Pozole Rojo

Ingredients:7-8 Lbs of Bone-in Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt
4 C Chicken Broth and enough water to cover
1 Tbsp Chihuahua Salt
1 Large White Onion (divided)
1 Head of Garlic (divided)
2 oz Chile Guajillos
2oz  Chile Anchos
2 Tbsp Mexican Oregano
1 1/2 Tbsp Ground Cumin
6 Lbs or Hominy (One Large Can)

Topping Suggestions:

Shredded Cabbage
Onion
Radishes
Fresh Lime Juice
Oregano

I used 7lbs bone in shoulder (or Butt – same thing, not actually “butt” it just “butts up to the shoulder bone) FYI there is a nasty gland that is sometimes left in by butchers that don’t know to cut it out. He helped me pick a good meat that was well marbled but not a thick layer of fat. He advised to always go with the natural (no antibiotics, etc) with pork.

I cut the meat just as instructed and the onion in half and the garlic taking off 4 as she did in the video. I was tempted to brown/sear meat but resisted. Next time I think I’ll not skip this step.

I added 4 cups of chicken broth and then enough water to cover like inch above meat I added 1 Tbs chihuahua salt boiled and then simmered for 1.5 – 2 hours.  I pulled out the bone and stirred/shredded the meat.

2 ounces each of Chile Guajillos and Chile Anchos

deseeded and devained and destemmed and did a quick rinse.

Add the chilis to 3 cups boiling water (stole 2 cups of broth because I had too much.) And then let them sit for 30 min until cool.

I put it in a food processor but it didn’t really get it as smooth as this video so I had to strain it and the fat.

I added the chilis and seasoning and pozole (rinsed, drained) then let it boil for 15 – 30 min.

I Dreamed A Dream

STRANGE BREW

Bob: Maybe it's out of gas? [Doug farts loudly.] Oh, you  farted!

Doug: No, I didn't.  It was the chair, eh?

Bob: He's lying!  Check the machine!

Doug: I'm not lying!

Ted: [checking machine] He's lying all right!

Bob: [fanning air] I don't need a machine to tell me that!

https://www.dideo.ir/v/yt/rzSOJJNRfHg/strange-brew-lie-detector

---

Even though I’ve been researching the benefits of sleep on weight loss, I don’t need a machine to tell me that sleep deprivation causes me to crave carbs.  

According to experts a lack of sleep:

• Slows the metabolism so you burn fewer calories
• Causes an imbalance in the hormones that signal fullness and hunger resulting in overeating
• Dulls the impulse control part of your brain that makes decisions so you make bad eating choices
• Activates the reward center of your in brain increasing your desire for comfort foods
• Triggers a cortisol spike creating more muscle loss and more fat storageDecreases Insulin sensitivity so that your body begins to turn the carbs and starches and such to fat instead of energy like the Good Lord intended

It’s normal to up for 1 to 2 minutes every 2 hours, every single night.
Clock-watching and counting how many hours until your alarm rings creates anxiety and insomnia.  If you miss your bedtime one night, don’t try to “catch up” on your sleep; instead resume your normal sleep schedule the next night. 

HACKS FOR A BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP

BEDROOM TIPS
Keep the Room Dark with Blackout Curtains
Set the Thermostat Between 60 Degrees and 65 Degrees
Make the Bed
Declutter and Clean the Bedroom
Spray Your Room or Pillow with Lavender or Other Relaxing Scent

MORNING TIPS
Rise at the Same Time Every Single Day
Catch Some Morning Rays

DAYTIME TIPS
No Caffeine or Chocolate After 2PM
Exercise for 10 Minutes or More

NIGHTTIME TIPS
Stop Eating 3 Hours Before Bedtime
Kill the Screens 1 hour Before Bedtime
Do a 10 Minute Tidy

Stick to a Bedtime Ritual
Be Prepared for Tomorrow 
Write Tomorrow’s “To Do” List
Journal Positive Things About Your Day
Have a Nightly Bedtime Stretch
Take a Warm Shower 
Practice Deep Breathing or Meditation 
Read – Fiction Fuels the Dreams
Visualize Tomorrow’s Success
Turn in at the Same Time Each Night
Avoid Checking the Clock and Turn It’s Face Away From You 

Sweet Dreams, Friends!

