Monthly Archives: August 2023

STARTING OVER 2023

It’s my first weigh in day. Starting over isn’t easy. Here’s my thoughts after returning to this blog and trying for the millionth time to lose the fifty pounds I gained over the last six years.

Transition isn’t easy, and besides the pandemic I’ve been the queen of changes. When I was in Los Angeles I had a community behind this blog, I felt the support on a deep level. Now in our first house as I start over I realize I need to look to myself for inspiration and make the commitment on a deeper level. I need to be able to stand alone and get it done. That means home workouts and meal prep.

Those late night junk food days are over. In the last week I’ve lost 3 lbs weighing in at 197 lbs. I made it to onederland as they say, and I hope to never see 200 lbs again. I set my plan with the loseitapp and my maximum calorie budget in a day is 1,610. This week I’ve hovered under 1,400 calories. Last night my husband James wanted beyond burgers with the bun and fries etc. I chose to eat mine bunless with a salad. I’m also limiting my breads. I feel for me bread is the gateway to my binges. First it’s bread, than a ton of pasta and finally I find myself reaching for sweets. Those things are not off limits permanently but limiting them now, especially in these crucial first days of my diet is so important as I build my mindset momentum.

In the early days of this new journey it’s important for me to build my willpower back up. If I slip up too early in this process I will keep yo yo’ing and gain five lose five pounds over and over. I had a revelation. When I eat or overeat junk food, it’s usually gone or over in five to ten minutes. Those five to ten minutes of satiation are not worth the sacrifice of my goals. I’m trying to be mindful of this lightbulb moment each time I have a craving to overindulge.

It’s a vicious circle, a cycle I overcame the first time I began this weight loss blog in 2013. I know what I must do to overcome any chance of an early setback. I’m going to choose a charity for my first ten pounds, something attainable. Maybe a can food drive for a local food bank. I’m open to suggestions. I’m also reinventing my passion project of Letters From Uncle Louie, we give back by sending snail mail to those who need cheer. I’m working on many writing projects and I started a part time server job so I’m busy, but I am so excited for fall. Fall to me is new beginnings, autumn 🍂 decor and fashion, and more social time because we will finally cool down here in Texas.

So if you find yourself thinking you can’t start again for whatever reason, I’m here to start again right beside you. We can do this, connecting virtually and cheering each other on from our little corner of the world. It’s not our location that makes us achieve great things, it’s our dedication. Happy Weekend to all. 

Vegan Vegetable Beef Soup

I decided to come back to this blog, to figure out things by returning to what worked for me in the past. Losing weight, achieving fitness and wellness milestones while helping charities. I haven’t exactly figured out my 2023 spin on it yet, but I’m excited to be here. My other blog JuiceJavaJoy will launch once I wrap this one up in a big red shiny bow.  I plan on getting my spark back by finding my fitness, losing the weight I gained and helping others along the way, as I help myself.

Today I begin by tracking on the loseitapp ( sometimes I use the WW app)  My daily calories will be up to 1,600 a day. I’m starting with smoothies again even though I need a better blender. 

Cooking is important, as is planning meals. I have to not only plan meals for me but my husband.  That can be tricky, as it is if you have children too.

Here’s a delicious soup you can make for #Meatlessmonday  I’ve been under the weather so even though it’s 107 here in Texas, it’s a soothing dinner with leftovers for lunch the next day. 

Serve with a delicious crusty bread and oyster crackers. Remember your portion control. Let’s do this again. Welcome back to my mychangeforaten journey part two.

Bon Appetit

Vegan Vegetable Beef Soup 

Prep time 30 minutes

Cook time 45 minutes

Ingredients

7 stalks celery diced

Half bag shredded carrots

1 medium diced onion

6 diced cloves of garlic

3 handfuls spinach

2  1/2 tablespoons Better than Bouillon no beef base

1 bag frozen vegetables

8 cups water

2 cup noodles

1 bag frozen beyond beef steak or optional white beans or both 

Two tablespoons olive oil  

In a medium to large pot add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and celery, carrots and onions. Cook about 5 minutes or so until the onions are translucent.

Add diced garlic and continue to sauté another 3 minutes or so.

Add 8 cups of water and stir, adding the Better than Bouillon no beef base until it dissolves.

Add bag of frozen vegetables, stirring.

Add spinach and continue to cook for about 20 minutes.

Add noodles to soup and time according to the directions on the noodle package. If adding white beans drain and add after the noodles and cook an additional ten minutes. 

As the soup cooks add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a nonstick pan and cook frozen beyond steak according to package.

When the beyond steak is cooked add directly to the soup and stir.
Enjoy 😉