Singing the Low Carb Blues

[Background Music ... dah dah dah da with saxaphone playing bluesy sounds]

Got up this mawnin
Needed some carbs to feel good
Saw that quiche looking at me
Knew it would boost my mood.

Got the carb blues, baby ... cruising did me no good
Yes, the carb blues, mama ... time to do what I should.

Yes, I ate quiche for breakfast and for lunch. Made it yesterday for company and mowed it down today. Salad for dinner tonight. Time to start in earnest and to walk these blues away!

Love,
Mamacita

Speaking of Hardcore ...

I had a nice picture in my head of you enjoying some cake! Bet you haven't had anything like that in quite some time, so I'm sure it tasted divine.

Speaking of hardcore, I have been truly hardcore related to carb intake. No wine, no sugar free sweets, not a single cracker or piece of bread. I am determined that I will be hard core for the entire month of June. I can't seem to crack my metabolism, but I am going to stay strong.

For the last week, I have been well below 20. If I don't know how many carbs it has, I don't eat it. Even for Brian's birthday dinner at Bonefish ... no bread, no key lime pie. Only grilled shrimp, zucchini and asparagus, and a small salad with bleu cheese. Here's my week ... the variation is only in my dinners.

Breakfast: eggs and bacon, coffee with heavy cream 0 carbs
Lunch: celery and pimento cheese 5 carbs
Dinner: salad or meat and veggies (only green) for Monday/Tuesday

Starting Wednesday, I was out to dinner with Aunt Kathy and Uncle Pedro who were down to get Grandmama's things packed that they have in storage. We went out some nights and ate here others:

Wednesday: grilled brisket (no bbq sauce), small salad with bleu cheese 4 carbs
Thursday: brisket, broccolini 4 carbs
Friday: Grilled shrimp, scallops with lemon butter, asparagus & zucchini, small salad with bleu cheese. 6 carbs
Saturday: Boiled shrimp, cheese (snacking before dinner), balsamic chicken, brocoli with cheese sauce 5 carbs
Sunday: Miyabi - shrimp and steak, grilled vegetables (including onions), salad with ranch. No rice at all ... asked the chef not to put it on my plate. 10 carbs

So I have been below 20 carbs for the last week and that's where I intend to stay. I have to break through the current number on the scale.

Must stay focused and upbeat ... I feel better when I eat this way, so that's a plus. When I eat carbs, I feel bloated and puffy. My ankles swell. So this is better for me in more ways than weight. The Atkins book talks about plateaus and I must be in one. Says it can happen for 4 weeks or longer, so I must be patient.

Will report on today later! Eggs and bacon for breakfast, as usual.

Love you!

You're doing so good, Mom!

Keep it up and don't lose faith.  I'm really proud of how well you're doing!!  My prediction was, in fact correct, and both Bill and I fell off the wagon on Saturday at the bar-b-q.  Hardcore.  I had cake.

We started again on Monday, so here's the rundown (or at least, as much as I can remember):

Monday
Chicken Ceasar Salad (3 carbs)
6 Kalamata Olives (3 carbs)
Marinated Chicken (4 carbs)
Sauteed Zucchini and Mushrooms (3 carbs)
2 Tblsp Chunky Peanut Butter (3 carbs)
Total: 16

Tuesday
McD's Sausage Egg & Cheese (1 carb)
Jimmy John's Unwich- roast beef, cheese, avocado, tomato, mustard & bacon in lettuce wrap (6 carbs)
Olives, Veggies & Dip (3 carbs)
Dill Pickle (0 carbs)
Ribeye Steak & Asparagus (0 carbs)
2 Tblsp Chunky Peanut Butter (3 carbs)
Total: 13

Wednesday
Brie & Almonds (3 carbs)
Salad w/Grilled Chicken (3 carbs)
2 Tblsp Chunky Peanut Butter (3 carbs)
Marinated Pork Chop (4 carbs)
Broccoli (3 carbs)
Total: 16

Sigh

Yesterday was a good day ... still no movement on the scale, though. Here's the rundown:

• coffee with heavy cream zero carbs


• scrambled eggs with salsa 2 carbs


• low carb thickburger (no ketchup, no onion, no pickles - meat, lettuce, sliced tomato, cheese, mayo, mustard) 9 carbs


• 6 ribs of celery - did you know that these are .8 each? 4.8 carbs


• chicken salad (chicken, mayo, bacon bits) 0 carbs

total carbs: 15.8 carbs

Starting out today with scrambled eggs, bacon & coffee with heavy cream. Here's to a low carb week AND some movement on this @#$%$#@!^%& scale!

Saturday AOK

Had a late brunch at about 12:30, so I know I should have eaten sooner. Here's the rundown:

Coffee with cream 4 carbs
eggs, bacon & sausage 0 carbs
roasted chicken (dark meat) and green beans 0 carbs, think
sugar free candy 15 carbs (yes, I ate 5 of them at 3 each)

Went to see Pirates of the Caribbean and I had the munchies, so I ate the candy instead of popcorn. Could have been worse!

Going to bed soon and will drink a big glass of water. I have been much bettter at water and will try to drink even more.

Here's to a great low carb Sunday!

Love from Mamacita.

