Delightful December!

Carla_wfpb

For once I remembered the start of a new month!

I lost 12 pounds in November, and got in 10,000+ steps most days.

For December, my goal is 5 pounds. I'm going to avoid Christmas goodies until Christmas Eve and then I'll bake some vegan cookies to bring and share with family.

The snow on the ground has an icy crust and isn't good for walking with the dogs, so short walks only today. I think I'm taking a day off of the treadmill as well.

Today
oatmeal
oranges
salad & stir fry over quinoa

Here's a little gnome I made this morning.

Mihani

Awww... gnome is so cute, Carla! Wow, 12 pounds and 10k steps a day? You are rocking it!

Thanks for starting December.

Nanc, how are you feeling? Hope better and we'll see you soon.

Geeze this was a long day. I didn't get home until almost 7:00. Things are crazy at work as usual.

Goal for this month... prep food every weekend! If I do that the rest falls into place.

magic71755

GM, sweet peas. Love the gnome...aaaaa dorable. thanks for starting us off, @Carla_wfpb .

Doing ok, @Mihani ... just disgusted with HOA...found out last night, going up 60 bucks. I will have to work til I die at this rate.

Disheartened.

Had an appointment with my surgeon...very excited...going forward with the new knee in February. Just waiting for the surgical nurse to call to set up an exact date.

Congrats on the 12 pounds in November, @Carla_wfpb . BRB...I'm going to see if I can figure out what I lost.

I lost 2.4 pounds. I am now at 145. I want to be 135 for surgery...but geeeeeze, it is NOT easy. Can't make any mis-steps, that's for sure.

I am in a much better place, however. I was 158 not too long ago...August 24th.

I really want the ten pounds off before surgery because I know it will help in the recoup time...and rehab. With that said, here is my menu for today...

coffee with NP
Just egg folded with jam
frozen veg (steamable bags) with microwave potatoes (making my system easy--really important for success. )
blueberries
vegan minestrone (do I really have to say VEGAN...lol) Adding a ton of spinach.

I set up a habit on habit share. com for ten minutes daily on the TM. That is so doable. It just is about creating good habits, consistently (James Clear). Today is the first day I will be doing it on a day that I work. Wish me luck.

Walking Lulu on my days off for 30 minutes...was doing great there for awhile and then stopped recently. Will get back at it.

Good habits consistently is what will get those ten pounds off.

Have a Delightful , everyone!

Carla_wfpb

Mihani, hopefully everyone is well and back at work on Monday. Good luck with your food prep. I lost track, did you end up finding a part time person to help cover the front desk?

Nanc, the 10 minute habit is a great idea. Hope day 1 goes well. Sorry about the HOA fees going up. That was one of the things we were most excited about when we left our condo - getting out of the HOA!

I suppose we'll be right back in the position of dealing with an HOA of sorts if we end up buying an apartment in Europe, but hopefully renting it out when we're not there will cover the costs. That's the dream anyway. To not have to put much if anything into it beyond the down payment. Foreigners can get a mortgage in Portugal which is great for us. We need 30% down down though, so we are saving for that as best we can.

Today I'm pulling all of the furniture out of the living room and doing a deep clean. I'm hoping to get all of the heavy lifting done today and then have tomorrow to decorate a bit for Christmas before my SIL Liz shows up. She arrives at the local airport around 11:30 pm tomorrow and Joe will pick her up.

I had a strawberry & greens smoothie for breakfast, will have leftover stir fry for lunch, and I'm making the garbanzo bean curry for dinner. On Sunday when Liz is here we will do our Christmas celebration with a Festive Chickpea tart and pumpkin pie.

Mihani

Glad to see you Nanc. I am sorry to hear about the HOA... ugh! It seems like the world is set up so we never get ahead sometimes. Great habits you are building though with the walking. How's Miss Lulu doing? I use the steamer frozen veggies sometimes too. They are easy but not as good as fresh of course. I have found a little bit of sauce does wonders, even just a splash of bragg's and a little dijon.

Carla, as far as I know my co-worker will be back on Monday but she was off all this week and of course the week before that was a short week with Thanksgiving. On the bright side we did get a PT gal who is starting on Monday. She'll be there 5 hours per day. But I have spent a lot of time the past two days moving computers around and setting things up with software and payroll and etc. It's just too much with all the end of year pressure hanging over my head as well. I hope come Monday with everyone back in the office and the new gal starting we can crank out some work!

