The Incredible Edible Egg - My Re-Reintroduction

You might recall when I posted about my reintroduction of eggs, things did not go like I had hoped.  I couldn't locally find eggs from chickens that were fed a soy-free and corn-free diet. Here is a link to the post.

Thank goodness I found GrassFed Traditions! 

Their eggs have returned the egg sandwich, egg salad, deviled eggs, and mayonnaise to my life (and these things are staples in a Southern girl's diet)!  Now, I won't lie; I was nervous about ordering eggs over the internet.  I was afraid they would arrive broken and spoiled but I was wrong.  Of the four dozen eggs, not a single shell was cracked.  Then, of course, I had to give them the taste test.  Would they make me sick?  Were they spoiled?  Nope and Nope!  The eggs are better than any I have ever had.  They scrambled up so much fluffier than regular eggs.  One morning I was making an egg sandwich for myself and Kaylea asked if I could make one for her, as well.  Being the good Mom that I am, I obliged.  Since we still had eighteen store bought eggs, I decided to use those for her sandwich (hey, I said I was a good Mom, not a great Mom).  I scrambled two store bought eggs for her and then I scrambled two GrassFed Traditions eggs for myself.  The difference was unbelievable.  My eggs were fluffier and looked double the size of Kaylea's. 

I don't have a scientific explanation for the difference in the eggs but I kind of drew my own comical conclusion which is...  the store bought eggs were all depressed and deflated because they came from unhappy chickens that were kept in unlit chicken houses being fed a bunch of GMOs.  The GrassFed Traditions eggs were happy and full of life because they came from happy chickens that were allowed to roam around in the sun, live a happy chicken life, and eat a nutritious diet.  My conclusion might be a bunch of nonsense, but think about humans and how the health and well being of the mom impacts the unborn child.  Just saying....

Once Barry and Kaylea eat the last of the store bought eggs, not another will come into the Smith house again.  I have been converted!

It Smells Like My Imaginary Polish Babusia Is in the Kitchen

Ahh, the smell.  I can imagine a cute round Babusia slaving over the stove to make an old world favorite.  Don't tell her I cheated and made her traditional dish as a stoup (stew + soup) AND with a lot less effort.

 

Stuffed Cabbage Stoup

recipe adapted from Rachel Ray's Stuffed Cabbage Stoup recipe

 

 

 

2 Tbs. Olive Oil

1 c. Brown Rice

1 qt. plus 2 c. Organic Chicken Stock

1 lb. Grass Fed Ground Beef

1/2 tsp. Allspice

1 1/2 tsp. Coriander

2 tsp. Paprika

1/4 tsp. Cayenne

1/4 tsp. Garlic Salt

Salt

Pepper

1 Bay Leaf

1 Tbs. Coconut Sugar*

1 Onion, chopped

2 Cloves Garlic, minced

1 Carrot, thinly sliced and finely chopped

1 Head Green Cabbage, thinly sliced

28 oz. Diced Tomatoes (I put mine through the food processor because my family doesn't like chunky cooked tomatoes)



1 c. Tomato Sauce
1 c. Organic Imagine Creamy Garden Tomato Soup

Heat a sauce pan over medium high heat with 2 Tbs. olive oil.  Add the rice and toss to coat in oil. Add 2 cups chicken stock, bring to simmer, cover and cook for 16 - 18 minutes until the rice is tender.

Heat a deep pot over medium heat.  Add ground beef and brown about 2 minutes.  Add seasonings to meat and cook for another minute.  Then add the onions, garlic, and carrots.  Cook 2 - 3 minutes or until they begin to soften.  Now, add the cabbage and cook until it wilts down a bit.  Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato soup, and remaining chicken stock.  Stir to mix and cover the pot.  Raise the heat to high and bring the stoup to a simmer.  Simmer for about 10 minutes (or you can lower the heat  to low and cook for as long as needed).  Once the rice is cooked, add it to the stoup and continue to simmer 2 - 3 minutes.  Serve.

This would be a great crock-pot meal, also. 

