Day 32

Tonight was a really nice night, but it did not go as I had planned. I knew I was going out to a restaurant with friends. I gave myself the okay to eat as many brussel sprouts and as much roasted cauliflower as I wanted.  Even though I knew they were probably made with oil and maybe some flour and sugar, I had planned it all day. How bad can brussel sprouts and cauliflower be, no matter how they are made? I made sure I did not touch anything with meat. Okay, so maybe I did have a little cheese that was attached to a very small piece of pizza. Still, I didn’t have meat!   How can I totally go off a diet by eating an abundance of brussel sprouts? Well, I did. I let my brain wander off for the night, and I indulged in the most delicious brussel sprouts in the valley. I ate dinner at “The Village” in Studio City, and proved that I am still a bit of a food addict. Well, tomorrow is another day.

Day 31

Dr. Furhman's "Eat to Live" diet emphasizes the necessity of eating large salads daily. Most days it has been easy. But once in a while I just don't feel like chewing that many vegetables at one sitting. Now, don't get me wrong. If I was at Houston's Restaurant eating  a Thai Steak Salad, I would be hoping the meal would never end. However, these non-oil salads that I have been making lately sometimes overstay their welcome. Tonight I made an arugala salad with grated jicama, peppers and onion. I added an avocado lemon dressing and I sprinkled sunflower seeds on top.

It was appealing to look at, but it wasn't the best tasting meal to ever grace Patti's Plate.

Day 30

Okay. So, I guess you could call me a copy cat. I have been somewhat stalking a fellow Nutritarian on Instagram. She posted a photograph of the most delicious looking vegetable stew I had ever seen. I attempted to guess the ingredients in her dish and she said that I was very close.  I asked her for the recipe, but unfortunately I couldn't wait for her answer. I wanted to make it for dinner tonight. I made up my own version of it and it really was good.

I thinly sliced mushrooms, shallots, carrots and brussel sprouts and sautéed them with balsamic vinegar and a few spices. I didn't even use cooking spray, let alone oil. I ate a big bowl of it and didn't even have room for salad. It was very filling. I had made a pot of chicken verde for the others in my household because I didn't think they would have much interest in my food tonight. I was wrong. Tony added a little olive oil to his portion of the veggie stew and raved that it was another "win" for Patti's Plate.

 

Day 29

I made a big mistake today. Since day one of my Nutritarian living, I have been so good about buying fresh fruits and vegetables from the grocery store. I have also bought nuts, seeds and beans.  Once in a while I will buy a ready-made item like the quinoa salad from Costco. Well, today I decided to venture into the world of soy and I bought a package of meatless ground round. I looked at the label and went no further than reading 60 calories per serving. That sounded like a real bargain since I haven’t had meat in a month and that’s a long time for a previous carnivore.  It wasn’t until I came home and started reading more on nutrition that I realized an error had been made. I need to keep remembering that this journey is all about health. The weight loss is an added benefit. The additives in the ingredient label are impossible to even pronounce.  I had already made a big crock pot chili when I discovered I no longer wanted to eat it.  My husband, who has been deprived of his favorite sauces and stews, was ecstatic to see what was cooking for dinner. (It really does look like real meat) So, I stoically ate a small little bowl along with a large green salad. Tony loved it so much that he wanted me to put the recipe on paper so that I wouldn’t forget how I made it. I didn’t have the heart to tell him that I will never buy that fake food again.

Day 28

Four weeks have passed. Each week I'm a little more amazed that I have stuck with this for so long. However, it is true what I've heard from others following the plan. The better you feel, the more you don't want to go back to your old way of eating. I finally will admit that I have lost a little weight. It's not enough that most people would notice, but it is enough that I can have more options of black pants in the morning. I'm able to choose from my vast array of black slacks of various sizes in my closet.  Maybe at the next baby shower, I'll be the one in hot pink!

Day 27

My blog had a little coming out party today. I attended a baby shower for my niece.  Up until this point, only a few people knew of my efforts to eat healthier.

Thanks to her fascination with Patti's Plate, and her talent for story telling, the entire party knew about my blog within a matter of minutes. Now I will really be forced to continue life as a Nutritarian.  I couldn't bear to risk public humiliation if I were to go back to my old way of eating! The buffet of food that I passed on was really quite spectacular. There were carnitas, halibut tacos, rice, beans and fajitas. All of my favorite foods could have easily been on Patti's plate. However, I chose instead to eat the delicious citrus jicama slaw, guacamole, roasted corn and a little protein splurge of shrimp. I also completely stayed away from the dessert and pretty pink candy table. I doubt I would have had that kind of willpower had I not been outed. Thanks, Vanessa.

Day 26

I used to make fun of my daughter for her love of quinoa. Quinoa is a highly nutritive seed that has been around for years but has recently received a lot of recognition in the culinary world. I had only eaten it once a few years ago when I was on a strict diet. My memory of it was not fond and I have avoided it ever since. Well, ever since today that is. I bought a prepared quinoa salad from Costco and ate it for lunch. It not only tasted delicious, but it was filling and gave me tons of energy.  I publicly apologize, Anne. You were right.