Not all bread is created equal!

Or bread mixes aren't!

I finally found a bag of Pamela's bread mix!  This stuff:Pamela's Products Wheat-Free & Gluten-Free, Amazing Bread Mix, 19-Ounce Packages (Pack of 6).  It is AMAZING!

I did not make it in the bread machine and am now completely willing to blame all of my issues and problems on said machine.  Can I also blame it for random bouts of bitchiness and crazed chocolate cravings?  Yeah, lets do that!  Feel free to pick something to blame my machine for...

I made this wonderful dough in my big mixer, followed the directions to the letter and baked up a loaf of goodness.

When it came out of the oven, I knew it was good.  It was this beautiful golden brown and the smell was just heavenly.  I could hardly wait for it to cool enough to slice.  But I did wait.

My first slice was still warm and I put a bit of nut butter on it.  The nut butter got all melty from the warm, fluffy center and I was sold with the first bite!  Today, I made youngest a PB&J for school and anxiously awaited my time to make an egg salad sandwich for lunch.

I prepped the salad (2 hardboiled eggs, 1 tbsp olive oil mayo, 1/2 tsp season salt, 4 diced olives) and sliced 2 thin slices to toast.  Toast!  It looked like normal bread coming out of the toaster but a little less....bumpy?  Basically, when you slice it, it looks more like a quick bread (think Banana bread) but tastes like regular bread.

Toasted and topped with my egg salad (btw, that is enough for 2 sandwiches approx.), I bit in and fought the urge to groan.  The dog was sitting at my feet drooling because she knew I was eating something good.  I tried to shoo her away, but she kept taking the hand gestures as a clue that I was about to drop something (and I almost did!), so I stopped.  She went back to making a puddle on the floor.

After 1 sandwich, I toasted a single slice to finish off the egg salad.  I like FULL sandwiches.

The bread is slightly more dense, but has this great, soft filling with a very slightly sweet taste and crisp edges like good Italian bread.  I am so thrilled, I can't even express it.

For all my non-GF friends, buy a bag and try it.  You won't be disappointed and may not even notice the difference.  And? It's BETTER for you!  No Joke. GF items are easier on your body and more digestible than the regular stuff.  Try it just once!

I found my bag to try at Bloom and hear they carry it at Food Lion and Farm Fresh.  My next purchase, though, will be a box of them from Amazon!

Day 43 - Can I get some fries with that protein shake?

I looked again at Nutrisystem because of the whole 50% off thing.  Did you know that you only get the "entree" at each meal?  You don't get sides of any sort.  If you click on an item and read the info about it, it will say something like: "Serve with a whole-grain roll" or "enjoy with a green vegetable".  Really?  I'm paying you how much and you're giving me nothing but a plain chicken breast that I have to cook and do everything else for?  Why don't I just skip you and make my own chicken breast at home?

So, that's what I'm going to do.  No, I'm not going to make a chicken breast for every meal.  I would feel bad for all those chickens who can't put on a strapless prom dress...

I'm going to make my food.

Okay, so you're thinking...uh, duh?  Stop rolling your eyes for a moment, you may hurt yourself, and listen: I am going to sit down and plan out a menu for my meals for the next week.  I'm going to do that once a week, every week.  If I have the meals planned out and ensure that I have the ingredients to make the healthy meals, I won't end up doing an "Oh crap, I'm hungry and need something NOW."  Yes, I do that.  I probably only plan out my meals 1-2 times a week.  No kidding.

A friend of mine once told me she does this and I thought to myself: what a hassle.  I am now seeing the lack of foresight in that assessment.

I can make meals as healthy or healthier than Nutrisystem.  I can have lean proteins and healthy sides on hand.  I can prepare my lunches like I did the other day before school.  And all of this means I will spend less, actually.

Right now, I eat on the fly.  I don't have a lot of time each day so I do a lot of grab and go.  Sometimes, that involves stopping at a grocery store and getting a salad or sushi, but always involves spending more than $10 on lunch.  Granted, I'm not going to make my own sushi.  That will have to remain at the hands of the nice lady behind the counter at Harris Teeter who always smiles and greets me when I begin to drool over the trays in the display case.  I'm always waiting for her to offer me a cup.

If I plan out meals enough to have pre-made grab-and-go, I will save money.  I don't even have to have everything made ahead of time as long as I have a menu set and the items available.  I feel like I need to slap myself in the forehead or do a Homer Simpson impersonation. Doh!

Also, I am still looking for someplace local that sells the Pamela gluten-free items.  I've found NO PLACE that sells GF breads, so I need some box/bag mixes that actually work.  I do plan to do a few experiments this weekend with GF bread/cooking.  I'm hoping to take one normal recipe and make it with at least 3 different types of flour so I can figure the moisture/rise of each one to better determine where each one should be used.  I.E. rice flour for bread, coconut flour for cookies....something like that.

So, let me put up my wanted posters....

REWARD: My gratitude. ;)

Day 42 - Case of the Mondays

Sorry folks, not much today.  So so so very tired.

I did manage to make a loaf of bread out of Paleo that turned out. Paleo Comfort Foods: Homestyle Cooking for a Gluten-Free Kitchen.  The basic loaf recipe in this book comes out similar to a quick bread in moisture and very near cornbread in texture.  I have to say that I really love the almond flour in it.  The taste is wonderful, but I could never use this to make a sandwich.

