your caloric intake. Exercise will help you burn calories, yes, and strengthen your body. It’s definitely important, but it doesn’t make as big of an impact on the scale as you may believe.

The third thing is the keys to feeling full are Protein, Fiber, and Healthy fat. They are all important.

Currently, my total cholesterol is 131; HDL is 46; Triglycerides is 74; LDL is 70. My blood pressure hovers around 114/74. And, I weigh 126 at 5’2″.

As an aside, you all know me pretty well, I do not count calories. I’m not willing to put in that kind of an effort. I wing it.

Onto a typical day worth of meals:

My breakfast consists of a protein shake. I like Equate (Walmart Brand) Chocolate Protein shake with 160 calories and 30 grams of protein. I usually add a piece of fruit to that, and that’s the extent of it.

Snack time is usually raw fruit or veggies. I have a fondness for freeze dried apples and raisins that sit on my desk for me to nibble on. Popcorn and nuts are a good option if you’re really hungry.

Nick and I typically eat our big meal of the day at lunch due to our work schedules. I realize this is probably different for you. Lunch, for me, is about 3-4 oz of a lean protein; lots of vegetables; and some kind of whole grain. (which, for me, is typically brown rice. And, yes, brown rice has more calories, but it also has more fiber). I also buy chickpea and lentil pasta, they both taste good to me and Nick who loves pasta.

A good way to get extra protein and fiber into your diet is to blend up canned northern or pinto beans and stir them into sauces. Nick’s father is an Italian immigrant, I make a lot of homemade marinara and “gravy”. (Nick hates beans, but he eats them this way. 😊 )

Let’s talk about bread: Stick to Whole Grain, if you can afford Dave’s Killer Bread brand, go for it. Lots of healthy fiber in there and they have bagels, as well.

Snack time is usually more raw veggies or fruit; maybe some non fat Greek yogurt topped with fruit, nuts, and a little honey. Sometimes, I slather peanut or almond butter onto toasted Whole Grain bread.

Dinner, which is a lighter meal for me, is usually a whole lot of roasted veggies and some kind of protein.

I grew up in a house where my mother steamed or boiled veggies. I hated so many of them. Roast your vegetables family. Cut them into same size pieces; Toss them in a little Olive oil with some salt and pepper into a 400 degree oven for about 20 minutes depending on the size of the cut. They are so much tastier, I promise.

You can even do this with frozen veggies. Not quite as good as fresh, but much better than steaming them, in my opinion.

During work, I usually snack on grapes. Lots and lots of grapes. I love those things.

After work, I typically have a Fudge Ice Cream bar from Walmart. You know, frozen non dairy chocolate popsicle thingies that are only 90 calories? That’s my dessert. I live in Florida where frozen things year round makes sense.

Here’s a chocolate tofu pudding recipe for you:

Ingredients

3.5 oz. (100 g) roughly chopped dark chocolate (I use 70% dairy-free dark chocolate)
1 package (12 oz.-340 g) silken tofu at room temperature, drained really well. I usually press it between two paper towels to make sure all the liquid is gone. IT NEEDS TO BE SILKEN TOFU.
2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey

Toppings (optional):
chocolate shavings
raspberries
blackberries
fresh mint

Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring each time, until the chocolate is melted. Set aside to cool at room temperature.
Meanwhile, place the silken tofu and maple syrup in a food processor or blender and blend until very smooth. Add the melted chocolate and blend until well combined.
Scoop the mixture into 3 containers, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
To serve, garnish with chocolate shavings, raspberries, blackberries and a sprig of fresh mint.

Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days

You can also melt chocolate following the directions above and mix it with Non Fat Greek Yogurt. If it’s not sweet enough, add maple syrup or honey.

I would also suggest you read this specific post of mine: Losing Weight Takes Effort.

And, remember, I Love You All!
Debbi