Goals for weight loss

This winter has been tough. 20 pounds worth of tough to be exact! But it's really got to come off. After all, summer is a comin'...And having lost 100 pounds (slowly!) back around 2006-2007 I'm terrified of being on this slippery slope. It's so easy to slide all the way down to the bottom when you're not paying attention.

I've been doing weight watchers for the last little while. And although it's worked for me in the past for whatever reason it's not really working this time. When I was at the bookstore last week I came across a book called "The Cheater's Diet" and after reading it, I think I'll give it a try.

Modified from the book this week's goals are:

1. Eat 2 fruit and 3 vegetable servings every day. No matter what. This is non-negotiable.
2. Cut my portion sizes by 25%. Again, non-negotiable.
3. Walk twice a week and do yoga once a week.
4. Weigh in. Done today...yup, 20 pounds :(
5. Keep a food journal.
6. Eat three meals a day. If dinner is going to be late, then have one small snack in the late afternoon.
7. Look over the week and incorporate 2 "cheater meals" and 2 "cheater snacks" into the week. But WATCH PORTIONS!

That's it. I'll check in next Wednesday and let you know how it's going. I'll also post new goals.
Happy Wednesday!

Maple Syrup time

Actually it's kind of late for a maple syrup post but anyway...I just pulled out a can from our case of maple syrup today and tried a new dessert. We buy a case of maple syrup every spring but really we should buy two since one only lasts for half the year (If we're lucky!)

Maple Syrup Squares

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 inch square pan.

Mix together:

1 cup flour

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup butter, softened

and pat into bottom of pan. Bake for 5-7 minutes, until light, golden brown. Let cool and spread over base:

1 cup walnut pieces

Turn oven up to 450.

Next mix in a small saucepan and simmer for a couple of minutes, until sugar is dissolved:

2/3 cup brown sugar

1 cup maple syrup

Let cool a little. Then mix into the cooled syrup:

2 beaten eggs

Stir in:

1/4 cup butter, softened

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp vanilla

2 Tbl flour

Pour this mixture over the walnuts. Bake at 450 for 10 minutes. Turn heat down to 350 and bake for 20 minutes more. Cool and cut into squares.

Today

I don't want to clean my house today. I don't want to cook anything, clean anything or take care of anyone today.

Today, I am just tired. My soul feels weary and my spirit depleted. My body is aching and my eyes are gritty. The stress in my personal life has finally gotten to the point where it is manifesting itself in a myriad of ways.

So, I think I know what I am going to do. I'm going to lie down in the backyard and feel the breeze. I'm going to listen to the birds and gaze upon the flowers. I might just stay there all day.

I might just let everything else fall apart while I put myself back together.