*Coconut sugar is healthy substitute for brown sugar.  If you are on the Virgin Diet and don't have coconut sugar, you could substitute with Stevia or Xylitol to get the desired sweetness.  If you are not on the Virgin Diet, you can substitute brown sugar and you will get the same flavor.  I would advise starting with 1/2 Tbs. brown sugar, though.  It is sweeter than coconut sugar and you can always add more, but you can't take it out once it's in there.

Not Your Granny's Meatloaf

I grew up eating meatloaf and it was always a favorite.  My family recipe called for lots of breadcrumbs and canned tomato soup; therefore, when I started The Virgin Diet I knew this was a dish that was off limits.  Then, as I perused the grocery store I found some items that I could substitute for the "bad" ingredients in the tried and true family recipe and decided to try a new Virgin friendly version.  When my 14 year old daughter told me the new meatloaf was better than the version she grew up eating, I knew I had a keeper.



Virgin Friendly Meatloaf

 

1 lb. Grass Fed Ground Beef

1 Egg

1 Onion, chopped

1 Carrot, peeled and chopped

1/3 c. Imagine Gluten Free Creamy Garden Tomato Soup

2 c. Rice Chex, crushed

1 tsp. Garlic Salt

1/2 tsp. Black Pepper

Sugar Free Ketchup

 

Directions:

In a food processor, chop the onion and carrot.  In a bowl mix all ingredients.  Place mixture on the top of a broiler pan (this allows the oil from the meat to drain away from the meatloaf).  Drizzle the top of the meatloaf with ketchup.  Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hr.

 

 

 

Here are some recipe saving ingredients I have found that I really like.  Give them a try!

A healthy alternative to sugar/high fructose corn syrup laden Ketchup

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have used this soup for this meatloaf recipe and I used it in a cabbage roll stoup recipe, also.



 

 

 



Friday Night = Pizza Night

I believe I mentioned before how bad I was craving pizza.  Once I completed Phase 1 and Phase 2, I was on a mission to find a good GF pizza.  I have tried a few restaurants around town and now have a favorite for dining out but I still needed to find a good pizza to keep in the freezer for nights like tonight. You know those nights; you are too tired to cook and too tired to go out.  In the past those were the kind of nights I would send Hubby out to pick up take-out from some fast food toxic waste dump. 

Tonight, I tried my first GF frozen pizza and I must say, it was quite scrumptious. 

I think I am acquiring a taste for my new GF lifestyle.  This makes me happy happy happy!

Office Party Survival Tips

Last night I went to a party for the first time since I started The Virgin Diet.  Now, I know I had my husband's birthday party last week but that was different.  His party was at my house AND I was in complete control of the menu AND I did all of the cooking.  The party last night was at a co-worker's house and it was a variety of appetizers that were brought by many different people.

As stupid as this may sound, I was really nervous.  I wasn't sure how I survive in a social setting.  Would I throw caution to the wind and eat the grape jelly meatballs?  Would I break down and shove my face full of brownies?  Would my nerves get the best of me and need to be calmed with a giant bucket of strawberry margaritas? 

In the past when going to a party, I would never even try to stick to whatever diet I was trying out at the time.  I would always take a day off so I could enjoy myself and eat all the yummy indulgences.  If I were in the midst of just another "diet", I'm sure I would have had the same reaction last night; however, things are different now.  I have learned that eating certain types of foods will make me sick.  It's amazing how much resolve that gives me.

When planning for my evening, I thought through my choices and made a game plan.  It really seemed to help me come through unscathed and I wanted to share some tips with you.

1. Eat a light meal before you go.
2. Drink water before you go.  I even took a cup of water with me.
3. BRING YOUR OWN SNACKS!!!!!!! (Things you know you can eat)
4. Limit the alcohol.  You can have a drink but don't go overboard.
5. Don't mix drinks with sweet juices or sodas. (use LaCroix, club soda, tonic water, and/or unsweetened organic fruit juice)
6. Don't stand around the food table.

I use to have that little voice in my head and it convinced me that eating the yumminess was part of the fun.  Imagine my surprise when I found I could have a really good time without the 7 layer dip, cookies, brownies, and Jell-O shots.  Who'd a thunk it?   

