An Attempt at an Alternative...

The following idea was given to me while I was watching NBC's "The Biggest Loser" this past week.

(Side bar: this show is fantastic motivation for anyone who is thinking about beginning or has already begun building a healthier diet & lifestyle!)

One of the winner's of a previous season gave a tip for enjoying American Thanksgiving. Make mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes. I am a HUGE potato-lover, and mashed potatoes are something I have dearly missed this past month. So I thought I would give it a try.

Start with a medium-cauliflower, and break it up into florets.
Steam or microwave cauliflower until it is soft.
Mix the cauliflower with whatever you normally make mashed potatoes with (butter, milk, cream, etc.)
**Optional: add garlic powder, cheese, salt & pepper to taste if you like
Blend with a handheld or regular blender to the texture you prefer.

Since I cannot have butter, milk or cream, I had to mix the cauliflower with water. I added some garlic powder to taste and blended with a handheld blender. They weren't half bad...but they were no potato. My boyfriend really liked them, saying "My brain thinks potato, but my mouth says cauliflower". He said it was a nice option to add into our dinner repertoire.

Personally, I wasn't overly impressed. But I think that if I could have mixed them with milk or butter they would have been great. I also think I could have mixed them a bit longer for a better texture. This recipe is definitely a work in progress, and I will update if I make positive improvements!

There are some other healthy recipes on "The Biggest Loser" website. Check it out here:
http://www.nbc.com/the-biggest-loser/

A Lesson in Carbs

"Every 4 grams of carbs = 1 teaspoon of sugar"

This tidbit of information was given to me by a youtube video from a Matol consultant, who explains the program and explains the reasons behind limiting carbohydrate intake. Check it out below!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnVdgxO6DXU

The reason I wanted to post this video is because it really breaks down the way that carbohydrates, as a result of their high sugar content, are problematic for weight loss. Carbs are present within most foods, even ones that you might not think of. Checking the nutritional content of all of my non-natural foods has become standard.

Most of the time, most people don't realize how much they are consuming. As an example, I will focus on salad dressing. The high-calorie, creamy dresings that taste so good (think thousand islands, ranch, french, etc.) are often chalk full of carbs, and therefore, sugar.

I have made home-made dressing, but the best "off the shelf" dressing that I have found so far is Kraft's Fat-Free Italian dressing. It's nutritional value is actually better than the "Calorie-Wise" version of this product. For all those out there who prefer to buy their dressings than make them at home, make sure to keep track of the carbs listed on the bottles, and limit the amount that you use!

Hey, Badda-Boom, Badda-Bing!

I mentioned that the past few days have been posing difficulties to me in terms of following the diet. I was asked to go to lunch with a friend of mine, that I don't get to see very often. I have declined all offers to eat out since beginning this diet, I haven't even step foot in a restaurant or cafe (other than my place of employment) for 27 days! But, I knew that I had to bridge the restaurant frontier at some point, so despite my hesitations, I decided to go.

We went to East Side Mario's, a place famous for it's unlimited Caesar salad, fresh bread and pastas. Of course, I could not have any of these menu items. I arrived first, ordered a glass of water and started perusing the menu as I waited for my lunch companion. I was hoping to order a salad, and had brought my own special salad dressing, but the options were not as appealing as I had been hoping for. I decided on an Atlantic Salmon, that was salted with sea salt (perfect), served with garden salad, roasted seasonal vegetables, and pasta. I asked that I have all veggies instead of the pasta.

I am supposed to be eating a Matol protein food for lunch, but since I was eating out, I followed the model the best that I could. The seasonal vegetables turned out to be roasted zucchini, carrots, and peppers. I didn't eat the carrots, because they are not a vegetable that is recommended by the program as they are extremely high in sugar.

All in all, I think I did a great job at this lunch. It was a great experience because it showed me that I can find healthy options for special occasions where I will be eating out in the next month.

Getting Back Out There

The past few days have been filled with opportunities for me to cheat. (Spoiler alert: I didn't...) So I've been forced to incorporate my new food rules into every-day scenarios.

Thursday, I was invited to a get-together at one of my professor's houses. Our class only has 7 students and our professor was kind enough to host us, and cook for us. I was immediately concerned when she said she would be serving "appetizers". Appetizers, especially those that are served around the holiday time, are chalk full of carbs and sugar. Although we were not asked to bring any food, I prepared a veggie platter and dip. I explained that it was self-serving when I arrived, but the whole thing was gobbled up by the other guests! (Hint, if anyone out there is throwing a holiday get together: people LOVE veggies and dip!)

