Picture Day!

Remember when it was 'Picture Day' in school?  I looked forward to and planned for that day for like weeks in advance.  I always loved having my picture taken!  Unfortunately, I was usually disappointed when I got the photos back.. the silly school-hired photographer never quite got my good angle.. :)

So today is picture posting day!  I will say in advance, I'm pretty happy with the results shown!  I'll post a side-by-side with last month's photo for comparison (I had to pull up the old one for myself after we took the new one!)

I didn't make it to the gym this morning, I got no sleep last night and was just way too tired.  I'm hoping to go bellydance in Rabbit Hash tonight to make up for it but if that's not an option, I might try to do Zumba at home (if Nora will let me!).  I haven't been to the gym since Wednesday and I'm totally pissed about it.  I was going to make up some time this weekend but at the last minute Branden had to go out of town for a family thing so it was just Nora and mommy this weekend.  We had so much fun together!  I loved getting to spend all of the time with her :)  Saturday, Nora and I went did all of the laundry, had Subway for breakfast, went home so Nora could nap and mommy could shower then met Andi and Mama Sue for lunch at Chili's.  I don't know if I've mentioned before but I absolutely rave over Chili's kid's menu!  They have like 10  different protein options and 10 side options including a bunch of different veggies and fruits plus a drink for only $4.95!  I love that they have healthy options for kids! After that, Nora and I went to Louisville to shop in the Mall St. Matthews with my sister (big ups to Aunt Krispy for helping chase Nora around the store!) and we had dinner then Nora and I came back home.  Yesterday, Nora and I went to Walmart then just came home as she desperately needed a nap.. then daddy came home so mommy and Ya-Ya went to Old Navy then I met up with Sarah and we went grocery shopping together!  We had a pretty busy weekend but it was definitely a good one :)

Okay, food today:
Breakfast:
Choc Protein Shake w/ Skim Milk

Snack:
Low Carb/Sugar Yogurt (carrot cake flavor, yum!)

Lunch:
1can Tuna w/ 1tbs Miracle Whip, 1tsp Mustard, squeeze of lemon juice and diced pickles
Protein Mousse (recipe below)

Snack:
Weight Watchers String Cheese
12 raw organic Almonds

Dinner:
Chicken and asparagus.. not sure how it's going to be cooked, I'll update tomorrow :)

Recipe:
Protein Mousse
24oz Fat Free Cottage Cheese
2 small boxes Sugar Free/Fat Free Chocolate Pudding
3 Scoops Choc Protein Powder
2cups Boiling Water

-Bring Water to a full boil, add pudding powder and whisk until combined, remove from heat and let cool 5-10 minutes.
-While water boiling/pudding cooling, put cottage cheese in a blender and whip until smooth.
-After pudding has cooled a bit, add pudding and protein powder to cottage cheese in blender and blend again until combined
-Refrigerate overnight - should have a mousse-like consistency in morning!

I'll be honest - it's not the most amazing thing I've ever tried - but it's pretty good!  And for being really low in sugar/carbs/fat, you can't beat it!  I think it will be best served really cold with a couple of dollups of fat free/sugar free cool whip :)

OH and I made a really yummy Taco Salad Thursday night for dinner!
Recipe:
Taco Salad
Romaine Lettuce
Red Onion
Tomato
Chicken Breast (boneless/skinless)
Lime
Guacamole (recipe below)
FF Greek Yogurt
Salsa
Black Bean Salsa (recipe below)
Cilantro
Fat Free Cheddar Cheese
Mexican Seasonings (cumin, chili powder, garlic, paprika - or pre-made taco seasoning [this will have a lot more sodium])

-Season thawed chicken with mexican seasonings and grill over medium heat until cooked through (juices run clear, or you can always slice open the thickest piece.  Let rest 5 minutes then chop into bite-sized pieces.
-Chop Romaine Lettuce into bite-sized pieces and put into a large bowl.
-Chop red onion, tomato and cilantro and add to bowl. Squeeze juice of 1/2 lime over lettuce mix
-Add Black Bean Salsa, chicken and cheese to salad and toss to combine
-Serve with a scoop of salsa, dollup of greek yogurt and guacamole (or however you wish)
-Enjoy! 

Guacamole Recipe:
3 Avacados
1/2 Red Onion
2 Limes
1/2 bunch Cilantro
1tbs Garlic, minced
S&P

-Scoop out avacados, chop and put into a bowl. Squeeze a little lime over it to prevent from browning.
-Dice Red Onion and Cilantro and add to avacado.
-Squeeze in the rest of the juice from first lime and mash together with a potato masher
-Add garlic, season with S&P and taste.  Add more lime juice/S&P if necessary (I LOVE lime, I used juice from 2)

Black Bean Salsa Recipe
1 can Black Beans
1c corn kernels(I used frozen, thawed in bowl in microwave with a little water then drained)
10(or so) cherry tomatoes, diced
3tbs diced cilantro
1tbs garlic, minced
1 Lime (zest and juice)
S&P to taste

-Drain and rinse Black Beans
-Combine all ingredients in bowl, taste and adjust seasonings/lime juice to your liking


Okay, PICTURE TIME!

Above: April 15th, 2011

Weight: 284lbs

Above: May 15th, 2011

Weight: 276lbs - 3lb loss from last week!

8lb loss from last month.

Voila!  I think the poundage loss is not quite as impressive as the visible results.  I'm super happy with the way my waistline and chin area are thinning!  Definitely glad I decided to do the picture thing lol.

Well, this has been a very long post and I thank you all for reading!  The support that I've gotten from my friends/family/strangers has been a huge help and motivation to continue on my 'Losing Path.'

Until tomorrow!