Level 1 - Day 8

Guys Have It So Much Easier

It's not fair that guys can lose weight so much quicker than us gals.  I look at my husband, and his pants are practically ready to fall down.  And, his little pooch is almost gone.  With only 13 pounds to go, he's starting to have graham crackers or granola bars with our tea in the evening.  He's so full of himself ... or actually, he's so less of himself.

For me, my clothes aren't anywhere near the falling down stage.  Thankfully, they're not so tight anymore.  And, that's a good thing because it's so much better not feeling bound in my own clothes.  I've only lost 9 pounds, but to me that's a victory in itself.  I couldn't be happier.  I only hope the scale keeps moving for a while longer.

Breakfast - Leftover Tomato and Mushroom Frittata from yesterday.

AM Snack - Fresh pineapple.

Lunch - Leftover Crunchy Roasted Chicken from yesterday and a salad.

PM Snack - Slice of cheese (1 oz.).

Dinner - Pork Chops in Creamy Mushroom Tarragon Sauce (pg. 264 & 265) plus Sauteed Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta (Pg. 211 from Slim & Sexy book).

This meal was beautiful and heavenly ... and oh so delicious.  The sauce for the pork chops makes this dish stand out.  It's so gourmet but really simple.  And, the chopped tarragon, sprinkled on the pork chops at the start of the frying process, really makes them come out pretty, too.

Regarding the Brussels Sprouts:  I played a trick on my hubby.  He doesn't care for them, so when preparing Suzanne's recipe, I sliced the brussels sprouts in half, like she says, but then I sliced each half 3-4 more times.  When you place them in the saute pan they don't even look like brussels sprouts.  They look more like a veggie hash.

Then, when you mix the flavors of the sauteed pancetta and shallots, it's ridiculously good.  My husband didn't even know what he was eating until after he was done.  Boy, was he surprised!  I highly recommend this recipe as brussels sprouts never tasted so good, and they're so good for you.

TIP:  There was a lot going on with the preparation of this dish.  I started the brussels sprouts first, so they ended up being done about 10 minutes before the pork chops and sauce.  So, I added 3/4 of cup of water to them while they simmered on the stove.  That way they didn't dry out or get burned, and the water just evaporated away.  I think it also made the veggies more tender.  Or, it could have been my imagination.