Week Four: Just Scraping By

This past week, things got a little tough.

I found myself tracking what I was eating a little less, especially when I was eating things that were sure to have a high points value (cheezies, my weakness.. thanks, mom, for buying two huge bags!!). I've also been unable to exercise, or do any heavy lifting, for medical reasons, and won't be able to for the next two weeks, so that's not helping the cause either!

IT'S SOOOO HARD TO SAY NO!!!!!!!! :(

Somehow, I managed to lose 1.6 pounds when I stepped on the scale on Saturday, which is wonderful! I've surpassed the 5 pound mark! ...But not as wonderful as the 2+ pounds I was losing before that, when I was really going gung-ho on this whole WW thing.

This was a fun message to receive on Saturday morning :)

This weekend was definitely the toughest so far, in terms of mega food temptations. Uh hello, the weekend I was dreading the MOST since I started Weight Watchers - SUPER BOWL!! 

Having a lie-down after eating so much food, and sporting a purple tee - GO RAVENS!!

 Let's just say, my lack of tracking earlier in the week was nothing compared to my lack of tracking on Sunday. I indulged in every kind of Super Bowl snack that was available to me.... And there were 15 people at the pot-luck-style party I was at, so there was a TON of food to be eaten!

CRAZY amount of beer, chips and homemade dips to be had by all - including me.

That said, I DID provide healthier options by purchasing one of those ready-made veggie platters at Loblaw's, and I made Weight Watchers-friendly buffalo chicken bites, which were just okay. I'd definitely change up the recipe next time to add a bit more of a kick (probably add salt, pepper, garlic powder... maybe ranch seasoning powder), because they didn't fill in the chicken wing gap, and I didn't feel satiated after one serving. You can find the recipe HERE.

They looked like this, but they didn't have the same "fiesty flavour" as chicken wings!

 This week, I plan to get myself back on track, stick to the food tracking, go for a few walks to keep my body moving, and hopefully come back with a vengeance on that scale!

Here's the weekly round-up:
Starting weight: 145 lbs
Last week's weight: 140.4 lbs
Current weight: 138.8 lbs
Total weight loss: -6.2 lbs
Goal weight: 120 lbs

Have a great week, and try keep up your drive and motivation :) !

Week Three: Eating What I Want... In Moderation ;)

This week, I really didn't think I'd see any big negative changes on the scale. By that, I mean I don't think losing any weight was in the cards for me, as I indulged in two delicious meals out this week, and ate a bit of junk food.

On Monday night, I went for an amazing dinner at a trendy Korean restaurant on Wellington, Swish by Han. I had looked at the menu online before heading down to meet my friends, and knew what I was getting myself into: spicy pork buns, spicy pork neck tacos, chicken ssam (lettuce wraps)... Not exactly diet food. That said, they were all sharing plates, so I could take smaller amounts to control my own portions, chew slowly, drink water in between bites (and red wine.. oops!), and be totally satiated.

During the day, I ate totally points-friendly, healthy, well-rounded meals, which incorporated lots of fruits and veggies. On the nights where I didn't eat out, I cooked nutritious, low points value meals, and stayed on track.

Quinoa salad: quinoa, bulgur, mung beans, tomato, red pepper, cucumber, parsley

The Weight Watchers 100% whole wheat bagels are a great carb option for breakfast or lunch. They're smaller than regular bagels, with less bread, and they're so light, fluffy, and surprisingly filling!

My lunch yesterday: WW bagel, light cream cheese, and yummy cherry tomatoes

Last night, Chris and I went out for our two year anniversary dinner. Truth be told, I was kinda dreading this meal all week, because I knew it was going to be chock-full of calories, and essentially a zero-veggie meal. I guess that's why I was a little more conscious than usual as to what I was putting into my stomach all week!

Hmm.. No Points Plus values on the menu?

We went to Prohibition Gastrohouse, an amazing restaurant in the east end, at Queen and Broadview. It was my number one choice for Winterlicious this year, and I was thrilled when Chris told me he got us a reservation on the very first night at 8pm!

Mac et Fromage - gluten-free pasta, black truffles, 4 year cave-aged Gruyere, aged cheddar,
St. Agur bleu, shallots, harmony organic cream, truffle oil, crumb crust

I ordered the Mac et Fromage to start, and substituted the vesuvio pasta for the gluten-free option. Hey, anything to ease the mind as I stuff pasta dripping with truffles and blue cheese into my mouth, right? For my main, I ordered the spicy Chicken Lollipops, which were out-of-this-world delicious (and totally dripping in oil.. whoops)!