In case you are curious, here is what I took:

Beanitos Black Bean Chips and Salsa
Nut Chips and Roasted Veggie Alouette Cheese
Pear Vodka mixed with Peach Pear LaCroix and Unsweetened Organic Pineapple Juice

**I also ate some fresh fruit, some of another homemade cheese ball, AND.........5 M&M's (yes I counted them)

New Discovery

I found this salad dressing at my local health food store, Chamberlin's.  It is the bomb diggity.  I have tried the Lemon Herb dressing, as well.  It is delish, also.  Give them a try but don't just limit yourself to eating them on salads.  They make great sauces for grilling, too!

Friday Shrimp Dinner

Friday was a good dinner night.  The meal got 3 thumbs up in the Smith house.  We had oven baked shrimp, sautéed zucchini and onions, sweet potato oven fries, and tossed salad.  The entire meal is approved for all phases of The Virgin Diet.

Here is how I did it:



 

Oven Baked Shrimp

 



 

2 lbs Shrimp

2 Tbs Earth Balance Soy Free "Butter" Spread

1 Tbs Sesame or Olive Oil

1 Tbs Old Bay Seasoning

1 Tbs Garlic Powder

 

Directions:

Melt butter in microwave and combine with oil, Old Bay, and garlic powder.  Pour over shrimp and toss to coat.  Transfer shrimp to a baking dish and bake in a 350 degree oven for 8 - 10 minutes

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sautéed Zucchini and Onions

 





4 Zucchini, diced
1 large Onion, diced
2 Tbs Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper, to taste

Directions:
Heat oil in skillet.  Add zucchini, onion, salt, and pepper.  Cook over medium high heat until zucchini and onion are browned and tender.

 

Sweet Potato Oven Fries

 

 

3 large sweet potatoes

2 Tbs Olive Oil

Sea Salt, to taste

 

Directions:

Peel sweet potatoes and cut into strips.  Mine were approximately 1/2" x 1/2" x 3".  Tossed in oil and put onto at cookie sheet, sprinkle with sea salt.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, then turn the fries over and bake for an additional 10 minutes.  **The key to getting crispy oven fries is to spread them out on the cookie sheet.  The fries should not be touching each other.  If so they will steam instead of crisping.  In the photo above I pushed them together to get the photo.

 





Moooove Over Fake Cheese, The Real Deal is Back!

When I read the Virgin Diet for the first time, I knew one of the 7 HI foods was going to be very hard for me to do without.  No, it wasn't Gluten that I feared living without. No, it wasn't eggs or sugar either.  The one thing that had scared me the most was Dairy.  Now, I couldn't care less about drinking milk and even though I ate yogurt everyday, I could easily do without it, as well.  I really only ate it because I thought it was a healthy choice.  Giving up butter was a little intimidating but I have sense found a delicious substitute from Earth Balance. 

The one dairy item that I didn't think I could give up was cheese.  I know if it made me sick, I would have/need to give it up but man-o-man that would be a toughie.  You see, cheese and I go way back!  When I was little my parents jokingly referred to me as a little mouse because of the amounts of cheese I ate.  I remember the highlight of our vacations in Tennessee were taking a trip to Uncle Roy and Aunt Jean Ownby's Cheese Shop in Gatlingburg.  You would think it was a candy shop by my excitement.  Aunt Jean would always let my sister and me pick out what ever flavors we wanted and she would cut off  chunks and hand them to us to eat.  Oh, and of course, she would wrap up more for us to take home with us.  The worst part of the visit was trying to decide which cheeses to pick.

Lucky for me, I am having success as I am reintroducing dairy (cheese) this week.  I started on Tuesday with a GF cheese pizza and Wednesday I had a grilled turkey and brie sandwich.  So far I have not had any stomach aches, headaches, sinus problems, or joint pains.  I am so relieved that cheese isn't affecting me, YAY! 

As I wrap up the end of the Reintroduction Phase of The Virgin Diet, I feel a lot more in control of my body and the various forms of discomfort I felt before.  I have learned which things to avoid at all costs (SOY); which things I need to try to avoid as much as possible (Gluten, Sugar, Corn, Peanuts); and which things I need to keep testing (Eggs, and other forms of Dairy).  I also need to concentrate on following the Virgin Plate rules, focus on eating well balanced meals, and incorporating exercise into my life.  Just because I am at the end of Phase II, this doesn't mean I am done.  It's actually quite the contrary; I am just beginning.

