IDEAL PROTEIN MILESTONE: MY BIRTHDAY

First, an update. On Friday, I was down another 4 pounds. If you want a motivator, that would be it for me. I feel so great, nothing can seem to pull me off this lifestyle.

I had my weigh in on Friday, then headed to New Brunswick to visit a friend for the night Saturday. I spent the weekend there, in the house known for it's junk food, and didn't go one bite over my plan. I brought a chicken with me and ensured that it was added to the chicken dinner allowing me my 8 oz serving. I had turnip as a side. No big deal at all.

Food on the go

I drank my shakes for breakfast and I have to say, I'm a fan of vanilla. I was occasionally substituting chocolate for Premier Protein shakes from costco as they had similar macros at a fraction of the price. But, the Ideal Protein Vanilla shake is so good, I am hooked. On Sunday, I treated myself to a IP Vanilla Frappuchino. I took my shake with me on the morning coffee run and ordered 2 shots of espresso on ice in a 20oz cup from second cup, with a straw. I poured my shake in and I'm telling you--if Starbucks got a hold of this one, they'd be selling it for $10 a pop. So good! You really can indulge!

I also made sure to drink lots of water when driving and to pack foods that I could cook and enjoy along with my friends. I think my food was better! I love the chicken pattys for lunch.

I make sure to treat myself by having the occasional splenda sweetened sparkling water.

I didn't even miss the beer or feel left out when I had a cold drink of my own on ice. And, when it was movie time, I cracked open a bag of IP salt and vinegar crisps. Like I said, I think my food was better!

PRO TIP

If you can swing it, it's good to get a variety of Ideal Protein foods up front and slowly add to them. The variety will keep you from getting bored. 

My Stash

The birthday

I haven't made much fuss about the diet at work or with friends. It's just something I'm doing and I make mention when I need to or if I have to explain things (like eating astronaut food in the work lunchroom after being a staunch advocate of unprocessed food). I was very flattered that yesterday, instead of the usual cake, my work just gave me a card with some coffee money taped to it. I would have been fine if they had cake but it was sweet to feel so supported. I really work with a great group of people. I did treat myself to a Ideal Protein Chicken Dijonnaise for lunch and it was really delicious.

Birthday Dinner

My intention was to make supper (or have P make supper) at home. But, when I got home I was so tired and hungry and I decided to go out or order out. P worked late, so I decided to order for when she arrived. I checked a few places and finally settled on a local pizzaria where I ordered us spiced baked shredded chicken breast over a garden salad with dressing on the side. There were some tomatoes and the chicken was under the ozs required, so I supplemented with a few ozs of baked pork later in the night. The dressing was olive oil, garlic, salt, lemon juice and pepper. All good! It was nice to see that I could still enjoy a simple convenience sometimes!

I was content from the food and had a bar as a mid day snack so that was all I needed for the evening. No thoughts of cake. I drank hot tea all night because I was feeling a bit of a scratchy throat. A few friends dropped by with champagne and beer. I drank tea and they had beer. Same as usual except I drove them home this time instead of P, who never is much of a drinker.

I did mentally prepare for my birthday. I packed my weight scales and measuring cups and water for my trip. I bought the chicken dijjonaise for any occasion where I wanted something "special."

I have also made a deal that the bars, while restricted, are for days when I do exercise for an hour or when I am really craving something sweet. They don't come out of the box into just any old day.

Then I got sick

This morning, I woke up with a nasty headache and sore throat. I had a liquid breakfast and some chicken pattys for lunch. It's hard to swallow but those damn chicken pattys are so good, I have them whenever I am home or near a fry pan for lunch. I'll spend the day drinking hot tea and it will be a struggle to get my water in, but I will.