Alcohol ... The Low Carb Menace

It is so true about alcohol ... it plays a siren song that taunts, "Wouldn't a chip taste wonderful with this cocktail?"

Wednesday last week ended with the other part of the steak for lunch. So Wednesday was good.

Thursday was very good until I got to Book Club, where I drank 2 glasses of red wine (generous glasses). But I resisted the dessert: cinnamon ice cream served in scoops that had been rolled in something decadent.

Thursday
Coffee with half & half 6 carbs (I am going to the Pig to get cream today)
Fried Eggs zero carbs
Peanut Butter (2 T) 4 carbs
chicken pesto (chicken with mozzarella, pesto) zero carbs
3 glasses wine 12 carbs

22 carbs

Friday
coffee with half & half 6 carbs
scrambled eggs
Peanut Butter (2 T) 4 carbs
sugar free candy 6 carbs
sugar free candy 3 carbs
grilled shrimp & fish, salad with bleu cheese zero carbs
19 carbs

It's now after 11 on Saturday and I have been cleaning, so I haven't been eating yet. Will go and toss down something.

I'm a bit depressed because the pounds are not coming off and I'm resisting all the bad stuff. I've also been walking. Guess that older metabolism just doesn't want to cooperate.

But I will soldier on. Glad that you and Bill are doing so well! Have a great, carb free weekend.

TGILCF! Thank God It's Low-Carb Friday...

God this week has dragged on into eternity.  I'm so happy it's almost over!  Bill and I have been amazingly good this week, and I'm so proud.  He's been a real champ, and has made it through what I think is the hardest part.  I'm so used to the diet by now it doesn't bother me, but he's pretty new to it so I think he's done very well.  We have a cookout to go to tomorrow, and I'm nervous because it seems like everytime I am exposed to alcohol, I cannot resist the carbs.  They call to me...

Friday:
Cheese & Walnuts (1 carb)
2 Tblsp Chunky Peanut Butter (3 carbs)
Chicken Ceasar Salad w/ Kalamata Olives (4 carbs)
Soda & Coffee (0 carbs)

Wednesday & Thursday

Wednesday
Scrambled Eggs (0 carbs)
Chicken Ceasar Salad (3 carbs)
6 Kalamata Olives (2 carbs)
Marinated Pork Chops (6 carbs)
Zucchini (4 carbs)
3 Tblsp Chunky Peanut Butter (4)
Coffee, Diet Mountain Dew, Whiskey & Coke Zero (0 carbs)
Total: 19

Thursday
Colby Cheese (2 carbs)
Coffee, Tea (0 carbs)
Chicken Ceasar Salad (3 carbs)
6 Kalamata Olives (2 carbs)
Ribeye Steak with Bleu Cheese (1 carb)
Fresh Baby Spinach, sauteed w/olive oil (2 carbs)
2-3 Tblsp Peter Pan Chunky Peanut Butter (4 carbs)
Total: 14

Twirling in Low Carb Heaven

Although this weekend was something of a bust, I came back strong. Friday was a low carb day, but Saturday (graduation day) included dessert (about 3 bites of apple crisp with vanilla bean ice cream). My thighs said thank you thank you thank you. My brain said, "Have you lost your mind?"

Anyway, Sunday was a great carb day and the rest of this week has been very good as well. Here's the rundown:

Monday

• Coffee with cream (6 carbs - 2 T per cup)


• eggs with salsa (2 carbs)


• celery & pimento cheese (6 carbs)

Tuesday

• Coffee with cream (6 carbs)


• scrambled eggs & bacon (0 carbs)


• ribs with rub (don't know carb count ... no sauce, though)

Wednesday

• Coffee with cream (6 carbs) ... still out of heavy cream (sigh)


• eggs & bacon (0 carbs)


• steak - very yummy for lunch (4 carbs from half & half in the drippings)

I see that a delightful man has joined the group. I don't know what an unwich is, but I want one immediately!

Went for walk on Monday and today ... it was very good to get out and stretch. Walked to dinner on Monday night (across the street). Very nice to eat and then walk. Perhaps my exercise gene that has been dormant for years is now waking up.

Mamacita

What Went in My Gullet

Diet Pepsi is my staple and is keeping me alive. Today is day 2 and not craving anything but sandwiches. Had 2 unwiches with roast beef and horseradish and one with turkey and pesto. I think the pesto is the only carbs I've had. The End.

You also had bacon, cooked for you by your lovely wife!  But otherwise, you are correct and only have a few carbs to your count today.  :)

Um, last weekend doesn't count...

Ok, I've decided that this past weekend doesn't count.  Mostly because I was very, very bad.  How bad you might ask?  Well, I have 6 words for you: pierogies, wine, chocolate chip cookies, and Quizno's.  I did not eat all of these things at once, but regrettably, did eat them over the course of three days, starting on Friday.  I blame Bill.