I have to say, that it was difficult staying away from the delicious looking (and smelling) food that was served, but I was happy that I stayed away from it all. There's going to be lots of opportunities for me to indulge in treats over Christmas, but the key is to stick with the healthy options that are served. And for those who serve dip, it's better for everyone if you look for a low-carb or low-fat option. You can't tell the difference, and they're often much better for you!

A Tasty & Healthy Treat

So, I wanted to dedicate a post to something new that I've been turned on to. It's something so simple, that I didn't even think about it when I was on a mission to find some sweet treats for an after-dinner snack.

Drum-roll please....J-E-L-L-O!

The treat that everyone loves as a kid is actually a great option for anyone trying to avoid sugar, but still satisfy a sweet tooth. While regular jello has sugar and carbohydrates, no-sugar added jello has none!

I'm thinking that this can become one of my festive treats...I'm going to play around with jello and see where it takes me!

3 Weeks and Counting...

Firstly, I appologize that I haven't been updating often this week. As a student, it's tough to have a pet project on top of my huge academic work load...

Either way, I have been staying on top of my food intake and I am still seeing success. It has now been 3 weeks that I have been on the program, and I am happy to say that I have lost 24 pounds! Woo-hoo! So, I'm definitely staying on track according to what the program recommends. I'm also staying on track with my own goal that I wrote about last week.

I had been hoping to loose another 15 pounds before Christmas, and now that amount is down to 11! I feel that I will definitely accomplish this, since I have 4 weeks before the big day. I have to stay strict, and I know that December (or at least the tail end) is going to be a challenge. Christmas parties tend to involve a cornuocopia of delicious foods and drinks...none of which I can have! It's going to be a challenge, but I know it will be worth it in the end.

I'm planning on coming up with some festive twists for meals and snacks! Stay tuned...

2 Week Check In

So, great news! I have made it through the first two weeks of the program....and I have NOT cheated! I'm very proud of myself because the opportunities have been endless. Today was another challenge. A desert pot-luck in class...and the treats that everyone brought looked SO good! Instead, I munched away on my cucumber slices - and defeated the cravings.

To be completely honest, the cravings aren't so bad. It's more a realization that I want food that is not healthy for me, but I don't NEED it. I finally understand that dieting is a psychological challenge more than anything. I really do believe that this program will help to re-wire me to eat better in the long run. (Although, I must admit I can't wait for Stage 1 to be over so that I can start introducing a larger variety back into my diet.)

Speaking of Stage 1, I have been doing very well in terms of my ultimate weight loss goal. I have now lost 20 pounds (woo hoo!) and am almost half way there. As for a shorter term goal, I am hoping to loose at least 15 more pounds before Christmas. The program estimates a weight loss of 3-4 pounds a week. I have 6 weeks until Christmas, which mathematically speaking, is definitely doable!

Cheers?

My friend also started the Matol diet, 7 days after I have. The first update that I received was sheer disgust in relation to the liqud Matol supplement. Between the two of us, we have decided that it tastes like "two year old Jaggermeister, mixed with cod liver oil and dandelions". I have been taking it out of a shot glass, which is much easier than the two teaspoons we are required to ingest twice a day. Shooting it down, and chasing it with half a glass of water is much easier. (And I have to drink 8 glasses a day anyway!)

So, here's to you "Jaggerliverlion". May your disgusting taste continue to help speed my metabolism and keep me on the path of diet righteousness.

A New Treat (Day 10)

What a great dinner!!

So, I was turned on to a trick to help crave my junk-food and carb cravings with...a turnip?
I was shocked too. Turnips are the one of the last veggies I thought I would consider a treat! But were they ever. I made "Turnip Fries", and I have to say they were absolutely fantastic.

I peeled half a routebega (aka turnip) and cut it into fry-sized strips. I boiled them for about 10 minutes, strained them, and put them in the oven. I cooked them at the same time as my chicken, at 375 for about 40 minutes. I was told to take them out once they turned golden brown, but I took them out before my chicken lost all of its juices. And I added a dusting of sea salt and voila!

What a great alternative to one of my favorite "bad" foods. I think that this will make my journey much easier!

WOO HOO! (Day 8)

Quick Update...

