Chicken and peppers And Salad

No it isnt cottage cheese it is Jerry's Home made Salad Dressing with alittle feta cheese.
Orange bell peppers and onions.  Yes it looks like a huge amount of food for lunch.
But Dr. G's food plan is a No fail. Veggie/protein for lunch.

Like I said alot of days Jerry will eat only vegtable salad. So I hope this recipe does not offend anyone who does not eat meat. We did get some tofu at the store and plan to start cooking that also. Jerry does a very labor type job so he wanted chicken.

I just feel so sad when I hear people say: It costs to much to eat healthy. Nope, you buy a bag of apples, almonds, and any other fruit you have all your snacks for the week.
Even if you cannot afford a fancy meal, make it simple. Then when you have alittle extra make a special meal once a week. It's all about health and Simplicity in cooking.

I'm really baffled...

Patience has a classmate that has a parent that is a teacher.
Not saying which parent here. Because I do not want to say to much.

Anyway it just surprizes that the parent eats lunch with their child everyday and they inquire about Patience lunch. At first I thought it was just polite conversation. But then it got to the point the person would say wow you eat fruit everyday. You really eat healthy Patience. And Patience response was : Arent we supposed to?

All the while their child is sitting there eating cookies, chips, candy bar.
It just surprizes me the parent is a Well educated person!!! I mean they have a degree in educating children. And feed own child junk!!!

I could understand if they lacked education. Anyway...trying not to say to much. I think it is perfectly legal to add tibits of Patience life and her reactions without getting sued...LOL

I just love the fact Patience said :Arent we supposed to. Like it came natural to her.

Patience spent the night with Memaw

OK let me say this : My parents have alot of junk food at their house!!!!
The typical American cupboard though. They buy soda, they buy chips, they buy
ice cream. But my parents really do not have a weight problem so their belief is
Eating in moderation will not hurt her.Their misconception is if it is labeled "Diet"
Then it should not hurt!!! Saying it once more,The stuff is garabage!!

I called to see how the girls were and My mom said they were fine. Patience had just
gotten finished with a snack half a apple and cheese slice.
Which is a OK snack. Then she said she offered her some crackers. But Patience refused. My moms idea of a cracker is ritz, yes the buttery kind!!!

I let it slip out of mouth when I said Good girl Patience...LOl
My mom was silent. Of course wheat cracker would have been fine, but we just try to get her used to the idea of having a fruit for snack with almonds or maybe cheese every now and then.

I just think my mother is sursprised at Patience devotion . I could tell she may have been alittle annoyed that Patience refused the cracker . Annoyed with me. Thinking we are strict or something. But I have to say WTG Patience.
Its not about moderation, its about how her body will react to the food.

Anyway I love my parents, this is about how Patience reacted Good job my girl
The lessons she has been taught at home carry her when she is away from home.

Girl Scout cookie time

Patience is a Girl Scout. Her attitude has been so awesome about this. Of course she is obligated to sale the cookies. But not once has she said mom can i have some cookies.
When Jerry came home from work he said oh no cookies, the two cases that were worth $100 sat on our Kitchen table.

And Patience being the sweet upbeat, bubbly, girl she is said Dont worry Daddy I just sale them. Im not going to eat something like that. Then she said Daddy if that kind of thing isnt good for you then why in the world do I try to sale them.

Good point Patience. Good point. This post is in no way trying to cut down girl scout cookies. Or the Girl scouts. Im so proud of our little Daisey. I just wanted to share how sweets will always be there no matter what in our world, in her world.

I did order one box of Thank you Berry much. The box is still there....So I have to say WTG to everyone in our family for handling this.

Deep Dish Pizza (caliuflower)

I really do not want to give the impression we are feeding Patience alot of meat and cheese. To be honest she has veggies 95% of the time. And fish. We do not want trade in a insulin problem for a heart problem



But I try to make them fun. I do not want her to think veggies have to be drenched in cheese. Alot of times she eats steamed veggies or raw veggies.

