Clean Eating Club ~ Dec. 22-31

jawaria

Dalawna u sound just like me! I fail to understand why it is so hard for me to follow what i know is right...I have been blaming it on postpartum depression, but my baby is 2 now! So i better get serious! It'as good to know i'm not the only one who thinks like this!

jessmomof3

Hi clean eaters! Another busy day with the kiddos!

Lunch:
La Tortilla WW wrap
Laughing cow light cheese
Turkey
18 All Bran crackers + w
1 T. NM PB

Snack:
Fage Total Greek yogurt
20 mixed nuts

Dinner:
Salad with Romaine, brocc, cauli, carrots, snow peas topped with Turkey and balsamic vinegar
Baked sweet potato with cinnamon

cherapple

I was so hungry today! What was up with that? :grumble: I need to work on my away-from-home meals because it often doesn't feel like I'm really eating -- just snacking -- so I still feel hungry (largely psychological). I think I'm going to have to have a 7th meal before bed because I'm starving right now, too!

Meal #1
The usual oatmeal, apple, egg whites, skim milk, Stevia
1/8 c cashews

Meal #2
1 slice whole grain bread
1 T almond peanut butter
Banana

Meal #3
Whole grain tortilla
Tuna packet

Meal #4
Boomi Bar (not as good as I remembered -- too sweet!)

Meal #5
SF cocoa (made with skim milk)
1/4 egg whites
1/8 c cashews
14 almonds
1/2 c green grapes

Meal #6
Tossed salad
1/2 T Drew's dressing
1/2 baked sweet potato
1/2 t better butter
1/8 c cashews
A few Cheez-Its :blushing:

Meal #7
Navel orange
1 c popcorn

Today's exercise: 45 minutes elliptical.

On a good note, I went clothes shopping again today and although the scale hasn't budged, I felt much better about the experience this time -- leaner somehow. Maybe this is finally working. :happy:

cherapple

:bigsmile: Due to my husbands food issues years ago we have cut out 85 % of processed foods. We eat as much unprocessed as possible. My down fall is that I an a sugar addict which makes it doubley hard cause I have diabetes 2. Over the last year I have dropped diet sodas from 6-8 a day every day to 1 a day and usually don't finish a whole can. My short term goal is to cut out all soda. My long term goal is to quit sugar all together. Mainly I eat the sugar free stuff but usually that has a ton of calories and feeds the sugar addiction. What is the brand of peanut butter you're eating? I buy Adams Natrual and pour out the oil on top. Never miss it and its kind of gross to see all thae oil I'm eating anyway.

Hi, booksarenice!

It sounds like you are making some really good changes toward your health and your husband's! Your body must be getting used to the lack of sodas if you don't even finish the one you're still drinking. That's progress!

As for peanut butter, I personally buy anything "natural," with just peanuts and salt in it. I try to remember to pour out the oil, too. I like that it naturally separates and you can do that! Peanut oil can be saved and used for other things, but I keep forgetting to save it. It's a healthy oil, so could be used for stir frying a Chinese dish, for example. It might make a good oil and vinegar dressing on a salad, too.

Welcome!

cherapple

Hi everyone! I have been sick and off the wagaon! I don't know but every time i eat out or eat the 'bad' foods, I fall off my healthy habits! no wonder i can't lose these last 10 pounds! It's exhausting at times! I really hope this new year's i can actually make a change in my lifestyle! Oh well Tomorrow is a new day!!! Wish me luck!

Good luck! I think we've all been there. I had my temptations today. (I gave in to a few crackers.) Even though I've been doing really well, the scale isn't budging on the last ten pounds -- I'd be happy with five! -- for me either. But I'm feeling really good and strong, so I'm not too worried about it. It's winter, so the extra little bit of pudge will keep me warm. :laugh: I'll worry when spring comes and I want my running body back. :bigsmile:

cherapple

Thanks for the welcome! It's nice to know there are people who can relate. My first goals for eating clean are going to be: no white stuff (flour, rice, etc.), no treats, dessets, jam (anything with lots of sugar), and no eating after 7 pm ,since that seems to be when the binges happen the most.