Monday:
Vitamins (3 carbs)
McD's Sausage, Egg & Cheese (0 carbs)
Ham Slices, Colby Cheese & Celery (0 carbs)
Diet Soda and Black Coffee (0 carbs)
Tea (0 carbs)
Bleu Cheese Turkey Burgers w/Lettuce & Sauteed Mushrooms (2 carbs)
Total: 5, holy crap

Tuesday:
Vitamins (3 carbs)
Bacon (0 carbs)
Diet Soda and Black Coffee (0 carbs)
Bleu Cheese Turkey Burgers w/Lettuce & Sauteed Mushrooms (2 carbs)
Herb-Marinated Chicken (5 carbs)
Broccoli (4 carbs)
1 Piece of Celery w/Peanut Butter (1 carb)
Total: 15

Great Wednesday

I finished Wednesday strong with braised pork chops that were really yummy, so Wednesday was a less than 20 carbs day.

Starting out Thursday with my usual coffee. I am thinking of treating myself to something good for dinner, like prime rib. I may get some cauliflower and make fake mashed potatoes ... I have really become fond of those.

Tomorrow I go to Boca for youngest son's graduation, so I will be challenged to stay true to low carb. But I know I can do it ... going to Maggiano's for late lunch to celebrate ... too early for cocktails, but they have the best roasted chicken ever.

Glad you are home safe and sound, my dear, and I know it went well. Love you, honeybun!

Talk About 'Splainin...

I ate pizza last night.  Seriously.  Bill and I went to a business meeting with the local Chamber of Commerce and it was hosted by a local business man who owns a pizza place.  And he made me a special flatbread pizza and put it right in front of me!!!  I had to eat it, it would have been so rude not to.  But it really bummed me out because I had been so good all week, even while being at a conference in Atlanta!  :(

Wednesday
Pizza (a ba-gillion carbs)
Total: I don't even want to know

Thursday
Gummi Vitamins (3 carbs)
Atkins Breakfast Bar (2 carbs)
Black Coffee (0 carbs)

'Splainin to Do

The train is out of the station and I keep jumping on and off. After my cheese biscuit/fried shrimp/sweet potato extravaganza this weekend, I have battened down the hatches. Here is my update:

Monday

• fried eggs (0 carbs)


• coffee with heavy cream (0 carbs)


• celery & pimento cheese (3 carbs)


• steak with cream/wine (4)

Good day ... 7 carbs

Tuesday

• coffee with heavy cream (0 carbs)


• egg salad - mayo, kalamata olives (3 carbs)


• celery with pimento cheese (4 carbs)


• arugula salad with prosciutto and shaved parmesan & antipasto plate (salami, olives, roasted tomato, artichokes) (4 carbs)


• Now, the bad part ... 2 glassses of cab (8 carbs)

Total: 19 (did not eat the bread on the table ... oooh lala!)

Wednesday

• Coffee with half & half (4 carbs) ... I ran out of heavy cream


• Scrambled eggs with bacon (0 carbs)

When you are in your 50s, it's amazing how one day of screwing up big time (cheese biscuits = big time) can set you back. It will take a week for my aging metabolism to reboot. Onward and upward!

Aack! I'm way behind, business travel will do that....

Thursday
Salad (3 carbs)
Ham & Cheese
Ribs w/Rub (12 carbs)
Creamed Cauliflower (5 carbs)
Many sodas, many coffees (0 carbs)
Total: 20

Friday
Salad (3 carbs)
Cheese (0 carbs)
Tons of soda and coffee (0 carbs)
2 Drumsticks, 1 Breast Popeye's Chicken (14 carbs)
Total: 17 carbs

Saturday (bad)
McDonalds Double Cheeseburger (20 carbs)
Bang Bang Shrimp- Bonefish (22 carbs for HALF, yikes)
Dirty Martini (0 carbs)
Ahi Tuna (0 carbs)
Total: 42, crap...

Sunday
Eggs, Sausage and Roast Beef at Brunch (0 carbs)
Crustless Cheesecake (no clue, but must be bad- 25 carbs)
Steak and Veggie Shish-Ka-Bob (0 carbs)
Sm Side Salad (1 carb)
Total: 26 carbs

Monday
Salad from Potbelly (3 carbs)
Whitefish, Turkey and Veal Piccatta (buffet- 6 carbs)
Salad (3 carbs)
2 glasses Merlot (8 carbs)
Total: 17 carbs
Tuesday
Scrambled Eggs w/Ham, Mushrooms and Cheese (1 carb)
3 Strawberries (3 carbs)
Salad (3 carbs)Ham & Cheese (0 carbs)
Burger w/No Bun (0 carbs)
2 Fried Green Tomatoes w/Goat Cheese (10 carbs)
Atkins Bar (2 carbs)
Total: 19 carbs

Love you and miss you, Mom!

I can beat licking a roll ...

At the conference last week, I didn't eat cake ... but I took a bite of carrot cake and then spit it out. There was residual yumminess that was truly marvelous and I was pathetically excited about it.

Fortunately, I did not do this in the view of my colleagues. Perhaps I should have.

Mama Is Back!

After an absence that's too long to justify, I am back. During my hiatus, I was really very good. I was gone to a company conference the week of April25 and I was extremely well behaved. Not one single dessert, although carrot cake (vegetable?), chocolate (niacin?) and a variety of other cakes were at every single meal. Not one dessert, though. No cookies, either. I had a stash of Russell Stover sugar free candy and, although some people scoffed, they became believers once they tried them.