Anyway

1 cup of Cauliflower
Spices such as oregano, basil, parsley
1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese
1 egg
Pizza toppings
Sauce
You steam the cauliflower, cooked but not all the way then rice it in a food processor.
Shred it

Then you mix, cheese, egg, spices and cook for 12 minutes on a greased cookie sheet with olive oil
That makes the dough.

After the dough has cooled make just like a regular pizza and cook until crisp. Add any pizza toppings even turkey pepperoni. Or make it veggie. She was sursprized and happy. :) The more you shredd the caliuflower the more it will be more of a dough. Like I said please do not think this is something she eats everyday. Just a instead of pizza. We do this.

Even my Simplicity said pretty good mom. This recipe was seen on Dr. Oz. and this photo here is not Patience serving. Jerry, Patience and Simplicity ate this and there was some left to eat.  It could even make nice bread sticks.
Of course we tell Patience it is a healthier pizza. Not real pizza. Because if someone offers her real pizza we do not want her to think it is ok. We explained to her we use veggies to make the dough.

Alittle less fat Shepards Pie

This is a not a meal we would have every night. Not that it isn't healthy. We just do not have sweet potatoes often. Patience 95% of the time is eating veggies, fish, poultry. What i used for this

Chopped onions
Fresh carrots
celery
Fresh green beans
Ground turkey
1 big sweet potato
2 Tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese
A splash of soy milk

I chopped the onions, carrots, celery, cooked the turkey, cooked the sweet potato in the microwave.

The green beans were fresh they came from the produce section i cooked them in the microwave.
After the sweet potato was cooked i mashed it in the food processor.I  drainn the turkey meat. And started to layer the veggies. I added a splash of soy milk to the sweet potato. And one tablespoon of butter. ( light)

After the pie was layered I spread the potatoes on top and put the cheese and Parmesan grated on top and I broiled it in the oven until the top looked crisp.

You could add any veggies. I chose not use corn. But in the future I may add broccoli or no meat at all. ( or veggie crumbles)

You could try this

Instead of             Try

Soda                     sparkling water or 100 fruit juice

Juice drinks           part juice, part water


Sweeteners in ceral    fruit toppings

candy bars                 fruit, yogurt, nuts

ice cream                   Gelato

french fries              Sweet Potato fries

butter on bread         dipping bread in olive oil


white bread                100 percent whole grain

beef burger                 veggie, fish, ground turkey

Salad dressing           lemon juice, olive oil, home made dressing

enriched pasta             Whole grain

sour cream                plain yogurt

mashed potato with gravy     Broccoli and home made cheese sauce

These changes are second nature to our family. Although we do not eat alot of bread I put the olive oil idea on there. We made taco's one day and Simplicity said hey mom where is the yogurt instead of sour cream!!! So these changes are very easy.

Dr. Sears Gelato-like desert

Place a 6-8 ounce container of your favorite fruit and yogurt in the freezer for 45 minutes. Presto you have a quick gelato-like dessert. I plan to mix this in the blender or food processor.

Special Additions
almonds
fruit toppings

We really respect everything Dr.Sears has on recipes and nutrition advice.
Although I do not have a picture yet. This is a dessert we plan to try for Patience. A dessert that has no guilt without the sugar, eggs, cream the traditional gelato has in it.

I just realized....

Yesterday, marked the 100th day of school I know because the children celebrated. Patience came running out smiling in her 100th day hat. So cute!!
With a big smile on her face telling me all about the day. Momma we had 100 balloons and got to pop them.  We watched 101 Datamations

And Momma the teacher made us brownies :( and another girl brought cookies.

But I did not eat any. You didn't Patience? No momma.

Besides the Valentine party and the Halloween party ( a cookie) that officially makes 98 days Patience has said no Thank you.

Please do not think I'm complaining or wanting sympathy. I'm just so proud of Patience. I know it must be hard for her. But i have to remind myself it is for her health. ( I had sent the teacher a sugar free candy to give her in occasions like that I suppose she forgot) :( While the other kids ate their Brownies and cookies Patience ate her plum. Gosh I feel bad. I feel bad because I hope she knows we are not punishing her. Everytime I remind her she says I know, I know Momma. You do not want me to have diabetes. And if i eat those type of foods i gain weight.

