Day Three. Fennel Juice

Day Three.

My first day back to work after being off for an entire week. I was more than anxious to get back to work because being at home sick is not my idea of fun. I had a bad case of cabin fever. I knew that a pile of work awaited me and I would have many loose ends to tie up before I could start my regular day!

So how was I going to incorporate what I had been eating at home for a regular day at work? 

The night before, I made Winter White Juice which was very different because one of the main ingredients was Fennel. My Dad had grown Fennel in his garden and I loved the licorice smell but never thought of  actually eating this odd veggie. The nice thing about the www.rebootwithjoe.com is that with each recipe there are substitutions so, if you don't like a particular item there are alternate suggestions. I didn't have Barlett pears but I did have apples so I used those. I have been on a ginger kick because of troubles with digestion due to antibiotics so I put some into the juice. When tasting it, the ginger overpowered the more subtle taste of the other ingredients. So, when trying anything new, be prepared for some experimentation that don't work. I took it in a sealed Mason type glass jar and stored it in the fridge to be consumed that day. 

Before leaving to work, I had a serving of Green Carrot Ginger Juice which held me over until a break in the afternoon. I also packed two 2 liters of water with me as well. I usually, drop by the drugstore and buy bottled water to have at my desk so I saved myself $3.00. By drinking the juice, I also skipped my normal Americano Coffee and Muffin which saved me another $5.00

I was spending $100 a month on coffee and muffins!

Dinner. 4:00 PM  I had tried other Smoothies before and usually choose the fruity ones. Not many healthy choices to choose in the food court so I was excited when I saw that the Pita Pit in the mall was now carrying "healthy" smoothies. Pure Blenz. I chose the Metabolic which had Kale, Berries, Apples, Banana, Wheat Grass, Blue Algae, etc. I asked her to add ginger to give it a bit of a spike. I watched as she took items out the freezer and the blender hidden around the corner as if it was a secret what was going into the blender. I tasted it and it certainly didn't have the nutritional punch or taste that my smoothies at home had. It was ok. I might give the smoothie another try when I am in a pinch. Normally, I'd buy a meal in the foodcourt with water. This cut my cost in half. 

After Work: Hungry. I admit that many times through Christmas that I created some horrible habits. One of them became the drive through. Too tired to cook. Too hungry to think about what I was going to eat. So, I went straight home and made the Goji Goodness. I substituted the banana and avocado with oranges and apples. Delicious! In a pinch, this could be made and frozen over night. A slow thaw for a healthy lunch. 

The other snacks I had through the day was rye bread with Cashew Butter  and 1/2 cup of cottage cheese mixed with cinnamon, apple sauce. 

Week One of Weight Watchers

Its been three years since I joined Weight Watchers for the .. second time. This time I am much more smarter about food, eating, my body and exercise. I've been doing a lot of reading in the form of books, the internet and have made friends with people who are in the fitness, nutrition and life coaching professions. I have all the tools I need and a body that can move so I'm now I am armed to be the Fat Warrior I intend to be!

Here is my action plan:

• Gym workouts 2-3 times a week which will include cardio, weights and stretching.
  
• Staying within my points allowance as per Weight Watchers guidelines
  
• Other activities will include Wii Fitt, 100 Squats 3 x a week Challenge and walking.
  
• Drinking 2 Liters of water each day.
  
• No dairy (effective today I have chosen to fully commit to this and stop eating cheese for 30 days. In the past year I have eliminated all dairy except for cheese)
  
• Going grain free for one week. Starting today for one week. This will be a challenge for me: I love all grains! Quinoa, Rice, etc.. I want to see what results this will bring.

Things I've noticed about people who are new to Weight Watchers:

• Getting bored quickly of eating the same foods day in and day out. Oh, I ate this today and lost weight this week so I will eat it again. Me, variety is the spice of life so I like to experiment. Hence, the grains and cheese challenges. If a person gets bored, are they likely to continue on the path? Switch it up before poor habits return.
  

• Weight Watchers the brand. Go to the supermarket and you have Weight Watchers meals including desserts! Go to the meetings and you can buy everything from cookbooks to measuring spoons! I will buy the tracker book, the free trackers are too tiny. Getting hooked on their low point bars. I got to hooked I wouldn't eat just one or two. I'd eat the box by the end of the day but counted the point. Not a good choice for healthy eating.
  

• They are not eating all their points. Eat. I spoke to one friend and her diet was coffee, chocolate, yogurt and one cup of water. She asked me what I recommended. Eat your points. Choose from proteins, vegetables, grains, oils, etc.. Your body needs fuel. I've eaten all my points. I think its hard for people who are suddenly drinking more water then they ever have and have the full feeling due to water consumption.
  

• Drink your water. Most people don't drink enough water. Its hard if you aren't used to it and now there are lineups to the restroom. :-) Don't worry, your body will soon adjust itself and washroom breaks will be less frequent.

• Eating more vegetables. Many are 0 or low points. You can eat more food and not eat many points so chew away! One person's spouse commented this is the most vegetables he has seen in their house!

Weight Watchers tips for the week and eating healthy:



Take one medium baked potato. Wash and prick with holes, cut in half and wrap in tin foil. Bake in oven for 1 hour at 450 degrees. When done, peel skin off and ready to eat. You can sprinkle herbs and lightly season with oil to cook. I choose, 1 tsp. of Udo's Oil and pepper. 3 points. Serve with veggies and salad.


When making recipes, watch your portion. Measure amounts and put into containers for meals later on. One friend went through her pantry and labeled everything with a felt tip marker. Ie, Can of Tuna 1/2 cup 3 points

Try new veggies that are 0 or low points. Ie, Kale, Swiss Chard, Bok Chewy.


Drink your water. Add lemon, lime or apple cider vinegar.


Today is my first weigh in and I suspect some weight loss. I will post the results. Stay tuned!

OSC