One more down

A little more progress.  Down one more pound.  This is going to be a slow process I can tell you.  Heres what's happening.  I have a calorie limit which I don't meet then add in the exercise and I have a bit more added to daily allowance.  So what do I do?  I feel free to eat more.  Not because I'm hungry but because I CAN!  This can't be good.

The program I switched to has an awesome support system if you need it.  I don't really think I do, but I decided I needed to justify my unjustified behavior.  I started a conversation about it and within minutes I had numerous responses.  Well what do ya know, everyone said, "It's your calories, eat them and don't feel bad about it."  Just what I needed to hear.  One thing I don't like about the layout of this application is when I add in the exercise it adds to my daily limit.  Of course this is what I will try and blame this bad habit on.  On weight watchers you just earn them and they are there.  It's not so enticing if you don't see them within your allowance.  Does that make sense?

I find it easier to cook something healthy than not.  Sunday for dinner I had a 6oz grilled breast which I had marinated over night.  It was nice and tender.  No knife needed.  A baked sweet potato and some corn on the cob that was off the hook.  We had some friends over on the 4th that brought fresh corn to put on Dru's grill.  We've grilled corn before but not this way.  He soaked in cold salt water (husk on) in a pan for 15 minutes.  The husks stayed on while on the grill.  I did everything the same but in my rice cooker instead.  That corn was so awesome.  Didn't need anything.  No butter, salt or pepper.  I assume leaving the husk on makes the difference.

I know my chicken looks really funny but I cooked in an iron skillet and I let it brown pretty good.  It was still juicy and tender.  It cut it in strips after cooking because it was 12oz and I only wanted 6.  I ate the other 6 in a salad the next night.

That evening I finally got around to making me some more breakfast egg muffins.  I love making these because it's so nice to have something quick and easy to eat that's not frozen out of box. This time I added broccoli florets in them.  It added some texture and additional flavor to a food that I'm really not that crazy about to start with.  For some reason I like them like this though.  Not scrambled, fried or boiled but baked!

Now they go in baggies and into the refrigerator where they are good for a week.  I have one with two slices of turkey bacon.  So quick and easy.  Everything in the microwave.

My son stated a new job yesterday and I'm so happy and proud both for him.  He is learning a trade and working on getting back on his feet and not dependent of his family so much.  It is a real change for him to leave a world of something he is so comfortable doing.  I personally hate leaving my comfort zone.

Hump day tomorrow!  Good night everyone.  Gentle hugs!

Stronger

It has been so nice to see some sunshine stay around for several days.  Even better that it's been a little warmer.  On Sunday I decided to try and cook for several nights.  Made a pot of chili and my husband grilled so that gave me food for several nights this week.  I also made some egg muffins from a pinterest post.  I'm not taking credit, just sharing for any reader who don't follow pinterest.  I changed it up a little but for the most part everything the is same.  I'm trying to get some protein in for breakfast because I'm always hungry again an hour after eating.  Which is usually cereal or toast and then later some yogurt.  Before lunch time I'm starving again.  These taste great and very filling.  The pinner said two are good for her.  I agree.  Stays good in refrigerator for a week.

Started with a dozen eggs.  Added a little spice (optional).  The recipe calls for the eggs, cheese and green onions as a must.  Meat optional.  I decided to add turkey sausage.  That went in first then I added the cheese and green onion.  I realized after that they had added cheese to beaten eggs but I don't see that it made a difference.  

Then pour your egg to fill 3/4 of muffin cup.   Stir each one a little to mix ingredients with a fork.  Recipe said optional to add some half and half to egg mixture.  I chose not to but plan to try next time.  You can also choose anything that's a favorite instead of the sausage.
veggies...bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli etc. 

Ready for the oven.  I had some egg mix left so I put left over into a muffin pan that makes large muffins.  I made two like that.  In that case, one will be fine for breakfast instead of two small.  (my opinion) Make sure to put your eggs into large measuring cup or bowl with a pour spout to simplify things.  375 for 25-30 minutes.

and here they are

I followed instructions and after cooling put two each in ziplock and store in refrigerator.  Of course I had to sample a warm one.  The next day heated in microwave they tasted just as good.  I did find the large ones heat better if you break in the middle before heating.  So tasty and easy.  I also did some oatmeal cookies using no flour or butter method.  Also all over pinterest.  I used bananas, applesauce and almond milk in place.  Also added cranberries instead of raisons because that's what I prefer.  They had a different texture but taste great.   I don't feel so guilty having these!

My granddaughter is in the hospital with RSV pneumonia.  Poor thing just can't stay away from being sick.  She just recovered from bronchitis earlier this month.  Under the circumstances she has been a great patient I hear.  Maw Maw and mom have been keeping me posted.  

We still have not talked to her daddy.  For peace of mind and mainly because he NEEDS to know his daughter and his dad is sick I had to take drastic measures to find out why he is not responding.  For the last three days his phone has been going straight to voice mail and the carrier let us know no calls went out or in since these last four days.  I talked to a couple of his friends over the week end.  They haven't seen him.  I reported him missing so at least I will know he is ok.  If he doesn't want to talk to us that's fine but we need to know.  If something is wrong, I need to know that too.  He is deeply depressed so that alone is enough for me to think the worst.  He's has a lot of prayers going out for him.  I get up, go through another day and be thankful no bad news came and take the next day as it comes.  Same way I deal with this chronic back condition I deal with.

On a good note my psychologist moved me to every three months instead of every month.  I'm excited to have one less appointment in a month.  Next Tuesday I see Mr. R  for another try at reprogramming.  So many people who have a stimulator go to their doctor frustrated with it not working but they haven't seen their rep for adjustments.  I have it documented every time I've met with Mr. R and Lovely so he can't say that I haven't tried.  

Martha, please let me know what happened with your appointment.  I'm praying that it wasn't what you were thinking.  

Seems like every day I hear a song that even though I've heard it many times before but that day I hear it so differently.  Like it's being sung just for me this time.  Music is so much like prayer for me.  That night I text the words to my son because it fit for him too.  I've text him every day or night since Jan 3.  I have no way to know if he is even seeing or reading them.

"Stronger"

Hey, heard you were up all night
Thinking about how your world ain't right
And you wonder if things will ever get better
And you're asking why is it always raining on you
When all you want is just a little good news
Instead of standing there stuck out in the weather

Oh, don't hang your head
It's gonna end
God's right there
Even if it's hard to see Him
I promise you that He still cares

[Chorus:]
When the waves are taking you under
Hold on just a little bit longer
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger
The pain ain't gonna last forever
And things can only get better
Believe me
This is gonna make you stronger
Gonna make you stronger, stronger, stronger
Believe me, this is gonna make you Stronger

Try and do the best you can
Hold on and let Him hold your hand
And go on and fall into the arms of Jesus
Oh, lift your head it's gonna end
God's right there
Even when you just can't feel Him
I promise you that He still cares

[Chorus]

'Cause if He started this work in your life
He will be faithful to complete it
If only you believe it
He knows how much it hurts
And I'm sure that He's gonna help you get through this

When the waves are taking you under
Hold on just a little bit longer
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger
The pain ain't gonna last forever
In time it's gonna get better
Believe me
This is gonna make you stronger

Pain is inevitable, but misery is optional.  We cannot avoid pain, but we can avoid joy.  Tim Hansel