Chicken Lollipops - frenched, dry rubbed & smoked chicken drumettes,
Gator Hammock sauced, served with frites

Last but certainly not least, I had the Creme de Mascarpone for dessert, which was basically a strawberry shortcake in mousse form... *Drool*

Creme de Mascarpone - shortbread biscuit, chunky strawberry coulis,
Isigny Sainte-Mere whipped cream

With every bite I took, all I could think of was my weigh-in bright and early on this Saturday morning. I actually woke up dreading it! But I got myself out of bed at 8:15am (despite all the Malbec I drank last night....), and headed to the meeting.

Just say NO to that massive $40 vat of Nutella, worth 7 points per tbsp :(

 I guess with all the right choices I made this week, I was able to keep the weight off, and I even managed to lose 2.6 POUNDS!!!!!!! Yes, my friends, hard work does pay off!

Yeah!!!!

So, here it is:
Starting weight: 145 lbs
Last week's weight: 143 lbs
Current weight: 140.4 lbs
Total weight loss: -4.8 lbs
Goal weight: 120 lbs

Have a great, happy & healthy week, everyone!

P.S.: This is what I look like, having lost almost FIVE POUNDS!!!

That's right, people! I went out for a gluttonous dinner last night in a TIGHT mini-skirt!

 Tata for now!

Week Two: Getting Somewhere!

Well, I'm two weeks into Weight Watchers now, and I'm starting to get the hang of things. I must be doing something right, because at my weigh-in this morning, I found out that I lost 2.2 pounds!!!!!! That's right, ladies and gentlemen, I'm officially losing weight!

It's working!!

I was really nervous for this morning's weigh-in, because I ate out at restaurants a few times this week (read: Pickle Barrel, Chipotle, and sushi); but it just goes to show that if you plan ahead and calculate PointsPlus values, make good (or better) decisions, and don't succumb to temptation, you can stay on the right track toward your goal! :)

This will be me, people!!

This past week, I also took part in various classes at the gym with some friends. I tried out a couple Pilates classes, tried yoga for the first time, and totally killed myself in a boot camp class. These workouts definitely contributed to my weight loss this week, and I'm excited to keep the ball rolling this coming week.

So, here's the weekly round up:
Starting weight: 145 lbs
Last week's weight: 145.2 lbs
Current weight: 143 lbs
Total weight loss: -2.2 lbs
Goal weight: 120 lbs

Tata for now!

P.S.: I've been smoke-free for 13 days now. Just taking everything day by day! :)

My First Week on Weight Watchers!

I've completed one whole week of Weight Watchers, and I'm happy to say that, so far, things are going really well. I'm finding that I can still eat a lot of the things I love to eat - all in moderation, of course. I'm also finding that I am eating A LOT more veggies and fruits - especially fruits - which is totally awesome. The idea of losing 25 lbs by the summer is *fingers crossed* becoming more and more realistic! Yay!

What I ate as a snack this afternoon - yum! (WW eTools app)

This was in summer 2011, but I'm back to this size... Not for long!

I attended my first Weight Watchers meeting on Saturday morning. For those who don't know and are a bit curious as to how these meetings go, allow me to fill you in. I arrived at the church where I chose to attend meetings at 9am on Saturday morning. The room was buzzing with excitement - chatting, laughing, high fives - all things I find to be quite irritating at 9am on a Saturday morning, particularly after having gone out the night before to see a friend's band and imbibe. I digress.

Normally, you're supposed to weigh in before the meeting starts, but because it was so busy and it was my first meeting, I decided to take a seat (in the back row) and weigh in at the end. From what I gather, every month the leader proposes a challenge to the group. This month, the challenge is to eat veggies and/or fruit with every snack and meal. It is designed to help us get in the habit of healthy eating, and I've found it to actually work. Oddly enough, I find myself reaching for carrots or blueberries, rather than cheetos or smart food. Shocking, I know.

Weight Watchers starter kit:
silicone measuring cups, dining and shopping guide, PointsPlus calculator & cookbook.
Scale sold separately.

Finally, it came time for my dreaded weigh in (which is confidential, FYI). I stood on the scale and watched the numbers climb... But they stopped right where I was last week when I first started. I didn't lose anything, and only gained 0.2 lbs, which is not too shabby in my books. My scale at home, on which I first weighed myself, is old school, so I'm not 100% sure of my starting weight.

