Menu Plan March 6-12, 2016

In an effort to get back eating the Trim Healthy Mama (THM) way, I've got to get back into menu planning.  You will see lots of salads since it's the easiest side to eat with mostly any meat.  I've also grown very fond of sauteed brussels sprouts, so those will be a staple side, too.  We are still busy with lots of activities that keep us (at least one of us) out of the house some nights, so it's hard to find quick, easy meals to cook.  However, I have to try.  Here's what's cooking this week...

Sunday -- YOYO
Monday -- Frikadellen, Pasta (boys only), Brussels Sprouts
Tuesday -- YOYO
Wednesday -- Buffalo Chicken Bites, Salad
Thursday -- YOYO (Bible Study potluck)
Friday -- Pizza Casserole, Salad
Saturday -- Hamburgers (bunless for me), Salad (chips for boys)

What's cooking at YOUR house this week?

Menu Plan September 20-26, 2015

It's been a while since I posted a menu plan.  I'm really trying to get back into planning out meals now that our schedule is so busy.  With us being out of the house 4 days a week, sometimes twice a day, I have to have a plan in place.  Otherwise, we will end up eating out or eating garbage.

So, wish me luck as I try to get back into the menu planning groove.  Here's what's cooking this week...

Sunday -- Pizza Casserole, Salad
Monday -- YOYO
Tuesday -- Hamburgers, Salad
Wednesday -- Frikadellen, Green Beans & Mushrooms, Pasta
Thursday -- Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Friday -- Spaghetti, Salad
Saturday -- Turkey Tenderloin, Gravy, Sweet Potato Tots, Green Beans & Mushrooms

***I am still following the Trim Healthy Mama (THM) plan; however, I have been very slack the past month or so.  I'm trying to get back into that groove as well.  Please note that if you see pasta on my menu, I'm not eating it...it's for my boys and husband.  The only pasta I eat is the occasional Dreamfields when we are having spaghetti.  Most of my meals still fall within the THM guidelines, but some of the sides aren't, so I won't partake of them.  I just didn't want anyone from THM who has followed my blog to be confused and think that I'm eating off plan.***

Trim Healthy Mama Week 12 in Review

As you all know, I've been following the Trim Healthy Mama plan for 12 weeks. For me, personally, it's time to take a step back and become more relaxed with it. I'm not throwing in the towel, going back to sugar, white flours, potatoes, and rice. However, I'm going to stop my weekly blog posts. I'm also going to stop weighing in daily (something I never really did...I didn't even weigh daily at the beginning of this). I'm hoping I can discipline myself to weigh in once a month and take measurements once a month. I know the plan works, and it's a great one that can be maintained for life because you can always start over in three hours. However, I feel it has consumed my life. I've journaled everything I've eaten, taken pictures, blogged about it, posted it to Facebook and Instagram, etc. I don't want THM to consume me or my life. I'm not stopping, but I'm not going to write it all down, take pictures, post about it, etc. I'll post once a month check-ins on my blog just to keep myself accountable.

Like I told my husband, as long as my clothes fit better, and I'm able to buy smaller sizes when needed, and feel better...then that's really what matters. The number on the scale is really just that...a number. It should never own or define me. I look and feel better than I did 12 weeks ago, and I can fit into a size or two smaller (depending on the brand, style, etc). But again, that is not going to define me. I don't want to become so neurotic and obsessed by this that I forget to live and enjoy life.

If I want to have a French fry or two while eating out, I will. If I want a slice of bread while eating out, I'll enjoy it. If my hubby brings me home a Snicker, I'll eat it. However, I'm not going to gorge on French fries, bread, or off plan treats. But -- I don't want to fret if I do have one on occasion. The beauty of THM is that you can always start over in 3 hours (the time it takes your body to burn fuels between meals).

I also know that by continuing to add in exercise, my body is going to react differently. The number on the scale may go up, stay the same, or go down. My measurements may shift, increase, etc. So, with that in mind, it's just not going to be wise to continue in the same way I was earlier in the plan. I may also need to consume more calories because I'm burning more (an area where I will struggle I know).

It seems that this week has really pushed me into a different perspective. We celebrated our 15th anniversary, a holiday, and our oldest son's 12th birthday. While I think I did okay, I know I wasn't completely on plan. I stumbled and slipped a few times. I did make conscious efforts to try to stay on plan, but I also made conscious efforts to consume some off plan treats, too. The fact that I'm going to Georgia for a week on Saturday helps, too, because I can't weigh myself; I won't blog about my meals; I will not be eating fully on plan due to travel and hotel stays; etc. So, it seems that now is the perfect time to make the transition to a less structured approach.

I know the premise of THM, which is not to combine my fuels, and I know to watch my portion sizes. There's no way I can continue eating the way I did prior to THM and expect to see results...it's that simple.
Over the course of the past 12 weeks, I've made some very positive changes. I've eliminated most sugar from my diet, and I'm very conscious of nutrition labels, ingredients, and types of fuels (carbs, proteins, etc) and their effects on the body. I've also eliminated white processed flours from my diet...no more white flour, white rice, starchy potatoes, etc. I've replaced those with sprouted flours, brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes (although I haven't eaten any, I know it's a replacement for white starchy potatoes), etc. I've learned to bake with coconut flour, almond flour, flax meal, etc. I've also learned how to use sugar substitutes like Stevia, Erythritol, Just Like Sugar, etc. I have learned to enjoy my unsweet tea sweetened with the aforementioned sugar substitutes, and I've learned to enjoy Zevia as a soda replacement. I've come to enjoy Lily's Chocolates as a replacement for Snickers, Twix, etc. Exercise has also become a part of life...granted, I'm not as disciplined as I'd like to be, but I'm definitely moving more than I did 12 weeks ago. Finally, I am very conscious of every bite that goes into my body, and I try to make wise choices. I'm not perfect, and I never will be; however, I'm trying, learning, and growing (not physically though thankfully) daily through this process.  