I still need/want to lose about 40 pounds and my weight loss has slowed down a lot while I have been reintroducing foods.  I was told to expect this, so I am not getting discouraged.  I am ready to start living the program and using the tools and knowledge I have gained through this 7 week process.

Stay tuned........

Birthday Celebration Cleaned Up

Yesterday was my dear husband Barry's birthday.  I made a menu for his birthday dinner and then changed it twice.  I felt I was facing three major hurdles with his celebration meal. 

• First, I wanted the meal to be healthy. 
• Next, I wanted it to be enjoyable for everyone.  (That seems to be something that I struggle with these days.  I am always afraid that guests will not enjoy eating the food that I have switched to.) 
• Finally, I needed to come up with a dessert worthy of his birthday celebration.

The final menu looked like this:

Mojo Grilled Chicken Breasts
Organic Chicken Italian Sausage
Pan Fried Sweet Potatoes
Oven Roasted Broccoli
Tossed Salad
   ........and, drum roll please...........

Gluten Free Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream (SO Delicious Vanilla Coconut Milk Ice Cream)


I know you are dying for the recipe, so here it is...

Ingredients:
4 large Apples, I used Fuji Apples
1 Tb. Lemon Juice
1 Tb. Cinnamon
1/2 tsp. Allspice
1/8 tsp. Nutmeg
1/8 tsp. Ginger
1 tsp. Vanilla
1 1/2 Tb. Arrowroot
2 Tb. Coconut Sugar (you might need more if you use an apple that is tart)

Topping:
1 c. Gluten Free Oats
1/4 c. Earth Balance Soy Free Butter, melted
1 Tb. Brown Rice Flour
1 tsp. Honey

Directions:
Peel, core and slice apples.  Toss with lemon juice, then rinse with water.  In a bowl toss apples with spices, vanilla, arrowroot, and coconut sugar.  Transfer into an 8 x 8 baking dish.  In a small bowl mix the topping ingredients.  Sprinkle topping over apples.  Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.  Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

I tried the SO Delicious Vanilla Coconut Ice Cream and it was fabulous.  Honestly, it tasted like regular ice cream.  I highly recommend it!

My Barry loves apple pie and that is normally his request for dessert on his birthday.  He prefers it to cake anytime.  He is not a huge sweets eater and will almost always pass on dessert.  So, when he woke up this morning and again complimented me on the Apple Crisp, I knew it was a keeper.

Chicken, Eggs, Soy, and Corn....Why Must You Guys Go Hand In Hand?

Last week was my reintroduction of eggs and unfortunately it wasn't very successful.  HOWEVER, I don't feel I can say with 100% certainty that I am egg intolerant.  You see, from what I have learned from JJ, the old saying, "You are what you eat," needs to have a disclaimer added or really needs to be changed to, "You are what you eat eats!"  With regards to chickens, most are fed a vegetarian diet which consists of corn and/or soy.  The problem being that chickens (and pigs) can't filter out a majority of allergens from their feed like animals with a rumen digestive system can (beef, lamb, deer).  So, if the chickens are fed soy, which I am intolerant to, the soy will be present in their eggs.  I searched locally and was unable to find soy-free, corn-free eggs.  This type of egg is difficult to find in markets because chickens are typically fed these items to help them produce more eggs which are needed by companies selling eggs to make a profit. 

I found a farm in Wisconsin that sells soy-free, corn-free eggs and I have ordered them.  I should receive them by the end of the week and I will be able to try the reintroduction again.   If I find I can eat the eggs without having any stomach issues, I will be one happy girl.  I will keep my fingers crossed!

To say I am getting educated is an extreme understatement.  I told Barry we just need to sell the condo and buy some acreage where we can grown our own fruits and vegetables and have a few chickens to produce eggs.  I feel like that is the only way I will have complete control over what I put in my body.

