I need to get back in the habit of posting to this thread every day. When I was doing it before, I believe it was helpful. So much to learn and remember! Right now I know I have leftover chicken spinach casserole and some of the kale, white bean and chicken soup for my next few dinners.

Zeff, I was shocked to see your post just now about you eating off plan. I've been following your posts pretty close and have been so inspired by your success. I just didn't think you had any problem staying on plan any more. Guess the "old ways" will always be there in the background just waiting to move in and take over again if we don't keep our guard up. Well girl, get back on track as so many of us are out here hoping to do as well as you are.

TaT, I think a lot of Z's success is because she can go on plan and get back on with little issue most of the time. Something I am personally striving for, and why not start with today? I was totally OFF PLAN and while I will not go into detail, let's just say....California Pizza Kitchen.

Monday Phase 2
B: kefir, quinoa cake with spinach and mushrooms
S: edamame
L: beef stew with broccoli
S: carrots and a lf cheese stick
D: andouille sausage with arugula and chick peas

Okay...since I don't plan my meals ahead...here was yesterday.
SBD P1
B 2 eggs, broc, peppers, etc lf cheese
S lf string cheese
L Salad with feta and chicken oil and vinegar
D same as breakfast
S yogurt/ricotta/1 tb natural pb
Cals 1695 burned 504 (1 hour weightlifting morning, 5 mins rebounding, 35 mins treadmill evening).

Phase II -

B. oats soaked in unsweetened almond milk with mixed berries & cinnamon
L. spaghetti squash & spinach saute, cup of African Stew
S. apple & yogurt
D. cauliflower alfredo sauce over roasted red cabbage wedge, roasted carrots
S. SBD peanutbutter cup

T&T - I know these are excuses, but my mom is in town and it is mardi gras. I've been pretty good about making the best decision at a restaurant, but sometimes even the best decision isn't really on plan. Too many carbs, too much sodium, too much alcohol and not enough exercise. My husband keeps telling me that this is life and I can only control so much, and that the biggest thing is that I don't let it snowball out of control -- I guess he is right :)

--
My day today will most likely not be really on plan, just the best decisions that I can make.

I am, however, choosing to get up really early and hit the gym. I have an awesome workout planned and am really pumped for it.

I'm going to start Phase 1 on Wednesday to get my cravings under control.

1: (brunch) 1/2 ezekiel english muffin, lots of spinach, 1 lc wedge, 1 poached egg; strawberry/banana/pineapple smoothie
2: snack: TBD
3: dinner: TBD

exercise: 45 min. treadmill (sprints + incline), 25 min. spartacus workout (mens health magazine, cardio + strength)

Zeffryn, I know you are struggling and I'm sorry but your story is inspirational to me. You know you are going to be eating a bit off plan due to your celebrations and you are working out to offset it a bit. And I know you will get back on plan when it all settles down again. Thanks for sharing!

Zeff, Just so darn inspired by you as you have come so far, tried so hard and are so honest with what is happening in your life, either good or bad. You are definitely one that I try to learn from and hope, no, strike that, KNOW :cheer: that you will get past this little bump in the road and have smooth sailing again. Not to put pressure on you but just know that there are folks out here following your every move and hoping that some day we can accomplish as much as you have. Now go :kickbutt:!

Thanks all. I'm glad I can be for you, what so many women here were (and still are) to me :)

First day back on the wagon properly:

Phase 1.5
B: Yoghurt, homemade sugar free berry jam, tsp peanut butter
S: Handful of nuts
L: Broccoli soup + left over veg from last night's dinner
S: Apple with peanut butter (1 tbsp)
D: Pak Choi and Ginger Sweet Tofu
S: Glass of hot milk

I know I eat too many nuts but I love them and feel like I've cut everything else out... Tomorrow I'll try to eat just yoghurt and jam without the peanut butter...

Phase 1
More of the same. I have a serious backlog to get through before I can buy new stuff...

B - coffee with unsweetened almond milk, smoothie with Greek yogurt, cocoa powder & peanut flour
L - veggie white bean soup with some lowfat cheddar on top, spinach salad with flaxseed oil, glass of low-sodium V8
S - hummus with broccoli and orange pepper strips, cup of black tea
S2 - egg salad in Romaine lettuce leaves
D - Spaghetti squash deep dish pie
dessert - no idea

claire - just make sure to measure that handful of nuts :) what about some cheese with the apple instead of the peanut butter - still protein, less nuts.

Yeah good idea to sub cheese for one portion of nuts. I just love them and they are so practical for school! I love apple and peanut butter though, so I think I will swap my nuts at school for some cheese or some veg. Today was especially nut heavy, but I always eat too many!

Monday Phase II
B: Egg Scramble
S: Cottage chz w/berries
L: pb oatmeal
S: FF Yogurt
D: Chickpea/Spinach stew w/beef

Friday Cal: 2,167
Sat. Cal: 2,133
Sun. Cal: 1,227

p2
 

1: eggs, cxn sausage, lf cheese, much salsa, ls v8 with siracha
2: banana with almond butter
3: chef salad with salsa/ Greek yogurt dressing
4: grilled pork loin, roasted asparagus, roasted sweet potao fries, green beans and rye cracker with lf cheese
5: tea with stevia and a small Greek yogurt with frozen raspberries


Water: fail
exercise: rest day
vitamin: fail again