This is where we start.
I've started checking the ads, for my grocery stop home, and I'm definitely stopping at Sprouts on the way home for the butchery!
Sprouts:
Pork Loin Chops - $1.79/lb
Boneless Chicken Thighs - $1.77/lb
Cut-Up Whole Chicken - $1.69/lb
Split Chicken - $1.49/lb
Boneless Pork Butt - $1.79/lb
Home Run Inn Pizza (our fave) - BOGO
Budget recipes:
Friday: Price per serving: $2.50
Home Run Inn Pizza 2 servings $5.00
Saturday:
Breakfast Burritos (Chicken Chorizo)
Chicken Chorizo 3 servings $3.43
Eggs 4 -
Tortillas 6
Refried Pinto Beans 3 servings
Sunday:
Roast Chicken with Root Veggies
Pilaf
Monday:
Crock Pot Pulled Pork
Cole Slaw
Tuesday:
Pork Chops au Poivre
Roasted Sweet Potato Slices
Green Beans
Wednesday:
Oven Fried Chicken
Mashed Potatoes
Corn and Zucchini Medley
Thursday:
Lemon Rosemary Chicken
Rice
Steamed Broccoli
Groceries:
Green Pepper - 1 $.48
Zucchini - 2 $1.03
Kobocha Squash $2.72
Lemons - 2 $1.00
Red Pepper - 1 $.48
Red Onion - 1 $1.06
Sweet Potato - 1 $.89
Yukon Gold Potatoes - 6sm $1.28
Refried Beans $.99
Pilaf $2.50
Milk (Mike) $2.79
Sour Cream $1.69
Pork Shoulder $5.01
Pork Chops $2.85
Chicken Chorizo $3.43
Chicken Thighs - 6 $4.85
Cut Up Whole Chicken $3.90
Tortillas (20ct) $3.99
Frozen Pizza - 2 $9.99
Friday, February 19, 2016
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Thanks! Next up...
Thanks to those of you that read/kept up with the Candida portion of my TMI Dieting Adventure. We're on to a new adventure which I'll elaborate on shortly, but I'll say after a week of being off plan, I've gained only minimally (due to Valentine's sweet treats and delicious eating), and where I didn't really notice before, I apparently had a kind of persistent (Sorry TMI) Athlete's Foot situation which has COMPLETELY cleared up. I may as my doctor for a Candida Test in my next visit, just to be sure, but otherwise, I'll be going back to the drawing board trying to figure out these hand issues.
In other news, I'm on day 4 off Lexapro. That's been a bit of an adventure on it's own, but I did 12 days on 1/2 a pill (5 mgs), and then cold turkey starting Sunday. Other than some minimal withdrawals, and some tears last night I couldn't really control, so far, so good.
My next adventure is of the BUDGET kind! I'm going to take the next 30 days to cut our food budget, and hopefully cut some other budget pieces, as well. We will see.
30 Day Challenge - Cut food budget starts SATURDAY!
Goals
Lower food budget to $100 a week (for us both). We usually average about $200 a week, $150 for our Su-Th groceries, and $50ish for our Friday/Saturday. Obviously there's some carry over from the two, but I will document all food costs, what we have on hand already, and hopefully I can find a way to feed us healthy, and cut some costs.
This will also entail coupons, reviewing weekly ads, and going to multiple places to shop.
Of the stores I will use:
Sprouts - I'm really looking to find out how they compare in prices to the other stores.
Trader Joe's - As much as I don't really care for that place, I'll go in if savings will happen.
Walmart Neighborhood Market - Only packaged foods (canned, spices, etc.). No produce or meats
Publix - Standard go-to. Not always the best prices, but they do have good sales.
ALDI - My husband hates their store-brand items though, so probably only minimally.
Wish me luck! And I'd love to hear any tips you might have!
In other news, I'm on day 4 off Lexapro. That's been a bit of an adventure on it's own, but I did 12 days on 1/2 a pill (5 mgs), and then cold turkey starting Sunday. Other than some minimal withdrawals, and some tears last night I couldn't really control, so far, so good.
