Tuesday, June 12, 2018

It's been awhile... Always on a journey!

Hello everyone,

Well, it's been awhile!  Hope you're all enjoying your spring and the beginnings of summer.  I know Wisconsin has had its fair share of rain and fall-like, spring weather. :)  We've been able to enjoy many things Madison has to offer, like Union Terrace, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, a nature walk or two, finding the Buckys on Parade, small local farmers' markets close to our home, and so many other things.  And...the Z garden is planted and some harvesting has commenced:  rhubarb, radishes, herbs, and soon-to-be lettuces.  Can't wait!







I've received several messages on Facebook and have had many conversations from people who are interested in knowing about the current journey I'm with food modification. I'm always on a journey, food or otherwise.  My posts aren't meant to be a brag in any sense, but they are meant to keep me accountable and for me to see my progress in writing.  The process of typing or "writing things down" helps me visualize.  I thought I'd share with those interested about this never-ending journey.  This time, I am hoping it's a lifestyle change.  The struggle is real for this food lover. 

After suffering many physical injuries in the last 10 months or so (last summer I believe I broke my pinky toe, last fall I injured my Achilles and it took months to heal, and in February my back spasmed and seized up on me and that took a month to recover from, as well), I'm finally able to get back to moving, as I can, within my limits.  This means getting back to my walking routine with Wiggerston, the Big Black Beast, aka Oliver and walking during a few breaks at work, and perhaps getting back on the bike.  Now, I can't "go crazy", but I'll sure do what I can.

Ali and I have also really modified our "diet", aka our food portions and what we intake.  The fact that we have each other to hold accountable has really helped.  We are 10 weeks in and seeing the progress (20+ lbs for him, 18.5 lbs. for me).  We are also experiencing plateaus, which is normal.  It's taken this long to put the weight on, it will take some time to work it off as well.


We are doing what works for us, which sounds a lot like Whole 30 with portion control, but are continuing it past the 30 days.   So, what exactly are we doing?  Here it is in a nutshell:  A lot of veggies, fruits; lean proteins when wanted (chicken breast, fish esp. salmon for me - I really try to eat 75%+ vegetarian); nuts; very low carbs; very low sugars; very low dairy; low alcohol (shocker, right?); very low processed foods; lots of salads; enjoying quinoa, couscous, or other grains as a carb substitute; trying to be creative; making sure we eat fiber-rich and lots of plant proteins. I am also allowing myself one day a week to eat what I like, my "splurge" so to speak, but not going crazy either.  We've been able to keep on track even when we go out to eat.  Again, it's tough when you really enjoy food. :)  We don't feel like we're starving, and we don't feel like we're missing out.  I will tell you, though, we might be getting a bit sick of salads?! 

Here are a few visual food aids:
Summertime Salad: mixed greens, mango, avo, asparagus, scallions, bleu cheese crumbles, pistachios, white balsamic vinegar (my favorite is the German white balsamic vinegar from Vom Fass!), olive oil, s&p.


Shrimp/fish/mussel/sausage (I only ate one piece) boil with small new potatoes, corn on the cob, & Penzey's Galena Street for seasoning on top.  All boiled in homemade seafood stock with lemons & Old Bay.  I did splurge and eat a piece of bread, too. :)


Sauteed Veg (mushrooms, onions, multi-colored peppers) and Bean Taco Salad on organic corn chips with all the fixin's


Blackened fish (tilapia - Cajun Street blackening seasoning) and mango taco night (cabbage, tomatoes, cilantro, scallions, avo, mango, mango salsa from Texas, pickled jalepenos, & flour tortillas) - so good!


Leftover fish and mango taco fixings (not the blackened fish) + leftover salmon + boiled egg = yummy salad lunch!  Yes, I know, I do like a bit o' pepper on my food. :) 



As you know, I don't use a lot of recipes, but, that being said, I hope to be able to pass along meal ideas to those of you who are curious or need help getting out of a food rut.  I will keep posting photos and ideas, and, if it inspires you, you have my support behind you all the way.  Let's keep each other motivated, shall we? :)  You've got this.  I hope I do, too!

Hugs,
Jen