After 1 week I have dropped 16 pounds! Yes!

While half of this is water weight, and I can't expect these results every week at weigh-in it was definitely the boost I needed after a hard week of adjusting to this plan. I've found that I'm not overly hungry or tired like I thought I would be. The hardest thing so far is breaking the bad habits that I've picked up. Like hitting the drive-through at McDonnald's after class on Wednesdays, or going out for dinner with my boyfriend for date night Fridays. Honestly, I can't say that I'm not missing my favorite foods from restaurants, but I'm getting everything I need and enjoying my meals. I'm optimistic in my outlook, knowing that once I get to the point I need I'll be able to indulge in these foods again, but in moderation! All in all, I'm VERY happy with this result so far!

Flatbread Failure (Day 5)

So, today I had my first attempt at the Flatbread/Pancake that is one of the Matol proteins. Unfortunately, I was sadly disappointed with my attempt. I baked them in small pie pans like the recipe called for, but they honestly tasted like dough. There was no flavor, and no enjoyment on my end. I was really hoping this would be my substitute for bread, but I currently have no intention at ever making these again.

It was suggested to me that perhaps they would be good with seasoning and veggies. Now I'm on a hunt for recipes to improve this food. I also have yet to try it as a pancake, so I'm only 50% disappointed so far. Either way, I shoveled it down - I had no intention at breaking my diet because of this!

My evening posed my greatest challenge yet. It was my first shift at the restaurant I work at since the beginning of this diet. As a sports bar labelled, "King of Wings and Ribs", there are a million and one items on the menu that do NOT fit the diet. I love the food at my work, probably because half of it is deep fried. Either way, I had to stay away from it and order food that catered to the program. I had a Chicken Chef Salad, with a few modifications.

I had the mushrooms and onions sauteed on the grill (with water, no oil) and had them remove the carrot and cabbage shreds from the garnish. I also left a few diced tomatoes in the mix, as I am allowed to have them onceor twice a week. The chicken (5 oz.) was not marinated, just naturally grilled. I brought my salad dressing from home, and I have to say it was tasty. It wasn't wings, but I survived!

Ode to a Pudding

This blog would get VERY boring if I was just chronicalling my meals for each day. So, I've decided to feature one of the Matol proteins. The Vanilla Flavored Pudding has been my night-time life saver. Not something I would recommend during the day time, this little treat is what I have been having as my post-dinner snack.

It's a sweet, thick vanilla treat that reminds me of vanilla cake batter. It directions ask for 5 oz. of very cold water to  be mixed into the powder. However, thanks to a tip from a little birdie (Mom) I've been putting it in the freezer for about 10 minutes to really cool it down. It firms up and is much more enjoyable this way. It's a very nice way to end off the evening!

My Favorite Lunch Yet! (Day 4)

Today's lunch was something I could get used to!

I mixed up the Vegetable Chili and had (surprise, surprise) cucumber and lettuce on the side. The chii is actually so delicious, and I was really full when I was finished. This is one of the proteins that is making things much easier for me! Yum.

As an overall update, I'm feeling very full and my cravings are gone. It's surprising because I seriously doubted the abilitiy for the smaller portions to fill me, but it's worked! The website told me this would happen, but like many - I was skeptical. Imagine my surprise when I'm not feeling the urge to snack in between meals...

Starting to Succeed (Day 3)

Quick update:

I took on the scale to see how I have been doing...I've lost 7 pounds!!!!

While I am aware that most of this is water weight, it's nonetheless a boost to see that it's actually working!

Today's delicious dinner was one chicken breast (7 oz.) with a cajun spice that my boyfriend miraculously discovered had all natural spices in the ingredient list. I had chopped cucumber and plain iceburg lettuce on the side, with more of my tasty homemade dressing. I have to say, dinner is definitely a motivator. And I'm actually spending some quality time in the kitchen with my beau. It's a nice change from hitting the drive-through, that's for sure!

Let the Cravings Commence (Day 2)

I have to say, today was tough too. But on the up-side, my curiosity forced me to weigh myself already.

I had class today, and normally at the half-way point, I go to the soup counter at school and get a snack. Well, I couldn’t. I had to wait until I got home to have lunch. Unfortunately, my diet did not stop my classmates from grabbing all sorts of delicious snacks, from soup, to candy, to chips, to croissants. All the delicious things that I have over-indulged in for far too long. I was having such strong cravings that I can’t tell you how many times I envisioned myself hitting the McDonald’s drive-through on the way home. Besides, no one would no right?