During college graduation weekend, I was also pretty good ... until Saturday night Euchre and several bourbon/diet cokes. Once everyone left the room, the bag of chips beckoned. Sigh.

Now back in the saddle. Here is the rundown for the week:

Monday:

• Eggs, bacon, link sausage (0)


• peanut butter (14)


• Pork chops with cream gravy (heavy cream) (0)

Tuesday:

• coffee with heavy cream (0)


• 3 fried eggs (0)


• peanut butter (14)


• pork chops with cream gravy (heavy cream) (0)

Wednesday:

• coffee with heavy cream (0)


• scrambled eggs with bacon (0)


• tuna with mayo (0)


• steak (0)

I'm sure I should have some carbs, but I am trying to shock the system into metabolism.

Thursday:

• coffee with heavy cream (0)


• sausage patties (0)


• low carb thickburger - Hardees - (8)


• ribs with rub, no sauce BBQ sauce (5, assuming the horseradish sauce has some carbs)


• will have celery later ... so I'm probably too low today.

I don't seem to be making headway based on the carbs I am eating, but I think I need more water.

Tomorrow will be hard ... women's night at my place, but I can stick to martinis or to bourbon & coke. TGIF!

I can't believe it...

I just licked a roll.  Seriously.  I got take-out from the restaurant next to my hotel and there was a yeast roll in with my steak and veggies.  And it was staring at me.  And I could smell it.  It smelled delicious.  So I ate all my food and before I threw away all my trash, I took the roll out... and licked it. 

How sad is that, seriously...

Wednesday
McD's Sausage Egg & Cheese Muffin- no bread (0 carbs)
Gyro, No Pita- lamb, tatziki sauce, tomato & feta (2 carbs)
Ribeye Steak w/Mushrooms (2 carbs)
Broccoli (3 carbs)
Almonds (6 carbs)
Total: 13

Time To Catch Up

OMG, I've been away for too long!

Sunday- very bad.  Felt sick and actually asked Bill to make me waffles.  Which he did.  And I ate them.  Sigh...

Monday
Gummi Vitamins (3 carbs)
McD's Breakfast- sausage, egg & cheese only (0 carbs)
Almonds (4 carbs)
BW3 Naked Wings & Ranch (2 carbs)
Red Lobster Shrimp, Crab & Lobster (0 carbs)
Total: 9, wow

Tuesday
Salad- ham, mushrooms, egg, cheese, veggies & ranch (3 carbs)
Sooo Much Coffee (0 carbs)
Diet Mountain Dew (0 carbs)
Ribeye Steak w/Grilled Shrimp & Horseradish sauce (0 carbs)
Broccoli (3 carbs)
Glass of Merlot (5 carbs)
Almonds (4 carbs)
Total: 15

Moooooom, where are youuuuuuu....

Mom, your absence from this blog leads me to believe that you are either a.) Hiding out because of extreme carb indulgence, b.) Working from dawn til dusk with no time to write, or c.) Trapped under something heavy.  :-)

Thursday
Gummi Vitamins (3 carbs)
Black Coffee (0 carbs)
2 Slices Summer Sausage (0 carbs)
1 Sharp Cheddar Cheese Stick (0 carbs)
1oz. Roasted Almonds (2 carbs)
Chunky Peanut Butter on Low Carb Toast (7 carbs)
Cheddar Cheese & 2 Crackers (5 carbs)
NY Strip Steak w/Bleu Cheese, Sauteed Mushrooms & Asparagus (2 carbs)
Total: 19 carbs

Wow, it's Wednesday! I thought it was Tuesday, I'm so out of it...

Wednesday Food
2 Gummi Vitamins (3 carbs)
Slim Jim (1 carb)
Sharp Cheddar Cheese Stick (0 carbs)
3 Cups Black Coffee (0 carbs)
2oz Roasted Almonds (4 carbs)
2 Sugar Free Hershey's Chocolates (2 carbs)
3 Oscar Meyer Cheese Hot Dogs (3 carbs)
1 Coke Zero
Prime Rib w/Horseradish Sauce (0 carbs)
Sm Side Salad- goat cheese, beets & balsamic (4 carbs)
Total: 17

Peanut Butter Makes Me Happy

Sigh, I'm eating peanut buttter toast right now and it is awesome.  It's going to kill my carb count, but I could care less at this moment.

Tuesday's Food
2 Gummi Vitamins (3 carbs)
1 Sharp Cheddar Cheese Stick (0 carbs)
1 Piece Low Carb Toast w/Tblsp Peanut Butter (7 carbs)
2 Cups black Coffee (0 carbs)
Sm Portion Leftover Lamb (2 carbs)
Sm Side Salad, Goat Cheese/Beets/Balsamic Dressing (3 carbs)
Marinated Chicken & Side Salad, Goat Cheese/Beets/Balsamic (6 carbs)
1/2 Piece Low Carb Bread & Butter (2 carbs)
Total: 23, yikes!

I hope you're being good in Chicago- stay strong, Mom!

Sunday & Monday: Back On Track

After the carb debacle that was the end of last week, I managed to get back on track on Sunday and not at all begrudgingly.  Which is honestly surprising after all the crap I ate.  Usually after a binge like that I would have trouble going back on the diet.  Guilt works wonders!  Well, so does the knowledge that I have 2 bikini's for the cruise in my top drawer...

