Convenience .... at what price ???

I recently purchased and have "devoured" the books Eat This, Not That and Eat This Not That -- Supermarket Survival. I found myself nodding in agreement throughout both books about 85% of the time (the other 15% was due to regional differences of products). I was intrigued that the authors encouraged convenience foods. Aren't convenience foods the bane of our existence ?!?!?!

As I read through that particular section, I realized that some so-called convenience foods are actually GOOD foods in disguise. Case in point -- Jimmy Dean D'Lights Breakfsast Sandwiches. There are only 2 varieties (at least that's all I found so far) and the ingredient lists are lengthy, but pronouncable.

Hey, I was feeling pretty good as I read the list (they break it up by food -- the muffin, the egg, the sausage), until I read those dreaded words high fructose corn syrup. FARK !!! The list was going sooooooo well, too. Dammitalltohell, HFCS -- must you be in EVERYTHING ?!?!?! I was despondent as I started to put the package back into the freezer. Then I gave it another looky-see.

Out of long list (no, I'm NOT going to count), HFCS was the 5th from the last ingredient. HOLD THE PHONE, MARTHA !! FIFTH from the end ?!?!? Well, now maybe it's not so bad after all. NO, I'm NOT condoning HFCS, but that far down the list AFTER all those good-for-you ingredients can't be considered the same as HFCS being in the first three ingredients, right ???

There I stood having an argument with myself over whether to throw caution to the wind or stand my ground. I realized that several people gave me a wiiiiiiide berth or turned around & headed away from my general vicinity. Hell it's THEIR loss, cos I was having a very intelligent convo about some really important stuff ! Anyhoo, after considerable weighing of pros & cons, I decided to get them anyway. Turns out they only cost about $1.38 each. Not too bad for a 2 proteins, a fat and whole grains, eh ?

UPDATE : So far I've consumed 2 of each type (muffin & croissant) with no adverse reaction. They're filling, tasty & convenient ! They're a boon when I've putzed around too long & time is getting the best of me. Just wrap 'em & zap 'em !! Works for me ! I'm not saying y'all HAVE to run out & get these, just a consumer's POV -- for future reference. ;-)

take care .... stay kool .... be content
molly =)

Well, last weekend ushered in a new decade for ME -- I rounded the half century mark & skidded to a halt. JUST WAIT A COTTON-PICKING MINUTE, HERE !!! There's NO way I'M 50 already !!!! Siiiiiiiiiiiigh .... yes, yes I am. I'm officially @ the top of the hill.

In "honor" of this auspicious occasion, I did NOT record my intake, did NOT weigh in AND I'm NOT apologizing for it ! While I probably DID some "damage," I tried to be diligent about what went into my mouth.

I just didn't freak out at the Vanilla Creme Brulee on Friday evening (which BTW was DEEEE-VIIIINE !!) nor the Lemon Cake with Milk Chocolate Frosting on Saturday evening (equally deeee-viiiine). Instead I E-N-J-O-Y-E-D the unusual occurrence and filed it away for memory's sake and today I'm back on the trail towards BETTER, HEALTHIER, & LESS PROCESSED EATING.

So I will update the progress (or digress if necessary) NEXT Monday. Till then, TTFN !!

Slow & Steady Wins The Race !!

Welp, another pound & half has been released (hopefully NEVER to return !) and THAT was with only ONE 30 min exercise session !! And YES ! I AM eating all of my weight release calories. So for fear of displeasing the Weight Release Gods, I'll NOT jinx my good progress (& fortune) by ruminating on it ad nauseum.

In four more days, I'll tick over the half century mark on this chassis. And even though she's showing signs of wear & tear, she's still got LOTS of oooomph in the ol' tank !! Instead of attempting to break some land speed records, she's happy to just stay in the middle lane and keep up with the flow & not get run down in the process ! Here's to maintaining speed and cruisin' onto the finish line ........ many years from now.

Weight : 206.4
BMI : 35.2

Staring down the barrel of 50

In 10 days, 8 hours, 25 mins I'll turn the corner of the half century mark. Quite frankly I held out little hope of reaching this milestone ...... considering the abuse & damage I've wrought on this body during the last 35 years. I know for a fact that I DON'T have another 50 in me -- maybe 25-30 if I can stop the progression of "abuse."

I DID manage to get in 3 days of recumbent biking in last week & there WAS a loss -- just not as much as I wanted. But ANY loss is better than a gain so I'll be happy with the tiny movement forward towards my goal.

So begins week 3 -- ever onward & downward !!

WEIGHT : 207.4
BMI : 35.4

Week TWO

Welp, weighed in yesterday and there WAS a loss -- just not the amount I wished for. But I will take any LOSS that comes my way ! Started up on my recumbent bike again cos with my buggered up foot, I found that I can't do my indoor walking DVD -- too much pain. So I guess until this toe gets fixed, it'll be 20-30 mins per day on the recumbent bike.

We made some homemade chicken stock last night after roasting a chicken & veggies for dinner. Just left the carcass & added a mir poix, some water, couple bay leaves & got it up to a nice boil & then let it simmer for bout 45 mins. I can't wait to make some chicken noodle & veggie soup this week !! Coupled with a healthy honey corn muffin .......... NIRVANA !!!

The Great Weight Release of 2010

Today I begin yet another new journey. I have entered an "accountability pact" with my secondbestestfriendadopted sister. This accountability pact involves the healthy & steady weight reduction in 2010, more & more effective exercise and sharing of ideas, recipes, tips, etc. It's not necessarily about the numbers on the scale, but it IS about numbers ..... A1C, BP, and BMI.

My only hope is that she'll keep me on my toes & be my guide (as I will do for her, too !) thru this daunting maze of weight release. You'll notice that I said weight "release," if I were to say "weight loss" it somehow alludes to a quest to find it once it's lost & I sure as hell DON'T want to do that !

So come along with us as we begin this adventure/journey & take this one day, one step one pound at a time !