The 17-Day Diet - Cycle Two - Day Nine

I think maybe I've reached my plateau weight. This is about where I got for the wedding and then couldn't seem to lose any more. But, for the wedding, I ran out of time. Now, I don't have a time frame, I'm just trying to lose weight and get healthier. I guess if I were to set a weight and time goal, I'd say 140 pounds by Memorial Day (maybe a little sooner so I can find some new swimsuits). Being more comfortable in a swimsuit this summer will be a nice reward for working on my weight.

Here's tomorrow's higher-calorie menu.

Breakfast:

• 1/2 C Breakstone LiveActive cottage cheese
• 1 medium pear, sliced
• 1 cup green tea

Lunch:

• Grilled chicken breast
• 1/2 C pinto beans
• 1/2 C cooked corn
• 1 cup green tea

Dinner:

• Grilled salmon
• Steamed broccoli
• Sliced fresh tomato drizzled with 1 T olive oil or flaxseed oil mixed with vinegar and seasonings
• 1 cup green tea

Snacks:

• 6 oz. sugar-free, fruit-flavored yogurt
• 1 medium apple

Starting weight: 158.4

Current weight: 148.6

Pomegranate Collins

I've been wanting to try pomegranate liqueur for a while now, and when I saw it on sale over the weekend I finally bought a bottle.

Originally I planned to mix it with champagne, but I saw this recipe on the label, had everything on hand and decided to give it a try. It was refreshing, smooth and the perfect balance of crisp, tart and sweet (but not too sweet) - my favorite.

Mom's Words of Wisdom

I remember my mom saying this when I was young, and it has stuck with me since. It's what I say to myself when it seems like a good idea to eat an entire batch of cookies or a half-gallon of ice cream.

Thanks for keeping me accountable, Mom.

The 17-Day Diet - Cycle Two - Day Seven

I'm horrible at weekends...

I ate higher calorie meals three nights in a row... and Jeff brought home some peanut butter Oreos. How am I supposed to resist those? Ugh. I'm actually glad tomorrow is Monday so I can get back to the routine.

Here's tomorrow's higher-calorie menu.

Breakfast:

• 2 scrambled eggs
• 1 baked potato, diced, seasoned, and browned in a frying pan coated with vegetable cooking spray
• 1 orange
• 1 cup green tea

Lunch:

• Black Bean Chili (this is really good); 1 pound lean ground turkey, 2 C black beans, 1 C chopped onion, 2 C tomato sauce, 1 T chili powder, 1 t kosher salt, 1/2 t black pepper; in a saucepan, brown the ground turkey over moderate heat. Add the remainder of the ingredients. Simmer for 20 minutes. Makes 4 servings.
• Large tossed salad with 1 T olive oil and 2 T vinegar
• 1 cup green tea

Dinner:

• Extra lean hamburger patty, broiled
• Sliced fresh tomatoes, drizzled with fat-free salad dressing
• Green beans or other veggies, steamed
• 1 cup green tea

Snacks:

• 6 oz. sugar-free, fruit-flavored yogurt
• Kefir Smoothie

Starting weight: 158.4

Current weight: 149

The 17-Day Diet - Cycle Two - Day Five

So far, I really like the second cycle. Getting to eat a potato is a big deal for me. I think it's the German and Irish in me ... I love potatoes.

The menus from cycle one seem new again since they're actually different than what I ate the day before. Even though I'm not dropping weight as fast, I'm enjoying being on a diet more. And, I'm still losing a few ounces a day ... that's good enough for me.

Here's tomorrow's higher-calorie menu.

Breakfast:

• 4 scrambled egg whites
• 1 fresh peach
• 1/2 C oatmeal or grits, cooked
• 1 cup green tea

Lunch:

• Shrimp salad: cooked shrimp, 3 T chopped onion, generous bed of lettuce, 1 tomato (large), and 1 T olive oil
• 1 baked sweet potato
• 1 cup green tea

Dinner:

• Pork sirloin chops, baked or grilled
• Steamed veggies
• 1 cup green tea

Snacks:

• 1 C blueberries with 6 oz. sugar-free, fruit-flavored yogurt
• 1 C kefir

Starting weight: 158.4

Current weight: 148.8

Have a Relaxing Weekend.

Are you doing anything fun this weekend? A few things I have planned include a bubble bath, a hair mask, reading more of Bossypants and hunting for new bedding. I'll probably work in a trip to the thrift stores, too. Also, I'm working on a surprise gift, but for obvious reasons, I can't tell you more about it just yet.

Here are some fun posts from around the Web.

Goodie bag gift idea.

A light fixture goes from drab to fab.

7 ways to wear spring dresses now.

Find a drink to match the music you're listening to.

Trend alert: micro prints.

Cute baby shower ideas.

Hilarious, but practical onion goggles.

A cozy kitchen before and after (click the links to the living room and entry way, too).

Whole wheat peanut butter cookies (must try these).

Fantastic event invitation suite.

More cookies I want to make (I have a sweet tooth problem).

In a pinch party hats.

Photo via.

Thrifty Thursday - Meatless Meals

I have a husband who loves eating meat, but the more meat that goes in the grocery cart, the higher the grocery bill. On occasion, for the sake of a dollar, I'll try to sneak in a meatless meal that will still satisfy his carnivorous needs. My favorite meatless recipe is from Jessica Seinfeld found at Oprah.com. I really like the opportunities to use healthy substitutes, like whole-grain noodles and low-fat cheeses.

Vegetarian Crock-Pot Lasagna
Serves 6

Ingredients

3 cans (14.4 oz.) crushed tomatoes

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

2 T dried oregano

1/2 t kosher salt

1/4 t red pepper flakes

1/4 t freshly ground black pepper

2 containers (15 oz. each) fresh ricotta

2 C (8 oz.) grated mozzarella

1/4 C grated Parmesan

12 lasagna noodles (about three-quarters of a 1 lb. box)

5 oz. (about 6 C) baby spinach

Directions

In a medium bowl, combine the tomatoes, garlic, oregano, salt, red pepper and black pepper. In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta, 1 cup of the mozzarella and Parmesan.

In the bottom of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker, spread a thin layer of the sauce. Top with 3 of the noodles (breaking to fit, as necessary). Spread about 1 cup of the sauce over the noodles and layer with 2 cups of the spinach and 1 1/2 cups of the cheese mixture. Repeat twice more with the noodles, sauce, spinach and cheese mixture. Top with the remaining 3 noodles, sauce and 1 cup mozzarella.