My next adventure is of the BUDGET kind! I'm going to take the next 30 days to cut our food budget, and hopefully cut some other budget pieces, as well. We will see.
30 Day Challenge - Cut food budget starts SATURDAY!
Goals
Lower food budget to $100 a week (for us both). We usually average about $200 a week, $150 for our Su-Th groceries, and $50ish for our Friday/Saturday. Obviously there's some carry over from the two, but I will document all food costs, what we have on hand already, and hopefully I can find a way to feed us healthy, and cut some costs.
This will also entail coupons, reviewing weekly ads, and going to multiple places to shop.
Of the stores I will use:
Sprouts - I'm really looking to find out how they compare in prices to the other stores.
Trader Joe's - As much as I don't really care for that place, I'll go in if savings will happen.
Walmart Neighborhood Market - Only packaged foods (canned, spices, etc.). No produce or meats
Publix - Standard go-to. Not always the best prices, but they do have good sales.
ALDI - My husband hates their store-brand items though, so probably only minimally.
Wish me luck! And I'd love to hear any tips you might have!
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Back to reality.
I took a work from home day yesterday, as my sinuses were acting up, and I wasn't feeling 100%. I prefer not to share potential germs with my coworkers. I feel like that is a common courtesy. However, thank GOODNESS I was at home as (TMI coming) I spent the entire day in the bathroom! Was it the cheese? The pear I ate before bed? The ONE beer I had after our derby bouts Sunday? No idea, but the discomfort has passed, and I'm on day two of back to normal eating. It's DEVINE. We had REAL white rice with our stirfry last night, that contained SOY SAUCE. So far, I feel great!
We had THIS last night for dinner, no SUBSTITUTIONS! Served over Jasmine Rice
Kung Pao Chicken
Though I did omit peanuts. I'm kinda skeeved by them due to learning they contain mold. Gross. No one needs to eat mold. I also have the Kung Pao for lunch today. With another pear! So we'll see if that is the culprit.
Tonight is this: Grilled Chicken with Chorizo Confetti
I have more of that chicken chorizo I got from Sprouts, so I'll be using that.
Happy Tuesday! We're calling it Bon Jovi Wednesday, as Friday is a VACATION DAY!! WOOT WOOT! Mike got our Deadpool tickets for Thursday night, and I'm counting down the hours.
I've also started relearning math for my upcoming GRE test. I used to ACE this crap, and a lot of it is escaping me. I did do math problems last night for 3 hours before bed, though, and that was super fun. I've always loved math, assuming I can figure out how to do it.
Ooh! Also, shout out to the Cobb County Libraries, in particular the East Marietta Branch. It's not the closest one to my house, but I like it's tiny quaintness, and the modern design of the building. Though, the parking lot full of dead Christmas Trees scares and confuses me. Oh well. They're keeping me from spending money on Amazon on books about math and the GRE. No one should spend money on those.
We had THIS last night for dinner, no SUBSTITUTIONS! Served over Jasmine Rice
Kung Pao Chicken
Though I did omit peanuts. I'm kinda skeeved by them due to learning they contain mold. Gross. No one needs to eat mold. I also have the Kung Pao for lunch today. With another pear! So we'll see if that is the culprit.
Tonight is this: Grilled Chicken with Chorizo Confetti
I have more of that chicken chorizo I got from Sprouts, so I'll be using that.
Happy Tuesday! We're calling it Bon Jovi Wednesday, as Friday is a VACATION DAY!! WOOT WOOT! Mike got our Deadpool tickets for Thursday night, and I'm counting down the hours.
I've also started relearning math for my upcoming GRE test. I used to ACE this crap, and a lot of it is escaping me. I did do math problems last night for 3 hours before bed, though, and that was super fun. I've always loved math, assuming I can figure out how to do it.
Ooh! Also, shout out to the Cobb County Libraries, in particular the East Marietta Branch. It's not the closest one to my house, but I like it's tiny quaintness, and the modern design of the building. Though, the parking lot full of dead Christmas Trees scares and confuses me. Oh well. They're keeping me from spending money on Amazon on books about math and the GRE. No one should spend money on those.