My main problem is getting mad at myself for gaining weight and eating out of control, so then I eat to make myself feel better and then after I eat I feel worse than before. Even as I'm writing it, it sounds so dumb and easy to solve. So why is it so hard?!?!?!

I did run 3 miles this morning and after feeling down most of the morning , I did 8 min. buns, 8 min, abs, and 8 min. arms. Just doing that was empowering and I am feeling a little more upbeat!

Thanks for listening!

No treats! Now that's just unreasonable! LOL. :laugh: You have to find some kind of treat that you can enjoy now and then or you'll lose your mind trying to stick with any diet changes. How about a small piece of really dark chocolate (if you can do it -- I don't trust myself :ohwell: ), or clean hot cocoa (make with skim milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, and a sweetener like Stevia). Other treats -- fruits, white potatoes (not really clean, but I still love them), nuts. Food in general is a treat for me. :laugh: I looooove to eat.

Running always brightens my world when I'm in a funk! Three miles is way more than I'm doing (I don't like icy weather, and I had foot surgery this year), so that's quite an accomplishment to me. I'm envious!

tuxedo702

Ok, this is my first time posting on this board and I'm just coming back from total slugdom! :laugh:

Meal #1
Coffee (black)
Pear

Meal #2
Oatmeal
Banana
Coffee (black)

Meal #3
Bean burrito by Cedarleaf or some such company - from the healthy section of the grocery store. (Guess that would count a processed though, wouldn't it?)
Green tea

Meal #4
Apple

Meal #5
Handful of almonds

Meal # 6
Soy milk
whole wheat pita

walked for 30 minutes

As you can see I have a long way to go to even get close to the rest of you. But it's only my 4th day of clean eating and I'm sure I'll get better at it as time goes by.

jessmomof3

Hi clean eaters! Another busy day with the kiddos!

Craving chocolate last night, so I had a SF Jello Chocolate Fudge Mint cup (60 cals)
and SF hot cocoa.

Woke up and realized why I was craving chocolate last night. :devil: (AF showed up!)

Jess

cherapple

Ok, this is my first time posting on this board and I'm just coming back from total slugdom! :laugh:

As you can see I have a long way to go to even get close to the rest of you. But it's only my 4th day of clean eating and I'm sure I'll get better at it as time goes by.

Hi, Debbie!

When I first started exercising this time around, I was coming off a couple of years of no exercise and sitting around all the time. I couldn't even go for a walk without getting sore! So I started out walking, too. You can only start from where you are, but the body adjusts to exercise pretty quickly. The first few times are the hardest, and then you start seeing improvements!

Glad to see you here! :happy:

imworthit

I have to stay away from the desserts cuz one bite sends me into a total binge that can last a few days. It's pretty sad! So...though it's not really clean, I could reward myself with SF pudding or cocoa. Even a bowl of fresh fruit with almonds can hit the spot.
As for the running, my husband and I are training for the Ragnar del sol relay. Too bad my bad eating habits have sabatoged the weight loss any of the running would do. But that's going to change! I want to see results again and hopefully the clean eating will help! I made it through 1 whole day, ha ha! And today ran 7 miles. I guess I need to learn to be proud of small accomplishments. Take it one day at a time instead of looking too far ahead. And I'm already loving the support and good ideas on MFP!

imworthit

I saw you have done triathalons. That is so awesome! What a great accomplishment!

I have a question...My husband and I are running the Ragnar del sol relay the end of Feb. We have long runs on Saturdays. What is there to drink or eat during a long run that doesn't have a ton of sugar but still gives you the energy to finish the run??? In the past training for a marathon, I did gatorade, power bars and gel packs - all loaded with sugar. Any suggestions?

cherapple

I have to stay away from the desserts cuz one bite sends me into a total binge that can last a few days. It's pretty sad! So...though it's not really clean, I could reward myself with SF pudding or cocoa. Even a bowl of fresh fruit with almonds can hit the spot.
As for the running, my husband and I are training for the Ragnar del sol relay. Too bad my bad eating habits have sabatoged the weight loss any of the running would do. But that's going to change! I want to see results again and hopefully the clean eating will help! I made it through 1 whole day, ha ha! And today ran 7 miles. I guess I need to learn to be proud of small accomplishments. Take it one day at a time instead of looking too far ahead. And I'm already loving the support and good ideas on MFP!