Cook on low, covered, until the noodles are tender—especially in the center of the lasagna—about 3 to 3 1/2 hours.

Read comments and reviews here.

Did you know going meatless even one day a week can help reduce your risk for cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity? It also can help reduce your carbon footprint. A way to ease into meatless meals is to try having Meatless Mondays. Read about the movement, get recipes ideas and more at meatlessmonday.com.

Would you consider incorporating meatless meals, or do you already?

Photo via. 

The 17-Day Diet - Cycle Two - Day Three

Welcome to the third day! I'm only going to blog the menus every other day, because I only get to eat new stuff every other day. Makes sense, yeah?

I have a confession ... tonight is girl's night and I'm probably going to cheat a little. I'll still try to make good choices at the restaurant and watch my portions.

Here's tomorrow's higher-calorie menu.

Breakfast:

• 2 scrambled eggs
• 1/2 grapefruit
• 1 cup green tea

Lunch:

• Grilled chicken breast
• 1 medium baked potato with 1 T fat-free sour cream (I'll use fat-free Greek yogurt)
• 6 oz. sugar-free fruit-flavored yogurt
• 1 cup green tea

Dinner:

• Sirloin steak
• Tossed salad with 1 T olive oil and 2 T balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup green tea

Snacks:

• 1 C fresh raspberries with 1 C sugar-free, fruit-flavored yogurt
• Mediterranean spread: 1/2 C garbanzo beans (pureed and mixed with 1 T olive oil) and served on cucumber slices

Starting weight: 158.4

Current weight: 149.6

Superfood: Chia Seeds

On a recommendation from my uncle, my mom and I have started adding a serving of Chia seeds to our daily diet.

So what's a Chia seed? (Yes, it's the same plant as a Chia Pet.)

Grown in Mexico, Chia seeds were a staple of the Mayans and Aztecs because of their health benefits. They contain more Omega-3 acid than flax seeds and more antioxidants than blueberries! They also can help balance blood sugar, are packed with vitamins and are easily digestable so there's no need to grind them. They're loaded with fiber to help digestion, and can have a positive effect on cholesterol. They also are a complete protein and can supply healthy, steady energy. Bonus: The seeds can absorb nine times their weight in water and can help you feel fuller, longer.

I like to add a serving to my morning yogurt, sprinkle some on salads, mix them in smoothies or use them in recipes.

Here are a few recipes I can't wait to try.

Lemon Chia Seed Muffins

Chia Seed Peanut Butter Cookies

Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

Raw Chia Cookies

Banana Chia Seed Pudding

If you'd like to try the recipes, too, you can get Chia seeds at most health food stores like Whole Foods or Hy-Vee's health food market. They're also available online.

Photo via.

Imperfect Is In

According to The New York Times, the hottest trend for 2012 is imperfection. Finally!

Lip liner, overdone eyes, perfect skin and brow pencils are so last year. Who knew I was so ahead of the trend?!

"The new look for the new year is effortless, minimalist, just-out-of-bed-with-your-lover, according to leading hair and makeup artists ... tousled hair, smudged eyeliner, dewy lips and luminous skin are in," says The New York Times.

My favorite part is the new lipstick look, described as "popsicle mouth," because that's what my lipstick always ends up looking like anyway. Just apply the color to the middle of your bottom lip, press it into your top lip, then roll it. Easy peasy.

They're even saying to skip mascara! That one isn't for me, unless you want a zombie-like creature walking around. If you can pull it off, more power to you!

Another great part of this - hair should match your makeup look. It's about time my rats-nest hair is cool.

Read the whole article and hear more 2012 makeup trends here.

Image via.

The 17-Day Diet - Cycle Two - Day One

The second cycle of The 17-Day Diet has begun!

On this cycle, you alternate lower-calorie days with higher-calorie days to help your body from reaching a weight-loss plateau. On the lower-calorie days you can eat any of the menus from the first 17-day cycle.

I decided to start with a low-calorie day. Here's tomorrow's higher-calorie menu.

Breakfast:

• 1 Dr. Mike's Power Cookie
  
  Ingredients:
  1/3 C unsweetened applesauce
  2 T almond paste
  1 T flaxseed oil
  10 packets Truvia
  1/4 C agave nectar
  1 large egg
  1/2 t vanilla
  3/4 C whole wheat flour
  1/2 t baking soda
  1 t cinnamon
  1/2 t salt
  1/4 t black pepper
  1/2 C vanilla whey powder
  2 C oats
  1 C dried cherries
  1/2 C sliced almonds
  
  Directions:
  Heat oven to 350 degrees. Beat together applesauce, almond paste, flaxseed oil, Truvia and agave nectar. Beat in egg and vanilla. Mix well. Add flour, baking soda, salt, pepper and whey powder. Beat thoroughly. Stir in oats, cherries and almonds. Mix well. Drop the batter by large tablespoons onto a cookie sheet that has been sprayed with vegetable cooking spray. Divide dough so that you have 18 cookies. Flatten each cookie with the back of the spoon. Bake 16 to 18 minutes or until brown. Remove from oven. Cool and store in a plastic container. Each cookie supplies 128 calories and can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack. Each cookie counts as one protein and one natural starch.
• 1 fresh peach, sliced
• 1 cup green tea

Lunch:

• Large green salad topped with grilled chicken breast, 1 sliced tomato, other salad veggies, drizzled with 2T olive oil and 4T balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 C brown rice
• 6 oz. sugar-free fruit-flavored yogurt
• 1 cup green tea

Dinner:

• Lots of grilled salmon
• Steamed green beans
• 1 cup green tea

Snacks:

• Protein Smoothie: 1 C acidophilus milk or kefir blended with 1 C frozen unsweetened berries

Starting weight: 158.4

Current weight: 149.8

Super Bowl Party Do's and Don'ts

Will you watch the Super Bowl? I'll be honest, I'm not thrilled over either team this year, but we'll still watch the game ... after all, it's the Super Bowl! If you're hosting a Super Bowl party, here are a few do's and don'ts from Country Living.

Do: Vary your drink options − not everyone likes beer. Have a few bottles of wine on hand or offer a fun mixed drink.

Don't: Forget to prepare for spills − it could get rowdy. Have some Spot Shot or your favorite carpet cleaner on hand.

Do: Stock up on the necessities − no game day is complete without pretzels, nuts and chips.

Don't: Skimp on hearty foods − meatballs, ribs, wings and cocktail weenies will help balance out the drinks

Do: Use disposable plates and napkins − this will make clean-up way easier.