I also made some flat bread.  I wanted to have it on hand to send pieces to school with youngest along with tomato sauce, cheese and pepperoni so she could make her own "mini pizza" like you find in Lunchables.  She had them today and said she loved it.  I also took two pieces and made a PB&Banana sandwich for dinner.  The texture was off, but it was a pretty good substitution.  I think I could work with the recipe and make it fluff up a bit so I can get closer to what I want.  The rice flour was pretty good, but I think I may whip the eggs a bit next time to see if I can add a bit of air to the dough.  I'm very interested in experimenting with this.

I'm also considering Nutrisystem.  They have a deal going on where your first month is 50% off.  It is still almost $200, but at least then I could see what my body does on a fully low-GI/Diabetic menu.  I know I'm not getting everything perfect on my own.  We'll see how I feel about it tomorrow....

Day 40 - If you sweat it, it will count!

The rain kept us mostly indoors today, but that didn't stop me from getting some accidental exercise!  I cleaned!  Yay!

Normally, I think that cleaning isn't really much of a work-out unless you are moving furniture and doing a complete cleaning of at least 2 rooms.  I modified that today when I caught myself breathing hard and sweaty.

No, hubby is out of town, so it wasn't that kind of breathing hard, you pervs.

I was doing laundry of all things!  I think I was probably on my tenth trip up the stairs to put away some clothes in youngest's room when I caught myself.

Huhhh, huhhhh...
"What the he....huhhh...why am I breathing hard?"
*youngest's fish made some bubble noises that may have been an answer, but I don't speak fish*

I trudged back down the stairs to grab more items and turn them in to their proper room/receptical/area.  Youngest came out of the computer room and complained about being cold to which I handed her some of her clothes and told her to put them away and she would warm up.  She gave me a dirty look and trudged away with her articles.

I should also share the results of yesterday's baking frenzy:

Apple sauce/butter - Yummy! *crowd cheers*
Bread dough had to be moved to oven when bread machine wouldn't cooperate.  Bread - a giant white rock *much booing and hissing mixed with comments about a "bread-killer"*
Black Bean soup - I had 1 spoonful to make sure it was okay before it was sent off.  I am told it was a hit! *more cheering and a few wolf-whistles*

Hey!  You talk to your Momma with those lips?...You do?....That's just sick, man.

Today though, despite the five loads of laundry (Yes, five.  I had a busy week!), I was exhausted.  Maybe in part because of the laundry?  Anyways, I looked up a few databases of PCOS and realized that fatigue is actually a symptom that can be exaggerated by the low-carb diet!  Yay!

Let me get this straight.... If I eat a lot of carbs, I will feel bloated, miserable and tired.....If I don't eat a lot of carbs I will feel bloated, miserable and tired but in a few different ways and without that full feeling?  That just does NOT seem right!

Some forums had women who said the Metaformin that is a common diabetic medication prescribed for PCOS took away some of that tiredness.  Really?  Can I have your prescription?

I will say that the highlight of my day had nothing to do with my baking, cleaning or PCOS.  It was when I took youngest to Taekwondo.  On the way home, I commented that she wasn't kicking and punching with enthusiasm when she was facing a partner.  Her response was: "Mommy, some of those kids don't look and I'm afraid I'll kick them over."  Is it sad that I got a giggle out of the image of my child throwing a wild kick and sending another child flying across the room like a bad superhero movie?  You picture a cute little blonde girl doing it and try not to snicker!

Oh, I also wanted to share a box mix that a friend of mine recommended for gluten-free bread.  It is on my list of purchases next time I go to the store:

Day 39 - Butter me up, Baby!

I've apparently lost my mind.  If you find it, please email me.  I am willing to pay the ransom in soup.

I woke up today and glared at the mound of laundry that would be the highlight of my "day off".  I think it grew as I stared at it and possibly snickered.

Once the dryer and washer were full and running, I sat down to look at Words with Friends on my Kindle Fire, Full Color 7" Multi-touch Display, Wi-Fi.  Sorry, I just love showing that off.  Anyhoo....

After I caught up on a few games where my letter pool was nothing but vowels...again...I flipped through the books I have on it and went into the Amazon store to see what new free offerings they had.  A Gluten-Free cookbook caught my eye.  I'm pretty sure it is the same one a friend linked to me on Facebook the other day and I was happy to download it and take a look.

As you all know, bread baffles me.  It mocks me. It calls my name.  It deflates like an average woman's ego in a couture shop that only goes to size 4.  I was ready to throw in the towel, make only flatbread and purchase gold-weight priced premade gluten-free loaves.

"But wait!" Delicious and Nutritious Gluten-Free Lunch Recipes: Affordable, Easy and Tasty Meals You Will Love (Bestselling Gluten-Free Recipes) says to me.  "You, too, can make wonderful, tasty easy bread that is gluten-free!"

"I can?" says I. "Tell me more!  Where's the recipe?!?"

Lo and behold, there is a recipe for "Homemade Gluten-free bread"!  I excitedly jumped out of my chair and hurried to the kitchen, pulling out my gluten-free all-purpose flour and bread maker with gusto!  I read the ingredients: yeast, sugar, warm water....all purpose flour?  Not "gluten-free" all purpose flour?  Confused...  It turns out you need to buy another book by this author to make their all-purpose gluten-free flour.  I decide that I will push on and try making it with my purchased, pre-made GF flour.