Progress Is Being Made

Today is Day 37.  I started The Virgin Diet on June 25th and had no idea how much it would change me.  I look at food differently; I feel better; and I am beginning to look better.  As of today, I have lost 12.4 lbs.  It doesn't sound like much when I say it but when I rationalize it I am proud of my accomplishment.  I haven't noticed a lot of changes in my size, other than my shorts are sagging and I am able to wear a size smaller in pants.  Yay!  Out of curiosity, I decided to take a selfie today and compare it to a picture of me from the beginning of the summer.  I was really surprised when I looked at the side by side.  Here it is.........

 

 

I still have quite a ways to go but I feel I am well on my way.  This excites me!

Balsamic Chicken

I saw this recipe on Facebook and thought it sounded wonderful.  With a few tweaks and additions it turned out delicious.  As you all know, I am Soy intolerant so Chinese food it out of the question for me.  Imagine my surprise when I tasted this chicken and it resembled a more robust sweet 'n sour chicken.  No, there isn't any fruit or sugar or corn syrup.  It is just good clean ingredients.  I hope you give it a try and enjoy it as much as my family did.

Balsamic Chicken

2 tsp. Garlic Powder
2 tsp. Dried Basil
1/2 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Black Pepper
3 tsp. Dehydrated Onion
4 Cloves of Garlic, minced
1 Tbs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3/4 c. Balsamic Vinegar
8 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
2 Packets Stevia or Splenda
2 Tbs. Arrowroot or Corn Starch dissolved in 1/4 c. water, for thickening

Directions:
Mix together garlic powder, basil, salt, pepper, and onion in a shallow dish.  Coat both sides of chicken with spices.  Put olive oil and minced garlic in crock pot.  Lay seasoned chicken over top.  Sprinkle any remaining spices over top.  Pour balsamic vinegar over top of chicken.  Cook on High for 4 hours.  Place chicken pieces on a serving platter.  Pour liquid from crock pot into a small saucepan.  Add sweetener of choice and heat to boil.  Whisk in the thickening solution and continue to cook on high until liquid has thickened into a sauce.  Once thickened, pour over chicken and serve.

I served this with brown jasmine rice and it was wonderful.  Just add a salad and enjoy!!!

Comfort Food Virgin Style

Last night I was really wanting to eat "normal".  You know, like I did back in the good ole days before I decided that "Eating to Live" was way more important than "Living to Eat".  I wanted the old flavors but I didn't want to destroy all the progress I have made.  So, I figured out a way to accomplish both my goals.

This was my dinner menu:

Hot Dogs
Pan Fried Sweet Potatoes
Baked Beans

......and this is how I did it......

For the hot dogs, I bought Applegate uncured grass-fed beef hot dogs.  I could not find gluten-free (GF), egg-free (EF) hot dog buns, so I used a slice of GF, EF, millet bread from my local health food store.  I topped my dog with sugar-free ketchup and mustard.

The pan fried sweet potatoes are my new favorite.  I melted about 3 TB of coconut oil in a pan, then added 3 sliced sweet potatoes and 1 diced onion.  Then, I generously sprinkled them with sea salt and black pepper and fried until the sweet potatoes were soft and browned.


The baked beans have been a work in progress but I think I finally nailed it last night.  Here is the recipe:

Baked Beans

2 cans Organic Pinto Beans, drained*
3 TB water**
1 small Onion, finely diced
1 TB Apple Cider Vinegar
1/2 c. Sugar Free Ketchup
1 tsp. Chili Powder
1 1/2 tsp. Garlic Salt
1 tsp. Paprika
2 tsp. Honey
2 tsp. Coconut Sugar
Dash of All Spice

Directions:
Mix all ingredients and put in baking dish.  Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees.

*I used canned pintos which are still harder than we like for our baked beans.  Cook them first on the stove top to your desired softness, then drain and add the ingredients. 

**I add water to add moisture back for baking.  You can use some of the pinto juice if you prefer.  We like the flavor of the tomato from the ketchup to be stronger, that is why I drain all of the bean juice which tends to overpower the ketchup.

So, who knew soy was so evil? Not me.....until NOW!