Don't: Go overboard with decorations − everyone will have a good time, even if you didn't turn the living room into a mini football field.

Read more Super Bowl party do's and don'ts here.

Photo via.

Have a great weekend!

As pretty as images like this are, I'm ready for summer. I need more boating and watersports in my life. I'm already scouting swimsuits. Only a few months away!

Speaking of swimsuits ... the first cycle of the 17-Day Diet is over! I've gone from 158.4 to 150 (8.4 pounds!). The plan for the weekend: eat what I want, but in moderation. Second cycle starts Monday! In case I feel the urge to pig out, the Victoria's Secret swimsuit catalog is sitting open for a little extra motivation.

I hope you have a fabulous weekend. Here are some posts from around the Web.

DIY fork ring. (I had one when I was younger ... I still have the monogram bracelet to match!)

My greatest fear.

Super cute kid party idea.

Really great rustic-chic table numbers.

I'd camp every weekend if I had this.

The mug for you, if you have a moustache.

Scotch eggs (these might be the perfect breakfast).

Jaw-dropping rehearsal dinner decor.

The perfect winter coozie.

Sweet dreams.

A great outfit.

Some great rooms.

I NEED these.

Photo via.

The 17-Day Diet - Day 17

I made it! After the last 17 days of eating healthy, not only am I lighter, but I feel great about doing something good for my body. This morning I was 151.2 and will take my final weight in the morning.

Since I'm not to my goal yet, I've decided to for sure do the second 17-day cycle. For Jeff's sake, we'll take the weekend off. The next cycle begins Monday.

Thanks for being my motivators, even if you didn't know you were. It makes such a difference having to report to someone. When I really wanted to cheat, I just thought about having to tell you about it. Judgement is obviously a motivator for me.

Check back in the morning for the total 17-Day Diet weight loss!

Thrifty Thursday - Target

Today's post is going to be short and sweet. If you shop at Target, you need to visit Thrifty and Thriving. I live down the street from Target and always shop the clearance aisles and endcaps, but apparently I still have a lot to learn. Now go get yourself some Target wisdom!

Image via.

The 17 Day Diet - Day 16

I'm nearing the end of this diet, and even though I haven't lost as much as the last time I did it, I'm still pleased with the results. I'm proud of myself for actually sticking it out, and thankful for my husband who helped keep me on track.

I'm still contemplating doing the second 17-day cycle of this diet. The second cycle is designed to "trick" your body to stay in fat-burning mode. If you eat this way for too long, your body's natural instinct to preserve itself will kick in.

To prevent that, the second cycle lets you add in starches and other lean meats every-other day. It's based on research done on people (and on rats!). They continued to lose weight by alternating low-calorie days with higher-calorie days. If that means I get to eat a few potatoes and some rice over the next 17 days, I can probably handle that.

I'll just do it. I'm close to my goal weight so I may as well keep working to get there. Next Monday seems like a nice time to start. I think we could both use a few days of "real food." Now I just have to remember what I used to cook.

Here's the last menu of the first cycle.

Breakfast:

• Smoothie: 1 C acidophilus milk and 1 cup berries (mix together in a blender)
• 1 cup green tea

Lunch:

• Super salad
• 1 cup green tea

Dinner:

• Steamed flounder or sole with lemon pepper
• Steamed broccoli
• 1 cup green tea

Snacks:

• 1 medium apple
• 2nd probiotic serving of your choice

Starting weight: 158.4
Current weight: 151.6

Playing With Food

Seattle-based photographer, Christopher Boffoli, plays with food and figurines to make an ingenius little world he calls Disparity. The best part of these everyday scenes set in food, is that he takes time to make sure their caption is just right. See more scenes and read their captions here.

Photos via.

The 17 Day Diet - Day 15

I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't ready for this diet to be over. I'm hungry for real food, and frankly will go broke if we eat like this much longer. It's expensive to eat fresh produce everyday! I don't think I even want to tell you what it has cost.

Thinking forward, I know I don't just want to go back to unhealthy eating everyday. I need to find a balance between healthy and affordable. I compared prices between fresh and frozen foods, and really, there didn't seem to be much of a difference. How do people do it? Gah. No wonder America is overweight.

Here's tomorrow's good-for-us menu.

Breakfast:

• Spanish Omlet: 1egg, 2 egg whites, 1/8 t salt, 1/8 t black pepper, 1 T olive oil, 1/4 C diced tomato, 2 T diced onion, 2 T fat-free shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 grapefruit
• 1 cup green tea

Lunch:

• Spicy Yogurt Dip and Veggies: 32 oz. plain yogurt, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, combine ingredients, refrigerate overnight, use as a dip for cut-up fresh vegetables
• 1 cup green tea

Dinner:

• Plenty of roasted turkey breast or turkey tenderloin
• Steamed carrots and steamed asparagus
• 1 cup green tea

Snacks:

• 1 piece fresh fruit
• 6 oz. carton yogurt

Starting weight: 158.4
Current weight: 152.4

My Teenage Room

I love these teenage room confessions "in all of their gory detail," as Commune says.

My basement room had cinder-block walls with a few purple and pink sponge-painted flowers. There were lots of messages from friends written in Sharpie on my heating-duct ceiling. It was cold down there, even though my closet was mostly taken up by the furnace. The rest of the room wasn't much bigger than a small hallway. It was my own though. Right down to the abstract disco ball, butterfly mobile and half of a birthday pinata hanging above my bed (yes, I had those things).

What did your teenage room look like?

Read more teenage room descriptions here.

The 17 Day Diet - Day 14

If you've been reading the menus for the last 14 days, you may have noticed that this diet is loaded with fiber. You've seen the Metamucil commercials, so you know what fiber does, but did you know that eating high-fiber foods can help you lose weight for good?

Fibrous foods provide bulk and stimulate the release of appetite-suppressing hormones. As a result, you feel full while eating a meal, so you're less tempted to overeat.

High-fiber foods also take longer to chew. You may have to chew some foods 42 times before swallowing them. High-fiber foods may even have negative calories, because by the time you're done chewing them, you've burned more calories than the food provides.

Inhaling fiber-rich foods with have your body running strangely (for sure!). The fiber accelerates the the time it takes food to move through your intestinal tract. This means fewer calories are left to be stored as fat.

Beware however, if you're eating lots of fiber and not drinking enough water, it'll basically turn to cement in your colon. Yikes!

Here's tomorrow's menu.