I follow the instructions and the dough is...wet.  Not springy like normal bread dough, but almost like cookie dough.  I sigh but put it in the bread maker and follow the instructions for baking in a machine.  I'm also thinking I may need a different bread machine, but that is a whole other issue.

So, as my bread machine does not have a setting that disables the "paddle", it is STILL whirring away in the kitchen.

I decided, since I was being so productive, I would make a few more recipes.  I looked up a recipe for apple butter in the slow cooker. Ha! I laugh at all of you with your "amazing" apple butter recipes!  Your recipe is the same one I've been using to make home-made apple sauce except with MORE sugar!!!!!  I shrugged and went to work.  After that, I pulled out ingredients to make black bean soup.

My neighbor's extended family had a loss this week and my thought was that soup would be the best I could do.  Soup is the ultimate comfort food.

Yessiree.  Today, I am thicker than bread, buttered up and full of beans.  If anyone wants them, I will give recipes.

Also, if any of my local friends see the following mix in a store, I would like to try it. I just want to purchase a single bag before going all out and getting the Amazon size:

Day 38 - Sweet Tooth, sweet tooth, go away

I read once that sugar can cause a bodily response that is almost like a drug reaction in the way it becomes addictive to some people.  I think it is similar to the idea behind people having a genetic predisposition toward being overweight.

Now that I've lost half my readers to jargon, I just want to say: Bubbles!

Yeah, back to sugar...

Me: So hungry...
Tummy: You got pudding for the kid yesterday...
Me: No, that's for youngest, not us.
Tummy: Oh come on, one is no big deal.  You got the gluten-free kind!
Me: But...
Tummy: Oh please, you deserve it!
Me: But....*pulls a spoon out of the drawer*
Tummy: That's right...now get that one....doesn't it taste gooooood?
Me: Nomnomnom
Tummy: You know, there is a whole box of pudding in the fridge...

Yeah, I had a cup of pudding.  It was low-fat and gluten-free and I'm ignoring Tummy's urges that I go have another.  I feel like I fight off Tummy on a daily basis and it seems to win more often than me.

On a different note, Panera Bread is going to start selling Oatmeal!  It is ridiculous how excited I am by this.  Yes, there is a chance it will not be completely gluten-free, but it will definitely be better for me than their other carb-laden breakfast items!  Oh the joys of oatmeal made by someone other than me!  It isn't as much of a treat if you have to make it yourself, you know.

I'm also going to try a recipe for gluten-free flatbread.  Now and then I just want something bready for egg salad or PB&J, so I decided this might be my best bet.  I don't have to worry about deflating the dough just by looking at it because its already flat!

Bread dough in a house down the street deflates because I'm within walking distance....

If anyone wants to try it with me, here is the recipe:

Gluten Free Flatbread Recipe

1 c. brown rice flour
1/2 c. corn starch
2 Tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. xanthan gum
1/8 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

3/4 c. water
1 tsp cider vinegar
2 Tbsp. canola
2 eggs (or flax eggs)

1. Mix all dry ingredients in medium size bowl.
2. Add wet ingredients and mix thoroughly.
3. Grease two 8 in. square baking pans and dust with brown rice flour.
4. Spread half of batter evenly into each pan. Use the back of a wet spoon if the dough is sticky.
5. Bake at 350 degrees F for approximately 15 minutes, or until bread pulls away from the sides of the pans.

Substitution Notes: Tapioca starch or potato starch can be substituted for the corn starch. Flax eggs are 1 Tbsp ground flax seed + 3 Tbsp. water. I haven’t tried egg replacer since I generally have flax seed on hand.

Day 37 - Mystery in the meat

First off, sorry for not posting every day.  This is rapidly turning into a "post when I can" type of thing with school and everything else.  I also have that tendency to wait until I've exercised (today excluded) and that slows me down a bit.

That said:

Did you know that there is gluten in deli meat???  I had no idea.  Apparently, parts of wheat are commonly used in preservatives and as thickening agents (think gravy/sauces).  Boar's Head over at Harris Teeter has a big sign stating they are gluten-free and it got me thinking.  How much gluten is in average deli meat?

It turns out that it is a decent amount.  Not only is it used as an emulsifyer, but it is used to "enhance flavor" or basically as an additive to the spice content of the meat as well as a way to replenish moisture in a base/broth additive!  Basically, if there is gluten in your deli meat, there is absolutely no way to avoid it because it is soaked into your meat in every possible way!  That doesn't even count all the chemical components they add.  If you're interested, read the article I posted to my Facebook page while I do battle with the Mystery Meat monster!

Me: *eyeing the off-colored mass of something on my plate that is supposed to serve as my protein and has been dominating any pre-packaged diet meals I've bought*
Mystery Meat: *bubbles ominously*
Me: What the hell??? Meat isn't supposed to bubble!  What ARE you?
MM: *bubbles again and this time almost sounds like laughter*
Me: *Grabs a fork and begins stabbing the mass over and over like some crazed Psycho reenactment*
MM: *speaks in a gurgly voice* That's right, get the fork.
Me: Gah! *hides under her chair and calls for hubby but is instead rescued by puppy*
Puppy: *gobbles down the MM happily and wanders away with a burp*
Me: *dreading the next time I walk with the puppy, picks up the plate with hazmat gloves and tongs to soak it in bleach for a week*

It is surprising how many things have gluten in them.  Almost ALL sauces/condiments have some component of whey in them and some have multiple types of gluten added to them.  Really, the only way you can be absolutely sure is if it is labeled "gluten-free".  The problem with it is that the ingredients are less common and therefore more expensive, making the final product more expensive.