My relationship with soy wasn't one I thought much about.  Before I started The Virgin Diet I didn't even know all the places this stuff was hiding.  If you had asked me before, "Do you eat a lot of soy?"  I probably would have answered, "Well, not a lot. I eat Chinese food, sushi, and edamame on occassion."  I didn't drink soy milk, eat tofu, or eat any of that funky textured vegetable protein you find in the freezer section at the grocery store.  This was one of those items that I thought would be easy to give up, if necessary.

As I reintroduced soy to my diet on Tuesday, I found that this stuff is evil (at least it is evil to me).  I drank my normal protein shake Tuesday evening, only this time I made it with soy milk versus my normal almond or coconut milk.  Well, within 1 hour I had my first headache in about 4 weeks.  Hmmm?  Was it a coincidence or were they connected.  I decided to try it again the next day.  On Wednesday morning I made myself another protein shake with soy milk.  You guessed it; within 1 hour I had a headache.  I took some Ibuprofen and it didn't help at all.  Later at lunch, I had Ahi Tuna with about 2 TB teriyaki sauce.  Within 30 minutes my head felt like it would explode.  I had a full blown migraine and my stomach had started hurting.  This was a major complication because I was in Ormond Beach and needed to drive Kaylea and myself home that afternoon.  I knew the road trip wasn't going to be pretty when I had to stop to use the bathroom before I even got to the interstate.  I won't scar you with all the nasty details of my trip, but needless to say, it was ugly and I had to stop in DeBary and get a room for the night.  There was no way I could make it through Orlando rush hour traffic feeling the way I did.

So, the moral to my story is absolutely NO MORE SOY for me.  I know many of you are probably thinking, "So what's the big deal? Just don't eat Chinese and sushi, that's not hard."  And if those were the only foods I ate that contained soy, you would be correct.  The problem is that soy is in many more things.  It is one of those genetically modified foods that is overly processed and put into almost every processed food out there.  Just to humor me, look at the ingredient list on 10 processed foods in the grocery store and see how many contain some type of soy.  I'm telling you they hide this stuff everywhere.

P.S.  After 31 days I have lost 11.8 lbs

Hola! Un Delicioso Arroz Con Pollo

Yes, friends, dinner was amazing.  I found this recipe for Arroz Con Pollo (Chicken and Rice) on Pinterest.  Talk about comfort food, wow this is it!  I remember my Mom making chicken and rice for Sunday dinner when I was little.  It was always a favorite and one of my frequent requests.  I figured this was a dish I would have to say farewell to.  Mom always used the pre-seasoned yellow rice mix which  I knew was off limits due to the artificial junk in the seasoning mix.  Also, I really need to eat healthier brown rice varieties.  So, when I saw this recipe I thought I would give it a try.

Imagine my shock when I tasted my dinner tonight and it was as good as Mom's (dare I say it was better...shhhhh!)

The only adjustments I made to the recipe were:

1.  It needs salt and pepper (and according to Barry, some Texas Pete), add to taste
2.  I used brown jasmine rice
3.  I stewed my chicken ahead of time versus letting it cook in the rice (I used one boneless chicken breast and 2 thighs)

Next time I make this I will double the recipe. You see, it was all eaten and Kaylea wanted more, and more, and more.


Oh, and I was in the mood for some type of dessert so I made baked peaches.

I didn't have a recipe, so I just made up something.  Basically, I peeled and split 2 peaches.  Put them in an 8 x 8 pan.  Put 1 teaspoon of Earth Balance Soy Free "butter", 1 teaspoon coconut sugar, and a dash of cinnamon on top of each peach half.  Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.

They hit the spot.

All together I think dinner was a huge success!

The Jury Is Still Out on Gluten

Today was my third day of reintroducing Gluten into my diet.  The first meal on the first day didn't set well on my stomach and I thought for sure it was going to be permanently out of my diet.  I tried again the second day and didn't have any stomach issues.  Then, again today, I had no stomach issues.  The only side effect has been my energy level is at ZERO.  I have done nothing but sleep for the past two days and nights.

I guess the conclusion I have come to is this, I can eat Gluten if I have the time to sleep it off for a day or so.  I think I will mostly try to avoid it.  This will be one of those foods that gets grouped with corn, peanuts, and sweeteners.  I will eat it in extreme moderation.