Breakfast:

• 1/2 C Breakstone LiveActive cottage cheese
• 1 medium pear or other fresh fruit in season
• 1 cup green tea

Lunch:

• Eggplant Parmesan:
  
  Ingredients
  1 large eggplant (peeled)
  4 egg whites
  fat-free Parmesan cheese
  garlic powder (to taste)
  1 cup of low-carb marinara sauce
  
  Directions
  Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut eggplant into 1/4 inch slices. In a shallow dish, beat egg whites and 4 T water until foamy. Dip eggplant slices into egg whites, then into fat-free Parmesan cheese, pressing cheese into eggplant. Place eggplant on prepared baking sheet that has been sprayed with vegetable spray and sprinkle with garlic powder. Spray vegetable cooking spray over eggplant slices. Bake 30 minutes at 400 degrees, turning eggplant over after 20 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Cover with 1 C of low-carb marinara sauce. Bake for 20 minutes, or until eggplant is piping hot and sauce is bubbly. Makes 2 large servings.
• 1 cup green tea

Dinner:

• Plenty of broiled lean ground turkey
• Marinated Vegetable Salad:
  
  Ingredients
  4 C raw vegetables
  Fat-free Italian dressing
  
  Directions
  The night before, steam some raw vegetables in at least 2 cups of water until they're tender but still crisp. Place in a glass dish and pour dressing over veggies. Refrigerate overnight. Drain and serve on a bed of lettuce, top with roasted red peppers (no oil) from a jar. Makes 2 to 4 servings.
• 1 cup green tea

Snacks:

• 2nd fruit serving
• 2nd probiotic serving

Starting weight: 158.4
Current weight: 152.8

DIY Valentine Card

I'm starting to get excited about Valentine's Day, and am gathering ideas for sweet gift ideas (Pinterest makes that soooo easy).

Normally for Valentine's Day, I'll stand in the card aisle trying to find a pretty card with the perfect message ... and then I get home and have to try to write something that's as lovely as the rest of it. Instead of that, this year I'd like to make my own card and put a little extra love into it. My favorite idea so far is this "Heartstrings" card from Martha Stewart.

Get the full how-to here.

The 17 Day Diet - Day 13

The weekend strikes again ... I'm up a little from yesterday. Its fine, if I had done anything but sit and watch football, I probably would've burned a few calories. That's all I did today, too. Shoot. I guess actually losing weight gives me a reason to look forward to the work week. The better thing to do would be to start working out. Ugh. I don't mind working out, but getting myself to go do it is another story. I'll work out at leat one day this week. Promise.

Here's tomorrow's menu.

Breakfast:

• 2 scrambled eggs, 4 scrambled egg whites, or one scrambled egg plus 2 scrambled egg whites. Top with salsa, if desired.
• 1 apple or 1 C fresh berries
• 1 cup green tea

Lunch:

• Chicken Vegetable Soup:
  
  • 4 baked chicken breasts, diced into small chunks (I'll boil them and shred them in my stand mixer instead)
  • 1 1/2 C cabbage, chopped
  • 1 large carrot, chopped
  • 1 cup okra
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 large celery stalks with leaves, chopped
  • 1 15 oz. can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 14 oz. can fat-free chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 t salt
  • 1/4 t pepper
  Place all ingredients, except chicken, in a large pan and simmer for one hour or until vegetables are soft. Add in chicken and heat thoroughly. Makes 4 servings. 
• 1 cup green tea

Dinner:

• Plenty of grilled chicken or fish
• Generous portion of mixed steamed vegetables
• 1 cup green tea

Snacks:

• 1 medium pear or other fruit in season
• 2nd probiotic serving

Starting weight: 158.4
Current weight: 153

The 17 Day Diet - Day 12

I've lost a total of six pounds now! And, if you're curious, Jeff was down eight pounds since yesterday. He ate a salad and somehow weighed 15 pounds more. I told you it was ridiculous how much he fluctuates. I don't even know how it's scientifically possible. Maybe he should see a doctor.

I'm on track so far today, but football and a fireplace make me want to have cocktails ... and pizza. I'm trying to resist, but I'm not sure how well I'll do. Maybe it'll be OK if I have thin crust with a little cheese. Probably not. I'll have a salad. Depressing.

If I do give in to the booze temptation, I'll have Pearl Cucumber vodka with diet tonic. OK, OK ... I'm having one now. Don't judge me.

Here's tomorrow's menu.

Breakfast:

• Kefir smoothie
• 1 cup green tea

Lunch:

• Tuna tossed with 1 T olive oil and a T of vinegar
• 1 cup green tea

Dinner:

• Plenty of roasted turkey or chicken
• Tomato and onion salad, tossed with fat free salad dressing
• 1 cup green tea

Snacks:

• 2nd fruit serving
• 2nd probiotic serving

Starting weight: 158.4
Current weight: 152.4

The 17 Day Diet - Day 11

Well, here goes another weekend, that judging from last weekend, could be bad for my weight loss. I'm determined to stick to the plan though. It doesn't help much when Jeffs declares he's going to make a pizza later tonight. It's fine, he's been very cooperative and supportive. He hasn't lost anything though ... at least we think. You see, his weight fluctuates crazy amounts, even within hours. For example, according to the scale, one day he gained five pounds, the next day he'd lost seven. Ridiculous. Normally men will lose weight faster than women ... I'm beating him (we think). No big deal.

Here's tomorrow's menu.

Breakfast:

• 2 hardboiled eggs
• 1/2 grapefruit, or other fresh fruit in season
• 1 cup green tea

Lunch:

• Baked or grilled chicken breast
• Tomatoes, sliced or stewed
• 1 clementine
• 1 cup green tea

Dinner:

• Baked or grilled fish
• Cleansing vegetables
• 1 cup green tea

Snacks:

• Kefir smoothie
• 2nd probiotic serving

Starting weight: 158.4
Current weight: 153.4

Have a lovely weekend!

Winter has finally arrived. Even though my car isn't warm until I get to work and I freeze the whole way, I don't mind the cold weather. It reminds me of home and snuggly snow days.

Since we don't have a fireplace, we're planning a trip to the lake house tonight to enjoy some warmth and relax by the fire. That's what winter is for, if you ask me.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Here are some fun links from around the Web.

A happy keyboard for happy people.

A sweet valentine's week gift.

Kitty shoes.

Animals made from ribbon (amazing!).

Nec specs.

Marshmallows for winter.

Lovely vintage button bracelet.