My advice to you for the day is the same as it was when I was in elementary school and/or the Navy: Avoid the mystery meat people!  If you can't identify it, don't eat it.

Also, I have posted a list of good choices at the market on my Facebook page.

I'm also posting what I'm reading right now in cookbooks.  If you follow the link, it is a free download to Kindle!

Day 35 - and the littlest shall lead me...back to my chair

I spent the morning running errands and then taking youngest to use her Build-a-Bear certificates to purchase way too much stuff.  After the foray into fluff and tiny prom dresses for stuffed animals, we went to eat and then headed home.  I got lost at one point during errands and my phone had decided this week that it just didn't want to work.  So, sans phone and its gps program, I had a frustrating morning in which the only person made happy was youngest.  Lunch was not healthy.

When we got home, youngest played in the yard for a bit while I caught up on Words with Friends, cleaned and tried not to snarl.  After a bit, I explained to my daughter that we needed to go inside and warm up so we could take the dog (and ME) for our walk today.  She agreed, got comfy on the chair for a bit and I continued my Words games and let her watch an episode of her new favorite show: Wild Kratts.

After it was over, I attempted to shoehorn her away from the chair though I really had no motivation.

Me: Time to take puppy for the walk!
Y: I don't really want to go out for a walk, Mommy.
Me: But we haven't taken the dog for a walk in a few days.
Y: But I want to stay here and you won't let me stay alone. (She's 6.  Like I'm going to let her stay home alone?)
Me: Well, we need a walk.
Y: I don't need a walk. 
Me: *feels my face shifting back into snarl* Yes, but I need a walk.
Y: Why?
Me: Because I need to get in shape.
Y: Mommy, you are just the right shape.
Me: Yes, but in a size too large.
Y: Well, I really don't want to go, Mommy.  It will be dark soon, I think.  We should stay here and snuggle.
Me: *stony silence as I realize my child has out-maneuvered me and I have just lost because continuing to argue would get ugly and last long enough that I would still lose* Sigh

I am tired a lot.  Is it the diet? Is it PMS? Is it PCOS? Do I just need more/less caffeine/chocolate/cheese in my diet? I DON'T KNOW!!!!!!

No real exercise today.  I did manage NOT to go to Starbucks and probably only had 1.5 cups of coffee today.  Breakfast was a KIND bar.  Lunch was fish and chips.  Dinner was gluten-free cereal.  I think I may need to eat more.  The sad thing is, I just don't know what to eat.  So many foods have stuff in them that I'm not supposed to eat but then I end up waiting too long, getting hungry and making a bad choice.

At least tomorrow morning I will get my walk in after youngest is back at school.  Sad that I have to say that.  I understand, though.  She's a kid.  She wants to do the activities SHE chooses, not something her Mommy wants.  I'm really going to have to work on the bargaining with her and not letting my own self-defeating lack of motivation side with her and knock me over with a feather.

Day 34 - Ramen how you taunt me

I ate oddles of Ramen noodles when I was in my twenties.  Yes, that pun was really intended.  It wasn't just that they were so cheap (though that didn't hurt) but it was that they were so easy to make and really just good.  I'm not a fan of the seasoning packets, just the lovely, curly noodles that can be cooked so quickly with a bit of hot water, drained and then salt and peppered before becoming a quick meal.  When I was stationed in Italy (yes, the world of REAL pasta and I ate Ramen), I had tons of square packets and the cup-o-noodles in my dorm room.  I did midwatches (6pm-6am) and they were the perfect dinner/breakfast when nothing was open.

Youngest wanted noodles for dinner.  I cooked them and remembered how much I loved eating them.  I ended up having some as well and almost went back for a second bowl.  I won't lie: they were fabulous.  They were just the same simple pleasure I ate before.

It makes me sad sometimes when I think about the things I need to give up.  I wonder why I couldn't be blessed with the perfect body and metabolism that doesn't quit.  I think we all wonder that sometimes.  Even those of you who probably have what the rest of us would consider the perfect body.

I also am reminded of something one of my Professors said that can be reworded to discuss exercise: "Classic literature is not always easy.  It takes work and effort.  You must not let yourself give up."  Exercise is the same.  I didn't walk today or yesterday.  I cleaned until I had sweat dripping off of me yesterday and I did a fair amount of cleaning this morning.  I also did the Your Shape Fitness Evolved 2012 with youngest and then turned around to do a bit of elliptical work.  It would have been easier/faster to just go for my walk.

When you decide to change for yourself or your health or your wardrobe (hey, lets be serious, here!) it takes thought and constant self-evaluation.  I don't wake up each morning thinking that I will avoid all unhealthy foods and make nothing but good decisions.  I know I'll make mistakes.  I know that I will have to MAKE myself exercise.  These are decisions as much as the choice to eat that bowl of Ramen.  Do I regret it?  Probably in some part of my mind, but not on the whole.  I wanted it, I ate it and I will not crave it again any time soon.

Tomorrow, I will make a recipe out of my new cookbook (I'll link it below).  I will recognize that I only need to make one good decision a day and that some days will also have one or more bad decisions.  Each day is a new opportunity to step forward and make things the way I want them to be.  I hope someone who reads this will take that to heart and make a good decision of their own.

