Happy Halloween!

This post is to announce that in my entire life, I don't ever remember NOT eating a piece of candy on Halloween. Well.....tonight was different. I am proud to say that I am going to sleep tonight without one piece of candy having touched my lips. (In the old days I could have said that and still manage to get it in my mouth and technically not be lying, but today  I really didn't eat any candy) My nephew was kind enough to hand the candy out to the little (and not so little) trick or treaters and I left the house. It made it much easier to refrain. Now I need to make sure that all of the left over candy is removed. I can't have it hiding in the cupboard haunting me.

 

 

Olive oil

Many of you have been wondering, "what's next on Patti's Plate?" Actually, I'm not really sure. I have been enjoying waking up lighter each morning. I am definitely going to continue a healthy eating plan. However, I am going to take a break from the very strict Nutritarian eating. One thing that I have abstained from and have definitely missed, is olive oil. There are a lot of mixed opinions about oil. Many experts believe that a little oil in moderation should not only be allowed, but is encouraged. Dr. Fuhrman is not of that opinion. He makes a point of discouraging olive oil. "Fat can be stored within minutes, without costing the body any caloric price". I'm Greek. We have always been taught that olive oil is good for you.....period. (Except during lent, so I guess I should have said comma) After reading "Eat to Live" I feel guilty eating olive oil. Tonight, I gave my husband a choice. Delicious oil-free dressing or a small amount of olive oil. He's Greek too. I'm making my chicken salad tonight with oil!

Day 42

I did it! I finished 6 weeks of being a Nutritarian. Today was probably the hardest day of all. I ate my quinoa salad for lunch, and I couldn't even finish it. I'm not sure why, but it just didn't taste as good as I remembered. I also couldn't get the energy to eat my big green salad for dinner. Many other dinner ideas kept popping up in my mind. None of them very nutritious. Then, I decided to make a big vegetable soup with a couple of chicken breasts in the crock part. (An old weight watcher recipe) I decided I could still buy something later if I didn't want it, and save the soup for another day. By the time dinner time came, the soup was smelling great and I was so happy to have it waiting for me.

Day 41

If you will notice, this is a horrible picture. I quickly took it not thinking I would really use it. But, I am going to be honest. This is what I ate tonight. I will lead you through the thought process that caused this culinary event. As I mentioned yesterday, I went to a family party. It was lots of fun, and enjoyable to visit with everyone. As we sat outside and talked, my blog and my new way of eating came up in conversation. Midway through the conversation with my brother, there was barely an innuendo that I may not be eating enough protein. Well, that was all I needed to start obsessing about it.  Today, I was weak, hungry and a little frightened that I may not be eating enough protein. Now, keep in mind, I have been doing this for 40 days, and feeling great. Still, that little whisper in my head kept telling me I may be doing something unhealthy. That was all I needed tonight to say, "forget the salad, let's order take out!"

I ordered a classic chicken burrito from Poquito Mas, (I know, I could have just added chicken to my salad)  and I felt like I was in heaven! I added a small amount of salad from Tony's order, and I felt totally satisfied. I won't be as excited as I usually am to get up in the morning, but going to sleep on a full stomach for a change will be worth it.

Day 40

I'm pretty tired tonight. It could be for several reasons. 1) I went out last night and got home much later than usual. 2) I went to a birthday party for my cute great nephew, Leo, and there were lots of kids in costume running around. (a couple without) 3) I ate watermelon for breakfast, Swiss chard soup (G-BOMBS) for lunch, and 3 grapes for a snack. By dinner time I was quite hungry and a little weak. Thank goodness my neighborhood Whole Foods store saved the day. I stopped by and made a large multi-veggie salad. I sprinkled a few seeds on it. When I got home I ate it accompanied by a large glass of water. I was too lazy to make my delicious oil-free dressing so I sprinkled balsamic instead and it was really a little boring. I may have to treat myself to something a little heartier tomorrow.

 

Day 39

 I had every intention of being the dutiful daughter to my 90 year mother. My sister, who lives with my Mom is in New York visiting her daughter. Mom loves to go out, so I was planning to be her escort for the evening. Unfortunately, the battery in my car died. After work, I had to call AAA and get a jump start. By the way, they are great and worth every penny. Anyhow, I got my car home, but I still need a new battery. All of that is besides the point. Long story short: I had no car, my husband is out of town, and my daughter got home relatively early. Anne had plans to go out, and she asked me to go with her. We went to Hollywood to listen to Anne's friend sing an amazing repertoire of songs. Taylor Greenwood will definitely be famous one day. We arrived a little early and walked  a few blocks to Mousso Franks. I looked at the menu, I was starving, and I couldn't imagine eating a salad without dressing. So, instead I chose the lobster cocktail appetizer. It felt like a splurge, but calorie wise it wasn't! I didn't have many nutrients, but I didn't have many calories either.   And...I didn't feel at all deprived.

Day 38

G-BOMBS are Dr. Fuhrman's secret weapons! Well, not so secret. They are Greens, beans, onions, mushrooms, berries, and seeds. These 6 items are super foods that strengthen our immune system and help fight disease. We should have some every day! They not only lower the risk of illness, but they also aid in weight loss. I actually thought I'd be creative today and use all of these ingredients in a soup. I chopped everything, added garlic and basil and slow cooked them in vegetable broth. It wasn't the most aesthetically pleasing soup but it was filling and it didn't taste half bad. However, I recommend finding ways to incorporate them into your daily eating plan separately.