Eat at Home Challenge Day 6

Started with a yogurt and some trail mix. I had made a Rachael Ray Recipe for a Whole Wheat Pasta, Broccoli and Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese Casserole the night before, so when it was close to lunch time all I had to do was put it in the oven. It wasn't the best Mac-N-Cheese ever, but it wasn't bad for being a slightly "healthier" version. Then in the evening it was leftovers, some Chili and CornBread from two days prior, and a basic spinach salad with almonds, goat cheese and dried cranberries. I must say that leftovers can be really enjoyable. I also had some Cheetos throughout the day, and I ended with a bowl of Cereal before bed. I should have exercised at some point but did not. My 10 hour fasting sugar was 137. Not the greatest, makes me want to work harder. I have a Doctor's appointment today, so we shall see what my blood levels are at very shortly!

Eat at Home Challenge Day 5

This morning I got up and drove to Tampa to see Michael and Leif. This was a trip that had been planned for weeks, and they had planned to take me to a restaurant for lunch called Thai Ginger. When I mentioned at the beginning of this challenge that I had already committed to "dining out" once during the week this is what i was referring to, and i must say that it was pretty good. We started out with spring rolls and coconut shrimp for appetizers and then I had Amazing Chicken (Yes, that is the name of it) which was Chicken and Vegetables in a sweet peanut sauce. I have had it before at another thai restaurant and loved it, and i must say that this place tasted just as good.
Then we went shopping for groceries, since we would be cooking for dinner at home that evening.
Leif suggested that we all do a session of Zumba that he had on video. It was quite fun and we all burned a few calories which was a good idea considering the cookies that we would have later.
On to dinner, We all worked together and made a delicious Eggplant Parmesan, some Pesto Pasta and Garlic Bread. (Michael's dog Sachi co-stars in the photo) Everything turned out really good, and surprisingly i was full and did not go back for a second plate. But then came out the pillsbury cookies, buy one get one free, how could we resist? I ate too many! but after a drive back to Orlando and a 12 hour fast (Yes, I realize that is too long to fast) I had a morning blood sugar of 125.

Eat at Home Challenge Day 4

I started the day with a bowl of cereal with a little trail mix and a sliced banana. Then my friend Jasmine came over from Sarasota and I cooked some Chilli, Corn Bread, and made a Salad. It was both delicious and hearty. Then off to work, where for the second day in a row my fasting sugar after 8 hours was 108. Then a plate of left overs which contained the rest of the salad, a small piece of Mousakka, and half of the last Onion burger. Leftovers are a wonderful thing! Tampa tomorrow!

Eat at Home Challenge Day 3

Day 3 started with a big breakfast, Scrambled Eggs with Roasted Red Peppers and Zuchinni, Home Fried Potatoes and a piece of Toast. Mid-afternoon was a Fresh Fruit Smoothie. Pre-Work meal was a plate of leftover Mousakka, the rest of the Home Fries and some Pasta with Chicken and Vegetables. The portions stayed relatively small, and after an 8 hour fast during work, I came home to a blood sugar of 108. Then my dinner was an Onion Burger with a few Sunchips. I realize that all of these choices may not be the "healthiest", however I am finding that I can have very satisfying food WITHOUT going "Out to Eat" all of the time. Saving a few extra calories, and a lot of extra dollars!

Eat at Home Challenge Day 2

Today was a little easier. I started the day with a bowl of cereal, Corn Flakes that i added some Dried Cranberries and Mixed Nuts to. Lunch was a Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich with a handful of Sunchips. Dinner a sandwich of Turkey, Ham, Roast Beef, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion and Cheese on an Onion Roll. and for late night, another bowl of Cereal.
I had a stomach ache for a little while, maybe my body is missing all of those preservatives and mystery ingredients?

Eat at Home Challenge Day 1

Well, i did it!
I got up, picked up John Clor and ran some errands...Bank, Bloodwork for next weeks Doctor's appt, and then some grocery shopping.
I knew that I would have to stock up on some things if I were going to be eating at home for the week.
I spent the day snacking on things like sunchips, hummus, apples, and nuts.
Then for my big meal of the day I made a Moussaka. I fell in love with Moussaka about three years ago and i have had it at six or seven different restaurants around Florida and New York, and I have also made it at home from two different recipes. The one I make from this particular recipe is my absolute favorite, layers of Eggplant, Potatoes, Beef and Onions, with a Creamy Custard on the top! I thought it would be nice to start out the week of home cookin' with something that I adore! and the leftovers are usually just as delicious! I paired it with a basic Ceasar Salad which jazzed up with some cucumbers, tomatoes and a little bit of cheese.
I will go to bed satisfied and fulfilled.

a new Challenge?

Yesterday I went to lunch with Devyn. We went to Banana's and I had my usual Fried Chicken Sandwich which came with a huge mound of Beer Battered Onion Rings. Delicious! I just about cleaned my plate. Then immediately following (actually about half way through the meal) I had my usual feelings of "Why did i eat so much?" and "Do I really need to eat out so often?"
The fact is that I eat "OUT" at least once a day.
I really enjoy cooking and preparing food.
Eating at home would save money, as well as most likely be a little healthier.
I have tried to set a goal of eating at home for one month straight, and it didn't work.
I usually go out to eat for either lunch or after work late nights with friends and co-workers and I really enjoy it!
So knowing that a whole month is too much to ask, what about a week?
Can I do it?
I have been trying to find a week where I didn't have anything already planned (Yes, i am a planner! sometimes it can be a curse, and i usually have where i will be dining planned a week or so in advance - Crazy - I know)
So after this heavy meal I decided "OK, THE WEEK STARTS NOW!"
Now, I know that next monday i will be in Tampa with Daphne and we already have a lunch "OUT" planned, so with that being the exception, I am going to try to eat at home the rest of the week.
The hard part is not going out to eat after work friday, saturday and sunday, and the challenge will be to stay on top of the game and make sure that i have Delicious food to prepare at home.
Well it is documented now, so here we go....
Upon coming home I decided to make myself a Grilled Cheese Sandwich with some Cucumbers and Tomatoes.
It was pretty good! and much cheaper then what i would have gotten if I had gone to Steak-N-Shake like I normally do on wednesdays. Maybe if I am good, I can treat myself next wednesday.
I'll keep you posted!