Monday, February 8, 2016
Days 27/28 - I QUIT!
So, I didn't make it 30 days. It became too much for both myself and my husband. I got to Saturday night and didn't want to THINK about making anything restrictive, and where I abandoned the Candida Cleanse, I'll call it a success. 4 weeks is a long time to do anything, and not drinking in that time was also a challenge (not because I'm an addict, but because I love to have drinks!)
At the very least, I've succeeded in the following ways:
1) I ended my CoffeeMate creamer addiction. I know that stuff is filled with garbage, and even though the flavor is my FAVORITE, I will limit its inclusion in my diet for road trips, or special occasions (guests). I drink my coffee black again, which I know my body is thanking me for, even if coffee isn't the best for me. At least I've cut out consuming the chemicals.
2) I lost 10 lbs. My goal wasn't necessarily to lose weight, but it was an added bonus. I actually haven't weighed since last week, so it might be more, but that is a long-term goal, not a short term one, and if I can cut back on my portion size, and add exercise, then I feel like it will fall off. I'd rather be happy than skinny anyway.
3) I cut out dairy for 4 weeks. That is huge for me, and I could for sure feel the difference. What I miss the most is CHEESE. I've never handled milk that well, and other things like ice cream have also caused me problem, but I've never been able to figure out why cheese doesn't bother me. I had parmesan last night with NO problems. So I googled it. Duh. This is what I found. So, apparently I can eat SOME cheese and not feel the issues in my tumtum that I feel if drinking milk. I'll probably continue to sub coconut milk when a recipe calls for milk. It seems to have been an adequate substitute. And those around me with noses will thank me. In case you didn't read the article, basically, harder/aged cheeses are safer than softer and processed cheese. Don't eat Velveeta. No one needs those chemicals. I'll stick to cheddar, especially sharp, parmesan, and swiss, and then also fresh mozzarella (yay caprese!), cream cheese (hooray for my homemade pimento cheese!), and ricotta, you know, for lasagna. I think I can manage the lactose discomfort by being aware of what I put in my mouth. I should be more aware of this anyway. It looks like I should also be okay with sour cream, so that's also good news. Ummm, okay mac and cheese will be in my future - Homemade of course.
I will continue the journey of good eating, and I think once we're back from our Valentine's trip next weekend, I will continue some sort of paleo/whole30 situation during the week, and then a moderated free for all on weekends. What can I say? Food makes us happy. We've not been too happy about our foods lately.
Where I did go off the plan, I've been trying to keep it moderated. This is what I did as a "reintroduction", and how we are easing back into it. I'll continue to share our recipes, just because this has been a good way to journal my eating, which they say is good for having moderation. It give accountability, which frankly, I need.
Day 27 Menus:
Brunch: Leftover Quinoa, 1/2 an avocado
Dinner: Rotisserie chicken (lemon pepper), baked sweet potato
Day 28 Menus:
Brunch: Cobb Salad, no blue cheese, no dressing
Dinner: Parmesan Polenta and Spicy Sausage Sauce
I used the Trader Joe's Chicken Sausage I got last week. Delicious.
Thanks for following my journey! Please share any successes you have yourself!
At the very least, I've succeeded in the following ways:
1) I ended my CoffeeMate creamer addiction. I know that stuff is filled with garbage, and even though the flavor is my FAVORITE, I will limit its inclusion in my diet for road trips, or special occasions (guests). I drink my coffee black again, which I know my body is thanking me for, even if coffee isn't the best for me. At least I've cut out consuming the chemicals.
2) I lost 10 lbs. My goal wasn't necessarily to lose weight, but it was an added bonus. I actually haven't weighed since last week, so it might be more, but that is a long-term goal, not a short term one, and if I can cut back on my portion size, and add exercise, then I feel like it will fall off. I'd rather be happy than skinny anyway.