Wtg Patience. You make me so proud. My hope for you in the future is your healthy. My fear is you will blame me because I did not allow you to be  just a kid. And I hope you will know we love you and are trying to save you from diabetes. It isn't about a fad diet. We love you with all our hearts. If I could make things different I would.

* On a side note Patience has always been such a Momma and Daddys girl. Always very loving. She is still. And this has nothing to do with the diet or anything of that nature.  Now when we go to the store she says Momma Im a big girl now I do not need to hold your hand. :(
Of course she would if i really wanted her to. I miss her hand in mine.
But I understand. After I wrote this I went in and checked on her she had her Valentine pegas (horse with wings) stuffed animal in her arms holding it while sleeping. And I remember we still have many milestones to go. :) They are out tomorrow because of a Teacher in service day. And Im so happy I have time to spend with my girls.

Way to go Dr. G

http://www.pfcnutrition.com/_base/views/drsvideo_fat.php

Dr. G is really sharing his knowledge with the world. Anyone who has the privilege of meeting him will be extremely lucky.

Lunch box of Patience

Very basic, simple lunch.

Alot of times Patience will take a sandwitch on whole wheat bread. (the better name breads) they are more heavier not gooey.

With a fruit. Tomorrow she wanted a salad. The salad dressing will be home made. No candybar, chips, cookies.  Yea i know im no fun but Patience is content and I feel good about doing the right thing.

Philly Cheese Grilled chicken

Grilled chicken, bell pepper, onion, salad : carrots, baby spinach, cucumber
broccoli. With a small amount of cheese.
Yes that's alot of food!!! But Jerry continues to lose weight.

Something that does not cost alot

We make bean soup:lentils, dark beans, black beans. In this case split pea.
I take a can of no salt added tomato, chopped onions, celery, carrots. And about 2 cups of beans. And add spices such as onion powder, cumin, parsley. Any spices really.

The soup is very low fat and can be a nice meal along with a salad.

Jerry's Salad Dressing

Plain non fat yogurt any brand
2 Tablespoon of Mayo, ( Jerry prefers Dukes because it is sugar free)
Papkrika, onion powder, dillweed, garlic powder. (any seasonings)
You could add chilli seasonings or pepper flakes to spice it up.

This beats all the added not good for you things. Trust me there is nothing to fattening in this dressing. The kids love it on their salad.

Fruit and Veggies

Dr. G would like for me to eat Protein/veggie for lunch. Meaning chicken/veggies, fish/veggies, Tuna/veggies. And I normally do.
But since I wasnt hungry for a morning snack I decided to make a fruit salad.
Strawberries, grapes, baby spinach, egg. And Jerry's home made very low fat salad dressing made with plain yogurt. And I added a small amount of feta cheese. It looks like a lot of food. And it is but it is things that are good for you. I may have veggies and protein shake for dinner or baked fish along with veggies. I havent decided yet. :0)

A Habbit

Unless it's super cold or raining we always park at the end of the lot at a store.
It has become second nature. Besides I love hearing "lets race Mom"
Of Course in a safe manner.

Pizza ( It's a mushroom not real pizza)

One of things that I have made is portabella mushroom with a small amount of cheese and Parmesan cheese melted. I broil this in the oven.With Tomato sauce. Patience really likes this. I could put some grilled onions on it also or sauteed bell pepper or grilled tomato  with basil or italian herbs on the top.

Like I said we have found different ways of cooking veggies. This is a nice meal when you really would love to have pizza but do not need the calories or carbs. She likes her to be alittle crispy on the top.

Patience 6th Heart day

Patience had her party at school. We discussed what would be a healthy choice. If there can be on a day filled with candy and sweet goodies.

 She was allowed to have one treat.Yes that may sound mean to alot of people. But we are trying to teach her it's all about choices. Explaining to her the other kids are not affected with sweets and high carb foods they way her body is. Then say  no thank you for the rest.

When I picked her up from school she said Mom I have some bad news. We played a game and the prizes were candy bars. And handed it over and said Momma those things are bad for you I do not want it. I know candy is cheap but why can't it be stickers or something small? Please know I never ask her to hand me the candy she wanted to give it to me because she just did not want it.