Sunday 
2 Poached Eggs, 2 Sausage Links (4 carbs- not sure, over-guessing on the sausage)
2 Sharp Cheddar Cheese Sticks (0 carbs)
4 Cups Black Coffee (0 carbs)
Roasted Marinated Lamb Loin w/Sauteed Fresh Baby Spinach (6 carbs- marinade)
1 Piece Low Carb Bread & Butter (5 carbs)
2 Gummi Vitamins (3 carbs)
1 Vodka, Club Soda & Crystal Light (0 carbs)
Total: 18
Monday
2 Gummi Vitamins (3 carbs)
Atkins Bar (2 carbs)
2 Cups black Coffee (0 carbs)
2 Sharp Cheddar Cheese Sticks (0 carbs)
Sm Portion Leftover Lamb (2 carbs)
Sm Side Salad, Goat Cheese/Beets/Balsamic Dressing (3 carbs)
Marinated Pork Chop & Broccoli (7 carbs)
Total so far: 17

Chicago = Carbs

My turn to confess.  We went to Chicago Thursday night and stayed through Sunday afternoon, and the following is a list of the myriad of bad things that I ate in that short time.  Clearly I cannot be trusted among all that temptation...

Blee cheese french fries, a few bites of Bill's amazing lasagna, 2 glasses of cabernet & 2 pina coladas, 2 pieces of Starbuck's berry coffee cake, polish sausage with mustard (yes, on a bun), 2 oatmeal cookies, 1 chocolate chip cookie, 3 Miller Lights, 3 vodka & cranberry juice, baby back ribs and 2 more pina colodas, pumpernickel bagel with cream cheese/tomato/smoked salmon/capers, pomegranate juice, Hot Doug's german potato sausage with dill mustard and caraway seed havarti cheese, 1 Green River soda, AND fresh cut french fries rendered in duck fat.

Holy crap.  I do NOT feel better after confession, that is a bunch of carbs...

Stilettos Burn Carbs

I feel confident that standing in heels for 12 hours is a definite carb burner ... take off at least 10 carbs. And I know you look killer in those shoes!

Wednesday was good. Ended up with less carbs than usual. Based on the coffee, sausage patties, bacon, peanut butter (7), and salad (10), it was a minus 20 day. I didn't drink as much water as I should have ... am having a glass right now.

Here's Thursday:

• 3 cups coffee plus cream (4 carbs)


• 2 T. peanut butter (7 carbs)


• brie (0 carbs)


• short ribs (0 because I didn't add half and half to the sauce)


• peanut butter (3 carbs)

I think I'm done eating for the day. Tomorrow I'm going to Costco to stock up on meat and veggies for the weekend. I may go to the movies to watch inappropriate or scary (or both) movies.

Will tell you about short ribs ... they are easy to cook and yummy. Expensive, so best bought at a discount place like Sam's Club (I believe you are a member).

I had bourbon last night ... forgot to mention. Maker's Mark ... no ice. Sigh ... it was good.

Wednesday's Food

Lol, thanks Mom.  :-)  I presented today and managed to still do pretty ok.  Well, maybe I should add it up first:

Black Coffee (0 carbs)
2 Atkins Low Carb Bar Thingys (4 carbs)
Side Salad & Fried Shrimp- breading picked off (yes, I did that.  Not a lot of options at this hospital.  Not sure on carbs, going with 5)
2oz Almonds (4 carbs)Pepsi Max & Coke Zero (0 carbs)
Jimmy Johns Roast Beef Unwich, Again (5 carbs)
Total: 18

Am glad I wrote it all down, was considering eating another one of those bars.  Of course after standing in heels from 7:30am until 6:15pm with nothing but a 20 minute lunch break, so I suppose I've earned the right to a freaking snack.  Wish I had some of your braised shortribs, pleeeaaase teach me how to make them next time because I know we'd love to have that as a meal.  And BTW, why are you counting carbs for that???  It's meat!  No carbs!

Love you and miss you.  My calves are on fire, holy crap.

Impressive Performance

Wow, Miss Priss ... you are the low carb queen! I am guilt ridden, totally impressed and so proud. You are a woman who does what needs doing when you put your mind to it!

Good on Tuesday at 19:

• Scrambled eggs with 2 T. salsa 5


• 3 cups of coffee with cream 4


• celery with pimento cheese 2


• nuts 4


• braised pork chops 4

Wednesday started with coffee and two sausage patties. I had peanut butter at lunch ... not very hungry. I'm thawing some bacon because I have a yearning for it ... and it's low carb. Will have salad with bacon & cheese for dinner.

I must take my daughter's lead and stick to this ... only 2 months to cruise time!

Geez Mom, You're Killing Me...

OMG Mom, your descriptions of your descent into Carb-Paradise almost made me cheat today.  That plus the terrifying storm I drove up in almost pushed me into the comforting arms of Snickers with Almonds.  Almost...