3) I cut out dairy for 4 weeks. That is huge for me, and I could for sure feel the difference. What I miss the most is CHEESE. I've never handled milk that well, and other things like ice cream have also caused me problem, but I've never been able to figure out why cheese doesn't bother me. I had parmesan last night with NO problems. So I googled it. Duh. This is what I found. So, apparently I can eat SOME cheese and not feel the issues in my tumtum that I feel if drinking milk. I'll probably continue to sub coconut milk when a recipe calls for milk. It seems to have been an adequate substitute. And those around me with noses will thank me. In case you didn't read the article, basically, harder/aged cheeses are safer than softer and processed cheese. Don't eat Velveeta. No one needs those chemicals. I'll stick to cheddar, especially sharp, parmesan, and swiss, and then also fresh mozzarella (yay caprese!), cream cheese (hooray for my homemade pimento cheese!), and ricotta, you know, for lasagna. I think I can manage the lactose discomfort by being aware of what I put in my mouth. I should be more aware of this anyway. It looks like I should also be okay with sour cream, so that's also good news. Ummm, okay mac and cheese will be in my future - Homemade of course.
I will continue the journey of good eating, and I think once we're back from our Valentine's trip next weekend, I will continue some sort of paleo/whole30 situation during the week, and then a moderated free for all on weekends. What can I say? Food makes us happy. We've not been too happy about our foods lately.
Where I did go off the plan, I've been trying to keep it moderated. This is what I did as a "reintroduction", and how we are easing back into it. I'll continue to share our recipes, just because this has been a good way to journal my eating, which they say is good for having moderation. It give accountability, which frankly, I need.
Day 27 Menus:
Brunch: Leftover Quinoa, 1/2 an avocado
Dinner: Rotisserie chicken (lemon pepper), baked sweet potato
Day 28 Menus:
Brunch: Cobb Salad, no blue cheese, no dressing
Dinner: Parmesan Polenta and Spicy Sausage Sauce
I used the Trader Joe's Chicken Sausage I got last week. Delicious.
Thanks for following my journey! Please share any successes you have yourself!
Friday, February 5, 2016
Day 26 - TGIF
I'm officially burned out on this diet. It could be that it's Friday, and that it's been 26 days (Holy Shnikes!), and that I've not eaten ONE single meal out. That means for 26 days, every single thing I've eaten I've prepared. No wonder I'm burned out!
It's also been 32 days since I've had any adult beverages. I know it'll be pre-30 days, but we have a double header bout Sunday, and you can bet your bottom dollar I will have some beers after to celebrate. Then, next week, only a 4-day work week, Deadpool movie Thursday night, then to Blue Ridge on Friday for a 3-day weekend. VD Dinner at one of our favorite restaurants on this planet, Harvest on Main. The last time we ate there was our anniversary last summer, when I had the duck. SOOO FREAKING GOOD. They typically keep up on their menu based on what's locally available, but I'll tell you right now: if they have the duck, I will be getting it. Alas, that is 9 long days away, and there are more immediate concerns at hand.
I have NO clue what we're doing for dinner tonight. I will spend a portion of today figuring that out. The steaks from Sprouts last Friday were SO good, I'm considering those again. But who knows. The internet will help.
Here's what's on tap (so far) today. I'll update as I figure stuff out:
Day 26 Menus:
Breakfast: Chicken Chorizo with 2 Scrambled eggs
Lunch: Leftover Chicken Fajita Bowl
Dinner: WHO FUCKING KNOWS?!
It's also been 32 days since I've had any adult beverages. I know it'll be pre-30 days, but we have a double header bout Sunday, and you can bet your bottom dollar I will have some beers after to celebrate. Then, next week, only a 4-day work week, Deadpool movie Thursday night, then to Blue Ridge on Friday for a 3-day weekend. VD Dinner at one of our favorite restaurants on this planet, Harvest on Main. The last time we ate there was our anniversary last summer, when I had the duck. SOOO FREAKING GOOD. They typically keep up on their menu based on what's locally available, but I'll tell you right now: if they have the duck, I will be getting it. Alas, that is 9 long days away, and there are more immediate concerns at hand.
