Hello Folks;
Well, I am on Day 30 of my "no sugar" goal. It has been my most challenging goal to date. I would like to say it has been perfect but that would not be totally truthful. There was the holiday party with the dish that appeared to be a casserole but turned out to be some delicious pineapple dish. It was on my plate so I ate it! It was a small portion, I promise. Then came the day after Christmas. We had company for dinner and I made my very first pumpkin pie. It looked beautiful and how could I not have a piece of my very own pie?? I enjoyed a glass a wine with dinner and a piece (and a half with whipped cream (no sugar). One of our guests hails from Germany and brought with her some traditional German desserts. Wouldn't it be rude to not at least try a small sampling? So I did, a small sampling of German desserts. David was king enough to take care of the rest of the pie but not before I had another medium sized bite (with whipped cream). And then I went to Kimberly's yesterday and she hands me a bag of Icelandic Dark Chocolate. Here is my confession - I had one small piece of it before I put it in the fridge for safe-keeping. Right now David is reading this and is in shock that he had no idea that there is delicious Icelandic choclolate in the refrigerator. Don't worry honey, I'll share it with you :)
So there you have it my friends, the honest-to-goodness truth. I have found that this goal was easier in the beginning and as the end of the month quickly approaches I am wondering how I am going to maintain this goal as I honestly believe it is one worth maintaining. Having more energy, sleeping better, and seeing progress on the scale will have to be my motivators. As for New Year's Eve.....I am going to the house of dear friends where there will be sugary treats galore! I plan on running (or walking, depending on the weather) a 5K on New Year's Day so indulging in alcohol or too much sugar will not a great race make. Wish me luck.
Yesterday, I made this delicious healthy scone recipe and wanted to share it with you. It calls for sugar but I chose to omit it. The applesauce and dates are enough sweetness for me.
Happy 2010 my friends!
Delicious Date Scones (From Tosca Reno's Eat Clean Cookbook)
1 1/2 cups of spelt, kamut or whole wheat flour
1/2 cup buttermilk or skim milk soured with 1 tsp lemon juice
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 tsp sea salt
2 tsp baking soda
2 Tbsp of Sucanat or rapadura sugar
1/2 cup pitted, chopped dates
1. Preheat oven to 350 F
2. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment or wax paper.
3. In a bowl of a food processor with the dough hook attachment, place flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda. Add buttermilk, and applesauce. Pulse until a ball of dough forms, the process for several moments. The kneading helps to form elasticity in the dough. Now add chooped dates and process again until evenly distributed. If you prefer to knead by hand, add the dates before kneading.
4. Remove dough form bowl and place on floured working surface. Using a floured rolling pin, roll the dough t a thickness of about 3/4 of an inch. Cut into eight triangles and place on prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until scones are golden brown on top.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Frustrated
Good Evening My Friends;
Yes, I have titled this post "Frustrated" because that is how I am feeling right now. Let me tell you why.
David and I went out tonight to my church in Camden. They were hosting a fundraiser for a school in Haiti that we sponsor. There was a popular Cuban band playing. I made a mistake and assumed it would be mostly "church" people sitting around gabbing while the band played. I was wrong. We were a little late getting there and when we walked in the attendees were getting a salsa lesson. This went on for approximately 20 minutes and when the band started playing the dancing continued. This wouldn't be so bad if my husband was the adventurous type and wouldn't mind looking a little (okay, a lot) awkward. So to spare David the embarrassment, I suggested we go grab a bite to eat. He was hungry and agreed quickly.
Our destination, Peter Otts, however, on our way to the car we spotted Francine's Bistro and thought that was the better choice. This is where the frustration begins. As you know, if you have read my other blogs, I am currently in the middle of a "no refined sugar" diet. Eating out presents a challenge. Francine's menu is limited, amazing, but limited. Our plan was to have appetizers but one glance at the menu and my hungry husband and I knew we were in for a meal! The waiter was very accomodating and assured me that there was no sugar used in the making of my chicken dish. It was delicious. I guess I was frustrated because it was 8:30, I didn't really want or need to be eating a big meal at that moment and I really wanted to have a glass of wine with my meal. I dealt with the situation as best I could and just enjoyed the time out with my wonderful husband (he reads my blog so I have to butter him up).
This no sugar diet is definitely challenging my willpower. So far, I think I'm winning! I feel great and two people told me today that I look great. Could letting go of sugar really be making that big of a difference. It's only been 3 weeks. All I know is that it feels like the right thing for me to be doing for my body right now so I'm going to ride this train to the end, wherever that might be.
I get to sleep in again tomorrow. What a treat! I'm having breakfast at the Belfast Co-op with a dear friend who I don't see near enough. All in all, a good weekend. Hope you can all say the same.
Peace,
Allyson
Yes, I have titled this post "Frustrated" because that is how I am feeling right now. Let me tell you why.
