Good news on the Battle of the Bulge!

There is a new energy in The Humble Bungalow
it is infiltrating the larder and the fridge.
A full toss out has occurred ridding the kitchen of "bad food"
or rather food that I need not encounter or be tempted to eat!

The fridge had a few scary jars of outdated items which I am ashamed to say should have been tossed months ago!
I cannot blame that on my cleaning lady.
It's my fault.

I am singing the praises of proteins and vegetables.
Every meal I eat has some protein and every meal has lots of vegetables.
I am eating full fats, olive oil, butter and avocado.
A small amount of nuts...almonds mostly, and some almond butter.

Snacks are fresh fruit and in moderation.
My apple a day has been paired with a teaspoon of almond butter for dipping.

Breakfast is 2 eggs scrambled and some veggies on the side...
or mixed into a frittata or omelet.

I am still clinging on to milk in my tea...
let's not be too punishing shall we?

So far those changes have taken place and I am sure there will be a few more to conquer.

Reading blogs and online information has been ongoing for a few weeks behind the scenes.
Starting slow, with small things,
adapting,
changing what works and what appeals to my palate seems like a sensible place to begin.

Keeping things simple suits me.

Tackling the minefield...
of the grocery store is quite an undertaking.
Avoiding the center aisles and focusing on the outer aisles seems to work for the most part.
Farmer's Markets are so much easier and friendly too.


My Market basket is as old as the hills...

Sturdy, faithful and commodious.

The leather handles have softened with age.

Hooray for the Farmer's Markets!

I love all the fresh produce and the array of colours.

Chatting with the vendors

getting their suggestions of what to try

how to prepare and cook the veggies

makes shopping so much more enjoyable.

I've also been culling out those diet books that have been gathering dust on the shelves.

I do not want to see another diet book wasting space in our tiny bungalow.

Embracing a new way of eating

a mindful and conscious change is in the works for this overweight Hostess.

I may fail

I may succeed

I might falter

I may cheat

but I am going to give it a valiant try.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained...

well maybe the wrong quote because I want to be losing not gaining!

I have had some good news finally!

The scale reports that I am 9 pounds lighter.

This may not seem worthy of celebration 

but for me it is wonderful news.

It is the encouragement that I need to keep my eye on the prize

to keep me focused on eating healthy meals and keep walking.

I have stopped eating bread and sugars

only very limited amounts of dairy have passed these lips.

Mr. HB will still be eating breads and pastas.

He is not overweight and would not want to give up the things he enjoys.

I am retraining my brain to love better healthier foods.

My sister keeps saying eat healthy 80% of the time and 20% of the time you can splurge.

Well my sister is a size 2 so she knows what she is talking about

so an older sister can learn from a younger sibling.

We have started taking Mother out to The Oak Bay Marina for dinner

early weekday when the dining room is not too noisy

(Mother refuses to get hearing aids!)

we have one glass of wine each

and share 3 appetizers.

Mother insists on creme brulee for dessert 

so we order one 

and get three spoons.

I have 2 small spoonfuls and a decaf coffee.

It does not feel like I am on a diet

and it's a lovely treat.

I am not stuffed nor am I hungry

and we all enjoy spending time together.

Learning to eat in a restaurant setting is going to be an ongoing work in progress.

I have figured out that salads with added protein are my best friends on the menu.

I feel like I have been rambling on for far too long...

Can you tell I'm excited?