Day 32 - Clean-up and Kindle the Fire

Today was another mass of cleaning.  I vacuumed many more times.  I did laundry.  I put toys and books away in youngest's room...

The bug guys come tomorrow, thank goodness.  I want these stinking fleas dead and gone!  I will be vacuuming for many more days to ensure it.  The pets look good, but I will NOT let my guard down!

On the brighter side of things, I saved up enough Best Buy Reward Zone points from paying for tuition to purchase a Kindle Fire!

Isn't it beautiful?  Now, I will keep buying books because I am addicted to them.  I love books.  I love the feel, the smell, the look of them.  My new Kindle will allow me to download my school texts for much cheaper and store some of the classics I need for class and teaching.  The color version also allows for me to let youngest have some of her books to read.  Cookbooks are fun, too. ;)

Okay, I admit it.  The big reason I got it is because I don't have to share with hubbs.  He is a technology klepto.  Every time I bring something new in or he gets me a "gift" of something electronic, he "borrows" it and I never see it again.  With this, that won't happen because the idea behind it is BOOKS.  Hubbs does not read!  And if I can avoid downloading Angry Birds, we will be set. ;)

Day 31 - Super Diaper doggy!

I've decided to count housework as my work-outs for yesterday and today.  I think I should also be able to count all the times I've had to wrestle underwear onto the dog.  Yeah, you read that right.

My girl doggie is having her time of the month (year? half-year?) and that means I have to put something on her to prevent little doggie messes all over the house.  It only helps a little since she's really good at shedding the underpants and then doing a victory lap through the house.  I also have to hold myself back from fashioning a red cape for her to wear when I feel the urge to call her "Super Diaper baby".  I also fight the desire to post multiple pictures of her wearing very small girl's underpants.  Thank goodness for youngest's cast-offs.

We do also have a pair of boy's underwear.  Spiderman.  A friend told me little boy underwear works better because you can put the dog's tail through the winky hole in the under-roo's.  Personally, I found that the dog had an even easier time shedding those diapies.

I'm also counting the many times I've vacuumed.  Fleas have apparently hitched a ride in on the dog and I have been fastidiously cleaning the house.  I have the bug guy coming over on Saturday to put down some stuff on the carpet to kill off the little buggers.  I also found these awesome, if resounding of watching a train crash, pills for the cats and dog.Novartis Capstar Flea Treatment Blue Tabs for Dogs and Cats  You would not believe these things!  You give it to the pet and it fries the brains of the little pestilent hitchhikers. The twitch and fall off the pet.  I'm not joking.  It is incredibly disgusting while altogether fulfilling. I also have to share a link to one of the funniest Amazon reviews I've ever read Flea Trap.  Seriously, you will laugh at this one.  In case you're wondering, yes I also bought the product he's referring to.

All of this came after a Monday visit to the vet for one of the cats who was having some issues.  Apparently my theme for the week is pet issues.  Not much to do with PCOS but possibly relate-able to most of you!  That's right week, I got ya exercise right here!

Day 29 - Not so great the second time around...

The hubbs and youngest tried some of the uber-dense sourdough last night and were as unimpressed as I was.  I'm now pretty much convinced that the cookbook is bunk.  I ordered a different cookbook to try (Paleo Comfort Foods: Homestyle Cooking for a Gluten-Free Kitchen ) but am going to go sans carbs/gluten in the form of eating dairy, protein, veggies and limited fruit.  No sauces, no boxed foods -- nothing that resembles a pre-made carb in any way.

After we went to bed, the dog decided to try the sourdough as well.  Apparently, she didn't like it either because she left three piles of it in the hall for me to clean up.  Message received! Sourdough-no!

We had a great walk at the park this morning though.  I'm sure she was feeling very light on her feet.  She was also very eager to please in order to be rewarded with her favorite peanut butter treats.

I did a bit of jogging.  I tried to do a lap after walking one, but the Chex I had for breakfast began threatening a  coup, so I relented:

Me *begins jogging*
Chex: *in a bad French accent* Oh no, no no! Zis weel not do!
Me: What's your problem? I walked a lap first!
Chex: Yez, but we took zee vote and dezided zat you weel no longer rule!
Me: What?!?
Chex: *chorus of Chex chanting* Swim for zee head! Swim for zee head!

Resuming my walk settled everything right back down.  By the sixth lap, the puppy was looking at the trail away from the park like she was wondering what I was doing.

Puppy: *pointer stance toward the exit*
Me: C'mon, we're not done yet!
Puppy: *hurries to walk in front of me as though I need leading*
Me: I'm going to trip over you.
Puppy: *gives a baleful and half-threatening look as she continues to lead*
*When we reach the exit trail again, she attempts to herd me to the exit*
Me: What are you doing? C'mon.
Puppy: *walks the rest of the laps almost attached to my leg as she worries that I am completely lost on the circular path*

It was good though.  My back is a bit achy, but that seems to be normal for me every time I walk.  It's just weakness leaving the body, right?  Or maybe it's carbs leaving the body and they don't want to go!

Accountability: 2+ miles and 20 minutes of taking down Christmas lights.  Yes, I'm just now getting to it. 8P

Day 28 - as dense as bread

I see no walking in my future today.  It is rainy and cold.  The only walking I will likely get is from wherever I manage to park on campus to and from my classes.  I did have a healthy lunch, though.