I have NO clue what we're doing for dinner tonight. I will spend a portion of today figuring that out. The steaks from Sprouts last Friday were SO good, I'm considering those again. But who knows. The internet will help.
Here's what's on tap (so far) today. I'll update as I figure stuff out:
Day 26 Menus:
Breakfast: Chicken Chorizo with 2 Scrambled eggs
Lunch: Leftover Chicken Fajita Bowl
Dinner: WHO FUCKING KNOWS?!
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Day 24 / 25 - Holy crap
My life just exploded right in my face, so sorry I'm late with yesterday and today's post!
I've decided to apply to a graduate program. It's an all online program, and assuming I pass the GRE and get my letters of recommendation, I will start this summer, and should graduate in 2018. WOOT!
So exciting, but a bit stressful. BUT, it's allowed me to focus less on the lack of the delicious foods I'm missing.
Yesterday was a bit unorthodox as far as eating. I got that delicious chicken chorizo from Sprouts last week and instead of just using roasted chicken in the stuffed spaghetti squash, I used the chorizo. It turned out AWESOME.
Also, I picked up Chicken Italian Sausage from Trader Joe's last week and have that for lunch today. Jury is out.
Paleo Chicken Fajita Bowl:
Mexi Cauli-Rice (based loosely on this recipe)
Sautéed Sliced chicken, onions, bell pepper, and sliced zucchini with Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder and Onion Powder.
Day 24 - Menus
Breakfast: 2 Scrambled Eggs, Diced tomato, cumin and chili powder
Lunch: Leftover Paleo Chicken Curry
Dinner: Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
- Subbed chicken chorizo for the cooked chicken
Day 25 - Menus:
Breakfast: 2 Scrambled Eggs, leftover Chorizo Mix from dinner
Lunch: 1 Chicken Italian Sausage, 1/2 green pepper, 1/2 onion, sautéed
Dinner: Chicken Fajita Bowls
We're supposed to have Chicken Korma with Cauliflower rice, but I'm really not feeling it tonight, and I have practice. OR I'll just make chicken fajitas, and make mexi cauli rice. But we just had curry two nights ago, so I think I'm skipping the Korma tonight. Will update :)
I've decided to apply to a graduate program. It's an all online program, and assuming I pass the GRE and get my letters of recommendation, I will start this summer, and should graduate in 2018. WOOT!
So exciting, but a bit stressful. BUT, it's allowed me to focus less on the lack of the delicious foods I'm missing.
Yesterday was a bit unorthodox as far as eating. I got that delicious chicken chorizo from Sprouts last week and instead of just using roasted chicken in the stuffed spaghetti squash, I used the chorizo. It turned out AWESOME.
Also, I picked up Chicken Italian Sausage from Trader Joe's last week and have that for lunch today. Jury is out.
Paleo Chicken Fajita Bowl:
Mexi Cauli-Rice (based loosely on this recipe)
Sautéed Sliced chicken, onions, bell pepper, and sliced zucchini with Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder and Onion Powder.
Day 24 - Menus
Breakfast: 2 Scrambled Eggs, Diced tomato, cumin and chili powder
Lunch: Leftover Paleo Chicken Curry
Dinner: Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
- Subbed chicken chorizo for the cooked chicken
Day 25 - Menus:
Breakfast: 2 Scrambled Eggs, leftover Chorizo Mix from dinner
Lunch: 1 Chicken Italian Sausage, 1/2 green pepper, 1/2 onion, sautéed
Dinner: Chicken Fajita Bowls
We're supposed to have Chicken Korma with Cauliflower rice, but I'm really not feeling it tonight, and I have practice. OR I'll just make chicken fajitas, and make mexi cauli rice. But we just had curry two nights ago, so I think I'm skipping the Korma tonight. Will update :)
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Day 23 - I have a confession...
I've been eating the leftover homemade cheese. I put it on my eggs both yesterday and this morning. The taste is actually growing on me! I wish I had some warm sourdough bread to smear it on. That would be perfect.