So, with all of this said, there will be no scale results or inches lost this week. I'm still keeping up with my results, and I may include them when I post monthly, but I'm not going to promise that. While I've enjoyed sharing those results, I again, don't want to feel like they consume or define me.

Anyway, I have to do this for me. I am a believer of THM, and I'm very pleased with the pounds and inches I've lost over the past 12 weeks. However, it's time to live life as a THM, as opposed to letting THM be my life.

Trim Healthy Mama Week 11 in Review

Here we are at week 11 on Trim Healthy Mama (THM)...to top the end of this week off, today is also our 15th wedding anniversary...15 years ago, I married my best friend.  Wow, time sure has flown.

Here's what I ate during this past week (you'll notice less pictures, and that's because I ate the same thing for several days or it's something I've posted many times before)...

Week 11 meals
Day One
Breakfast -- 2 blueberry muffins, bacon, eggs w/cheese (S)
Lunch -- hot turkey and cheese; 000 yogurt with a cutie (E)
Snack -- 2 blueberry muffins with coffee (S)
Supper -- Pizza quesadilla with a salad (S)

Day Two
Breakfast -- 2 blueberry muffins with bacon (S)
Lunch -- hot turkey and cheese with a peach (E)
Snack -- cashews, blueberry muffin, coffee (S)
Supper -- pizza casserole with a salad (S)

Day Three
Breakfast -- 2 blueberry muffins, cheese eggs, bacon (S)
Lunch -- cheesecake smoothie (S)
Snack -- same as Day Two (S)
Supper -- same as Day Two (S)
Dessert -- cupcake with frosting (S)

Day Four
Breakfast -- same as Day Three (S)
Lunch -- hot turkey and cheese with a nectarine (E)
Snack -- cupcake with coffee (S)
Supper -- 2 fried eggs, bacon, blueberry muffin (S)

Day Five
Breakfast -- 2 blueberry muffins, bacon (S)
Lunch -- same as yesterday (E)
Snack -- 000 yogurt with apples (E)
Supper -- cheeseburger pie with salad (S)

Day Six

Breakfast -- bacon and eggs (S)
Lunch -- hot ham and cheese; 1/2 000 yogurt with a nectarine (E)
Snack -- cheesecake smoothie (S)
Supper -- same as Day Five (S)
Dessert -- cupcake (S)

Day Seven
Breakfast -- 3 THM pancakes smeared with cream cheese and Polaner spread; 1/2 000 yogurt with a cutie (E)
Lunch -- taco salad with a nectarine (E)
Snack -- cheesecake smoothie (S)
Supper -- 3 THM pancakes smeared with cream cheese and Polaner spread; 1/2 000 yogurt with a cutie (E)

Number of Each Meal Type
S -- 21
E -- 9

Scale Results
Week 1:  5.2 lbs
Week 2:  1.6 lbs
Week 3:  0.4 lbs
Week 4:  1.6 lbs
Week 5:  1.6 lbs
Week 6:  1 lb
Week 7:  1 lb
Week 8:  1.2 lbs
Week 9:  +0.2 lbs
Week 10:  2 lbs
Week 11:  1.8 lbs
TOTAL weight loss so far:  17.2 lbs

I'm really pleased with my results on THM, and I'm really proud of myself for sticking with this program.  The best thing is that this is something that I can implement for life...I'm not denying myself any food groups, either.  I'm also able to go out to eat and enjoy a good meal with my family. I try to stay on plan, but should I go off plan, the best part is that I can start again in 3 hours.  I'm really LOVING THM.  If you'd like to check out more on THM, please click through my affiliate link.  It doesn't affect your purchase, but it does offer me a small percentage for sharing my love of THM with you and keeping up with the blog.  Please ask me any questions in the comments...I love encouraging others who want to learn more or need some extra help.

Trim Healthy Mama Week 10 in Review

Well, here we are at week 10 on Trim Healthy Mama (THM).  This week was the first time I really ventured way off plan for a meal...but it wasn't even a meal.  It was a snack, but since it wasn't the best choice, I counted it as a meal.  I'll share what it was, but this is not something I plan on doing on a regular basis.  It was a rare treat, and hey, live without regrets!

Week 10 Meals
Day One
Breakfast -- 3 THM pancakes; 1/2 000 yogurt with a cutie (E)
Lunch -- chicken taco slider; chickpea salad; apple (E)
Snack -- smoothie with a chocolate chip cookie (S)
Supper -- grilled salmon burger with a salad (S)
Dessert -- chocolate chip cookies (S)

Day Two
Breakfast -- 3 THM pancakes; 1/2 000 yogurt with a cutie (E)
Lunch -- hot ham and cheese on Angelic hamburger bun; 1/2 000 yogurt with a cutie (E)
Snack -- smoothie (FP)
Supper -- Outback's cobb salad with grilled chicken and Ranch (S)

Day Three
Breakfast -- 3 THM pancakes; 1/2 000 yogurt with a cutie (E)
Lunch -- same as day two (E)
Snack -- cheesecake smoothie and cookies (S)
Supper -- German frikadellen; steamed cauliflower; salad (S)