In my fridge lurked a couple of goodies leftover from munching time at the house: veggies and Buffalo chicken dip.  I got the recipe from a friend of mine and make the lightest version possible:

Buffalo Chicken Dip
2-3 chicken breasts, baked and shredded
1 pkg 1/3 fat cream cheese
1/2 c light Ranch dressing (though light blue cheese works as well)
1 c Frank's Hot Sauce (I'm trying to find a gluten-free hot sauce to use instead)
1 c 2% mexican shredded cheese mix

Put the shredded chicken and hot sauce in a pan.  Coat the chicken well before adding cream cheese and turning heat to medium.  Get the mixture bubbling and all the cream cheese melted.  Turn off the heat and add the ranch.  Pour into an 8x8 square pan and top with cheese.  Bake at 350 until bubbly (15-20 min).  Serve with veggies, bread, crackers, tortilla chips...whatever.

I will add that if you make homemade Ranch (not the powder stuff, mixing the ingredients yourself!) you can easily make it gluten-free.

I like this with celery, carrots...really any fresh cut veggies.  It made my lunch today.  The puppy tried to talk me into sharing but I imagined the mess that would occur and declined.

I also had a slice of the "sourdough" bread I finally managed to cook last night.  It did not rise like it should have (Shocker!) and the resultant bread is very dense.

I'm talking wet sponge cake, here.

It tastes okay except for the super-chewy aspect.  I tried some with my dip and it was almost like I was eating real bread with it.  Yeah, I'm good at fooling myself like that.

Me: *chews a cardboard picture of a cinnamon roll*  Mmmm
Dog: *whines at my feet because she wants me to share*
Me: Get your own cardboard cut-out, dog!

I am nervous about my classes.  I think I always am.

Today it will also be hubbs' responsibility to pick up youngest from her after-school program.  He knows he has to arrive by a specific time, so I'm not worried there.  I do imagine he will somehow get lost trying to find the childcare area.  I am also going to leave detailed instructions on the available dinner options for youngest.  I'm not worried about hubbs.  It isn't that I don't care, but understand that, no matter the prep, he will make himself a bowl of cereal or a ton of chips, cheese, pickled items and anything else he can grab in a random fashion from within the pantry or fridge. *shrug* At least it isn't an entire package of cookies like he had for "lunch" one day in his car.  I've given up on balancing the manchild's eating habits for him.  He likes living with heartburn and random digestive stress, I'm not going to fight him on it anymore.  I may take up residence in another room as he suffers and all the animals stampede away from him, but its all good.

Well, time to give the computer a few extra moments to charge before I head out the door.  Wish me ridiculously easy As!

Day 27 - Panera Bread ain't got nothin on me!

Group today met at our usual disco hot spot: Panera Bread.  I was ready.  I planned ahead and had a bowl of gluten-free cereal before I went.  I knew breakfast would having thing for me unless I did some serious picking apart.  Lunch, I could go for soup or salad if I wanted.

I was just excited to go for the chatter and a bit of solid work time.  It was good chatter.

The ladies all enjoyed gluten-ous goodies while I waited for hunger to drive me into my fruit and yogurt parfait as I sipped happy java.

And honestly, what java isn't happy?  Spilled? Oh! Decaf!

I added about 200 words to my continuing-to-edit novel.  And I got quality time.  What could be better?

I also came home to make dinner and work with my "sourdough starter" which I am about to put in the oven.  No joke! I believe I figured out the errors in the recipe, so I am much more optimistic.  After cooking, I will post pics.

Tomorrow is also my first day of the Spring semester at school.  Yay?  Hmm.  Not so sure...

Okay, accountability: at least 3/4 mile with the pup and a power-walk speed.  Not bad at all.  Gotta go.  Battery almost...out....

Day 26.5 - The return of PMS

*I should apologize now for my few male readers...*

I sense a disturbance in the force.  I believe hubbs did as well since he chose today to work a FULL project in the garage after escaping to the hardware store for an hour.  Today was one of the days of my half-month PMS session.

No, that's not a joke.  I don't know if this effects other women with PCOS, but I have two hormonal imbalances a month that cause me to be emotional, clumsy, forgetful and irrational.  Today was a mild beginning of one.  It went like this:

*Watching a repeat of Ellen where Justin Bieber is singing at an underprivileged school*
Me: *sniffle, sniffle*  Oh that Biebs.  I take back all the hair mocking and comments against him!  What a great guy!
*a few minutes later when they show his performance at the school*
Me: Gag!  Who watches this crap?  He's such a tool.
*Later, watching Wizards of Waverly Place (final episode) with my youngest*
Me: That Justin is such a jerk!  He's so mean!
Youngest: Mommy, calm down.
Me: But he is!  Look how mean he's being to his sister when she was doing the right thing by wanting to help the others!
Youngest: Okay Mommy...
*at the end of the show*
Me: I can't believe that's the end. *feels sniffly*
Youngest: Yep, we watched the whole thing.

Ah, my child.

I did make the brownies.  They aren't bad, though a bit on the chewy side.  Not chewy as in dense, more like sticky chewy.  I ate one.  I guess that actually is a pretty good indication that they aren't my favorite ever. *laughs*

I do feel like pouting and stomping my foot before pulling out a high-fat, non gluten-friendly brownie mix, making it and eating the entire pan.  Yeah...I love my 2x PMS a month.

Accountability: Still didn't leave the house.  Still planning on counting the cleaning.  So, nyah-nyah.