I really need to make that chickpea tart again one of these days. How are all the critters doing?

I am going to do some cooking, laundry and cleaning tomorrow while working from home then office all day Sunday to see if I can get a handle on some things. Plus a long overdue haircut on Sunday. I look like a wild woman in the slightest breeze!

Marilynsretired

magic71755

@Marilynsretired love yesterday's quote from Maya Angelou. I can totally relate. (details later...have to hurry and get out of here.)

I asked if I could up my hours by three a week to help out the increase in HOA fees. Boss said yes.

so

Monday and Friday ( 7am - 8pm) Saturday ( 7am - 7 pm) 38 hours a week.

Not fair to Lulu but what can I do? Well, the idea is after I am completely healed from my second knee replacement, get another dog to keep her company. Small and not a puppy is what I am looking for. Some little rescue who is looking for a good home.

menu is just ok today

coffee with np
just egg
gardein burger on ezekiel with lettuce and ketchup
microwave potato and frozen steamable veg
ninja creami
blueberries

later, mates. make today delicous.

Marilynsretired

Carla_wfpb

Here's the mushroom gravy I make with the chickpea tart, Mihani. In case you're looking for one.


Popped our umbrella style, easy-mode tree up this morning. Looks not bad considering the effort! We're going to put up some lights on the front porch, and maybe a string along the hearths and call it good. I think I might use a diffuser with some spruce essential oil near the tree to add some authenticity. Not really going to fool anyone but I like the smell.

Tonight we're having leftover garbanzo bean curry with curry baked tofu. It turned out especially good this time. I think because I wasn't as careful with the spices and added in a bit extra of everything.

Between our cleaning, decorating and a TM workout, I'm already at 9000 steps for the day. Not bad for 2pm. And the house looks so much nicer clean.

Carla_wfpb

I really need to update that gravy recipe. I don't see why it says to chop the onion finely...it all gets blended in the end anyway. I also don't add all of the liquid. I withhold about a cup and see how thick it gets. Last time I didn't need to add any of the last cup.

Mihani

Mornin' all. I have been working on a project for work the past couple days and continuing today. Got everything set up for the new PT gal who is starting tomorrow. Going to run down to the office for a few hours then a hair appointment, grocery and home.

Made a bunch of baked potatoes yesterday and a sheet pan full of roasted broccoli. Also made the week delayed protein power goddess bowl. I leave out the oil. I was disappointed and thought the lemon was overpowering the whole dish, but I had a small bowl this morning and it is delicious as I remembered. I think it is just one of those dishes that needs to sit overnight to let the flavors meld.

I just need some fruit and power greens to round out my week but everything is all done. I really enjoyed my lunches last week so I'm doing the same this week. Slice up a baked potato and serve up with pinto beans and salsa.

Thanks for the recipe, Carla. My brother made a mushroom gravy at Thanksgiving that was out of this world, but it had a lot of olive oil so I wouldn't make it a regular thing. I did a bunch of cooking, cleaning and laundry yesterday and after I realized I never put my fitbit on. That was irritating because I'm sure I had a lot of steps.

Nanc, sorry you have to add some hours at work. That is great you are thinking about another dog. Any pup would be lucky to have you for a mom.

Carla_wfpb

I forgot to put my fitbit on the other day too, Mihani. It was during a mad cleaning session with some walks with the dogs in between. I know I still got those same steps in but I want credit!! Is everyone healthy and at work today?

I meant to say that you are doing great with your weight loss, Nanc. Consistently going down over time. The last bit always takes longer. I'm glad that you can get the extra hours you need but I wish you didn't have to. A companion for Lulu will be nice for both of you.

Yesterday we ate our thanksgiving meal all over again. Liz really liked it. It is a rare and wonderful thing to have company that eats similarly to us.

Today will be a repeat meal, and tomorrow we're going out for dinner with my in-laws for Thai food, then dessert at their place. I'll have a small portion of whatever it is. Part of the holidays. I would at least be working off the extra calories on my treadmill, but my other Achilles tendon is acting up now. So annoying! I'm using a stretching sling in the evening for a while but I don't notice much improvement yet.