Day Four
Breakfast -- 1 blueberry muffin; 2 egg muffins; 3 pieces bacon (S)
Lunch -- Progresso Light Chicken & Dumpling soup; 000 yogurt with a cutie (E)
Snack -- cheesecake smoothie with cookies (S)
Supper -- grilled salmon burger with a salad (S)

Day Five
Breakfast -- same as day four (S)
Lunch -- Outback's cobb salad with grilled chicken and Ranch (S)
Snack -- cookies, cashews, and coffee (S)
Supper -- tutti frutti yogurt topped with kiwis, strawberries, pineapple, and Skittles (OFF PLAN)***

Day Six
Breakfast -- same as day four (S)
Lunch -- 2 THM pancakes; 000 yogurt with a cutie (E)
Snack -- cheesecake smoothie (S)
Supper -- Longhorn's grilled chicken and strawberry salad (Crossover)

Day Seven
Breakfast -- same as day four (S)
Lunch -- cheesecake smoothie (S)
Snack -- skipped due to timing
Supper -- grilled lamb chops with salad (S)

Number of Each Meal Type
S --17
E -- 8
Crossover -- 1
Fuel Pull -- 1

Scale Results
Week 1:  5.2 lbs
Week 2:  1.6 lbs
Week 3:  0.4 lbs
Week 4:  1.6 lbs
Week 5:  1.6 lbs
Week 6:  1 lb
Week 7:  1 lb
Week 8:  1.2 lbs
Week 9:  +0.2 lbs
Week 10: 2 lbs 
TOTAL weight loss so far:  15.4 lbs

***This was a rare treat.  My husband is a finance manager at a car dealership.  With that said, he gets limited time off.  Being that the end of the month and a holiday are approaching, he will be working everyday from today through July 4th.  So, since it was Father's Day, and we were enjoying some down time, the boys wanted to go get some frozen yogurt.  This is not something we enjoy very often at all...even though there's a fro-yo shop five minutes from our home...LOL!  I wanted to pass and stay home, but my husband and boys asked me to go.  So, I obliged, and I did enjoy the treat.  I was also pleased with the scale results the next morning...I was down a whole pound...granted, it's not an endorsement to eat off plan, but sometimes, that extra junk can kick your weight loss back into order.  As my husband explained, my muscles may have needed the extra glycogen...whatever all that means.***

This week, I really tried to focus on having more protein in my afternoon snack.  I did this by enjoying a shake.  Protein shakes are not my favorite, but if I can add in yogurt, then it's easier to consume.  Adding in cream cheese makes it even better, too.  I also tried to not have very man snacks/desserts after 8pm.  I'm hoping maybe this will help with the weight loss as well.  Also, I focused really hard on working out this week.  Each day, I would find something to do...some days it was on You Tube and others it was an arm workout program with hand weights.  I also did abs each day.  I'm really hoping that doing this will help on the scale, but also help with toning up the loose skin.

As always, please feel free to click on my affiliate link to learn more about THM or to order any products.  It doesn't affect your purchase at all, but it does give me a little kickback for sharing THM with you.

Trim Healthy Mama Week 9 in Review

I'm just going to admit...this was probably the hardest week on Trim Healthy Mama (THM) I've had.  There were a few nights I just didn't know what to cook...it would have been easier to just run through the drive-thru.  Thankfully, though, I didn't do that...I followed through and cooked something.  I don't know why this week was hard, but that's ok...I'm still on plan and that is what counts.

Week 9 Meals
Day One
Breakfast -- 3 THM pancakes; 1/2 000 yogurt with an apple (E)
Lunch -- cheesecake smoothie (S)
Snack -- cashews with coffee (S)
Supper -- creamy baked chicken with salad (S)

Day Two
Breakfast -- 3 THM pancakes; 1/2 000 yogurt with a cutie (E)
Lunch -- taco salad; cutie (E)
Snack -- cashews with Zevia (S)
Supper -- salmon burger with salad (S)

Day Three
Breakfast -- 3 THM pancakes; 1/2 000 yogurt with an apple (E)
Lunch -- Progresso Light chicken noodle soup; 1/4 cup chick peas; 1/2 000 yogurt with an apple (E)
Supper -- 2 fried eggs; 4 sausage balls; 1 blueberry muffin (S)
Dessert -- strawberries; Lily's chocolate chips; splash of heavy cream (S)

Day Four
Breakfast -- 2 fried eggs with bacon (S)
Lunch -- Canadian ham on an Angelic Bakehouse hamburger bun (added 1/2 slice of ultra thin cheddar cheese and a smear of mayo); chick pea salad; cutie (E)
Snack -- chocolate chip cookies with coffee (S)
Supper -- beef stroganoff over Dreamfield's pasta; salad (S)

Day Five
Breakfast -- cheesecake smoothie (S)
Lunch -- chick pea salad; 000 with an orange (E)
Snack -- chocolate chip cookies with coffee (S)
Supper -- bunless cheeseburger with a salad (S)

Day Six
Breakfast -- 3 THM pancakes; 1/2 000 yogurt with a cutie (E)
Lunch -- hot turkey and cheese on an Angelic Bakehouse hamburger bun (1/2 slice of ultra thin cheese and smear of Duke's light mayo); 1/2 000 yogurt with a cutie (E)
Snack -- chocolate chip cookies with coffee (S)
Supper -- chicken taco meat in a low carb tortilla topped with lettuce and light sour cream; cucumbers with Ranch (S)
Snack/Dessert -- chocolate chip cookies (S)

