Busy... and dieting!

You may have noticed that I have not been posting as regularly as I usually do. Part of it is that I have been incredibly busy with lots of freelance work that is both fun and exciting (and it pays!) The other part is that my husband and I have been on the south Beach Diet Phase I. As a diabetic my husband was told to lose some weight and his doctor recommended the SBD, and we all know it is easier to diet together. Besides, over the last 10 years my weight has slowly increased, and at 5 ' 1", the extra 15 pounds I have been carrying makes me look about 6 inches shorter and a foot wider, so this was an excuse (opportunity) for me to get back into a single digit size.

I am sure that I don't need to tell you, though, that any diet does not usually lend itself to blog posts and photos of lamb chops, and mashed potatoes or homemade ice cream. And here at the peak of summer bounty, watermelon, and corn on the cob and fresh peaches are verboten (at least for the remainder of Phase I). So I guess now you aren't surprised that I haven't felt like posting about food.

However, I will not be cheating since in 2 weeks I have already lost 6 pounds, so I need to find the bright side. Luckily, I have the inspiring Kalyn's Kitchen with lots of ideas for enjoying food that is healthy and will help stabilize blood sugar and keep your body from storing fat. And frankly, staying on Phase I without eating the same thing every day takes more creativity than cooking with foie gras and sweetbreads.

So what am I missing (besides 6+ pounds)? Bread and crackers are the thing I would still kill for. Watermelon and corn on the cob at their peak are quintessential summer to me and so I am really missing them. I miss rice, and noodles, and of course, potatoes. Let's face it, I am a carb addict, and I am really having a hard time going "cold turkey". It is particularly difficult during this first phase since fruits like raspberries and strawberries are also not allowed, but I know that will not always be the case.

So what am I eating? Eggs, lots of eggs, both real whole eggs and egg substitute cooked with veggies and cheese, soft boiled, and baked in canadian bacon. Luckily for me I like eggs. I use avocado to dress up a salad, or on the side of my eggs, since avocado has a rich, luxurious taste that seems decadent even if it is healthy fat! Lots and lots of veggies - I have made my eggplant parmesan since it has very few carbs, as well as my chorizo, kale and white beans. A shrimp salad served in a half an avocado is delicious on a hot day. A hamburger without the bun brings a taste of traditional summer to the diet, and flank steak served with a salad and mashed cauliflower, is great when you feel like meat and potatoes. Snack time is most difficult for me , but I have been introduced to Laughing Cow cheese with celery and pistachios in the shell satisfy that "hand to mouth" craving I often get in the evening. If I am dying for something sweet I can have sugar free Jello, or a sugar-free Fudgesicle.

Tonight I am trying out a recipe for pasta-free lasagna, and I will let you know how it works, and hopefully will feel inspired to post more as I add back foods to my diet and drop pounds, and look for new and exciting ways to eat healthy without feeling deprived.

Comments

Bistro 613 said…
While I'm glad you're rockin' steady on the diet, I can't believe you aren't allowed to eat watermelon, of all things!

We've been going through roughly one a week. Can't imagine summer without the melon.

Are you allowed to have bananas? Frozen bananas are one of my favourites when it gets hot as it has outside.

Good luck, and I hope you you reach the next phase soon!
Kalyn Denny said…
Congratulations on the six pounds, and good luck. Stick with it, and you will be glad you did.
Deborah Dowd said…
Bistro 613- Bananas are a no-no. YOu can bet watermelon and seasonal corn will be two things I am willing to "spend" my carbs on!

Kalyn- So far I find that I am so liking the quick weight loss that I am almost afraid to move out of Phase I!
Sarah said…
Wow, 6 pounds in 2 weeks is impressive! Keep up the good work and eat lots of fish--that's a good way to get variety on SBD. A squeeze of lemon will take you miles, I've discovered.
Anonymous said…
Good luck with the diet. Laughing Cow cheese is a good lower fat cheese for when dieting. I shouldn't be posting a link to my recent homemade cheesecake ice cream pie recipe, though, since you are dieting! Sorry!
Deborah Dowd said…
Sarah-I am experimenting with all kinds of spices, herbs ,etc. to kick up the flavor and get variety!

S for Kitchen confit- Thanks for the encouragement (but not for mentioning that recipe!)
Deborah Dowd said…
Sarah-I am experimenting with all kinds of spices, herbs ,etc. to kick up the flavor and get variety!

S for Kitchen confit- Thanks for the encouragement (but not for mentioning that recipe!)
Unknown said…
Sounds like a great diet stock up. However, I cannot do the pistachios as I will eat a whole 5 lb. bag in one sitting.

Have Fun!

Bill
House Hubbie's Home Cooking
Nana and Pa's Place
Meghan's Friends
Cynthia said…
Continued success with your diet.
Deborah Dowd said…
Cynthia- Thanks for the good wishes, I am now at -9lbds and still falling!
I wish you much success, Deborah. I love to drink soy milk which is high in protein and low in fat and calories. It's filling and delicious, especially in fruit smoothies too.
Anonymous said…
Congrats on the weight loss. I need to grab onto your coattails and do the same!
kellypea said…
Congrats to you on your lbs. lost! I tried the SBD way back before it exploded with the book and all the prepped food they now sell. Phase I was quite the challenge for all the reasons you mentioned. I pooped out, though. No will power. My husband and I are exercising together at night which is nice along with eating lighter...not quite a diet, but fun!