So, as it stands (Shhh.. Don't tell anyone...):
Starting weight: 145 lbs
Current weight: 145.2 lbs
Goal weight: 120 lbs

I got a Weight Watchers cookbook over the weekend, so this week I'll start cooking out of it. If it looks (and tastes) any good, I'll post some photos and recipes so you guys can try them as well.

Looking forward to making this turkey scaloppine!

This udon and scallops dish looks delish..

Let's see if I lose anything this week!

I'm Starting Weight Watchers!

Today is a big day.

It is my second day of being smoke-free; the second day of my second semester of the Humber PR degree program; and my first day joining Weight Watchers.

What am I getting myself into...?!

 Now, I know what you're all thinking: Weight Watchers?! But Sadie, you LOVE to eat! Eating is your number one - and only - hobby! Well, my dear friends, you do know me well; but from today on, I will finally be tackling the daunting task of watching what I eat, exercising regularly (somebody join me!!), and living an all-around healthier lifestyle.

Goodbye, my love...

I'm going to try my best to keep up my blog with my progress. Maybe it'll encourage and motivate some to live a healthier lifestyle. Maybe publicly shaming myself by posting what I eat will encourage and motivate me to live a healthier lifestyle (har har har).

I'm incredibly nervous, pretty excited, and already craving a Costco-sized bag of Smart Food... But here's to losing 25 pounds, hopefully by summer!

Are any of you partaking in Weight Watchers? 
Have you been successful in achieving your goals? 

Host the Perfect Holiday Dinner Party

‘Tis the season to be jolly – and attend fabulous holiday dinner parties, fa la la! If you’re a student on a budget like me, and are brave enough to take on the touted position of host, then you're probably aware of the unwritten guidelines one must follow in order to host a successful party. If you’re new to the game, then you’ve come to the right place.

Hors d'oeuvres and drinks relax guests and encourage conversation

First things first: you’ve got to set the date.

When picking the date, be mindful of other parties around the same time. You wouldn’t want to double-book and run the risk of missing a friend’s party – or worse, no one showing up to yours! 

What good is a dinner party without any guests? Make a guest list.

Think of how big you want your party to be. Who gets along? More importantly, who doesn’t. Are guests allowed to bring a plus one? These are all things to consider. Send out your invites ASAP so that you’ve nailed down your chosen night and reserved your buddies. Paperless Post is fantastic for e-vite templates.

Paperless Post has great templates for any occasion

Next, you’ve got to tackle the most important part: planning your menu.

If you’re cooking for everyone, it’s important to offer delicious options. Be sure to ask your friends about any allergies they may have, and don’t forget about the vegans and vegetarians. Sometimes it’s easier to do your dinner in a potluck style. This way, there are alternatives and you’re not left with all the hard work. Don’t forget about cocktails – be sure to inform your guests if it’s BYOB.

Who can complain about decorations?

It’s time for you to get creative. You can pick a fun theme, like Ugly Sweater Party or Apres-ski, or just decorate in the spirit of the holidays – Christmas, Hanukkah, or even Chrismukkah! You don’t have to spend a lot of money, as the dollar store has great options, and you might have some useful stuff tucked away in your basement that you’ve forgotten about.

Spice up a table setting with a fun-filled Christmas cracker

Finally, you’ve got to prepare a music playlist.

Lots of hearty holiday food can put anyone to sleep, so a great music playlist helps to keep the party going, and your guests awake! Match the playlist to your theme, stick in some fun songs from your high school days, or flip on satellite radio. Avoid slow songs to keep everyone engaged.

Friends wearing festive paper crowns

What's your secret to being the hostess with the mostess? 
What tips and tricks can you share for preparing a successful holiday dinner party?  

Eating my way around the globe

Thanks to my adventurous mom, I’ve been fortunate enough to have the privilege to travel to many exotic, brilliant countries in my life. There’s no more exciting feeling than taking off on a flight to a new place, gearing up to experience diverse, vibrant cultures, miraculous world wonders, and a whole new, scrumptious world of food.

The Pelican Club - New Orleans, USA

Those who know me know that I love to take pictures of my food; but my love of food transcends merely taking pretty, appetizing pictures. To me, it's about the experience and the memories associated with the meal: who I was with, where I was, how I ended up at that particular restaurant.. It's all part of the whole adventure. In fact, trying new foods has taken a spotlight in my adventures.