Day Seven
Breakfast  -- 3 THM pancakes; 1/2 000 yogurt with a cutie (E)
Lunch -- chicken taco meat in 1/2 Joseph's lavash with 1 laughing cow cheese wedge and sprinkle of Mexican cheese; topped with lettuce and Walden Farms chipotle ranch dressing (FP)
Snack -- 000 yogurt with 1 tbsp chopped pecans (FP)
Supper -- same as lunch (FP)

Number of Each Meal Type
S -- 16
E -- 10
FP -- 3

Scale Results
Week 1:  5.2 lbs
Week 2:  1.6 lbs
Week 3:  0.4 lbs
Week 4:  1.6 lbs
Week 5:  1.6 lbs
Week 6:  1 lb
Week 7:  1 lb
Week 8:  1.2 lbs
Week 9:  +0.2lbs
TOTAL weight loss so far:  13.4 lbs

So, another week with more results.  I know I sound like a broken record, but you can tell from this week's weigh-in, it's about more than the scale.  I may not be happy with the results, and I might try to sit and analyze why they were what they are, but that doesn't mean I should just throw in the towel and go back to my old eating habits.  I'll continue forward and see what I can do to get back to a negative loss next week.

As always, feel free to comment or ask me any questions.  If you want to know more about Trim Healthy Mama, I'd love if you clicked through my affiliate link.  It doesn't affect your purchase, but it does offer me a small percentage for sharing THM with you.

Happy THMing everyone!

Trim Healthy Mama Week 8 in Review

It's been almost two months (the 15th will be officially two months) since I started Trim Healthy Mama (THM).  I think I've mentioned before that I really wish I would have started sooner.  I would be so much further along in my weight loss journey, but that's okay...I'm making progress now, and that's what really matters.  Here's what I ate during week 8...

Week 8 Meals
Day One
Breakfast -- 3 THM pancakes smeared with cream cheese and Polaner; 1/2 000 yogurt with an apple (E)
Lunch -- Taco Salad (1/2 cup beef, 1/2 cup black beans, bit of Mexican cheese, lettuce) topped with Walden Farms dressing (zero fat/zero carbs...sweetened with monk fruit extract) (E)
Snack -- chocolate chip cookies with coffee (S)
Supper -- pizza casserole with salad (S)

Day Two
Breakfast -- 3 THM pancakes; 1/2 orange with 1/2 000 yogurt (E)
Lunch -- strawberry chocolate cheesecake smoothie (greek yogurt, almond milk, frozen strawberries, cream cheese, Lily's chocolate chips, 1/2 scoop THM protein powder, bit of sweet blend) (S)
Snack -- chocolate chip cookies (S)
Supper -- pizza casserole with cucumbers and Ranch (S)

Day Three
Breakfast -- 3 THM pancakes; 000 yogurt w/an orange (E)
Lunch -- pizza casserole (S)
Snack -- chocolate chip cookies with coffee (S)
Supper -- 2 fried eggs over spinach with bacon (S)
Snack -- chocolate chip cookies (S)

Day Four
Breakfast -- 3 THM pancakes (E)
Lunch -- Progresso light chicken & dumpling soup; orange w/ 1/2 000 yogurt (E)
Snack -- 1/2 000 yogurt w/an orange (E)
Supper -- grilled chicken sausage with a salad (S)

Day Five
Breakfast -- bacon and fried eggs (S) 
Lunch -- 1/2 chicken sausage; salad; 000 yogurt w/orange (E)
Snack -- cookies with coffee (S)
Supper -- Alfredo Beef & Broccoli with salad (S)

Day Six
Breakfast -- fried eggs with bacon (S)
Lunch -- taco salad (E)
Snack -- 000 yogurt with an orange (E)
Supper -- Alfredo beef & broccoli with salad (S)

Day Seven
Breakfast -- 1 blueberry muffin; 5 sausage balls; 1 fried egg (S)
Lunch -- Outback's cobb salad (minus the croutons and tomatoes) with grilled chicken and Ranch (S)
Snack -- 000 peach yogurt with 1/4 cup pecans (S)
Supper -- 3 THM pancakes; 000 yogurt with an orange (E)

Number of Each Meal Type
S -- 18
E -- 11

Scale Results
Week 1 loss:  5.2 lbs
Week 2 loss:  1.6 lbs
Week 3 loss:  0.4 lbs
Week 4 loss:  1.6 lbs
Week 5 loss:  1.6 lbs
Week 6 loss:  1 lb
Week 7 loss:  1 lb
Week 8 loss:  1.2 lbs
TOTAL weight loss so far:  13.6 lbs

Inches Lost
Month 1:  5.5
Month 2:  7.5
TOTAL inches lost:  13

I've mentioned many times that it's not about the scale, but about how you feel and inches lost as well.  I am very pleased with the amount of inches I've lost over the course of 8 weeks.  Even though I can't see a whole lot of difference in some areas, the numbers don't lie.  I am smaller than I was 8 weeks ago...even if it's not super noticeable.  As always, feel free to ask me any questions or post any comments.  I love hearing from you all.  If you're interested in learning more about THM, I'd love for you to click through my affiliate link to learn more.  You are not affected in any way, but it does offer me a small percentage for sharing my love for THM and their products.

Happy THMing friends.

Trim Healthy Mama and freezer cooking

If you've followed my blog for any length of time, then you'll know that I go through spurts when I like to stock my freezer full of yummy goodness.  Well, I thought I'd try to do that with a few Trim Healthy Mama ideas, too.  I don't have a whole lot to share, but I'll share two that I did this week.  I'll also share some others that I've frozen just because they made too much to eat and store in the fridge.