Day 26 - The forgotten

I wrote my second post yesterday and apparently forgot to save it.  I think it was about my dough being screwed up and something about being able to admit when you're wrong? Its probably better that it was lost...

I started a new "sourdough starter" last night.  It is my hope that this new attempt will look right.  I also set up the black beans recipe.  It is made with dried beans which is a whole lot more economical than purchasing canned.

It doesn't look right though.  I'm a little worried that the beans aren't getting enough moisture.  These two instances are making me wonder about my cookbook.  Not that I don't make mistakes.  I do.  Thus the reasoning behind re-attempting the "sourdough starter".

I'm also going to try making a box of Betty Crocker Gluten Free Brownie Mix, 16-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 6).  I promised a friend of mine who has Crohn's disease that I would make it and bring her one to try. 8)  Here's hoping!

I am a little nervous about what recipe to try next out of the cookbook.  I was going to attempt one of the pastry dough recipes, but if I do that and it goes wrong, I will waste a lot more flour AND filling ingredients.  This gluten-free lifestyle mixed with low sugar makes for much higher grocery expenses.  Small bags of flour average $7 per and a bag of Xanthan Gum (thickening agent in gluten-free recipes) averages $14 for a small bag.

Well, I guess I'll just wait and see how the black beans turn out and post pictures of the brownies. 8)

Accountability: Yesterday I did a combined walk and jog of 2 miles with the pup.  Today has been lots of cleaning, so I haven't added a walk to that.  I may do a bit of time on the elliptical though... must make room for brownies.

Day 24.5: The rise of dough

I missed posting last night.  I wish I had a good excuse, but I don't.  I played about 20 games of Words with Friends, got tired and then went to bed.  Once in said bed, I thought, "Crap, I forgot to post."  I shook my head and crawled under the covers instead of schlepping downstairs, turning back on my computer and posting for you lovely people.  Yeah.  Sometimes the thought of sleep just wins.

Here I am posting prior to taking the munchkin to school and heading to the big bad world of the grocery store.   I hate the grocery store.  I don't hate getting new items and planning out amazing meals and treats and all that jazz.  I do tend to hate all the people and the selfishness of the grocery store.  That and if I can't find/they are out of something I need/want.  That totally burns my biscuits.

People in grocery stores are what really get me though.  They park their carts in a way that no one can pass them and then walk away to get something OR they park their carts on one side of the isle and then stand on the other (I prefer to use my cart as a booty guard, making it easy to plop stuff in and not get smucked by someone who can't steer their cart) OR they talk on a cell phone and don't pay attention to the fact that they are running you down at an un-natural speed reminiscent of Jason in Friday the 13th movies.

Me: *Looking for a specific boxed rice item*
*notices a woman entering the isle at the other end with a cell to her ear*
Me: *turns back to the rice selection and then realizes the woman is suddenly 1 foot away from me and moving toward me without looking*
Me: Gah!
Woman: *on cell* I know girl, I couldn't believe it. *slams into me, my cart, the shelves, a dog that managed to wander into the store and a stacked display without acknowledgement, continuing her conversation as she takes apart the next isle*
Me: *Lying in the isle covered in rice, beans and clutching what I realize is the wrong box of rice* Sonovagun!

The sourdough starter is ready:

Today, I will fill my house with the fabulous smell of baking bread.  I'm so excited.  The second post for today will hopefully show a fabulous, fresh-baked loaf of yummy bread and my accountability for the day.  I gotta run.  Time to take munchkin to school. 8)

Accountability for 1/5/2012: 2 mile walk with the pup.

Day 23 - Pumpernickel and the runaway broth

I tried a gluten-free bread mix today.  I love my breadmaker.  It is old and sat in my grandmother's garage for heaven knows how long before I got it.  I was excited to see that the bread mix I purchased had bread-maker directions.  I don't always have luck with bread.  It seems like my mere presence causes the dough to deflate or fail to rise.

Me: I say to you, RISE! Rise my dough!
*the dough sits there looking...doughy*
Me: For the love of Pete! Get some lift, wouldja?
Hubby: Honey, could you help me with something for a second?
*I leave, come back and find the dough has doubled twice its size*
Me: Yay!
*Dough deflates again*
Me: Aww man!

So, for me, a breadmaker is a very good thing.  The dough is encased in a little machine with a window that I avoid, so it can't possibly know I'm there!  I'm not a fan of the odd, square shape, but beggars can't be choosers.

My mix of choice for today was Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Whole Grain Bread Mix, 20-Ounce Units (Pack of 4).  I love whole grain breads.  I always have.  This was not like whole grain bread you buy at the store.  It looked, and smelled, like Pumpernickel.  My husband is thrilled.  He loves dark beer and bread that is the same color as a charcoal briquette. Not so much for me.  Still, it was soft and I think will make great bread crumbs for later.

I also made roast chicken for dinner in the slow cooker.  I told hubbs about it yesterday and how I was excited because I could save the broth and use it for another recipe just like in my shoestring cookbook (see yesterday's post for a link).  The chicken came out perfect and we all enjoyed our meal.  I then carefully skimmed out the skin and leftover veggies so I could let it cool before storing my all-day broth.  I cleaned up the kitchen, loaded the dishwasher and then headed upstairs to take care of some stuff for the cats.

I came back downstairs and hubbs asked me to help him put the chicken I had separated from the bone into a bag.  After we had done so, I turned to see if the broth had cooled enough to be put in a container.  My slowcooker was gone.

