Love an easy pasta bake

Friday 29th November 2024

Another day in the bag and I even had a chocolate chip cookie!  Breakfast was a couple of eggs scrambled just to say I'd had something, I really could've had a breakfast baguette from Greggs but it's not a habit I want to get into every week!  They kept me physically satisfied until lunch time when I had a can of soup, it was edible, I wouldn't buy it again, Baxters super good pea, broccoli and basil pesto, nah I preferred the asparagus one.

I made a pasta bake before going back to work and I really didn't fancy it, I'd only made so lads could microwave some.  Having said that, when I got back and had a bowl, I really enjoyed it and would eat again.  Maybe next time I won't put the cheese on beforehand, I'll let everyone put how much they want on their portion because instead of the 30g on mine which cost 125 calories, I'd have a tablespoon of grated parmesan which is 5g for 21 calories - not a bad difference!  

   

I added 4 oxo cubes to calm the tomato flavour down and it works, diced the onion and fried with the mince, I could've used 5% to save more calories but it was on a whoopsie would've took 420 calories off the total recipe though.  I used rigatoni for the first as Elle said it made a difference and it did, I'm thinking I might do a cannelloni recipe soon, that would be nice.  I like that sauce as it has hidden veg and counts as 1 of your 5 a day, I also grated a carrot into the meal.  Yeah I'd do that again.

I've managed 8hrs 17m sleep, I'll take that, got Aryn's birthday tomorrow, so need to wrap a couple of things and fetch his birthday cookie, that's the only must do thing on my list.  

I do have a poorly man on my hands though, oh the drama of a male having a cough!  Joking aside I really hope it doesn't turn into a chest infection, I do not want him ill over Christmas again! 

Oh I've just realised I haven't thought about food for today yet, I'll have eggs for breakfast, I've not defrosted anything, can't have fish as we've all had that this week, he had fish and chips yesterday for lunch.  I need to get my thinking cap on, maybe a curry to clear his head, mmm yeah, just not sure which meat, ooo beef curry I have some nice pieces that have been there a while yeah I'll go get it out of freezer now, it should be okay.

Right here's to surviving Friday, I can do it = positive thoughts.

Mwah, luv ya

Love me 

 

Here's to a busy day 4!

 Thursday 28th November 2024

Up early this morning, not a great nights sleep, but I survived another day on track, I went 62 calories over but that's all good, I enjoyed a treat, had a bit of ham and a slice of bread on night, plus a bit of baileys :)

My main meals yesterday were a lush omelette, adding just 7g grated parmesan helped make that even better.

  

This was also lush, on offer in Sainsbury's cod and chips with parmesan coated courgette, best cod I've eaten in a very long time.

 

I did almost 7k steps which is quite good for me, fitbit says I burned 2046 calories so at least I ate a few less, 7hrs 28m sleep so let's get through day 4, I'm thinking omelette to get me through the morning and stop me going in Greggs for a breakfast baguette!  Then I'm making pasta bake for dinner so it can be microwaved when we're ready to eat as Aryn's coming home after I've gone back to work.  I think I might have a tin of soup for lunch when I get back.  That's my day sorted and all planned.  

Busy day so when I finish this drink, I'll get ready and maybe prep the pasta bake - nah it'll wait till I get back, it's only chopping an onion, maybe a carrot to hide in the bake, I've got a pepper I could throw in, it's an easy meal.  

I'm waffling now, trying to watch last nights I'm a celeb at the same time, I couldn't and wouldn't go in that jungle and do those trials, not even for money!

Here's to a day of busy and being happy not being rich, I'd rather have calorie free food than cash lol.

Mwah, have a wonderful day xx

Luv u

Love me xx

A weight loss on weigh day - who knew!

Wednesday 27th November 2024

Well who'd have thought it, after not having the best few weeks, I went and lost 2lb yesterday!  I'm ending the month 1/2lb heavier than I started it, I'll take that, I weigh the same as I did on 19th Sept, so all is not lost, here's to day 3 of being back on track.  

Yesterday I ended the day on just over 1,000 calories, not intentional but I didn't have breakfast forgetting I wouldn't be home till almost 2pm, when I got in I had a can of soup, this was lush if you like asparagus.

I also had a banana and a punnet of raspberries, trying to improve my fruit intake, I don't love it but I can handle bananas at least, I was given the raspberries, they're edible.

I'd put a chicken in the slow cooker but put it on low instead of high so I had to put it on high when I got back which meant it took longer too make.  When it finally cooked, I mixed some of it in the broth with yellow pepper, savoy cabbage, green beans and wholemeal noodles.  Added flavour with soy sauce and ketjap manis (I found it in my cupboard, must have bought for a recipe once but it's nice) I wasn't sure this meal would work but it did, I forgot to take a photo of it in the bowl but it was very filling.  

So much so I didn't eat again yesterday.

Today I'm starting my day in a bit with an omelette, mushrooms and tomatoes added I think, then we're having fish and chips for dinner.  I've got a busy day so that'll distract me from food thinking which is always a good thing.  