E Taco Salad mix
This is 1/2 cup taco seasoned ground beef (drained/rinsed) and 1/2 cup black beans.  This is a great start to an E taco salad.  I've had this with lettuce, a bit of Mexican cheese (less than 2 tbsp), and Walden Farms fat free/calorie free dressing (the ones sweetened with monk fruit, not sucralose).  I used 1 large can of black beans and 1.5 lbs of organic grass-fed beef...I was able to get 8 servings.

S, E, or FP Grilled Chicken
I got the marinade recipe for this grilled chicken from a fellow homeschool and THM friend.  It's probably not for the purist, but I don't claim to be one.  It's 3/4 cup Kraft Lite Zesty Italian dressing and 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce (sugar free).  I mixed all of that together and added three packs of all-natural thin-sliced chicken breasts.  I let that marinate over night, and then I grilled it up the next day.  Since I tossed out over half of the marinade, there's really not enough fat or carbs in this to matter.  I think it was around 1g of each, so that's how it can fit into all three meal types.  I was going to slice it and freeze it that way, but I decided to just leave them whole to give more serving options.  This can be served up with some non-starchy veggies with butter for an S, served up with a sweet potato or other plan-approved grain for an E, or eaten over a salad with the Walden Farms dressing for an FP.  The versatility is endless.

Other THM items that freeze well...
Now, I've also frozen several different items once I was tired of eating on them for a few days.

THM sausage balls
THM fudgy brownies
various muffins
chocolate chip cookies

I've also heard that the THM E pancakes from the book freeze well, too, but I haven't tried that yet.  There are three of us in my family that'll eat those, so they don't typically last too long when I make up a batch.

If you're interested in learning more about THM, please click through my affiliate link.  It doesn't affect your purchase at all, but it does offer me a small percentage for sharing THM with you.  Feel free to ask any questions via the comments.

Trim Healthy Mama Week 7 in Review

Here we are at the end of week 7 in my Trim Healthy Mama (THM) journey.  If you've been following my journey, then you know that I've posted that it's getting easier and easier.  Again, for me, the key is to find what works and just make that your plan.  If that means eating the same meal a few days in a row, so be it...it makes it simple.  I also (as you know from following my journey) write down every meal, and I also take pictures.  I can always go back and look for ideas or see the nutritional content of something I've already prepared.  Yes, I'm a numbers girl...I write down the fat, carbs, and protein of nearly every item in my meals (at least the first time).  You don't have to do that with this plan, but since I'm just a bit anal retentive and OCD, it's what works for me.  That's the key...do what works for YOU!

Week 7 Meals
Day One
Breakfast -- 2 banana muffins; 000 yogurt; small apple (E)
Lunch -- 2 fried eggs over spinach with bacon (S)
Snack -- lemon cupcake with cream cheese icing with coffee (S)
Supper --  kielbasa, steamed cauliflower, sauteed squash and zucchini (S)

Day Two
Breakfast -- same as Day One (E)
Lunch -- McDonald's grilled chicken southwest salad (minus the tortillas) (S Helper) **
Snack -- skipped due to late lunch and being off schedule
Supper -- grilled pork chop with salad (S)
Snack/Dessert -- lemon cupcake with icing (S)

Day Three
Breakfast -- 3 THM pancakes (E)
Lunch -- 3 pieces Canadian bacon with a salad (S)
Snack -- skipped due to being off schedule
Supper -- Cracker Barrel's grilled chicken tenderloins, steamed broccoli, green beans, and turnip greens (S)
Snack/Dessert -- Lily's Chocolates (S)

Day Four
Breakfast -- 3 banana muffins; yogurt with an apple (E)
Lunch -- same as Day Three (S)
Snack -- THM fudgy brownie with cream cheese icing (S)
Supper -- grilled salmon burger smeared with mayo; salad (S)

Day Five 
Breakfast -- 2 fried eggs with bacon (S)
Lunch -- same as Day Three (S)
Snack -- skipped due to being off schedule
Supper -- grilled lamb chops with a salad (S)
Snack/Dessert -- THM fudgy brownie with cream cheese icing (S)

Day Six
Breakfast -- 3 THM pancakes; 1/2 000 yogurt with 1/2 a seedless orange (E)
Lunch -- Taco salad (black beans, taco meat, lettuce, cheese, and Walden Farms fat free dressing); 1/2 000 yogurt with 1/2 a seedless orange (E)
Snack -- 2 'Just Like Nestle' chocolate chip cookies with coffee (S)
Supper -- spaghetti (served over Dreamfields pasta) with a salad (S)
Snack/Dessert -- 'Just Like Nestle' chocolate chip cookies (S)

Day Seven
Breakfast -- 3 THM pancakes; 1/2 000 yogurt with an apple (E)
Lunch -- grilled chicken over salad (FP)
Snack -- 000 yogurt with 1 tbsp chopped pecans (FP)
Supper -- 2 fried eggs over spinach with mushrooms and bacon (S)
Snack/Dessert -- 'Just Like Nestle' chocolate chip cookies (S)

Number of Each Meal Type
S -- 20
E -- 7
FP -- 2
S Helper -- 1

Now, onto the results from the scale...
Week 1 loss:  5.2 lbs
Week 2 loss:  1.6 lbs
Week 3 loss:  0.4 lbs
Week 4 loss:  1.6 lbs
Week 5 loss:  1.6 lbs
Week 6 loss:  1 lb
Week 7 loss:  1 lbs
TOTAL weight loss so far:  12.4 lbs

If you're interested in learning more about THM, please click through my affiliate link.  It doesn't affect your purchase at all, but it does offer me a small kickback for spreading my THM encouragement.  Feel free to ask any questions or ask for any recipes in the comments.  I'd love to hear from some fellow THMers.