Last night's dinner was GREAT. The new recipe I used for Cauli Mash was SO much better than the last one I tried. And the crock pot chicken was SO good. The gravy was magical. I'm so looking forward to the leftovers today for lunch.
Not feeling wordy today, so I'll get right into it:
Day 23 Menu:
Breakfast: 2 scrambled eggs with tomato, cumin, chili powder, shredded Vegan Cheese
Lunch: Leftover Slow Cooker Roast Chicken and Gravy, Cauli Mash
Dinner: Paleo Chicken Curry
Last night's dinner was GREAT. The new recipe I used for Cauli Mash was SO much better than the last one I tried. And the crock pot chicken was SO good. The gravy was magical. I'm so looking forward to the leftovers today for lunch.
Not feeling wordy today, so I'll get right into it:
Day 23 Menu:
Breakfast: 2 scrambled eggs with tomato, cumin, chili powder, shredded Vegan Cheese
Lunch: Leftover Slow Cooker Roast Chicken and Gravy, Cauli Mash
Dinner: Paleo Chicken Curry
Monday, February 1, 2016
Day 22 - End in Sight!
I deserve a f'ing medal for resisting the 20 pizzas that were delivered to my work event last night. They smelled SO good. And there were brownies. I resisted ALL, and stopped by Kroger on the way home because I was starving. We needed coffee at home anyway, but I wandered the hippie section looking for anything I could eat. I didn't find a thing. It was probably for the best, as we had leftover pizza at home. It saved me money, and got rid of a leftover. So my biggest fail was that I ate it a 1 in the morning. No one should eat that late, but I was STARVING. I was even still hungry after I went to lay in the bed, but resisted going through the kitchen looking for more snacks.
My pinched nerve/spinal stenosis is back. It's not full force - I still have all feeling in my fingers, and I'm not having the arm pain I did last time, but I'm torn about what to do. The Doctor said last time I saw him, if it didn't go away, to just schedule another injection. I continued with Physical Therapy, and all the pain went away. That was the week after Thanksgiving, and now the neck pain is back. I've been doing the stretches I learned in PT, hoping it'll go away, but each day, it's gotten a little bit worse (since Friday). Hopefully it'll go away as quickly as it arrived. In the meantime, I'll think about whether I go back to PT, schedule an injection, or make an appointment with the Doc for an appointment.
Enough musings for today.
Despite working from home, I'm putting food in the crockpot for dinner tonight. I still have derby practice tonight, and it's always nice not to have to cook and then go to practice. I'm trying this Roast Chicken and Gravy recipe, with Cauliflower Mash. Well, now that I think of it, I will have to cook the cauli. Oh well. At least I'm working at home today.
Here's what's to eat:
Day 22 Menus:
Breakfast: Pizza Eggs
Lunch: Sliced Cucumber,
Dinner: Roast Chicken and Gravy, Cauliflower Mash
My pinched nerve/spinal stenosis is back. It's not full force - I still have all feeling in my fingers, and I'm not having the arm pain I did last time, but I'm torn about what to do. The Doctor said last time I saw him, if it didn't go away, to just schedule another injection. I continued with Physical Therapy, and all the pain went away. That was the week after Thanksgiving, and now the neck pain is back. I've been doing the stretches I learned in PT, hoping it'll go away, but each day, it's gotten a little bit worse (since Friday). Hopefully it'll go away as quickly as it arrived. In the meantime, I'll think about whether I go back to PT, schedule an injection, or make an appointment with the Doc for an appointment.
Enough musings for today.
Despite working from home, I'm putting food in the crockpot for dinner tonight. I still have derby practice tonight, and it's always nice not to have to cook and then go to practice. I'm trying this Roast Chicken and Gravy recipe, with Cauliflower Mash. Well, now that I think of it, I will have to cook the cauli. Oh well. At least I'm working at home today.
Here's what's to eat:
Day 22 Menus:
Breakfast: Pizza Eggs
Lunch: Sliced Cucumber,
Dinner: Roast Chicken and Gravy, Cauliflower Mash
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