Tuesday
2 Gummi Vitamins (3 carbs)
3oz Almonds (6 carbs)
Cheese- Lots (0 carbs)
Sugar Free Hersheys (2 carbs)
Pepsi Max & Coke Zero (0 carbs)
Jimmy Johns Roast Beef Unwich (5 carbs)
Total: 16

Sigh - Time to Confess

Well, it's been a wonderful weekend in Charleston, SC ... home of the most wonderful food on the planet (closely followed by New Orleans). Here's the menu from the cooking school attended on Friday, so I will leave the carb count (Defcon 1) to you:

• crab cakes, with a sauce of Greek yogurt, hot pepper jelly, red pepper and fresh tarragon)


• smoked pork, with applewood and peach. Far too rare for me, but a really cool smoker for using on the grill.


• seasonal slaw with fresh asparagus, chard, fennel, julienne carrots, and homemade blue cheese dressing


• baked beans in bourbon and molasses (I embarrassed myself by drinking it through a straw)


• pasta salad with orzo pasta, goat cheese and a fresh pesto of Italian parsley, garlic cloves, almonds, olive oil and grated Parmesan


• Yes, there's more. Deconstructed s'mores for dessert. A brownie made of graham cracker crumbs, white and dark chocolate chips, and condensed milk. On top of that, ice cream mixed with oven toasted miniature marshmallows, and a chocolate ganache as drizzle. OMG.

So, I started my first night at Defcon 1. Saturday was better, much better. Eggs for breakfast. A treat for lunch (sugar free chocolates, 4 carbs). Dinner was salad and short ribs, so that was a great improvement.

Sunday was shrimp and grits for brunch, but mostly shrimp and veggies. Crabcakes at home for dinner, but several pieces of bread dipped in roasted garlic, olive oil and balsamic were yet another "cheat."

Monday, I am back on board. Two boiled eggs for breakfast, salami and cheese for lunch, two crab cakes and celery for dinner.

I was guilt ridden but happy on Friday. Perhaps after I reach my goal, I will make the s'mores!!!

Monday, Monday...

Vitamins (3 carbs)
Coffee and Cheese, 0 carb breakfast of champions...
Leftover Prime Rib w/Broccoli (1 carb- not much broccoli)
2 Sugar Free Coconut Candies (2 carbs)
Salmon w/Sauteed Baby Spinach (2 carbs)
1 Piece Bread & Butter (5 carbs)
2 Glasses Water
1 Coke Zero

Total: 13 and counting...

Showings Make For Poor Diet Choices

The hours of cleaning and prep took their toll.  Here's what I ate yesterday:

2 Gummi Vitamins (3 carbs)
Couple Pieces of Cheese (0 carbs)
2 Cups Black Coffee
1 1/2 Plain McD's Double Cheeseburgers- no ketchup, almost all of buns removed (no idea, maybe 15 carbs...)
Salami & Cream Cheese Roll-ups (0 carbs)
Prime Rib w/Horseradish Sauce & Broccoli (3 carbs)
Total: 21

Ugh.  Am hoping that the 5 hours I spent doing serious cleaning burned some of these carbs off...

Saturday Food...
2 Adult Gummi Vitamins (3 stupid carbs)
2 Wedges Brie (0 carbs)
1oz Unsalted Walnuts (0 carbs)
3 Slices Summer Sausage (0 carbs)
3 Tblsp Peter Pan Chunky Peanut Butter (4 carbs)
Too Many Cups Coffee, Black (0 carbs)
Way Too Many Beam & Diets (0 carbs)
10 Naked Wings (3 carbs) w/ Ranch (3 carbs)
Total: 13


Miss you Mom, where are you???  :-(

Wishing Food Would Magically Appear...

I've been working since 8am and am running dangerously low on energy.  Of course that could have something to do with what I've eaten today...

Saturday
2 Adult Gummi Vitamins (3 stupid carbs)
2 Wedges Brie (0 carbs)
1oz Unsalted Walnuts (0 carbs)
3 Slices Summer Sausage (0 carbs)
3 Tblsp Peter Pan Chunky Peanut Butter (4 carbs)
Too Many Cups Coffee, Black (0 carbs)
Total: 7...

P.S. Bill's new heavy metal album is inspiring me to work faster.  So I can go out there and turn it off.  :-)

How Does One Eat When One Has Moronically Agreed to Host 5 Webinars?

Today I've Eaten:
2 Gummi Vitamins (3 stupid carbs)
3 Wedges of Brie (0 carbs), 1oz Unsalted Walnuts (0 carbs)
2 Slices Beef Summer Sausage (0 carbs)
2 Cups Coffee, Black (0 carbs)
1 Cup Earl Gray Tea (0 carbs)
Stuffed Chicken Breast (7 carbs, great...)
Sm Caesar Salad (3 carbs)
Caprese Salad (4)
3 Vodka, Club Soda & Crystal Lights, yikes (0 carbs)- oh well, it's Friday
Total: 17


Mom?  Where are you??  

Mooooooooooooom.....

Where are youuuuuuuuuuu.....

Great Job, Mom!

And thank you, yesterday was a pretty good day as it turns out.  I can't believe I was under 15 carbs with all that great food!  Aaaaaaaaand then there's today.  I had so many calls, and so may webinars, and so many meetings...  I swear I ate nothing but string cheese in between the dozen meetings I had today.  I didn't have time for anything else!  I am so jealous, broiled fresh shrimp with wasabi cream, OMG that sounds fabulous....