Dreamy shelves (that remind me of my mom's decorating).

p.s. stay tuned later today for the next 17 Day Diet post -- more good news to report.

Photo via Pinterest.

The 17 Day Diet- Day 10

I was down a little more weight today. A little is better than none, and definitely better than gaining!

Even on this diet, although they say you can eat as many vegetables as you want and all the lean protein you want, I'm still trying to be concious about portion sizes. And even if I have on my plate what looks like the right amount, I only finish it if I feel like I need to. There's something to be said for eating until you're satisfied, not stuffed.

If you don't want to drag a scale out to measure portion sizes, you can use visual references.

For example:

• A serving of cooked meat, chicken or fish is like the palm of your hand or about the size of a deck of cards.
• A serving of green salad is like an open-cupped hand.
• A serving of fruit is like your fist, or about the size of a tennis ball.
• A serving of baked potato looks like a baseball.
• An ounce of cheese is like your pointer and index fingers together, or about the size of stacked dice.
• A serving of salad dressing is like your thumb.

Here's tomorrow's menu.

 

Breakfast:

• Yogurt Smoothie: 1/2 C acidophilus milk, 1/2 carton sugar-free, fruit-flavored yogurt, and 1 C berries. Mix together in blender.
• 1 cup green tea

Lunch:

• Super Salad: Lettuce, cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, (any other vegetables from the list), 2 hardboiled eggs, tossed with 2 T olive or flaxseed oil and 4 tablespoons balsamic
• 1 cup green tea

Dinner:

• Turkey Chili: 1 pound lean ground turkey, 1 chopped onion, 2 C tomato sauce, 1 T chili powder, 1 t Kosher salt, 1/2 t black pepper. In a saucepan, brown the ground turkey over moderate heat. Add the remaining ingredients. Simmer for 20 minutes. Makes 4 servings.
• Side salad drizzled with 1 T olive or flaxseed oil, mixed with 2 T balsamic vinegar and seasonings
• 1 cup green tea

Snacks:

• 2 probiotic servings

Starting weight: 158.4
Current weight: 154.2

Thrifty Thursday - Filling the Piggy Bank

Jeff and I are planning a ski trip with some of our friends later this winter. We're super excited for a vacation, but less excited about saving for it. We've started filling a big jar with loose change and loose dollars, and are putting bigger bills in when we can. We're going to use this as our "fun money" for when we get there. In a month, we've saved over $100!

Redbook.com gathered some money-saving tips from savvy women. Here are a few of my favorites.

"Even if I have room in the closet, I store away my off-season clothes. They always feel surprising and new when I get them out again, so I don't feel like I 'need' to shop for as many new things at the start of each season."
-- Leslie Yazel, 39, Brooklyn, NY

"Our family has set weekly budgets, and we use an envelope system to keep the grocery money, entertainment money, and children's necessities separate. If we have extra in an envelope, then we can have some 'wants.' Otherwise we stick with 'needs.'"
-- Donna Jo Salhany, 58, Marietta, GA

"If I see something and really want it but it's a bit more than I'd like to spend, I wait at least a week. Ninety percent of the time it's on sale the next time I see it. If not and I still really want it, I will buy it. But I do force myself to always wait at least seven days."
-- Rachel Lewis, 39, Columbus, OH

"My hubby and I get to have one treat each pay period, whether it's eating out, going to a movie, or getting a massage. I get one thing, and that's it. And I enjoy every second of it, so it's a reward for working hard and saving money other places."
-- Maria Dennisia Whisler, 29, Salt Lake City

"I try not to grocery-shop when I'm hungry. And I always shop with a specific list to keep me from impulsively buying anything."
-- Ivy Pittman, 51, Montclair, NJ

Redbook also asked about things they'll never scrimp on.

"Meat. Low-quality meat is terrible! We've tried it, and I just can't do it. We always go to a quality store with a good butcher/department manager who knows their stuff."
-- Dawn Nelson, 33, Lomira, WI

"Bras. I have learned my lesson when it comes to buying cheap bras. Poky underwire, underwires that snap, bras that fall apart... terrible. If the bra costs under $10, there's usually a reason."
-- Wenona Napolitano, 32, Flint, MI

"Big-ticket items. More often than not, you'll end up replacing it sooner than if you had gotten a quality product. We learned the hard way with our water pump. While a $100 pump was cheaper at first, we had to replace it in less than a year. We could have saved ourselves the expense and the headache if we'd bought the quality one to begin with."
-- Nicki Reimer, 34, Weston, OH

See the rest of the money-saving strategies here.

Photo via.

The 17 Day Diet - Day Nine

I've lost four pounds so far! WooHoo!

On this diet, you're supposed to exercise for 17 minutes a day, but not more because of the low calorie intake. I haven't officially been exercising 17 minutes a day, but I'm a natural fidgeter and I take the stairs whenever possible. That may not sound like much, but you can actually burn quite a few calories that way. Every minute you climb the stairs kills seven calories. According to The 17 Day Diet book, if you take two stairs at a time, you burn 55 percent more calories than single stepping. Also, research has shown that fidgeting, like tapping toes and fussing with hands, blasts off up to 800 calories a day! I'm a newly-found double stepper (unless there are other people around, because I look ridiculous when I do it).

Here are a few other ways to burn off extra calories during the day.

Run errands - walking briskly while grocery shopping or lugging dry cleaning can burn about 120 calories in 30 minutes.

Pace periodically - You could burn about 100 extra calories in an eight-hour workday if you walk around your office, pace while you're on the phone or otherwise move around.

Don't order out - Spending an hour cooking at home burns about 150 calories. You can burn half of what you eat for dinner merely by cooking it yourself!

Sleep - You burn about 200 calories while sleeping for around seven hours.

And, here's tomorrow's menu.