The Roundhouse Restaurant - Cape Town, South Africa

 

In summer 2011, I went on a trip of a lifetime with my mom to Botswana, Zambia and South Africa. We were lucky to take in some truly remarkable experiences during our three-week safari adventure, like a helicopter ride over Victoria Falls, visiting a penguin colony, and exploring the vast Okavango Delta and Kruger National Park. Having the opportunity to indulge in various kinds of food while we were there, ranging from authentic to the region, to ultra luxurious and gourmet, was a major highlight for me.

Stanley's Camp - Okavango Delta, Botswana

Fine dining in Cape Town, South Africa
La Colombe, Beluga, and The Roundhouse

 In summer 2010, we went on an amazing cruise that embarked from Athens and sailed through the breathtaking Greek Islands, ending in Istanbul, Turkey. In between visiting the Palace of the Grand Master in Rhodes, exploring the Ancient Greek Library of Celsus in Ephesus, and navigating the narrow streets in Mykonos, I tasted some of the most heavenly food ever.

Gyros - Mykonos, Greece and Baklava - Santorini, Greece

Joke Perestroyka - Itanbul, Turkey

Traditional Turkish food - Cappodocia, Turkey

Throughout my travels, I am always reminded that food offers not just nourishment, but friendship, comfort, and enlightenment. When I look back on photos I took of food I ate on all my trips, I think of the extraordinary times I shared with my family and friends, the incredible world landmarks I stood in front of, and how excited I am to continue exploring the world.

What are some memorable trips you've been on? Did you try any new and exciting foods that you wouldn't necessarily eat at home?

A Burger a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

You can find a burger joint in every nook and cranny of Toronto these days. A self-proclaimed mega-foodie, I'm on a never-ending quest to find spots that serve up the best patties in town.

Of course, when setting out with such a hefty task, one must establish certain criteria. For my purposes, I've decided to check out places that are serving up fresh, high quality ingredients (that leaves you out, McDonald's!), using locally-sourced, hormone-free beef.

My Four Faves So Far:

1) Holy Chuck Burgers

The Big Chuck
Holy Chuck Burgers - Toronto

Holy Chuck is grilling up, what I believe to be, the best burgers in Toronto, served with a smile, which are usually hard to come by. The meat is so tender and juicy, and provides the all-important melt-in-your-mouth sensation. My favourite menu item is 'The Big Chuck.' It has two delectable beef patties, lettuce, cheese, and their "special sauce" - aka their answer to the Big Mac, except way better.

2) The Burger's Priest

Bacon Cheeseburger
The Burger's Priest - Toronto

Definitely one of the more widely known and most talked about burger joints in the city, Burger's Priest is flipping some incredibly scrumptious, fresh burgers that keep the customers lining up down the block. The pillowy soft Wonder Bread bun and delightfully simple toppings are a great touch, though I'd pass on their limp, soggy fries next time.

3) The Stockyards Smokehouse & Larder

The Green Chili Pimento Cheese Burger
The Stockyards - Toronto

Just thinking about this burger makes my mouth water. This griddle-smashed burger, topped with smoked jalapeno, cheddar, mayo and butter lettuce, will send your taste buds into ecstasy. It's fiery, cheesy, and leaves you wanting more. The fries are sinfully delicious as well.

4) Burger Shoppe/BQM

Riverside Burger
BQM - Toronto

BQM offers the hungry patron heavenly, huge, beefy burgers, served with any combination of toppings you could imagine. I tried the Riverside, with bacon, lettuce, tomato, mozzarella, garlic aioli, BQM bbq sauce, and to top it all off, an onion ring! This was a seriously amazing burger that tantalized my senses and filled me to the brim. I also ordered their tasty sweet potato fries, which were totally unnecessary, as I almost had to undo a button.... Okay, and my zipper.

Restaurant critic in disguise...

In my search for the perfect burger, I've likely gained a pant size (or seven), but there are so many patties I've yet to try! Any suggestions?

Where do you go for your burger fix in Toronto? Please share!

Food Trucks Are Rolling All Over Toronto!

Have you ever watched Food Network's hunger-inducing show, Eat St.?

Most of the food trucks showcased on that show are all over the States, satisfying lined-up-for-miles, drooling customers who would sell their left leg for a paper plate of slow-roasted chipotle pulled pork on a bed of purple cabbage slaw, wrapped in a made-fresh-to-order corn tortilla, or a basket of freshly made crispy fries covered in fire-roasted poblano chiles, caramelized onions, shawarma-marinated steak and jack cheese! (......*drool*)

People lined up for food truck food at Food Truck Eats in the Distillery District
(Photo Credit)

I've been waiting not so patiently for the food truck craze to hit Toronto, and I am pleased to finally say with certainty that our day has come!