Had a decent nights sleep even though I was up early, that really helps get through the day when you're not tired.  Pain levels moderate which is much better, I can tell I went swimming but its only a bit of muscle pain, although my right shoulder isn't impressed from it ;) My bloody hands hurt in this damp weather more than normal too.  Damn my body is not loving this time of year at all.

Okay, right repeat after me - 

It’s going to be a great day.”

Let's believe it will be, have a positive start to the day, let's cultivate a morning habit of optimism!

We got this BeYOUtiful.

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me c

I managed a swim!

 Tuesday 26th November 2024

Okay so I made it through Day 1, I forced myself to the pool for a swim and managed about 45 minutes so was pleased with that, what did make me smile on my Fitbit was this 100 readiness, it's all very well doing steps and burning calories but I'm reading this as my body is good overall getting enough sleep etc.  

     

My step count wasn't high but I got the rest I needed from lacking in sleep at the weekend, I wake up every hour most nights which isn't great for rest.

Back to yesterday this was my food diary, 

  

  

I needed that veg and I need to continue to make sure I include plenty going forward, I still only consumed 17.4g fibre over the day, it's not easy to hit 30g daily! 

I was in bed by by half eight and my app says I managed 8hrs 16m getting up at 6am but again waking up every hour but at least I've had sleep.

I'm going to put a chicken in the slow cooker this morning, have some with noodles for our dinner later and can use some to make sandwiches tomo, £4 for a medium one in Sainsbury's so cheaper than sandwich meat really.  I better go do that as I have to make todays sarnies too.

Here's to surviving another day, busy day today so that'll help keep me out the kitchen cupboards.  

Hope you had a good day too and are ready for this one.

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx

Line drawn AGAIN!

 Monday 25th November 2024

There's just not enough hours in the day to do everything!  I'm not a huge fan of this time of year, the greyness of it all, the damp makes my joints hurt and I get a bit grumpy so anything that can put a smile on my face is welcomed.  Saturday night that came in the form of a lovely Turkish meal at Babba's Grill in Willenhall, a lovely meal out with himself, my brother and his wife, delicious food and would recommend.  I love to try new foods and this didn't disappoint.  

        

The last photo wasn't the full plate we'd all tucked in too quickly, chicken wings and Turkish sausage were lush, the best halloumi I've ever eaten, salad I'd eat every day if I could make it taste that way!  Same with the rice, mine never tastes like that!

I have woke up this morning knowing I need to get a grip of my 'diet', it wasn't what I ate Saturday night either that's the reason, it's what I'm eating and drinking every other day!  I've gone into self destruct, I'm just not thinking about my health at all.  Just because I'm an expert in this subject doesn't mean I do it, I can motivate and educate others but I don't always do it to myself.

I'm in pain, my knee is driving me mad, I have made an appointment to get it looked like in December.  My common sense is screaming LOSE SOME DAMN WEIGHT WOMAN, but my I hate the winter and feel a bit grumpy side is stupidly thinking with crazy logic 'MY OTHER KNEE DOESN'T HURT SO WHY WOULD LOSING WEIGHT MAKE A DIFFERENCE!'.  How stupid am I being!

I've given myself a talking too suggesting I focus on tracking and cutting back a little in the week because I'm in charge of the meals, he's not here to lead me astray so I have no excuses.  It's a start.

I've just done an inventory of the freezer to see what I have to cook, I'm going to work with that so I don't need to do a big shop, just buy a few bits to make meals.  

I've taken lamb chops out that I bought on a whoopsie, just looked up the calories and ouch, half the pack is 732 calories but I'm still going to have them with some cauliflower & broccoli rice I have and lots of veggies.

Aryn's having sandwiches for school and thankfully he likes the thick, tiger bread which I really don't like so I'm not tempted to eat that bread.

I'm thinking omelette for breakfast, I'm enjoying them at the moment.  I also need to force myself to go swimming or to the gym, I'm scared that I'll end up in more pain but if I don't try I won't know so as cold and damp as it is, I'm going to go swimming.

It seems crazy to reset this close to Christmas but I could do a hell of a lot of damage in the 29 days leading up to Christmas day, so I'll do my best to have a few good weeks.  We're out Saturday for a meal for Aryn's birthday but one meal does not blow a week.

I GOT THIS - I actually haven't but I do believe in fake it till you make it, so I'm gonna say I have and see how it goes.  Thankfully there's not much to be tempted by in this house so I can give myself a headstart.  

I'm going to plan a few meals for the next few days, so lamb today, I'm thinking pork mince and pasta or noodles tomorrow, maybe a pasta bake because I'm out most of the day.  Wednesday I have a bit more time so can spend longer in the kitchen, ooo I have a pork joint that I could cook have some with noodles and there would maybe be a bit left for his sandwiches.  I also have giant fish fingers which I'm not gonna make into a sandwich but do with mash or chips and beans I think.  Now I fancy that today the fish fingers but I won't!   No need to buy any food now except a bit of fresh fruit/veg to go with it if needed.

Basically this weather makes me lazy and I can't be bothered to do stuff then that's a viscous cycle because I end up making or buying easy food and sitting on my backside watching tele, I need to get my ass off the couch and do stuff again because being lazy and eating junk makes you feel even worse.