Breakfast:

• 6 oz. plain low-fat yogurt, mixed with 1 cup berries or other fruit (chopped). You may sweeten the mixture with Truvia or 1 T of sugar-free jam.
• 1 cup green tea

Lunch:

• Balsamic Artichoke: 4 fresh artichokes, 1/4 C balsamic vinegar, fat-free salad dressing - Place artichokes in a large pot. Cover with water. Pour in balsamic. Cover and cook for approximately 1 hour, or until artichokes are tender, including the stem. Let cool. Serve with fat-free salad dressing for dipping. Makes 4 servings.
• 1 medium apple
• 1 cup green tea

Dinner:

• Oven Barbecued Chicken Breast: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, 3/4 C reduced sugar ketchup, 2 T Worcestershire sauce, 1 T agave nectar, 1 t chili powder. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place chicken breasts in a baking pan that has been sprayed with vegetable cooking spray. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. In the mean time, stir together all other ingredients. Remove chicken breasts from oven and coat with sauce. Return to oven and bake for 10 more minutes or until chicken is done. Makes 4 servings.
• Side salad drizzled with 1 T olive or flaxseed oil, mixed with 2 T balsamic vinegar and seasonings
• 1 cup green tea

Snacks:

• Raw, cut-up veggies
• 2nd probiotic serving

Starting weight: 158.4
Current weight: 154.4

The Polaboy

This giant polaroid-like light frame made my jaw drop. It's called the Polaboy. What a beautiful way ti display a favorite photo. I need one.

Need one, too? Get more info here.

Photos via.

The 17 Day Diet - Day Eight

I'm back down to where I was before the weekend! I can't wait to see where I'm at at the end of the week. I haven't really set a goal weight - anywhere under what I weighed the day we got married (147 lbs.) would make me really happy. I'm a little embarrassed that I gained over 10 pounds in seven months in the first place. It's just so easy to cook comfort food every night (which obviously makes it easy to gain weight). I guess on the upside, at least I didn't let myself gain 20 pounds in 14 months! I'd definitely rather lose 10 now than try to lose 20 later.

I'll for sure finish the first 17-day cycle of the diet, and am considering doing the second. In the second cycle, you get to add lean pork and beef, shellfish, and a few starches, which really expands the menu. You don't lose weight as rapidly in the second cycle, but any decrease in numbers on the scale is fine by me. Also, I'd like to get used to cooking healthier for us all the time. As long as I make it taste good, I don't think Jeff will mind.

Here's tomorrow's menu.

Breakfast:

• 6 oz. plain low-fat yogurt, mixed with 1 cup berries or other fruit (chopped). You may sweeten the mixture with Truvia or 1 T of sugar-free jam.
• 1 cup green tea

Lunch:

• Nicoise Salad: 1 3 oz. can light tuna, cooked green beans (1/2 to 1 cup, chilled), 2 chopped scallions, 1 Roma tomato (chopped), lettuce (the darker, the better) drizzled with 1 T olive oil and 2 T balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup green tea

Dinner:

• Grilled chicken breast marinated in fat-free italian, then broiled or grilled
• Steamed vegetables
• 1 cup green tea

Snacks:

• Kefir Smoothie: Mix 1 cup of kefir (in the milk and yogurt aisle) with 1 cup frozen, unsweetened berries, sugar-free fruit jam, and 1 T flaxseed oil. Blend until smooth. 
• 2nd probiotic serving

Starting weight: 158.4
Current weight: 155.2

Caramel Pears

As much as I love a good caramel apple, I can only imagine how good a caramel pear would be. Once I'm off this blasted diet, I'm making some.

Get the recipe from Fresh here.

Photo via.

The 17 Day Diet - Day Seven

As I suspected, the scale was not kind this morning. It could be worse, but I've gone up a few ounces. I'm not discouraged though. I'm still happy with my results so far.

I'm starting to feel like a rabbit who eats chicken and fish. SO MANY VEGETABLES! I just need to be more creative with my cooking, I think. I'll let you know if I come up with any good ideas. In the mean time, here's tomorrow's menu.

Breakfast:

• 6 oz. plain low-fat yogurt, mixed with 1 cup berries or other fruit (chopped). You may sweeten the mixture with Truvia or 1 T of sugar-free jam.
• 1 cup green tea

Lunch:

• Salmon salad: 2 cups of salad vegetables, baked or canned salmon, drizzled with 1 T flaxseed oil and 2 T balsamic vinegar and seasonings
• 1 cup green tea

Dinner:

• Ground turkey patties, with steamed vegetables and a side salad, drizzled with 1 T flaxseed oil and 2 T balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup green tea

Snacks:

• 2nd fruit serving
• 2nd probiotic serving

Starting weight: 158.4
Current weight: 155.8

Raisin Cream Pie

Last September, Jeff asked me to make a raisin cream pie. I'd never eaten a slice of one before, let a lone made one, so I found a recipe in my favorite cookbook and whipped one up. It was delicious. Since then, I've made at least six more to share with family and friends, and they're always a hit.

It's not a hard pie to make, it just takes time. Here's the recipe, along with a few tips for pie-baking success.

Filling

Ingredients:
1 Baked Pastry Shell (see below)
4 eggs
2/3 C sugar
1/3 C cornstarch
2 1/2 C half and half
1 T butter
1 C raisins
1/2 C sour cream
1 recipe Four Egg White Meringue (see below)

Directions:
1. Prepare baked pastry shell. Separate egg yolks from whites; set aside for meringue.
2. For filling, in a medium saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Gradually stir in half and half. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly; reduce heat. Cook and stir for two minutes more. Remove from heat. Slightly beat egg yolks. Gradually stir about 1 cup of the hot filling into the yolks. Add egg yolk mixture to filling in saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil; reduce heat. Cook and stir for two minutes more. Remove from heat. Stir in butter, vanilla, raisins and sour cream. Keep filling warm; prepare meringue. (Keeping the filling warm is important - it will help your meringue to not weep)
3. Pour warm filling into Baked Pastry Shell. Spread meringue over warm filling; seal to edge. (Make sure the meringue completely covers the filling and makes a nice seal with the crust. This will help the meringue to not shrink) Bake in a 325 degree oven for 30 minutes. Cool on a wire rack 1 hour. Chill 3 to 6 hours before serving; cover for longer storage.

Baked Pastry Shell

Roll out your crust and place it in your pie pan. Prick bottom and sides with a fork. Line pastry with a double thickness of foil (this keeps it from shrinking). Bake in a 450 degree oven for 8 minutes. Remove foil. Bake 5 to 6 minutes more or until golden. Cool on a wire rack.

Four Egg White Meringue

Ingredients:
4 egg whites
1 t vanilla
1/2 t cream of tartar
1/2 C sugar

Directions:
1. Allow egg whites to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. In a large mixing bowl (copper, glass or stainless steel work best) combine egg whites, vanilla, and cream of tartar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed about 1 minute or until soft peaks form.
2. Gradually add the sugar, 1 T at a time, beating on high speed about 4 minutes more or until mixture forms stiff, glossy peaks.
3. Immediately spread meringue over hot pie filling, carefully sealing the edge to prevent shrinking.