Marilynsretired

Mihani

Happy to hear you are having a nice visit with the SIL, Carla. That stinks your heel is bugging you. It seems like it's always something doesn't it? For me it is my shoulder or back acting up periodically. The joys of aging!

I think the new PT gal at the office is going to work out well. She's young and has no office experience but she's very sweet and quiet, and seems very willing to dive in and learn.

Enjoying my baked potatoes with pinto beans and salsa, power bowl, roasted broccoli so far this week.

Better get a move on here.

magic71755

Today's Menu

coffee with NP
just egg liquid with chao creamy shreds, fresh spinach and corn salsa
refried bean tostadas
celery and carrot sticks
component salad
ninja creami

have a great day everyone

Marilynsretired

magic71755

@Marilynsretired ...LOL, that is exactly what I did yesterday. Did not quit...just rested all day. Feeling much better today.

today's plan

coffee with NP
just egg folded with jam
frozen steamable veg

Frozen Vs Fresh Veg https://www.eatingwell.com/article/290575/fresh-vs-frozen-vegetables-are-we-giving-up-nutrition-for-convenience/#:~:text=A 2017 study found that,nutrients than their fresh counterparts.

I still use some fresh (spinach especially) ... but since steamable frozen entered the pictured, I am losing at a faster rate because I am eating so many more veggies and lowering the calorie density in my meals, not wasting so much produce and saving time. I try to get organic when I can...trader joe's has frozen organic...that I can afford. I love my decision to give frozen veg a try.

refried bean tostadas with Chao creamy shreds, LTO, cilantro and corn salsa, fresh lime

component salad TJ's organic herb lettuce, shredded carrots and purple cabbage, cukes, Japanese sweet potatoes, fresh mint and Thai basil ... dressing Follow Your Heart thinned out with almond milk.

ninja creami

make today delicious, everyone

SparkSpringtime69

Sorry, been a bit MIA lately.
Carla - great job on getting all those steps in and dropping the 12 pounds last month! Cute gnome Thanks for the mushroom brown gravy recipe. I think I might get some potatoes next week and I'm going to make some mashed and try this.
Magic, sorry to hear your HOA is going up, it's nice that your boss let you increase your hours to cover it. That's one of the reasons I insisted on us buying a home without an association. The only thing we have to worry about is a property tax increase. Congratulations on your 2.4 pound loss last month. Thanks for the frozen/fresh veggie link.
Mihani, honestly I sometimes feel exhausted just reading about your days
I have a couple of recipes I follow that I always make ahead of time because they seem to taste better hours or even a day later. How'd your hair appointment turn out?
Marilyn - love Monday's post, funny and so true!
I lost 1.8 pounds last month, not a huge loss, but I'll take it. Since I began the gym's weight loss challenge (10/19) I've lost 7 pounds. I've been going to the step classes and doing some ST pretty consistently, and I'm beginning to feel and see the difference.
I did a yoga class today for the first time ever - I've done it at home with videos, but never in a live class. I loved the class, but my back has been hurting most of the day so I think when I go again on Friday I'll have to try not to push myself quite so much on some of the stretches.

magic71755

Today’s menu

Coffee with NP
JUST EGG with chao shreds and spinach
Black bean tostadas
Component salad
Ninja creami

Snack carrots and celery

Meal prep big batch jasmine rice ... roasting carrots, tomatoes, bell peppers and onions...the tomatoes make a delightful "dressing". Throw in some corn salsa at the end for a yummy pop.

Make today delicious!

Mihani

Mornin' all... been another rough week with the boss testing positive for covid on Monday. He's not feeling too bad and has been working from home but I was around him at the office Sunday and Monday so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I don't get it. I sure would like to be fully staffed at the office by next week.

Will catch up more this weekend. Gotta get to the office early!

magic71755

Just prior to to Covid being a thing, I was watching Pamela Popper and she had suggested Elderberry for colds and flu...I ran out and got some since I was having a scratchy throat. It stopped it in its tracks. (I did get covid 12/21/20...mild case...out ten days...required at that time...but I needed it because I was wiped out...did lose taste and smell, but thanks God, it came back. No temp, no other symptoms...oh wait, coughing...lots of coughing).