My Favorite 'S' THM meals

I know I haven't been on THM long enough to have a whole list of favorites yet, but I thought I'd share a few favorite 'S' meals.  If you're not familiar with Trim Healthy Mama (THM), S stands for Satisfying.  These are meals that are high in fat and low in carbs.  In my opinion, these are easier for me because they're more in line with the way I cooked/ate prior to THM anyway.  There's not much thinking involved as long as you remember to limit your carbs to 10g.

Here are a few favorites:

S Breakfasts:
Eggs (cooked any way) with bacon or THM sausage balls
S muffins with eggs and bacon
Egg scrambles (eggs and veggies of choice)
Egg muffins (recipe found in the THM book)

S Lunches/Suppers:
Taco salad (just don't eat the shell unless you use an on-plan low-carb tortilla)
Beef/cheese quesadilla (sometimes I add 1 tbsp black beans) using an on-plan low-carb tortilla
Spaghetti over Dreamfields pasta (cooked as directed and using 3/4-1 cup cooked pasta) with salad
Grilled meats (chicken sausage, Wild Alaskan Salmon Burger) with salad or grilled veggies
Bunless hamburger with salad
Chicken salad served inside a Joseph's pita with veggies dipped in Ranch dressing
Pizza on a Joseph's Lavash
Deli meat smeared with cream cheese and wrapped up with peppers and cucumbers
Fried eggs over a bed of spinach with sauteed mushrooms and bacon **can be breakfast**
Fried eggs served over 1/2 an avocado with bacon **can be breakfast**
Pizza casserole (from the THM book) with salad
S smoothie (Greek yogurt, almond milk, frozen berries, 1/2 scoop THM protein powder, cream cheese, dash of sweet blend) **can be breakfast or snack/dessert**

S Snacks/Desserts:
000 yogurt with 1/4 cup chopped pecans
Luscious lemon cake with macerated strawberries
10 squares of Lily's chocolates
Sliced strawberries, chopped up Lily's chocolates, splash of heavy cream

S Restaurant Choices***:
Outback -- Alice Springs Chicken with steamed broccoli
Longhorn's -- Parmesan crusted chicken with green beans and broccoli (I usually choose the lighter option and I bring home 2/3 of the chicken to get 2 extra meals at home)
Chili's -- Grilled chicken fajitas (without the tortillas) served over lettuce with sour cream, cheese, and guacamole
Olive Garden -- Chicken alfredo served over steamed broccoli (instead of the pasta)
***We typically eat out 1-2 times a week, sometimes less.  My husband works an hour away from home, and it's easier to just meet at a restaurant if I've been busy carting our boys around to activities.  I also want a break from cooking sometimes.***

I hope this helps some of you THMers out.  I know it can seem overwhelming at first, but hang in there...it does get easier.  I think the key is building up a repertoire of favorites that are easy and delicious.

What are some of your S favorites?  Please share your ideas as well.

Trim Healthy Mama Week 6 in Review

Wow, 6 weeks of eating the Trim Healthy Mama (THM) way...I didn't know if I'd keep up with it when I first started.  But -- I'm glad I have.  I'll admit, there are days when I think about eating off plan and just saying "whatever," but I really try not to do that.  Have I cheated?  Yes, I have.  But -- have I done anything I regretted while eating off plan?  No, not really because I haven't gorged on any off plan foods.  I may have snuck a French fry or two, or I may have eaten a slice of bread at a restaurant...but it's nothing compared to the way I ate prior to starting THM.  Plus, with THM, there's a saying..."you can always start again in three hours."  So, if you ever find yourself eating off plan, just remind yourself of that.  That's what make this so do-able...it's something you really can maintain for life and not feel deprived or cheated.

So, what did I eat during week 6...

Week 6 Meals

Day One

Breakfast -- 1 blueberry muffin; 2 fried eggs; 3 pieces of bacon (S)

Lunch -- 2 sourdough wasa crackers smeared with cream cheese and Polaner spread; 000 yogurt with 1/2 a mango (E)

Snack -- 000 peach yogurt with 1/4 cup pecans (S)

Supper -- grilled chicken sausage; grilled zucchini and squash (S)

Snack/Dessert -- strawberries, chopped up Lily's chocolate, splash of heavy cream (S)

Day Two

Breakfast -- 1 blueberry muffin; 4 sausage balls; 1 fried egg (S)

Lunch -- leftover grilled chicken sausage; salad (S)

Snack -- 000 yogurt w/seedless orange (E)

Supper -- Chili's chicken fajitas served over lettuce with sour cream, cheese, and guacamole (S)

Snack/Dessert -- same as Day One (S)

Day Three

Breakfast -- same as Day Two (S)

Lunch -- 1 can Progresso Light Chicken Noodle soup; 1 sourdough wasa cracker; 000 yogurt with an apple (E)

Snack -- 000 yogurt with 1/4 cup pecans (S)

Supper -- grilled salmon burger smeared with mayo; salad (S)

Day Four

Breakfast -- same as Day Two (S)

Lunch -- 2 sourdough wasa crackers; 1 laughing cow cheese wedge; 3 pieces turkey; cucumber; 1/4 cup 000 yogurt with an apple (E)

Snack -- Lily's chocolate with coffee (S)

Supper -- 2 fried eggs over spinach with mushrooms and bacon (S)