I will go sort my swimming costume out now ready to get to the pool this morning that will hopefully wake me up and I can get the other stuff done later that has to be done sitting down, at least I'll have done something.

I hope you're doing better than me, if not maybe have a word with yourself like I have and let's just focus on today.  

We can do this xx

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me 

Food shouldn't taste so good!

 Monday 11th November 2024

It's never a bad thing to start over if you feel you need to!  Anyone who knows me, knows I regularly start over with refocusing on my eating habits - I JUST BLOOMIN LOVE FOOD!  Plus the little 'issue' of red wine too :) 

Today, I'll try again to lose a few pounds before Christmas because I really do want to be able to drink Baileys and eat chocolate over the holidays without panicking that my clothes won't fit me on January 2nd!  

If I can lose a bit then I can gain a bit - not the best attitude for some I guess but that is me and I'm not likely to change at almost 55!  Could I?  Of course!  Will I?  Nah, I like being me, even with the spare tyre.  Don't get me wrong if I woke up tomo two stone lighter, I'd be good with that but am I will to not do all the things that cause that extra weight - erm NAH, I'm not. 

However, I'm having a word with myself again and asking if I'm willing to tweak a little and aim for making small changes even if they're not every day.  Yeah I am, I'm going for slow, slow, slow going forward because it's not working the other way.  I lose a couple of pound when I haven't expected too and then I think I've got it nailed.  

This week I will work at tracking everything to try and understand how my metabolism works, ooo I like the idea of the run up to Christmas as being me pressing a massive reset button and using this time as a pre run for next year, me getting to know my body again and what works, what doesn't.

I've planned our meals for the next four evenings, using up leftover pork for a spaghetti and sauce dish today, Aryn can have leftover steak with chips tomo and I'll have egg and beans with mine, I'm doing taco beef I think Wednesday and Chicken Nashville on Thursday, a packet mix thing that was reduced in Tesco, I have a couple of frozen breasts that can go with that.

If I can use up all the stuff I've got in the freezer, stay away from shops, I'll be able to do a bit of Christmas shopping for stocking fillers. 

Despite the lack of losing weight, I've had a wonderful week, went back to the gym, we had a lesson at Millride Saturday after a nice quiet night in the Lancaster, they had a singer who was actually very good, the music was just too loud where we were sat so had to move.  Maybe I'm just getting old!

Life is good regardless of the number on the scales, it's not my fault, dinner shouldn't taste so delicious :) 

Right, I have a busy day, so I better get started.

Hope you're world is good and your mind is calm.

Have a great day,

Mwah, luv ya

Love me!

50 days - seriously!

Monday 4th November 2024

It's been a few weeks since I blogged, getting up early and having stuff to do, I just haven't had time, plus I feel like I'm just writing the same things over and over, then there's stuff I can't include because it involves others who don't want to be wrote about or it's stuff I can't share on social media for reasons I've been advised not to. 

Let's focus on the stuff I can share then :) I can't believe how quickly that time has gone, it bonkers, there's only 50 days left time Christmas, that's just madness, I haven't even began to think about it, never mind have the money to cover it.  That's scary!  The same questions every year - what shall I buy them!

Back to now, I can't be thinking about that today!  So it's been a week since we were side swiped in the car driving home, insurance company said the car was an uneconomical repair so they would be writing it off.  I didn't want to lose it, I can't get a car like that for the money they were going to give me.  We decided to keep it, get the difference between what they'd have paid us minus the value CoParts would give them for it and fix it ourselves which we've done.  The only job now is to get the alloys sorted but they can wait, we've had it MOT'd as requested by the insurance company and it passed.  This meant Saturday was mostly spent sorting that!

The weekends gone too quickly as they always do, we enjoyed it though and I made a lovely lamb Sunday dinner, love the dehydrate option in my Ninja, it cooks lamb and beef so well.  We had an early night and I got up at 3.30am as he was off and I like to make him a drink and make sure he goes lol.  Couldn't go back to sleep, tried and failed so I'm catching up on Big Brother and I've just had poached eggs on toast using Jamie's way, it wasn't the best, the yolk was perfect but the white just disappeared through the slots!  PaulFosterChef (@paulfosterchef) Official | TikTok This version has worked for me in the past.

We're having lasagne for tea, I remembered to take it out the freezer yesterday YAY!  I'm gonna go to the gym this morning, I want to build up some strength in my arms and I'm back doing some of my physio exercises because of my back/leg, I've resorted to pain killers for a bit cos I need to sleep.

Can't believe Aryn's back at school this morning, where did those two weeks go!  We've eaten out and had takeaways so the scales haven't gone down but only went up a little so it's all good.

Coco and I are having a bit of love on the sofa, he purrs so loudly bless him, had him 2 years now which means he's about 5 years old, gorgeous boy he is.

Apart from the gym and planning our Be Happy Owls chat, I'm going to have a chill out day, I'll wash up and tidy the kitchen but that's my lot, I have control of the remote and I plan to use it ;) 

I'll be having an early night too, cos I have the bed to myself - yay.

Damn I love my life, told ya it was boring :) 

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me x