Such a sweetheart.

She amazes me everyday.

The song is by Taylor Swift, I think of all my children everytime i hear it.

Do not mean to break your heart...

But No thank you.

No thak you for the candy for my daughter.

Her weight has came off

That isnt the full picture.

We say No because we know where we have been.

And never want to return.

Alot of times People will say oh come on its only once.

Meaning well but as Parents Jerry and I say a firm No Thank You.

Btw, that isnt our candy in the photo I swiped it from the net

 This is Patience Breakfast
Whole wheat Waffle
Turkey sausage
Strawberries
Almond butter for the syrup

Sometimes we put a small amount of sugar free spreadable fruit
She does not eat a waffle everyday, this morning we will be in church
into afternoon.

A light breakfast

Light breakfast.
In the mornings for breakfast I usually have a whey protein shake, a Banana, and a Tablespoon of Almond butter. Freezing the banana makes the shake thicker. Then a couple hours later I will have a apple or boiled egg. If i were really hungry when drinking the shake I could always add a little of dry uncooked oatmeal.
Remembering to drink tons of water.

Taking the Time to prepare snacks

AJerry was working tonight and the girls were watching movies. So I took the time to prepare snacks for the future.
When you have healthy snacks prepared there is no reason to stop by the store. Usually i take a evening once a week to prepare. Chopping carrot sticks, celery, Brocolli. Poping air popped popcorn and placing in ziplock bags. Boiling eggs, grapes in ziplocks, strawberries, Freezing Banana's for our shakes.
Also taking the time to chop the veggies for meals. Having a food processor has been a lifesaver.I know these days people are on a budget with food. But if you try very hard  to buy the fruit that is on sale and veggies, you can remain healthy. Last night I did take the girls out for a Valentine dinner. We ordered healthy of course. I had to laugh though the waiter asked what we would like to drink and i said water. He asked again for the kids. I thought well no I do not want to feed my children soda.When we went out we all orderd boiled shrimp salad. Instead of dressing we put alittle salsa on our salad and it was very good. ( not that Simplicity needs to watch her weight) But we all really try to be considerate of Patience feelings. We had a lovely evening.Going out to eat is a very rare thing for us. And  when we do Patience knows the items that would be healthy.

Tune in to The Dr. Phil Show Friday 11/6: Top Three Ways You're Making Y...

Looking at this video seems like a lifetime ago, Patience has come so far.

Top Three Ways You're Making Your Child Obese

If your just learning about Patience story, I want to say she wasnt over weight because we were over feeding her. She actually ate less than alot of children. It was a insulin problem she had.We fed her what we thought was healthy. Fat free items, but those items were loaded with sugar.We went on the show to get help for our daughter. And i would do it again if that meant saving my child's life. Thankfully Dr. Phil gave our family the knowledge that will last a lifetime. We were not giving her tons of snack cakes and chips, and junk food. It is amazing how she has turned this around.

Snack list

These are our basic snacks we eat and continue to lose

Egg, (cooked anyway)
Celery with natural peanut butter
Banana chips (about 40) try to look for natural instead of sugar glazed 1 daily
Hummus with veggies
Tomato cooked or raw
Almonds about 10
Any fruit
cheese stick with a hand full of grapes
sugar free applesauce
Any berries
rice cake with sugar free jam (not for everytime you get hungry) 1 time
air popped popcorn ( a cup) once, not everytime
Raw veggies, tomato, broccoli, celery, carrots, bell pepper slices
Grilled onions
Fruit with plain yogurt
Juiced veggies
A very small can of tuna

We basically eat anything on this list anytime we have to eat in between meals.You never can really have to many veggies. So crunch away...!!!
This list may seem boring but there are so many ways of eating these things. You can cleverly find different ways of cooking these items. The best veggies to eat are the crunchy colorful ones.

Just wanted to make this list to let you know we are not starving... and either is Patience. I used to think celery = diet food. Now i love it so much. Celery has a salty taste and instead of crunching on a bag of chips I now reach for it. These are Dr. G recommended foods. The author of Boost your Metabolism. And our friend who has helped lead us in this health journey.