Day Five 

Breakfast -- 3 THM pancakes smeared with cream cheese and Polaner spread; 1/4 cup 000 yogurt w/an apple (E)

Lunch -- 1 can Progresso Light Beef Pot Roast soup; 1 sourdough wasa cracker; apple (E)

Snack -- 2 banana muffins w/coffee (E)

Supper -- Pizza casserole with salad (S)

Day Six

Breakfast -- 3 THM pancakes smeared with cream cheese and Polaner spread; apple (E)

Lunch -- leftover pizza casserole with salad (S)

Snack -- lemon cupcake with coffee (S)

Supper -- low carb tortilla quesadilla filled with taco meat, 1 tbsp black beans, and cheese topped with lettuce and 1 tbsp light sour cream (S)

Day Seven

Breakfast -- 3 THM pancakes (E)

Lunch -- Olive Garden's chicken alfredo served over steamed broccoli w/small salad (S)

Snack -- 000 peach yogurt w/1 tbsp chopped pecans (FP)

Supper -- 9 tbsp liquid egg whites (equivalent of 3 egg whites), mushrooms, onions, spinach, and 1 laughing cow white cheddar wedge scrambled and stuffed inside a Joseph's pita (FP)
Snack/Dessert -- luscious lemon cake (I just used egg whites) with macerated strawberries (FP)

Number of Each Meal Type

S -- 19

E -- 9

FP -- 2

Now, for the results on the scale...

Week 1 loss:  5.2 lbs

Week 2 loss:  1.6 lbs

Week 3 loss:  0.4 lbs

Week 4 loss:  1.6 lbs

Week 5 loss:  1.6 lbs

Week 6 loss:  1 lb

Total weight loss so far:  11.4 lbs

I've mentioned over and over about how it really isn't just about the scale.  I'll be the first to tell you that I DO love seeing the number on the scale go down.  But -- it's more about how you feel.  I've lost more inches, I know, but I won't report on that until the end of week 8.  So, just because you don't like the number on the scale, don't feel like it's time to throw in the towel and give up.  Keep at it and know that you're doing more than just losing pounds.  You are working at a healthier YOU, and that's what really matters.  

As always, if you want to learn more about Trim Healthy Mama, I'd love it if you clicked through my affiliate link.  It doesn't affect you at all, but it does give me a small kickback for sharing THM with you.  Feel free to comment with any questions, ask for recipes, or anything else.  I love to hear how other THMers are doing.  

Trim Healthy Mama Week 5 in Review

It's hard to believe that I've been following the Trim Healthy Mama (THM) way of eating for 5 weeks.  I know I keep saying this, but it really isn't that much work or very hard.  I know it took me a while to come around and follow the lead of many of my friends who had already started their THM journey because it seemed so overwhelming.  But -- I think that once you grasp the main concept of separating your fuels each meal and eliminating sugar, then it's easier to implement.  I know that I have really benefited from seeing other people's posts of their meals in the Facebook groups.  While it can be overwhelming and sometimes discouraging sometimes, it helps to "see" what others are eating.  It also gives me ideas.  I hope that's what my weekly posts are doing for some of you...offering support, encouragement, visuals, and ideas on how to implement this way of eating.

Here's what I ate during the 5th week...

Week Five Meals
Day One
Breakfast -- 2 egg muffins; 4 sausage balls; 1 blueberry muffin (S)
Lunch -- cheesecake smoothie (S)
Snack -- skipped due to being out and about
Supper -- salmon burger smeared with mayo; salad (S)

Day Two
Breakfast -- 3 THM pancakes (I always top mine with cream cheese and Polaner spread...staying within 5g fat); seedless orange; 1/4 cup fat free Greek yogurt (E)
Lunch -- smoothie; apple (E)
Snack -- pepperoni chips; cheese crisps (S)
Supper -- Longhorn's strawberry and chicken salad (Crossover)

Day Three
Breakfast -- 3 THM pancakes; 2 pieces 96% fat free Canadian bacon (E)
Lunch -- 1/2 Joseph's lavash pizza (S)
Snack -- 000 coconut creme yogurt with a seedless orange (E)
Supper -- meatloaf with salad (S)

Day Four
Breakfast -- 3 THM pancakes; seedless orange with fat free Greek yogurt (E)
Lunch -- 1/2 Joseph's lavash pizza (S)
Snack -- 000 coconut creme yogurt with a seedless orange (E)
Supper -- 2 fried eggs over 1/2 an avocado; bacon (S)

Day Five
Breakfast -- 3 THM pancakes (E)
Lunch -- 2 fried eggs over 1/2 an avocado; bacon (S)
Snack -- 000 banana creme yogurt; sliced strawberries; 1 tbsp chopped pecans (FP)
Supper -- bunless cheeseburger with salad (S)
Snack/Dessert -- sliced strawberries; chopped up squares of Lily's salted almond milk bar; splash of heavy cream (S)

Day Six
Breakfast -- 3 slices Canadian bacon; 000 coconut creme yogurt with 1/2 a mango (E)
Lunch -- 2 fried eggs over 1/2 an avocado; bacon (S)
Snack -- 000 banana creme yogurt; sliced strawberries; 1 tbsp chopped pecans (FP)
Supper -- Longhorn's strawberry and chicken salad (Crossover)

Day Seven
Breakfast -- 2 pieces Canadian bacon; 000 vanilla yogurt with strawberries (FP)
Lunch -- 2 fried eggs over 1/2 an avocado; bacon (S) -- notice I had this multiple times...LOVE it, and it has become a quick new favorite!
Snack -- 2 blueberry muffins; coffee (S)
Supper -- Salmon burger smeared with mayo; salad (S)
Snack/Dessert -- 000 banana creme yogurt, sliced strawberries, and 1 tbsp chopped pecans (FP)