David and I went out tonight to my church in Camden. They were hosting a fundraiser for a school in Haiti that we sponsor. There was a popular Cuban band playing. I made a mistake and assumed it would be mostly "church" people sitting around gabbing while the band played. I was wrong. We were a little late getting there and when we walked in the attendees were getting a salsa lesson. This went on for approximately 20 minutes and when the band started playing the dancing continued. This wouldn't be so bad if my husband was the adventurous type and wouldn't mind looking a little (okay, a lot) awkward. So to spare David the embarrassment, I suggested we go grab a bite to eat. He was hungry and agreed quickly.
Our destination, Peter Otts, however, on our way to the car we spotted Francine's Bistro and thought that was the better choice. This is where the frustration begins. As you know, if you have read my other blogs, I am currently in the middle of a "no refined sugar" diet. Eating out presents a challenge. Francine's menu is limited, amazing, but limited. Our plan was to have appetizers but one glance at the menu and my hungry husband and I knew we were in for a meal! The waiter was very accomodating and assured me that there was no sugar used in the making of my chicken dish. It was delicious. I guess I was frustrated because it was 8:30, I didn't really want or need to be eating a big meal at that moment and I really wanted to have a glass of wine with my meal. I dealt with the situation as best I could and just enjoyed the time out with my wonderful husband (he reads my blog so I have to butter him up).
This no sugar diet is definitely challenging my willpower. So far, I think I'm winning! I feel great and two people told me today that I look great. Could letting go of sugar really be making that big of a difference. It's only been 3 weeks. All I know is that it feels like the right thing for me to be doing for my body right now so I'm going to ride this train to the end, wherever that might be.
I get to sleep in again tomorrow. What a treat! I'm having breakfast at the Belfast Co-op with a dear friend who I don't see near enough. All in all, a good weekend. Hope you can all say the same.
Peace,
Allyson
Friday, December 18, 2009
Blessed to do what I do.
It's Friday!! Yay! The day before " I Get To Sleep In" day! Yes, I will admit that I will be cozy and warm under my covers tomorrow and don't plan on putting my feet on the floor before 7:30 am (with the exception of getting up to pee, of course)! By the time Friday rolls around, I'm tired people! I am up early and move alot.
So, my day started around 5 am as I needed to prepare for 6 am client. I had the pleasure of whipping three a**es all before 11:30 this morning. After lunch, I made my way over to my church for my senior fitness class. Last week was the first class and only two people showed. Today there were six!! Progress. This group of women (hoping to see some men soon) are fantastic! They were so enthusiastic and appreciative of the class, how could I not do it! I only wish I'd started it sooner. They forgave me for forgetting my music today but I don't think they will let me get away so easy next time. After class a couple of my favorite ladies stayed behind and chatted with me. Somehow the conversation turned to dark chocolate-covered prunes and from there you can just imagine where it went. Metamucil, milk of magnesia, Correctol....need I say more? It was a riot! Oh how I love the freedom of expression in these women! One of the ladies was quite dismayed as she has been in a cookie-making frenzy and told me she is giving them to all her friends but wouldn't dare give them to me!! I appreciate that since I am on this "refined sugar-free diet". As they walked away and I walked off to finish cleaning up I said outloud " I am blessed." Hence this post.
I returned home for a client at 3pm. This time a much younger woman. This young woman is usually very chatty and happy but about half way into this workout the happy, upbeat talking ceased and a very grumpy younger woman emerged. Was I working her hard? YES! That is what she is paying me to do. She told me she only wanted to do the fun stuff and wasn't happy when I said "No deal". She usually stays after our session and we chat a bit but not today. She couldn't get herself out the door fast enough. I hope she knows I love her and only push her that hard because I see the potential in her. Hopefully I will see her again next week. Maybe I'll even take it easy on her. Nah...just joking :)
David and I are actually going to act like human beings tonight and go out to an art/jewelry exhibit. Usually on Friday nights we get a movie and hunker down on the couch. Not this weekend. We are even going out Saturday night to see a Cuban band play for a fundraiser at St. Thomas' Church in Camden. Wow, two nights in a row....not sure I can handle that!
Have a great weekend everyone and happy blogging!
Allyson
So, my day started around 5 am as I needed to prepare for 6 am client. I had the pleasure of whipping three a**es all before 11:30 this morning. After lunch, I made my way over to my church for my senior fitness class. Last week was the first class and only two people showed. Today there were six!! Progress. This group of women (hoping to see some men soon) are fantastic! They were so enthusiastic and appreciative of the class, how could I not do it! I only wish I'd started it sooner. They forgave me for forgetting my music today but I don't think they will let me get away so easy next time. After class a couple of my favorite ladies stayed behind and chatted with me. Somehow the conversation turned to dark chocolate-covered prunes and from there you can just imagine where it went. Metamucil, milk of magnesia, Correctol....need I say more? It was a riot! Oh how I love the freedom of expression in these women! One of the ladies was quite dismayed as she has been in a cookie-making frenzy and told me she is giving them to all her friends but wouldn't dare give them to me!! I appreciate that since I am on this "refined sugar-free diet". As they walked away and I walked off to finish cleaning up I said outloud " I am blessed." Hence this post.