Me too on the "one bite leads to days of binging." And seven miles is no "small accomplishment"! It's probably the most I've ever run at one time. I'm envious of anyone who is running at all. :flowerforyou: Sigh! I don't think I'll ever be a winter runner. We have major snow today.

cherapple

I saw you have done triathalons. That is so awesome! What a great accomplishment!

I have a question...My husband and I are running the Ragnar del sol relay the end of Feb. We have long runs on Saturdays. What is there to drink or eat during a long run that doesn't have a ton of sugar but still gives you the energy to finish the run??? In the past training for a marathon, I did gatorade, power bars and gel packs - all loaded with sugar. Any suggestions?

Do you like straight honey or maple syrup? You could probably mix those things in water. What about maple sugar candy? Boomi Bars (protein bars made with honey). I don't know, that would be a tough one. I've never run a marathon (nor done a triathlon), so can't say what I would do.

imworthit

Booksarenice,

You are doing great with the sodas (or lack of!) It's amazing how addicting sugar can be. There is a great website http://www.firstourselves.com/ that deals with one woman's sugar addiction. She has a great book on there that you can download for free. I could totally relate to the book and it was helpful to have info from someone who has dealt with sugar addiction first hand.

cherapple

Dalawna, that looks like a great website. I'm going to download the ebook. Thanks!

jessmomof3

I saw you have done triathalons. That is so awesome! What a great accomplishment!

I have a question...My husband and I are running the Ragnar del sol relay the end of Feb. We have long runs on Saturdays. What is there to drink or eat during a long run that doesn't have a ton of sugar but still gives you the energy to finish the run??? In the past training for a marathon, I did gatorade, power bars and gel packs - all loaded with sugar. Any suggestions?

Well, I'm an endurance athlete also. I have done 1 marathon, a couple halfs, and got into the triathlons last year. When you're working out hard, that is when your body needs that sugar/ carb to keep going! I like the Jelly Belly Sport Beans for longer workouts. When marathon training, I used Vanilla Gu gels but really got sick of them!!! :huh: Some people prefer drinks, and there are some of those also. I recommend trying them out and seeing what works best for you. Some people get cramped up with certain things while running. Have a great time on the relay!!!! And WTG on the 7 mile run!

Jess

tuxedo702

Meal #2:
1/4 c lowfat cottage cheese
1/4 c lowfat yogurt
1/8 c cashews
1/8 c grape nuts
Stevia
1 c skim milk
1/4 c egg whites
1 Tbs unsweetened cocoa powder
Stevia
(OK, I don't want to give up my Stevia! :laugh: )
Calories: 327

What exactly is Stevia and where would I buy it? Also, what form is it in - liquid, powder, other?

jessmomof3

What exactly is Stevia and where would I buy it? Also, what form is it in - liquid, powder, other?

It's a natural sweetener. You can get it in liquid or powder (they even have it in packets now!). I've seen it in the health section at Kroger or Meijer or in the baking goods aisle even at Walmart! HTH!

jessmomof3

OK, I'm embarrassed to admit that I made Chex Mix today. In my defense, I only ate the Wheat Chex. :laugh: TOTALLY craving the salt, I know it's from my lovely visitor today! :grumble:

Breakfast:
Usual oatmeal

Snack:
A few Wheat Chex & almonds (my dh has an almond allergy so I ate some of the stray almonds out of it!) hot from the oven

Lunch:
2 pieces leftover Mediterranean Herb Chicken DeLite pizza
More Wheat Chex (should have measured! :ohwell: )

Snack:
1 c. NF yogurt + 1 T. NM PB + 1/4 c. Pumpkin Flax Granola cereal

Dinner:
Making Spinach Bisque soup w/ lower fat ingredients (our tradition!)

Just eating healthy finger foods w/ the family and playing games tonight! No big New Year's plans!

cherapple

OK, I'm embarrassed to admit that I made Chex Mix today. In my defense, I only ate the Wheat Chex. :laugh: TOTALLY craving the salt, I know it's from my lovely visitor today! :grumble:

Consider it a New Year's Eve treat! Or a that-time-of-the-month treat. I think we all need those. Thankfully, it only comes around once a month!