To me, the first Molson Amphitheatre concert of the year always marks the beginning of summer. So as I do every year, I happily made my way down to the Lakeshore on the first weekend of June to ring in the summer, and watch One Direction take the stage (don't judge me).

Thousands of screaming girls at One Direction (05/29/12)

But there was something new this past June!

Toward the back of the amphitheatre, amidst the foot-long hot dog and tall-can beer vendors, were FOOD TRUCKS(!!!!!!), parked, waiting for hungry customers. As I would soon learn this summer, this was only the beginning of my journey trying food trucks across the city.

My Faaave Food Truck:
I had the chance to try Buster's Sea Cove.

Buster's Sea Cove at The Sheepdogs concert (09/15/12)

 I had the Lobster Roll ($13), served with a dill pickle & Ms. Vickie's chips, and my concert-goer-partner-in-crime/reason I go to so many concerts, Chris, ordered the Shrimp Tacos ($9).

I'm still dreaming of this lobster roll! It was huge & lived up to the hype :)

I'm a huge fan of the beef gyros pita from Blue Donkey, which made several appearances at concerts all summer. The Portobello Burger truck came to a few shows as well, offering a vegetarian menu (which is a rarity!).

Blue Donkey Streatery & their friendly staff!

'Tasty Tacos' ($8, I think) from Portobello Burger (gluten-free, vegan-optional)
(black & garbanzo beans, sauteed onions, tomato sauce,
Mexican salsa, old cheddar cheese, on 2 hard corn shell tostados)
at Andrew Bird (07/19/12)

Food trucks have taken over our lucky city, and are (fingers crossed!!) here to stay!

You can read up on their menus, and find out exactly where they'll be parked daily, so you'll never miss another BBQ brisket sandwich or bacon-smothered poutine again.

Have you had the opportunity to try out some of Toronto's trucks? Which one is your favourite?

(For school purposes- word count: 352)

Egg-topped Soba Noodles with Asparagus and Prosciutto

I've been really making a conscious effort to cut back on going out to eat, as well as spending so much money on food. In turn, this has really helped me in my mission to eat healthier.

Last night, I made an absolutely delicious, savory, and easy dinner for two. It took under 30 minutes for sure, including the minimal prep time! I got the recipe here, but tweaked the amount of ingredients.

Egg-Topped Soba Noodles with Asparagus and Prosciutto

Ingredients:
-1/2 package soba noodles (Thin, buckwheat noodles - a great alternative to whole-wheat pasta, if you're not a fan.)
-1/2 lb of asparagus, ends trimmed, cut on sharp diagonal into 1/8 inch-thick slices (Adjust this to your preference - we liked it with lots of asparagus! Adds a great crunch to the dish.)
-2 large eggs
-1 package of Prosciutto, chopped (We bought pre-chopped Prosciutto - it came in little chunks & really cut down on prep time.)
-4 garlic cloves, minced
-4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
-1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional for serving

Directions:
1) Heat 2 tbsp of extra-virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic; stir for 30 seconds. Add prosciutto strips, and cook until slightly crisp. Remove from heat and set aside in a bowl.

2) Cook soba noodles in a pot of salted boiling water for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add sliced asparagus to the pot; cook until noodles are cooked through and asparagus is just tender (still a little crunchy is best!), about 2 to 3 minutes. Drain noodles and asparagus, reserving 1 cup cooking liquid.

3) Add drained noodles and asparagus to prosciutto mixture in the pan. Cook over medium heat until heated through, tossing and adding reserved cooking liquid by 1/4 cupfuls to moisten. Add noodle mixture to a large bowl for serving, and set aside.

4) Heat 1 tsp olive oil in the same pan over medium heat. Crack egg into pan. Cook on one side until egg begins to set, about 1.5 minutes. Repeat for second egg.

5) Remove pan from heat. Add grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tbsp olive oil to noodle mixture, toss to coat. Divide among individual bowls. Top each serving with 1 egg and grated cheese. Serve immediately.

 I couldn't believe how effortless and tasty this recipe was. I hope you find so too. I'd love if you could share some great and healthy dinner recipes with me as well!

Happy cooking!