Today I've Eaten:
2 Gummi Vitamins (3 carbs)
3 Wedges of Brie (0 carbs), 1oz Unsalted Walnuts (0 carbs), 1 Strawberry (1 carb)
4 Pieces of String Cheese, Yes, Seriously (0 carbs)
3 Slices of Ham (1 carb)
1 Sugar Free Coconut Candy (1 carb)
4 Cups of Coffee, Yes, Seriously (0 carbs)
Prime Rib w/Horseradish Sauce (0 carbs), Broccoli (4 carbs)
Total: 10

... HOLY CRAP, TEN???

Wow ... Amazing Wednesday Performance!

You really outdid yourself on Wednesday. Wonderful food and only 14 carbs. Amazing!

Thursday, April 14

It's another low carb day ... I need to get a bottle of bourbon. Friends coming to visit and the wine will be open, so I need NOT to drink it! Here's the rundown so far:

• Two cups coffee with heavy cream (0 carbs)


• Two hard boiled eggs (2 carbs)


• 5 slices salami with cream cheese (2 carbs)


• 2 stalks celery (0 carbs)

Now I have to get through dinner! Thinking local shrimp boiled in Old Bay, some wasabi cream (not much), pimento cheese on celery, brie and bourbon. A low carb feast!

Ooooh, Followers!

Wow ...followers! So exciting ... I'm blogging and there are followers! Life is good. Here's the rundown today: 3 cups of coffe with heavy cream (0 carbs) Egg salad with kalamata olives (2 carbs - small amount) Short rib (yummy leftover) (3 carbs) Hardees Low Carb Thickburger (no onion, tomato or ketchup) (4 carbs) 2 pieces of cheese (0 grams) Cherry tomato with shrimp (4 grams) Now here's the bad part ... was very good at the Book Club in terms of food: no chocolate cake, crackers or bread. But I did have two glasses of red wine. 6 grams, based on what I read about carbs & wine. Woohoo ... 19 grams total for the day! Do you think I shorted the amount of carbs on the wine? The bad part about wine is that it makes me less focused on low carb ... but I totally ignored the chocolate mousse cake. I am proud.

Check it out, Mom!

We have followers!  One is obviously Bill, but the other is my friend, Jenn.  I know you've probably heard me talk about her, she's my work friend originally from WV.  We were hired in at pretty close to the same time, and she helped me a lot during my training.  One of my other friends from work, Deanna, blogs about the insanely funny/cute things that Jenn says, because she is constantly saying things that make people laugh hysterically (albeit unintentionally).  It's a really funny blog: http://inbetweenhergiggles.blogspot.com/.

Ok, final count for today:

• 2 Adult Gummi Vitamins (3 stupid carbs)
• 2 Wedges of Brie (0), 1oz Almonds (2) & 1 Strawberry (1)
• 2 Cups of Coffee, Black (0 carbs)
• Leftover Burger w/Melted Bleu Cheese (0 carbs)
• Club Soda and Crystal Light Packet (0 carbs)
• 2 Sugar Free Coconut Candies (2 carbs)
• NY Strip Steak (0 carbs)
• Caprese Salad w/3 tblsp Basil Pesto (5 carbs)
• Sauteed Asparagus (1 carb)
• 1 Vodka, Club Soda & Crystal Light Lemonade Packet (0 carbs)

Total: 14

The Official Count

So sorry about the chipped crown ... the dentist is awful and I would rather go to the OB/GYN. Strange but true. The carb count is 20, but the new Atkins book counts net carbs and wants the majority of the carbs to come from foundation veggies. I have to try harder on the veggies. So far today: coffee, egg salad and short rib for breakfast/lunch. Can you tell it's leftovers from yesterday? Onward and upward! Love my girl.

Wednesday 4/13

Ok, I was over 20 yesterday and that was bad.  Although, I have to say I'm not exactly sure where the cutoff is- is it 20?  The first time I went on low carb and lost a lot of weight I was trying to keep my consumption to under 25 each day.  At least, I think that was the number I used...  Mom, do you know for sure what the cutoff should be?  Anyway, on to the counting!

• 2 Adult Gummi Vitamins (3 stupid carbs)
• 2 Wedges of Brie (0), 1oz Almonds (2) & 1 Strawberry (1)
• 2 Cups of Coffee, Black (0 carbs)
• Leftover Burger w/Melted Bleu Cheese (0 carbs)
• Club Soda and Crystal Light Packet (0 carbs)
• 2 Sugar Free Coconut Candies (2 carbs)
• NY Strip Steak (0 carbs)
• Caprese Salad w/3 tblsp Basil Pesto (5 carbs- 3 for tomato, 2 for pesto)
• Sauteed Asparagus (1 carb)
• 1 Glass of water
• 1 Vodka, Club Soda & Crystal Light Lemonade Packet (0 carbs)

Total: 14 so far...

Tuesday, April 12

Today started out well and ended well! Zero carbs in heavy cream ... a wonderful thing!