Patience lunch

Today is Saturday, so we had more time for her to have a hot lunch.
Baked Tilapia, shredded carrots, and Broccoli. We added spices such as onion powder, pepper flakes, lemon. Kids can have healthy meals without complaining.  We always tell Patience carrots are good for your eyes, Broccoli good for your skin. Reminding her veggies are not boring they are energy food that help you grow and learn. Yes it looks alike alot of food. But how many calories would a McDonald's kids meal have? You never can eat to many veggies. In the beginning we did have to sprinkle Little Parmesan cheese on the veggies to get her to eat them. And we still do but she does not have to have it now, because she has gotten used to eating veggies without being breaded or drenched in a cream sauce. After eating her lunch she is now off to visit her friend in the neighborhood to play. It gave her engery to play. In the past if we were to feed her something with high carb she would have been so tired. And would have came home asking for something to eat. Yes the carrots have sugar but the fiber the carrots slow down the sugar. She still contiunes to maintain her weight. It looks like alot of carrots but it isnt really, They are shredded. We watch portion size there are alot of times Patience will skip her snack so it will not hurt if she ate alittle more veggies at lunch.

Dinner

Baked Tapila, lettuce, Tomato, pita bread. We try to eat most of the veggies/protein for dinner and no bread. I could have added a large salad along with that but it was a workout night.And we were on the go.

Sometimes we will have a veggie one packed with avocado slices, grilled veggies. This is alot less calories than a hamburger.
This pita bread is Made by a company called Joseph's it has flax seed in it.And it SO good!!! Only 60 calories.

After the workout we came home and ate fresh strawberries. Patience loved them without the whip cream. She loves Strawberries. There was no Momma can we stop by Wendy's and get a hamburger.
It amazes me what a little girl can do that some adults have a problem with. I know sometimes it is the time trap that gets people.
But if they plan ahead they can have a healthy good for them meal.

I wanted to add a photo of something that Jerry and I seen at the market. And I was horrified. This is a nightmare for parents whose child has a insulin problem they are unaware of. (The one cookie with sugar and pizza does hurt, even if it is just one)

Lunch

Jerry's salad

Look how big this looks

from the Man who was 330 now down to 163!!!!

Lettuce, chicken, carrots celery, tomatoe

And lots of water.

Jerry does not eat meat everyday for lunch. Alot of days we will have a huge plate of veggies.  Anyway grilled chicken, tuna, fish always ok. Yesterday we had a picnic in the car. Just him and I  we had some errands to run. Anyway we went to Walmart bought a veggie plate Raw veggies and ate pineapple slices for a sweet. It was so good. And enough. Jerry had pita bread with his.

I loved our lunch and I felt good about eating healthy.

Please stop losing weight Jerry.. LOL

The small steps

So you ate the cupcake?
Heard some bad news today so out of frustration you ate the whole thing of cookies?
Try to remember its not about a diet, its about your health. What is good for your body. Since we started the healthy journey I have had some health problems. So I have no choice but to eat right.  I eat better to keep my immune system stronger. In the begining of  course i followed the plan because we had to call Dr. G and i did not want to disappoint. But some where down the road I realized Its about loving myself to want better. To want to feel better. And stop what health issues I have from going down hill.

For Patience of course we do not want her to develop diabetes.
Its not about the weigh in, its about giving your body something that it is good for it. If  Little girl like Patience can do it, i hope you find encouragement today.

It isn't about eating the brownie, and working out like crazy to not gain the weight. For us it's about loving yourself enough to eat right.
(of course it isn't fair to ask a child to give up brownie's forever) On very special days we will make sugar free. But we also want Patience to have a love for fruit. There are many times we say Hey Patience we are going to have strawberries with sugar free whip cream as a treat. And she says ok mom sounds good.

Everytime we go to the super market and I see a overweight child and tons of junk in the buggy. I think do they know better? or does their child have a health problem they do not know about. I want to help. For all I know the junk could be for the other siblings. Just like our family. ( remember I have two other children who can eat anything and not gain)

All I can do is start with our family and maybe just maybe some where down the line Patience's journey will help other's.  It  has even helped Simplicity she is now wanting to trade her chips in for  air popped popcorn. And candy bar in for apples with yogurt.