Let the Reintroductions Begin

Why Hello, Gluten.  How nice to see you again!  (At least I am saying that this morning)

Yes, friends.  Today is Day 22 which is an exciting day for many reasons. 

First, I survived the Elimination Phase where I totally removed gluten, soy, dairy, eggs, corn, peanuts, and sweeteners from my diet.  Yes, it can be done and I have survived to tell about it.

Second, today I begin the Reintroduction Phase.  First up is Gluten.  I don't really know what to expect when I eat it again.  Will it send me running for the hills?  Will I feel its wrath tomorrow when I get out of bed?  Will it be a rekindled friendship?  I just don't know.

Third, today was my Week 3 weigh in and I have lost 9.4 lbs.  I feel like this is a healthy pace and I am pleased.

Stay tuned...and wish me luck!


P.S.  Dinner tonight will be Fish Tacos - ON A FLOUR TORTILLA!!!!!!  

What's for Dinner? Reservations!

Like I mentioned before, my family likes to eat out.  This is the one thing that scared me the most when I considered taking on the challenge of The Virgin Diet.  I just didn't think there would be any place to go out to eat.  Luckily, I have found some restaurants where I can eat and still stay on the plan.  Here are a few I found:

Like I mentioned before, Chipoltle
1 - Beef or chicken brown rice bowl w/black beans, lettuce, salsa, and guacamole
2 - Beef or chicken salad with brown rice, black beans, salsa, and guacamole


Grillsmith
Fit Salmon w/double order of steamed vegetables


Fish City
1 - Crab leg dinner w/double order of steamed vegetables
2 - Dozen boiled shrimp appetizer w/ a side of sautéed spinach with garlic


Texas Roadhouse
6 oz Filet w/double order of steamed vegetables


Burger 21
2 Hamburger patties with lettuce, tomato, and mustard


***When ordering in a restaurant I now ask if the steamed/sautéed  vegetables are prepared with butter.  If so, I ask if I can have them prepared with out (possibly substitute olive oil).  I also had to make the same request for the steak at Texas Roadhouse.  Normally, you don't think of butter being on a steak but many steakhouses brush butter on top to the steaks after cooking.  So far I have found that the wait staff is more than happy to accommodate my requests.  I think the key is just communicating with them and asking a lot of questions.

2nd Week Weigh In

Day 15

I just finished my second week and the number on the scale keeps going down.  As of this morning I have lost a total of 7.4 lbs.

Yay me!

Hey, every little bit helps!

Dinner Suggestions

Planning our meals has gotten so much easier.  I'm sure it will eventually get boring, but for now we are enjoying the home cooked meals.  It is embarrassing for me to admit this but I had lost all desire to cook.  In return we would eat out almost every night.  Now, I enjoy getting in the kitchen again.  I plan on trying one new thing each week.  It might be a gluten free breading for preparing our meat/fish, or a different vegetable that we wouldn't normally eat, or even a new spice that I don't typically cook with.  I am having fun experimenting and seeing how tasty our meals are.

Here are some simple options I came up with:

Shrimp tossed with Olive Oil and Old Bay, then baked in the oven
Brown Rice
Oven roasted Broccoli and Asparagus


Hamburger Steak seasoned with Angelo's Steak Seasoning, cooked on the George Forman Grill
Vegan Mac 'n Cheese (definitely must be an acquired taste)
Oven roasted Zucchini and Squash
Salad topped with nuts


Steak
Mushrooms sautéed with Earth Balance "butter" spread and Aminos (soy-free soy sauce)
Oven roasted Sweet Potatoes
Salad topped with nuts


Vegan Mac 'n Cheese (see tried it again)
Sautéed Spinach with Onions and Chia Seeds


***This has become a favorite lunch or dinner for me***
Chicken Apple Sausage Sandwich
2 pc. Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Egg Free Millet Bread (found at Chamberlain's and it's made fresh locally) toasted and spread with Earth Balance Spread
3 pc. Applegate Chicken Apple Sausage


Quinoa and Black Beans
Salad topped with nuts


Maybe this will help you get some ideas.  If you need more information feel free to comment and I will answer any questions you may have.