Level 1 - Day 23

Tough Love Regarding Weight Loss

Motivation and weight loss are two tricky concepts when you link them together.  It takes work to lose weight and it takes work to stay motivated.  One, without the other, can lead to falling off the weight loss wagon.

I hope I don't offend anyone by saying that the only way you're going to lose your excess weight is to be honest with yourself about the strength and the core of your motivation.  It's easy to say that you're motivated, or that you want to lose weight.

But, if you find yourself saying things like:

1. The food is too hard to make.
2. I don't like the food.  Or, more specifically, I don't like oatmeal or vegetables.
3. I don't think I can give up carbs.  Or, it's going to be hard to give up carbs.
4. This plan takes too much time.
5. I've been on the plan two weeks, and I've only lost 3 pounds.
6. Or anything else that sounds like the above statements.

Well, I can say this from experience, as I've tried many weight loss plans, that if you're saying or thinking any of the above statements, you will probably fail.  You will not stick with any plan.  I know, I've been there.  The only way you're going to realize your weight loss goal is to go into the plan with a positive attitude because you're going to need true and honest motivation to get you through the hard times.  The days when you're old habits and weaknesses come calling.  It's going to take all the strength you have not to listen to them.

And, if you go into any plan with doubt or any type of negativity, you won't stick with the plan.  My wish for all of you reading my blog today is that you find the path that's right for you.  And then have the courage to stay the course when days get tough.

Breakfast - Leftover Quinoa with non-fat milk and Agave Nectar.

AM Snack - Fruit (love my fruit!)

Lunch - Turkey Chili from Day 21.  This tastes even better after a couple days.  Plus, sliced tomato.

PM Snack - Slice of cheese.

Dinner - No Noodle Lasagna (from SS web site) and fresh green beans sauteed in butter for 5 minutes.  This was a super delicious meal, with a little twist.

First, I have to mention that the lasagna is very putsy and takes some time.  But, most lasagna recipes take time to prepare.    However, I planned ahead and made the Sweet Tomato Sauce (from SS web site) at the same time I made the chili.  Plus, I made an extra two cups and froze it for a future dish.

Next, instead of noodles you make egg crepes.  Lightly beat the eggs, then ladle half into a pre-buttered saute pan, and coat the bottom.  After a minute, flip.  Then cook for one more minute.

You also need a second pan going to saute the onion and garlic.  Then, add lean ground beef.  Once cooked, add the sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.

Finally, in a separate bowl mix together Parmesan and ricotta cheese, thawed frozen spinach, and nutmeg.  Then the fun part, you layer half of the ingredients, repeating a second time.  And topping with mozzarella cheese. 

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  It comes out looking spectacular.  And, the crepes give the lasagna a lighter flavor, but oh so yummy.  The 3 different cheese are spectacular and make you feel like you're cheating.  I highly recommend it, even though it takes some extra planning.