I thought I'd add something new this week (and moving forward)...how many of each meal type I'm eating in a week.  People always ask how you're supposed to break it up, and it really is personal choice.  It is worth noting though that Crossovers are not conducive to weight loss, and I didn't eat my first one until after my first month.  I also don't eat S Helpers because they aren't for weight loss either.
E --  8
S --  15
FP --  4
Crossover -- 2

Now for the results on the scale...
Week 1 loss:  5.2 lbs
Week 2 loss:  1.6 lbs
Week 3 loss:  0.4 lbs
Week 4 loss:  1.6 lbs
Week 5 loss:  1.6 lbs (1.6 seems to be the sweet spot for my body) 
TOTAL weight loss so far:  10.4 lbs 

And I know that I sound like a broken record when I say it's not all about the results on the scale.  While I'll be honest and admit that I like seeing that number go down each week, I'm more interested in how I look and feel.  I mentioned last week that I had lost at least 5.5 inches...and I know that number is increasing weekly.  So, if you don't see progress on the scale, don't get discouraged...take measurements and watch the inches fall off.  Please don't hesitate to ask for encouragement...that's what THM is all about...encouraging one another along the way.  As always, if you're interested in learning more, feel free to click through my affiliate link.  It won't affect your purchase, but it will offer me a small kickback for sharing THM with all of you.

Thanks and happy THMing.

Trim Healthy Mama Week Four in Review

So, I've been eating the Trim Healthy Mama (THM) way for four weeks now.  Each week, it really does get easier and natural.  Now, maybe what makes it easier for me is that I'm okay not having tons of variety...you will notice that I'll eat the same thing for breakfast or lunch for several days in a row...this doesn't bother me.  It makes life easier because I already know what type of meal it is, and usually, the ingredients are prepped and ready to go.

Here's what I ate during week four...

Week Four Meals

Day One
Breakfast -- 2 apple pie muffins; 000 yogurt with a seedless orange (E)
Lunch -- chicken salad in a Joseph's pita; veggies with Ranch (S)
Snack -- 000 yogurt with 1 tbsp chopped pecans (FP)
Supper -- beef and cheese quesadilla; sauteed green beans (S)

Day Two
Breakfast -- 2 apple pie muffins; 000 yogurt with a seedless orange (E)
Lunch -- 3 slices chicken deli meat roll-ups with cream cheese and veggies; 000 yogurt with THM defatted peanut flour and an apple (E)
Snack -- 000 yogurt with 1 tbsp pecans (FP)
Supper -- Outback Steakhouse's Alice Springs Chicken (minus the honey mustard sauce) and steamed broccoli (S)
Dessert -- Lily's chocolate (S)

Day Three **
Breakfast -- same as Day Two (E)
Lunch -- same as Day One (S)
Snack -- same as Day One (FP)
Supper -- 2 fried eggs; 3 pieces bacon; coffee (S)
**We spent most of today at a water park with some homeschool friends, so I was spent from being out in the sun all day.**

Day Four
Breakfast -- 2 apple pie muffins; cottage cheese with a seedless orange (E)
Lunch -- chicken salad in a pita; veggies with Ranch (S)
Snack -- blueberry muffin with coffee (S)
Supper -- Copycat Alice Springs Chicken with a salad (S)

Day Five
Breakfast -- 2 egg muffins; 4 sausage balls; 1 blueberry muffin (S)
Lunch -- Longhorn's parmesan crusted chicken; steamed green beans; steamed broccoli (S)
Snack -- Lily's chocolate with coffee (S)
Supper -- same as lunch (S)

Day Six
Breakfast -- same as Day Five (S)
Lunch -- chicken salad in a pita; veggies with Ranch (S)
Snack -- fat free Greek yogurt with a splash of vanilla extract and sweet blend; seedless orange (E)
Supper -- leftover Parmesan Chicken from Longhorn's with a salad (S)
Dessert/Snack -- luscious lemon cake with macerated strawberries, chopped up Lily's chocolate bar, and whip cream (S)

Day Seven
Breakfast -- same as Day Five (S)
Lunch -- 2 sourdough wasa crackers smeared with cream cheese mixed with defatted peanut flour and Polaner's Raspberry spread; fat free Greek yogurt mixed with sweet blend and a seedless orange (E)
Snack -- 000 yogurt with 1 tbsp chopped pecans (FP)
Supper -- same as Day Four (S)

Now, onto the scale results...I've been on plan for four weeks, and here's how it's gone in the weight loss department...

Week 1 loss:  5.2 lbs

Week 2 loss:  1.6 lbs

Week 3 loss:  0.4 lbs

Week 4 loss:  1.6 lbs

TOTAL weight loss so far:  8.8 lbs

Since it's been almost a month, I thought I'd give a report on how many inches I've lost.  This isn't totally accurate because we didn't take measurements until AFTER my first week of weight loss.  So, with that in mind, I've lost at least 5.5 inches.  I think people measure different body parts, so this is just based off what I chose to measure...I'm sure there's a more accurate way to report on this, but oh well.  LOL!

Like I've mentioned before, it's not just about the loss on the scale or the inches...it's about how you feel while making this lifestyle change.  I do feel better, and I've noticed other results as well.  If you feel led to give THM a try, I'd love it if you clicked through my affiliate link...it doesn't affect you or your purchase at all, but it does give me a little kickback for sharing my thoughts and enthusiasm regarding the plan.