Now Patience is at a point we can show her a list of food and she knows what is the better choice. One day I had forgotten her lunch at home and we live 30 miles from the school and i said Patience you will have to buy your lunch today. She knew we hardly ever do that. (NEVER)

Anyway she picked all the protein/veggie/fruit

When i said Patience i know you like pizza why didnt you pick it she said Momma i knew the protein was better for me. ( Is it ok to be so proud of your child you brag?)

Breakfast

I Know this looks like alot of food but still losing the weight/maintaining. This was Jerrys omlet this morning.(2 eggs and a slice of turkey bacon chopped)lightly sprayed olive Oil. Patience had a egg with 2 slices of Turkey bacon. And I had a couple celery sticks because i have the flu (Not very hungry.)

You could use egg beaters or egg whites. It was a school morning, I wasnt feeling well. So Jerry just made himself a omlet. Sometimes he will add chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, Tomatoe, any veggies really. In the bistro Md Meal it was 2 egg whites with two slices of turkey sausauge.d

We do meatless meals alot, so I hope im not offending anyone who does not eat meat.

We are not big ceral Eaters. Because we are not to crazzy about milk. We use soy milk. But one ceral Dr. G has recommended is "Mother's Brand" In the begining he had Patience eating Mothers Brand Shredded wheat with a fruit with soy milk. Every now and then we give her ceral but her engery level lasts longer with a EGG with fruit or sometimes even a whey protein shake, or oatmeal.

Breakfast

Breakfast for Patience           Oatmeal 1/2 cup
Breakfast for Jerry                 Oatmeal  Bowl
Breakfast for me            Whey Protein Shake with fruit



When I say oatmeal, I mean either steele cut oats or Plain oatmeal. Packaged oatmeal has tons of things in it that really is not healthy. We add cinnamon in it for her and agvae nectar or stevia, for sweetnesss.Patience loves oatmeal.The oatmeal is usually enough for Patience but if she wanted Jerry will fix her a couple slices of Turkey Bacon Along with her oatmeal or add blueberries.


Snack
Patience - Green apple
Jerry- Green apple
Me- Green apple

Ok lets face it, Food costs alot. We try to eat as natural as possible.  (on a Budget) Patience is content with her apple and I have no guilt. We never ask her to eat something we do not eat ourselves.

She is so healthy, she makes me proud. She will take a water with her apple for snack to school. On Average she is drinking 3 Water bottle daily.
Jerry is drinking 150, Me- 130
Staying clear of soda's and sweet drinks. We love water :)

LUNCH
Patience- Tuna Sandwitch, On whole Wheat, with a fruit. I haven't went grocery shopping yet. So she wanted another apple instead of a orange. A sandwitch with fruit is always a typical lunch for Patience. We switch it up to a whole wheat wrap, or soup sometimes. But most of the time that is her lunch. (Chips, cookies, candy, Imo are just Junk food.)
I'm not cutting anyone down that puts that in their children's lunch. ( Remember I have two other children who can very well eat those things and not gain weight.) But for Patience we really try to stay clear. There have been times on speical days. I will put a sugar free cookie. ( so she does not feel left out.) But most of the time
Sandwitch/fruit
Soup/fruit/ whole wheat cracker
Salad with veggies and grilled chicken and a fruit

Dinner
Shredded Cabbage, chopped celery, chopped carrots, in olive oil About 2 or 3 Tablespoon. Stir fried.
You could add Stir fry seasoning, not the whole package or mix your own: garlic, cummin, onion.

The Taste is excactly like Stir fried rice. Patience loves this dish.

Since the weight loss we have been asked how and what do you eat.
In the begining I had created a blog that told of my own personal heartbreak.
But now have decided that I would make a simple blog with meal photo's, photos of Patience lunches, and simple recipes.

After all this whole weight loss Journey has been about our daughter Patience.
This is her Journey, to Healthy Ever After