I really exercised my will-power turning down the easy way, and staying committed to my diet today. This morning has allowed for me to identify class as a big challenge for me.

When I FINALLY arrived home to eat, I tried the Three-Cheese and Herb Omelet for lunch and was happily surprised to discover that it was very tasty. I will admit that I was concerned that powered-food would be absolutely abysmal, but I have (so-far) been proven wrong. I chopped up some green peppers and added them to the omelet. I also peeled and sliced a cucumber and had that on the side. I was full and satisfied, success.

Dinner was also delicious, my boyfriend barbequed small lean steak (5 oz.) and we had lettuce and cucumber. I also made a delicious, homemade Italian dressing that made salad much more enjoyable. Needless to say, following my class, my day greatly improved.

Here Goes Nothing (Day 1)

Well, I was right. This is HARD.

Let me preface this by explaining my idiocy in my start-up. I am a very organized person. Meticulous about the smallest of things, especially when it comes to my studies. However, I am extremely forgetful. That being said, my goal was to begin this diet on November 1^st. However, when my alarm woke me up on November 1^st, I realized I had not purchased a scale. (I have been avoiding this terror for quite some time.) I meant to buy one so that I could start out right. Oh well, November 2^nd, here I came…

November 2^nd I weighed myself, had a heart-attack, and got ready for work set to start the program. That’s when I realized that I had forgotten my Mango-Peach flavored breakfast drink. But, this go-getter was not about to postpone this thing any further. So I set out to work my shift and decided I would eat when I got home at about 1:30 p.m.

Wow, was I hungry. When you’re used to making the Timmies stop for breakfast and grabbing a bite with co-workers for lunch, it’s tough to just NOT eat anything. As my stomach growled on the way home, I stopped and bought some lettuce. Lunch could not have come quicker.

I made the Chicken Flavored Soup and a salad with plain white vinegar. Soup was delicious, salad was bitter and lacking without dressing. And then I took the supplements. I have to say, that the “Matol” liquid supplement is quite possibly the vilest thing I have ever experienced. How am I supposed to live like this!? For dinner, a small chicken breast, lettuce and a cucumber. And that damn supplement again. However, it was easier than this afternoon, which gives me hope that it will only get better as this diet proceeds.

Basically, this small taste made the program seem impossible. I’m hoping it’s my own mistakes that have limited me. Fingers crossed it gets better from here…

A Day in the Life

Just so any readers can understand just how the program unfolds each day for me, here is a breakdown of my eating for the first while on the program:

Breakfast: 1 Matol protein food
Lunch: 1 Matol protein food with vegetables and unlimited salad
Dinner: 1 portion of protein with vegetables and unlimited salad
Snack: 1 Matol protein food of your choice, after supper

Now unfortunately, it’s not as simple as ANY vegetable. There are lists of veggies that the program recommends as unlimited, one portion per meal, and once or twice a week. Additionally, there are recommendations that they provide for the protein that you are responsible for at dinner time. I have posted these lists on the homepage for your information.

Also, it’s very important to note that there is a limit of WHAT you cook with. Not only are you eating specific foods, but you are only allowed to season your foods with natural herbs and spices. No sauces, AND no salt. This is starting to seem impossible…

A Little History Sesh...

So, before I start posting about my experiences with this diet, I figured that my (potential) readers would like to know exactly what it is that I’m doing. The Matol Diet credits itself as, “a four-stage treatment plan that, if followed, will empower you to lose those unwanted pounds and keep them off. This is the diet plan that works where others have failed. You’ll experience quick results, feel energized, and gain control over your weight forever”. Sounds perfect, right?

I, like many others, was very skeptical when this program was introduced to me. But, I looked into it…and I discovered that it seemed fairly legitimate. The plan is, “a 4-stage treatment that helps stabilize the pancreas and blood sugar levels while burning fat and maintaining muscle and other lean tissue”. It provides the dieter with an eating plan that includes protein foods, select natural foods and a complete nutritional supplementation program.

The stages are broken down in the following manner:
Stage 1: followed until 80% of desired goal is met
Stage 2: followed until the remaining 20% of the goal is met
Stage 3: 14-day gradual reintroduction of healthy carbohydrates and fats
Stage 4: Conscious eating from then on

Stage 1…here I come!