• Two hard boiled eggs - 2 carbs


• 3 cups of coffee with heavy cream - 0 carbs


• Egg salad with kalamata olives - 6 carbs


• Braised short ribs (yummm) - 0 carbs


• Celery with pimento cheese - 4 carbs

Grand total: 12 carbs (and I'm not hungry). Woohoo!

A Day At The Dentist, Ugh...

Hi Mom!  So, I spent all morning at the dentist because I chipped a crown this past Thursday- on a piece of pizza, can you believe it???  Anyway, the temporary is on, and since it's less than a year old they're doing all the work for free, which is nice.  However... I hate the dentist and find it incredibly stressful, and it took everything I had not to stop for a milkshake on the way home.  I wanted one so desperately...  I managed to get home sans comfort food, and made myself some food that was as close as I could get to comfort.  You always made me those scrambled egg and cheese on toast sandwiches when I was feeling bad, so I made myself a big plate of eggs and cheese.  And strangely enough, it did help.  :-)

On Tuesday, I've Eaten...
3 Pieces String Cheese (0 carbs)
1 Coke Zero (0 carbs)
Scrambled Eggs w/1 Piece Low Carb Bread Toasted (5 carbs)
1 Cup Earl Gray Tea (0 carbs)
Marinated Pork Chop (6 carbs)
Broccoli (4 carbs)
Sm Goat Cheese & Beet Salad w/Fresh Greens- 1 Tblspn Balsalmic V. Dressing (6 carbs)
2 Mixed Drinks- Vodka, Club Soda & Crystal Light Packet
Whipped Cream, Roasted/Salted Almond & Sugar Free Choc Syrup Parfait (5 carbs)
Total: 22

Miss you! 

Our First Day

Lol, your first sentence made me laugh so much, Mom!  Take heart, tomorrow is another low carb day.  :-)

Monday, April 11

Like many low carb days for me, it started out well ... and ended with some crackers. The good news is that I was strong and did not have any of the wine offered at a gathering of women friends ... very tough. Here's my food for the day. 4 cups of coffee (cream/6 carbs) 3 eggs with cheese & 1 T. salsa (3 carbs) salad with ranch and chopped veggies (green beans, lettuce, almonds, bacon and cheese) (estimated 7 carbs?) Water with lunch Here's the bad part: Coke zero (0 carbs) pimento cheese (0 carbs) crackers (10 carbs) asparagus soup (carbs undetermined ... but this no doubt put me over the top) Total: over the limit Tomorrow is another day and I will be inspired by my daughter to stay away from carbs! She is my inspiration in so many ways ... this is but one.

First Post!

Hi Mom!  I made this blog for us today on my lunch break so that we could document our low carb journey together.  Plus, it'll be a nice way to talk with each other every day.  :-)

Here's what I'm thinking...  We'll each log on every evening to list what we've eaten during the day.  We could also try to count the carbs we've consumed, thought I know that might be more difficult/time intensive.  What do you think?  In any case, we'll be able to keep track of what we're eating together; it'll help keep us honest.

Also, since I started low carb on Saturday I thought I would catch myself up:

Saturday
2 Adult Gummi Multi-Vitamins (3 carbs)
3 Scrambled Eggs & 1 Piece of Low Carb Toast (5g carbs)
Royal Red Robin Burger w/Lettuce Wrap- Plus Mushrooms (3-5 carbs)
Prime Rib w/Horseradish Sauce & Broccoli (4 carbs)
1 Cup Coffee (0 carbs)
2 Coke Zero's During the Day (0 carbs)
2 Whiskey & Coke Zero's At Night (0 carbs)
Total: 17 approx

Sunday
2 Adult Gummi Multi-Vitamins (3 carbs)
1 Cup Coffee (0 carbs)
2 Sugar Free Coconut Candies (2 carbs-debatable...)
6-10 Slices Honey Ham (3-6 carbs)
Several Pieces of Block Cheese- Different Kinds (0 carbs)
2oz Cup Roasted Salted Almonds (4 carbs)
2 Burgers w/No Bun- Topped with Bleu Cheese & Lettuce (0 carbs)
2 Coke Zero's During the Day (0 carbs)
2 Mixed Drinks At Night- Vodka, Club Soda & Crystal Light Lemonade packets (0 carbs)
2 tblsp Peter Pan Chunky Peanut Butter (3 carbs)
Total: 18 approx

Monday (so far...)
2 Adult Gummi Multi-Vitamins (3 carbs)
2 Cups Coffee (0 carbs)
Brie (0 carbs)
2oz Cup Roasted Salted Almonds (4 carbs)
2 Whole Fresh Strawberries (2 carbs)
1 Leftover Burger w/No Bun- Topped with Bleu Cheese & Lettuce (0 carbs)
2 Pieces String Cheese (0 carbs)
2 Sugar Free Coconut Candies (2 carbs-debatable...)
1 Coke Zero (0 carbs)
Marinated Chicken Legs (4 carbs for the marinade)
Caesar Salad w/Tomatoes & Mushrooms (5 carbs)
6 Kalamata Olives (2 carbs)
Crystal Light & Club Soda (0 carbs)
1 Dirty Gin Martini (0 carbs)
Total: 22


I love you very much, Mom, and I'm excited we're doing this!