I returned home for a client at 3pm. This time a much younger woman. This young woman is usually very chatty and happy but about half way into this workout the happy, upbeat talking ceased and a very grumpy younger woman emerged. Was I working her hard? YES! That is what she is paying me to do. She told me she only wanted to do the fun stuff and wasn't happy when I said "No deal". She usually stays after our session and we chat a bit but not today. She couldn't get herself out the door fast enough. I hope she knows I love her and only push her that hard because I see the potential in her. Hopefully I will see her again next week. Maybe I'll even take it easy on her. Nah...just joking :)
David and I are actually going to act like human beings tonight and go out to an art/jewelry exhibit. Usually on Friday nights we get a movie and hunker down on the couch. Not this weekend. We are even going out Saturday night to see a Cuban band play for a fundraiser at St. Thomas' Church in Camden. Wow, two nights in a row....not sure I can handle that!
Have a great weekend everyone and happy blogging!
Allyson
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Barefoot 100 and Dolce & Gabana
Good Evening All;
This week at my High Intensity Training (H.I.T.) class at the YMCA we worked out in bare feet (well most of us did, some are shy to show their toes) and did 100 repetitions of squats, deadlifts (hamstrings still feeling those), lunges, sumo squats, calf raises, pushups,....well you get the picture. It's a physically challenging workout but also very mentally challenging as one can tend to allow their mind to become distracted because of the countless repetitions. It's important to stay focused on the muscle group that is being worked. Put your mind in your muscle people and reap the rewards!! It's not one of my more upbeat classes but it is effective, gets the job done, and makes us stronger every time we do it.
Now on to Dolce & Gabana. Will somebody please tell me why D&G feels the need to act out a menage et trois to sell a watch? So if I buy this watch I can expect to be fondled by two young guys who look like they haven't had a good solid meal in a very long time? Please D&G try to be a little more creative next time and show me more about the watch and leave out the skinny people getting it on!
Peace,
Allyson
This week at my High Intensity Training (H.I.T.) class at the YMCA we worked out in bare feet (well most of us did, some are shy to show their toes) and did 100 repetitions of squats, deadlifts (hamstrings still feeling those), lunges, sumo squats, calf raises, pushups,....well you get the picture. It's a physically challenging workout but also very mentally challenging as one can tend to allow their mind to become distracted because of the countless repetitions. It's important to stay focused on the muscle group that is being worked. Put your mind in your muscle people and reap the rewards!! It's not one of my more upbeat classes but it is effective, gets the job done, and makes us stronger every time we do it.
Now on to Dolce & Gabana. Will somebody please tell me why D&G feels the need to act out a menage et trois to sell a watch? So if I buy this watch I can expect to be fondled by two young guys who look like they haven't had a good solid meal in a very long time? Please D&G try to be a little more creative next time and show me more about the watch and leave out the skinny people getting it on!
Peace,
Allyson
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Let's See How This Goes :)
Hello World;
Today is my first attempt at blogging. Thanks Amber. Not sure what shape it will take. You will probably see a little bit of personal, a little bit of professional and whatever else gets thrown into the mix.
Please feel free to leave your honest comments but be nice because the world is a better place that way :)
FYI: I'm on Day 16 of my no refined sugar plan and I'm feeling GOOD! I have been a sugar addict for way to long! I wanted to know what it felt like to not have a body saturated with refined sugars. Everyone that has ever done it says the same thing...they felt great. I get it! For the first two weeks I chose to eliminate fruit. I found myself replacing sugar with carbs but I rolled with it. Monday was my first day back on fruit. Oh those blueberries tasted glorious in my oatmeal! I was surprised that my body's reaction to the reintroduction of fruit was to crave sugar. This next statement is most likely TMI but it's me and the people that really know me won't be surprised. With the reintroduction of fruit has come three awesome, cleansing BM's today! Told you it was probably TMI. That's what you get for being curious about what Allyson has to say :)
I will keep you posted on my progress with no refined sugar and whatever else I think you might benefit from knowing.
Must prepare for my H.I.T. class now. Have a fantastic rest of the day.
Peace,
Allyson
Today is my first attempt at blogging. Thanks Amber. Not sure what shape it will take. You will probably see a little bit of personal, a little bit of professional and whatever else gets thrown into the mix.
Please feel free to leave your honest comments but be nice because the world is a better place that way :)
FYI: I'm on Day 16 of my no refined sugar plan and I'm feeling GOOD! I have been a sugar addict for way to long! I wanted to know what it felt like to not have a body saturated with refined sugars. Everyone that has ever done it says the same thing...they felt great. I get it! For the first two weeks I chose to eliminate fruit. I found myself replacing sugar with carbs but I rolled with it. Monday was my first day back on fruit. Oh those blueberries tasted glorious in my oatmeal! I was surprised that my body's reaction to the reintroduction of fruit was to crave sugar. This next statement is most likely TMI but it's me and the people that really know me won't be surprised. With the reintroduction of fruit has come three awesome, cleansing BM's today! Told you it was probably TMI. That's what you get for being curious about what Allyson has to say :)
I will keep you posted on my progress with no refined sugar and whatever else I think you might benefit from knowing.
Must prepare for my H.I.T. class now. Have a fantastic rest of the day.
Peace,
Allyson
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