We're doing the same tonight -- just hanging out as a family, playing the Wii and computer games, and watching movies. I didn't go crazy buying junk food like I have in the past. We're having pomegranate seeds, smoothies, selzer for our bubbly, popcorn, maybe some coffee to keep us awake, and perhaps a small glass of wine.

Happy New Year, clean eaters!!! :flowerforyou:

cherapple

What exactly is Stevia and where would I buy it? Also, what form is it in - liquid, powder, other?

Stevia is an herbal extract that is sweeter than sugar, has no calories, and supposedly no side effects, like spiked insulin levels. I get mine from the health food store. I like the NOW brand liquid form, and it only requires a few drops to sweeten a drink or a food, so one bottle lasts quite a long time. It also comes in flavors like dark chocolate or lemon. You can get it on Amazon pretty cheaply.

cherapple

Meal #1
Sliced banana
1/4 c Grape Nuts
1/2 c skim milk

Meal #2
1 c cooked oatmeal
1 sliced apple
1/8 c cashews
1/4 c skim milk
1/4 c egg whites

Meal #3
1/2 c lowfat plain yogurt
1/4 c cottage cheese
1/8 c Grape Nuts
1/8 c raisins
Stevia
Tossed salad
1 T Drew's dressing
14 almonds

Meal #4
1.5 c green grapes
1 slice whole grain bread
1/2 T peanut butter

Meal #5
1 c skim milk
1/4 c egg whites
1 T unsweetened cocoa powder
Stevia
1/2 c quinoa
1/2 chicken breast
1/2 c corn

Meal #6
Whatever I end up eating and drinking to celebrate New Year's Eve. I'm already a little over on calories today, so I will be going over even more. Oh well. I think I've kind of given up on any weight loss until spring. Cold weather always makes me want to eat more. I'm happy to just be eating healthy!

Today's exercise: Full body strength workout.

imworthit

So New Year's night got invited last minute to a get together with friends. Didn't eat clean but didn't totally binge either. But as I looked around, it was so frustrating to see everyone having a good time and me thinking about what I wanted to eat, what I shouldn't eat, how fattening the food was, etc. Can't I just think about food in a normal way??? Again, it was frustrating.

Got back on track yesterday, ran 4 miles and ate clean. Didn't go over calories - Yea!

Today I went to the Y and did a step class and got on their scale. I was down 2 pounds from last Friday when I weighed on my mother in laws scale. Not sure if the different scales were the reason but I'm going to take it! I'll go by the Y's scale most of the time anyway.

Got to finish putting my house back together after taking all the Christmas down yesterday. My kids were a big help. Hope your day is successful!

Booksarenice

:drinker: I used to be a clean eater till life got in the way. I'm baaaaaack. Still need to woek on getting a few foods out of the house and off the grocery list however, I have been having a ball rediscovering how good it feels to eat clean and healthy. I feel like all I do is eat these days. I am eating 5x's a day and it's overwheling at times. I am determined to get this weight off and become healthier. Her's to whole, unprocessed(mostly), fresh, colorful eating.

cherapple

Dalawna, it can be VERY hard to eat in the company of others sometimes. I start to feel just a LITTLE bit obsessed with food when no one else is worrying about what they eat as much as I am. But I'm also usually the healthiest one in the room, so that's motivation for me to keep worrying. :laugh: I know that if I follow the crowd, my tendency will be to overeat, eat nutritionally deficient foods, gain weight, quit exercising, and soon feel older than my age. That's not what I want, so I keep seeking out the healthy food choices, regardless of what everyone else is doing (or thinking about what *I'm* doing).

Booksarenice, I think that's my favorite aspect of eating clean -- being given the green light to eat several times a day, basically whenever I'm hungry. No forcing myself to wait for the clock to tell me it's OK to eat! I'm much happier when I'm not starving! And of course I'm eating healthier foods, so I'm getting much better nutrition, which means I'm literally not starving! :bigsmile:

By the way, did you see the new Clean Eating thread for January?