The Big Bowl

Dallas been counting down the days until Super Bowl 2011. Each morning as a I drink my coffee, the news shares some piece of information about the sacred event. I admitted to my husband that I didn't know why it was such a huge deal. Yes, it is pretty cool that I live in the city (well, technically the game is in Arlington) who is hosting celebrities, football players, and fans from around the nation. However, I fail to realize the extent of the importance this game has on my life.

Police and security services will be increasing due to the fact that prostitution and drug rings will be out in full force. Thanks Super Bowl! Oh, so crime will rise and us natives will have to resort to staying home a few days prior to the game to prevent ourselves from going crazy with the idiots on the road and tourists crowding our best hot-spots.

You are probably thinking, "Wow, she is a poor hostess. Not to mention a bit of a pessimist." I will not deny it. But think about this: Our "precious" Dallas Cowboys had an embarrassing start to their 2010 season and failed to fully recover. It would mean something different if Dallas had had a shot to play in the Super Bowl. It would be a party for us, too. Instead, we have to sit back and allow the fans of another football club take over our city as we try not to let ourselves go crazy.

bye-bye bloating

Success! I completed my 4 day anti-bloating regime. Now on to "real" food containing more enjoyable items! Even though I do not have to drink my 2 quarts of "sassy water," I am doing my best to drink the same amount of water (and keep it up). It is a little more difficult now that school has start back up (having to pee every 45 minutes simply is not possible). In case you are curious as to my menu, here it is:

Breakfast:

1 slice whole wheat toast with 1 Tbsp natural peanut butter topped with half of a banana, sliced and I washed it down with 1 cup of almond soy milk.

lunch:

2 cups spinach with 1/4 cup mushrooms, 1 Tbsp reduced fat feta cheese, 3 oz. grilled chicken, and 1 apple. (It was muy delicioso!!)

snack:

fat free vanilla yogurt with cinnamon and 1 Tbsp almonds

Dinner:

1/3 cup whole wheat penne pasta, 3 oz. grilled chicken, 1 Tbsp pesto sauce sprinkled with some chopped tomatoes and parmesan cheese. One the side, 3/4 cup blueberries.

It might seem like alot of food (which helps trick the mind when consuming) but the portions are much smaller than I am used to. It is sad to say that I probably used to eat twice (or three) times as much pasta. But what can I say, I'm Italian?? Due to the anti-bloat 4 day diet, my mind is prepared for not overeating and it's semi-comfortable with the fact that I don't have to have that dip that someone brought it to work or the left-over Christmas cookies sitting in the teachers lounge. I'm not saying I was an overindulgent eater ALL the time, but I did (and still working on it) have the problem of thinking, "Eh, I won't eat that much" or "It's not really gonna hurt me." Before I realized it though, I would have eaten many 2-3 extra 300 calorie snacks each day. As I am learning to eat better and create smaller portions for myself, I am truly trying to prepare my body for a new lifestyle or healthy snacking with the right portions and the right amount.

I am lucky enough to have an amazing husband who has decided to use a lot of his paycheck to go toward groceries just for my healthy eating diet. Since we have not always had the money we were not able to eat healthy all the time. So, Luke suggested that I get what I need and he would get separate food that would cost less. He is sacrificing a lot for me!! But it has given me more motivation because I have someone so invested in my personal goal. Yay to the husband!

Day 2

Flat Belly Diet: Day 2, January 2, 2011

Much better day! Not nearly as hungry or tired, although I did lounge around quite a bit again. I packed away all evidence of Christmas and replaced it with spring. The afternoon was spent creating a weeks worth of meals! It took much longer than antcipated, but oh well : )

While looking through my book, I was reminded once again that this 4 day anti-bloating regime will come to an end. Reading about real food was refreshing and I cannot wait to go shopping!

I will keep in mind that my new season will be THINNER!

Day 1

Flat Belly Diet: Day 1, January 1, 2011

Here's to another year! Started my 4 day anti-bloating diet. I toted around my "sassy water" in a 2 liter pitcher and pre-proportioned meals to Kamille's apartment. My (in)famous dancing skillz got me a high score on the Wii, I renewed my love to the Disney Channel, and laughed about silly putty with my little sis and our niece.

After a long day of peeing every 45 minutes, I am exhausted! However, it is well worth the effort (right?) and despite feeling a tad lethargic all day due to no coffee, it will pay off! So when I took my last swig of "sassy water" for the night I rejoiced in the fact that I only have 3 more days of madness!!