Level 1 - Day 112

A Word About Slow Weight Loss

I think it's very easy to convince yourself to give up on a diet or lifestyle plan when you're experiencing slow weight loss, or even lack of weight loss.  For many, these kinds a reasons can fool your inner-self to give up.  Or, at the very least, give a reason why the plan is not working.

I beg all of you not to give up when the scale slows down, or stops.  At the very least, any good lifestyle plan has its benefits.  One being the healthy aspect and how good food can actually make you feel better, and improve some health factors such as cholesterol and damage to your heart.  Which, I think, are good reasons to continue.

However, it is discouraging when the scale doesn't move.  I've been there many times, and I'm sure you have been too.  In my case, when this happened I did give up on the plan.  And convinced myself that the plan wasn't right for me.  So, after a brief period of time, I started a new plan.  And, I think that's the key.

If a plan doesn't appear to be working for you, don't give up and go back to your old habits.  Which is so easy to do.  But, instead, research another plan and give it a try for an extended period of time.  And you may get lucky, like I did, and find a plan that works for you and your body type and medical history.

Breakfast - Quinoa and non-fat milk.  I always make enough for one meal of leftovers since it takes about 20 minutes to prepare quinoa.

AM Snack - Large orange (I used the zest from this orange to make a muffin snack for this afternoon).

Lunch - Leftover Chicken Sausage Cassoulet from Day 111.

PM Snack - Zucchini Muffins (from SS web site).  While there are a lot of steps and ingredients to these muffins, it's well worth the time because the recipe makes 24 servings.  However, I did cut the recipe in half because there are only two of us.  Plus, I wasn't sure how good they'd be and didn't want to end up with something I didn't care for. 

But, in one word, these muffins were fabulous.  Especially, if you're like me, and love carbs ... specifically bread and muffins.  My only comment is this:  the next time I make these I will add more cinnamon and nutmeg to the recipe.  Other than that, they were worth the time and effort to make them.  And, more importantly, they satisfied my carb craving and left me feeling full and extremely satisfied.

Dinner - Baby Back Pork Ribs plus Warm Wild Mushroom and Spinach Salad (both from the SS web site).  OMG!  These ribs were to die for!!!!!

My hubby and I are huge fans of BBQ sauce on ribs, so I wasn't sure if I'd like this preparation.  But, this savory version was a huge surprise.  They were salty and greasy, in a good way, even though very little salt was added.  If you try this recipe, I think you'll be licking your fingers and asking for more.

NOTE:  I need to mention that Baby Back Pork Ribs were very expensive, and not on sale.  So, I substituted them for a cheaper version.  The recipe calls for boiling the ribs in water for 30 minutes.  In order to make these ribs more tender, I put them in my slow cooker for 6 hours (on low).  I then followed the recipe as directed.

Basically, you make a coating that consists of EVOO, salt, pepper, 2 heads of minced garlic, dried thyme and rosemary, plus red pepper flakes.  Topped with more EVOO and fresh lemon juice.

I can't say enough about the taste and the texture.  They were extremely tender and literally fell off the bone.  Plus, the oven method and coatings resulted in a crispy texture near the ends, which also added to their delicious-ness!  I can't wait for the leftovers!