More tips for perfect meringue:
1. Be sure to use the size bowl called for by your recipe. Also, make sure your electric beaters are clean.
2.Start gradually adding sugar as soon as soft peaks form.
3. After adding all of the sugar, continue beating until stiff peaks form and all of the sugar is dissolved (rub a little of the meringue between your fingers; it should feel completely smooth). Under beaten whites may cause meringue to shrink.
4. To prevent beading (the fine drops of moisture that form on the meringue surface), avoid over-baking the meringue.
5. To prevent weeping (the watery layer that forms between the meringue and filling), spoon meringue onto piping hot filling to help the underside of the meringue cook at the same rate as the top surface. Don't under bake meringue.

The 17 Day Diet - Day Six

Yesterday in the grocery store, the clerk commented on my healthy purchases. I said I was on a diet, she said she was too - The 17 Day Diet! I didn't ask what day she was on, but she said she's lost seven pounds so far! It was fun to hear that it was working for someone else, too.

This morning's weigh-in was less exciting than the past few days. The scale didn't budge. I know why though ... weekends are hard on a diet plan. Yesterday we slept in and were lazy - I made breakfast at 10 a.m. instead of 8 a.m., didn't eat lunch until 2 p.m. then we had dinner around 7 p.m. Also, we didn't get in our two probiotic servings. Maybe there's something to be said for really sticking to the plan. I haven't done very well today either. I haven't eaten anything I'm not supposed to, I'm just not eating all I should, when I should. I'll get back on track tomorrow.

Here's tomorrow's menu:

Breakfast:

• 2 scrambled eggs, 4 scrambled egg whites or 1 scrambled egg plus two scrambled egg whites. Top with salsa (optional)
• 1 serving fruit
• 1 cup green tea

Lunch:

• Taco Salad: 1 pound ground turkey, cooked and seasoned with taco seasoning; chopped tomatoes; chopped ontions; salsa; shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese; all over a generous bed of lettuce. Makes 4 servings
• 1 cup green tea

Dinner:

• A stir fry of vegetables and chicken strips with 1 T olive oil. Season with a little garlic, ginger and lite soy sauce
• 1 cup green tea

Snacks:

• 2nd low-sugar fruit serving plus 1 probiotic serving (see lists here)
• 2nd probiotic serving of your choice

Starting weight: 158.4
Current weight: 155.2

The 17 Day Diet - Day Five

It was the most exciting scale morning yet! I'm down over a pound since yesterday morning. I even cheated a little and had a cocktail last night. I was careful to have something that wouldn't totally ruin my diet though - a tall glass with 1 jigger vodka, filled with diet tonic water, and a squeezed wedge of lemon and lime.

I know that drinks can be diet killers, full of empty calories. Since alcohol can be full of calories, limiting your intake to 150 calories worth is a good idea. The following portions of alcohol each contain 150 calories or less.

5 oz. wine
1.5 oz. liquor
12 oz. light beer

If you like a glass of wine with dinner, wait for a later course or don't pour it until dinner is ready. It's helpful to set a limit before you order or mix yourself a drink, and have a plan for when you're going to have it. This can help you stick with your goals.

Here's tomorrow's menu:

Breakfast:

• 6 oz. plain low-fat yogurt, sweetened with Truvia or a tablespoon of sugar-free jam
• 1 serving fruit
• 1 cup green tea

Lunch:

• Grilled chicken breast with tossed salad, drizzled with 1 T flaxseed oil and 2 T balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup green tea

Dinner:

• Sesame Fish (recipe below), or any grilled or baked fish
• Steamed broccoli
• 1 cup green tea

Snacks:

• 2nd low-sugar fruit serving (see list from yesterday)
• 2nd probiotic serving (6 oz. of sugar-free fruit flavored yogurt or 1 cup plain low-fat yogurt, sweetened with Truvia or a tablespoon of sugar-free jam)

Sesame Fish
Ingredients:
1 pound tilapia
2 T olive oil
2 T rice vinegar
2 T lite soy sauce
1 t chopped garlic
2 T sesame seeds

Directions:
Spray a broiler pan with vegetable oils spray to prevent fish from sticking. Place tilapia. Whisk together olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce and garlic until blended. Pour over fish. Sprinkle sesame seeds over fish. Broil at medium heat about eight inches away from heat for about 20 minutes or until fish flakes easliy with a fork. Makes four servings.


Starting weight: 158.4
Current weight: 155.2

Have a Great Weekend!

Friday came quick this week since my office was closed on Monday and I was home sick on Tuesday. I've finally been able to stop blowing my nose every other minute, and I'll be able to enjoy a kleenex-free weekend.

Since the weather here has been so nice lately (65 degrees today!), I'm really excited to spend some time outside and go to Eagle Days. The two-day event is mostly free except for a $5 fee to take an eagle-watching cruise. It'll be fun to get out on the lake again. I've been wanting to make it to this event for years − now we have perfect weather and nothing else planned. I can't wait to go.

Here are some posts from around the Web.

Adorable DIY book planter.

Wonderful party-in-a-box idea.

Lovely ways to show your love.

Kind of obsessed with these number rings.

On dreams.

Neat home furnishings (my favorite is the cat bed).

Must try making these rosemary roasted cashews.

Inside Coco Chanel's apartment.

Copco bag caps might be the coolest thing ever.

Funny bread packaging.

I have a pig shaped cutting board, now I need this.

p.s. If you've been following The 17 Day Diet, check back tomorrow for Sunday's menu and more tips.

Photo via.

The 17 Day Diet - Day Four

I had to make a double take when I looked at the scale this morning ... I've already lost another pound! That's two pounds down, folks!

I know of a few people who are interested in trying out the diet, so today I'll tell you a few things you'll need to know if you want to give it a shot.

I've been posting my daily menu's, but there are more protein, fruit, vegetable and probiotic options than what I've mentioned so far. See the complete lists and tomorrow's menu after the jump.

The 17 Day Diet - Day Three

I'm already down a full pound since Tuesday! Maybe it's water weight, maybe it's not. Either way, I'm pleased so far. I'm also happy about not ever feeling hungry. I've even skipped eating the snacks a few times.

Something else that is making this easier is that Jeff decided to eat the same food as me. When I've dieted in the past, he would make his own food or I'd cook something just for him. He gets to cheat a little more than I do, but I'm OK with that.