Me: Honey, where's the slow cooker?
Hubbs: *mutely points at the base sitting on top of the cabinets*
Me: *eyes closed, deep breath* What did you do with the broth that was in it. *hoping beyond hope that he put it in a container after my many dialogues about fresh broth*
Hubbs: What do you mean?
Me: *heart sinks* Please tell me you did not just throw it away.
Hubbs: *just stares*

Yeah, I was not a happy camper.  He, of course, has no clue about the wrong he committed and professes that either I didn't tell him or he just wasn't listening when I did.  Story of my life.  So, no fresh broth.  Sad.

Accountability: 2 mile walk today with the pup.  I had to cover up for the 30 degree weather.

Day 22????

Okay, I totally went to bed last night instead of doing a new post.  Yep, slacker me.  And you know, I didn't really get any sleep.  I've been having some serious insomnia issues lately. I have to wonder if it is the change in diet or the change in hours from the holidays and everyone being home/off?  I honestly don't know, but I got very little sleep last night and had a serious restless-leg issue.  Anyone ever get that?  You know, when you go to relax and it is like your leg wants to disconnect from your body and go for a jog or something?

Me: What the heck...?
Leg: *puts on nice shoes and sexy hose*
Me: Really?  You're going out now?
Leg: *Does a little hop as if shrugging and then waves back and forth before hopping out the door*
Me: You get back here, we are so not done with this discussion.  I need some sleep, damn you!
Me thinking: Sad that my leg gets to go out and party more than me...

Maybe if I can talk my leg into jogging, it will do the work for me and get all extra sexy.  That or I would look like some sort of mis-shapen mutant. Hmm, almost thinking it would be worth it.

So, I did get a short walk yesterday with the pooch.  The family and I did some running around and we ended up getting back just before the sun went down.  Then, I made the mistake of not changing my shoes when we left and was worried if I turned around and headed home, I would just not finish the walk.  So, we did about 1/2 a mile of walking.  The dog was looking at me with a decidedly disappointed expression.  I think she snorted in disgust at least once.

We got a better walk in today.  We did at least 1.5 miles in 30-something weather with a lot of wind.  I probably put my body through the equivalent of a 2 mile with the forces pressing against me.  The dog is very happy with me. She winked at me at least once before passing out at my feet.

Now, I'm trying a recipe from the Gluten-Free on a Shoestring cookbook/lifestyle manual:
Gluten-Free on a Shoestring: 125 Easy Recipes for Eating Well on the Cheap  I'm pretty excited about it.  Have any of you ever made the Amish Friendship Bread (http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Amish-Friendship-Bread-Starter/Detail.aspx?strb=4?)  The starter batter for the Sourdough bread is similar to that in that it takes 3 days before you have a usable item.  Everything gets to sit out all happy and doing its own thing.  Then, in 3 days, I get to start making the bread if I want or I can stick the starter in the fridge to do later!  Good deal since I ordered some highly-rated gluten free multi-purpose flour from amazon!
I may not like all the higher cost that goes along with this big change, but I do like the experimenting.  Call me a science geek or a crazed cook, but I love it.  I am excited about bread!  Can you believe that?

I will let you all know how it turns out...in 3 days...
And no more skipping posts!

Happy New Year! (Day 20)

Okay, here's what we're going to do:  Pick up that piece of paper or open that file/email/text where you put your New Year's resolution on and get rid of it.  Yep, you heard me.  Delete it.  Burn it.  Throw it on the floor and stomp madly on it while screaming, "You don't own me!"  Unless its your phone or computer.  I don't recommend that when there's a happy little delete button instead that won't cost you $$$ to replace.  If it makes you feel better, write it on a piece of paper and then try above.

Why do I say that?  Simple: Change is not a temporary thing to be decided in a last moment "Wow I had better do something" spurt.  Change is taking hold of it, shaking it until its brains rattle around in its tiny head and then sending it in the direction YOU want to go.  Change is a commitment, not just a line on a piece of paper.

You need more than that to keep you going?  Okay then.  Tell everyone.  And I do mean everyone.  Tell your family, your neighbors, your mail person, EVERYONE.

You: "Hey, guess what?  I'm finally going to make the change to lose 20 lbs!"
Heavily pierced, annoyed teenager at the store processing the return of the Pantera tee you got from your friend for Christmas: "Uh..."
You: "I am!  I'm making the change and taking charge of my life!"
Annoyed teen: "Whatever."

Here's the thing with telling everyone though: you put yourself on a stage.  That snarky teen could probably care less what your plans are, but she may remember you next time you go in that store and notice if you followed through.  Who knows, she may even crack a smile at you or take it as a sign to do something good for herself!

Resolutions are pretty much junk unless you are a super-person who takes that sentence to the letter.  Most of us are not.  So, do yourself a favor and make a commitment for change if you want to change.  Grab it by the scruff and....wait, we already did that...

Anyways...*end rant*  You can do it, and I'm here if you want to commiserate about any of the hurtles you need to jump.  Just don't expect me to jump them for you.  I'm not sure I could get high enough or last long enough to take on mine AND yours. ;)

Also, if you need a bit more zen in your life, check out this book:

Exercise Accountability: Yesterday: Walked 1.5 miles at a fast pace with dog.
Today: Walked 1.25 miles and jogged .25 miles with dog!