Maybe not stopping covid, but it is good stuff. I take the gummies (Garden Of Life)... starts at about 4:25 mark

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Agd3TlV0Mc

Marilynsretired

Mihani

Nanc, I've been taking elderberry for years too. So far so good this week. I don't feel great but I think that's just wiped out from stress. This has been an incredibly rough few weeks in a life that doesn't exactly have easy weeks most of the time. LOL

Just a quick check-in I have to get one more thing done for work and then I'm going to bed!

magic71755

Friday's Plan...making it easy on myself:

coffee with np
just egg frozen folded with jam
celery and carrots
refried black beans kinda dip...with air fried corn tortillas...not able to eat a tostada at my desk...way too messy
steamable frozen veg with microwave potato
ninja creami

pistachios for a snack

have a delicious day everyone

Marilynsretired

magic71755

Yesterday, I used up my last two folded Just Egg...made them in the toaster and LEFT THEM THERE ALL DAY. Where is that list I was supposed to use so I did not forget stuff? HUH? HUH? Exactly!

today's plan...kinda weird.

coffee with np 💚
gardein burger/ezekiel bread 💚
black beans with stuff in it turned into a kinda of dip💚
microwave potato with a bunch of steamed fresh spinach
rice cake with jam
ninja creami

without giving too much detail...spinach and beans are very good for you know what'ing (and that's a good thing!)

do make today delicious, won't you!

Mihani

Howdy! I am so glad the past week is over with. Still on alert for covid exposure though. Last contact with someone who has it was just Thursday. I've been doing airborne the past few days. Swear by that stuff during cold and flu season.

Spring, I've never done an in person yoga class either although the mobility class I like to take is somewhat yoga based. How long does the challenge go at your gym? You've done so well with that! It gets harder to lose the closer we get to goal... and unfortunately the older we get.

Nanc, yum the jasmine rice and roasted veggies sounds delicious! Oops on leaving the just egg in the toaster all day. Maybe you need a list to remind you to keep a list? LOL

Carla, how was your visit with the SIL? Hope you had a good time.

Pretty sure I'm not going to the office this weekend. I brought home more work than I can do in a weekend as it is. If I do go it will just be for a couple hours tomorrow to check on things and get ready for the week. Had another co-worker off on Friday and I really hope next week we can be fully staffed and cranking out work.

I ran to the grocery after work on Thursday. Got baking potatoes and a bag of yukon gold for mashed so I can do another week of Mary's Mini. I wilt a bunch of greens into the mashed potatoes at the end. Also got several containers of baby lettuces to have with the baked potatoes and will make pickled onion to top it off. I do have some frozen veggies to mix it up when needed. I have gained a few pounds recently and need to go all in on Mary's Mini for a week or two to knock those back off and get back on track.

Also need to clean and do laundry which I'll probably put off until tomorrow. I don't know how the dog hair piles up so quickly!

SparkSpringtime69

Magic, I've never heard of elderberry for colds, etc. Next time I feel one coming on, I'm going to get some and see how it works for me. My colds usually last about a week.
Mihani, glad to hear you've avoided catching your boss' virus. You're right, it's definitely harder to loose now that I'm older and closer to goal. I think I'm going to try the Mary's Mini for a week after the gym challenge is finished - we have our final weigh-in/measurements this coming Wednesday.

Marilynsretired

magic71755

@Marilynsretired Lulu and I make each other happy, daily! “Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.” We have the power!

today's plan
coffee with np
just egg liquid with corn salsa, chao creamy shreds and a butt load of fresh spinach
component salad
black bean tostada
ninja creami

make today delicious...won't you!?

Mihani

Got my cooking and laundry done. Wilted baby spinach and baby kale into the mashed potatoes. Plan for the week is the mashed potatoes for breakfasts, baked potato with lots of lettuce topped with salsa for lunches, more potatoes and some cooked veggies for dinners. I think the Mary's Mini was updated to no fruit. I have a bunch of apples and a brand new bag of clementines though, so I will continue having one serving of fruit per day.

Going to try to get another couple of hours of work in tonight before I head to bed. Boss still testing positive so he'll do another test in the morning. Not sure about the one co-worker and whether she will be in tomorrow.