Here's tomorrow's menu:

Breakfast:

• Kefir Smoothie: Mix 1 cup of kefir (it's in the milk and yogurt aisle) with 1 cup frozen, unsweetened berries, sugar-free fruit jam, and 1 T flaxseed oil. Blend until smooth.
• 1 cup green tea

Lunch:

• Large green salad topped with veggies, drizzled with 1 T flaxseed oil and 2 T balsamic vinegar
• 6 oz. plain fat-free yogurt with 1 serving of fruit
• 1 cup green tea

Dinner:

• Plenty of grilled salmon and steamed asparagus
• 1 cup green tea

Starting weight: 158.4

Current weight: 157.4

Full Bottle Service

I've been wanting a better wine opener than the one we have, and this might be it. It's a foil cutter, single-motion corkscrew, pour spout and stopper all in one! Bonus: it looks cool.

Do you have a wine opener that you love? What kind is it?

Get this one from Quirky here.

Photos via.

The 17 Day Diet - Day Two

First, I want to tell you how excited I am that this is my 100th post! WooHoo! Thanks to all of you who regularly read my blog. It always makes my day when I get a new comment or follower or when someone tells me how much they enjoy reading it. This has been really fun so far, and I'm so glad you're along for the ride.

Day two of The 17 Day Diet is going well. I was really full after my fruit and yogurt breakfast, and I really enjoyed my Super Salad for lunch. However, since I'm coming off of a Christmas sugar high, I'm missing sweets − a small serving of fruit helps. Also, I'd like to eat some carbs ... like an entire loaf of bread maybe. I guess those things are the reason I'm dieting in the first place ... ugh.

Today I started drinking the Wake-Up Drink. It's an 8oz. cup of hot water that you squeeze half a lemon into (I had to add some Truvia - it was sour!). It's supposed to help jump start your digestion in the morning. The goal is to drink seven more glasses of water by the end of the day (I know you're wondering, and yes, I'm constantly peeing ... It's a small sacrifice, I suppose).

Here's tomorrow's menu:

Breakfast:

• Two hard boiled or poached eggs
• 1/2 grapefruit (or other fresh fruit in season)
1 cup green tea

Lunch:

• Large green salad topped with tuna, drizzled with 1 T flaxseed oil and 2 T balsamic vinegar
1 cup green tea

Dinner:

• Plenty of roasted turkey breast or turkey tenderloin, steamed carrots and steamed asparagus
1 cup green tea

Snacks:

• 6 oz. plain fat-free yogurt, sweetened with Truvia or a tablespoon of sugar-free jam
Kefir Smoothie: Mix 1 cup of kefir (it's in the milk and yogurt aisle) with 1 cup frozen, unsweetened berries, sugar-free fruit jam, and 1 T flaxseed oil. Blend until smooth.

Starting weight: 158.4

Current weight: 158.3

Organizing the Linen Closet

January is a great time to get reorganized and the linen closet seems like an easy place to start. To start, we got rid of old towels and linens we weren't using, now I'd like to find a home for toilet paper, cleaning products and other things that get tossed in there. I like how the above closets use labeled containers or baskets to put those things in. I also like the towel rods installed on the inside of the closet door. It's a good place to hang linens that you don't want to get wrinkly, like table cloths and runners.

The linen closet in our master bath doesn't have a door so I used a tension rod and a cheap curtain to hide the mess that's back there. The funny thing is, every time I give a tour of our house, people look behind it ... so much for my genius mess-hiding curtain. At least now I have some inspiration on how to get our linen closet in shape. Maybe I won't be so embarrassed the next time someone looks back there.

Photos via HomeGoods and Deliciously Organized.

               

The 17 Day Diet - Day One

I'm halfway through the first day of the diet and I'm not starving yet! Since I'm home sick today, I'm going to switch up my dinner tonight to Chicken-Vegetable Soup.

Ingredients:

• 4 baked chicken breasts, diced into small chunks (I'm going to boil them and shred them in my stand mixer instead)
• 1 1/2 C cabbage, chopped
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1 cup okra
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 large celery stalks with leaves, chopped
• 1 15 oz. can crushed tomatoes
• 1 14 oz. can fat-free chicken broth
• 1 1/2 t salt
• 1/4 t pepper

Place all ingredients, except chicken, in a large pan and simmer for one hour or until vegetables are soft. Add in chicken and heat thoroughly. Makes 4 servings. 

Here's tomorrow's menu:

Breakfast:

• 6 oz. plain, low-fat yogurt, mixed with 1 cup of berries.
• 1 cup green tea

Lunch:

• Super Salad (large salad with a generous bed of greens and salad vegetables - tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, celery, etc,. drizzled with 1 T olive oil and 2 tablespoons vinegar of your choice)
• 1 cup green tea

Dinner:

• Leftover Chicken-Vegetable Soup
• 1 cup green tea

Snacks:

• 6 oz. sugar-free, fruit-flavored yogurt or one cup plain low-fat yogurt, sweetened with Truvia or a tablespoon of sugar-free fruit jam
• 1 serving of fruit

Starting weight: 158.4
Current weight: 158.4

DIY Ornament Storage

I'll be honest, I'm not quite ready to take down my christmas decorations. The house looks so bare after they come down, and I have to come to the realization that my favorite time of year is over. Maybe I'll take them down in the next week or two. That will give me time to make a better system for storing ornaments. Here's a genius idea from Design a la Mod.

Get the full how-to here.

The 17 Day Diet

If you're like me, your ashamed of everything you ate over the holidays. It was delicious while it lasted, but now I'm back in my fat pants and need to do something about it. I guess you can say my new year's resolution is to lose weight (as cliché as it is).

This is going to sound like I'm making excuses already, but after visiting family last week, I now have a cold/sinus/throat thing happening and I didn't feel like leaving the house to go buy groceries this morning. So tomorrow I'm starting The 17 Day Diet. I've done it before while trying to lose a few pounds before my wedding. It worked, and I'm excited to start up again.

Here's the plan - along with regular posts, I'll update you on what I'm eating and if I'm losing weight. I'm going to think of you as my accountability partners. If I don't update you, assume I'm not dieting and yell at me for it.

Here's tomorrow's menu if you'd like to join me.

Breakfast:
2 scrambled egg whites
1/2 grapefruit
1 cup green tea

Lunch:
Large green salad topped with tuna, drizzled with 1T olive oil and 2T balsamic vinegar
1 cup green tea

Dinner:
Lots of grilled chicken and steamed green beans
1 cup green tea

Snacks:
6oz. plain yogurt (sugar free) mixed with 2T sugar-free jam
2 clementines

Photo via.