 

Meal Plan

Keto Egg Roll in a Bowl
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sunny-anderson/zucchini-pizza-bites-3857456
Hamburger Green Beans Dish
Keto Salisbury Steak green beans cauliflower mashed
Spaghetti Squash
BLT Salad

CHICKEN FLAUTAS

Chicken Flautas
	*2 1/4 c shredded chicken 1 T. cornstarch 1/4 t. pepper 1/2 c. chicken broth 12 corn tortillas (1 used 6 flour, 6 corn) Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle to medium-hot.  Place the tortilla on the hot surface until warm and then flip.  (if the tortilla is cold it will rip.  Much easier to roll if warm!) Mix the chicken, cornstarch, pepper, and chicken broth in a pot and cook, stirring constantly, until very thick and bubbly. Place the mixture along one side of the tortilla, and roll the tortilla as tightly as possible without tearing the tortilla. Heat about an inch of oil in the skillet until the oil sizzles (use the handle of a wooden spoon – Rachael Ray trick!  LOL) Carefully lay the flautas, seam side down into the oil, and cook until they are golden and crisp.  Drain on paper towel and keep warm in low oven until all are cooked. Makes 4 servings of 3 flautas each.  I put shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, sour cream and guacamole on the plate.  Can add tomato wedges and salsa or hot cheese dip. *NOTE:  Can add chopped onion and minced garlic to the chicken mixture.

Keto – “Kinda”

Here we are again!  I want to get healthy before I reach retirement age.  I don’t want anyone to have to take care of me because I failed to take care of myself.  I went to the doctor and found out my sugars were really high so that is very motivating!  I’m doing low carb, trying to avoid anything that will raise my blood sugars.

Before when I lost weight, I ate whatever I wanted.  Just small portions, but I had sweets.  This time, I’m avoiding sugar like the plague that it is.  I’m not super strict on the carbs like some people.  I do have corn, beans, potatoes, etc on occasion – but when I do I have 1/2 portions.

Honestly, have not been exercising.  I want to.  Just have not.  A friend told me that if I forced myself to run then I would, after a month, be craving exercise.  Doubtful.  But, I know I need to get moving for my health!  So far I’ve lost 16 pounds!  I want to lose 10 more before January 1.

The doctor told me I needed to lose 4 pounds more.  I feel like I need to lose 20.  Whatever it takes to get my blood glucose at a healthy number!

Fingers crossed!  🙂

 

Still in the Race

As long as there’s life, there’s hope!

Today is a good day.  Because I say it is.  Because God made it and everything God made was beautiful.  Before sin.

I know.  It’s been a while.  A long while.  And here I am again.  Back in the 150’s.  I’m not going to lie.  It’s a struggle.  My weight.  And it’s been a life-long struggle.  I doubt that this new diet will end my struggle.  BUT God.  Because with God all things are possible.  And even if I struggle it doesn’t mean I cannot succeed in winning this fight against fat.  This is a race, but it’s not a sprint.  It’s a marathon and it’s not over until it’s over!

I have had the habit of having a goal of two pounds a week when I dieted (tried a new lifestyle, whatever).  However, it has recently come to my attention that unless you are over 200 pounds, that goal is unrealistic.  “Experts” say that a more reasonable goal is only one pound a week.  OK, as long as we make progress who cares if it takes 2 months or 4?  Who am I kidding?  I care!  I’m not gifted with patience.  Nonetheless, one can’t argue with reality.

So, one pound a week it is!  I just read “101 ways” to lose a pound a week.  Some good ideas there, for sure.  I want do some fasts.  Maybe a detox or two.

My goal is to focus on forming life-long habits to make me healthy and to keep me healthy.

Inspirational Blog

Check out this girls’ blog!  Very inspirational.  🙂  

http://ronisweigh.com/pages/progression-photos

This gal went from 225 (she’s 5’9 though) to 146.4 (below her goal weight) in 32 weeks!  In 42 weeks she was down to 138!

It can be done.  It has been done.  It will be done again.  Will it be done by me?  Depends on how bad I want it, doesn’t it.  

Never Give Up!

I have not been living a very healthy lifestyle and have the numbers to prove it! The scales do NOT lie. I’ve been discouraged about my gain but not enough to do anything about it until yesterday when I got on the scales. Enough is enough. I’m ready to do this again. And again and again. Forever. I just need to get up quicker next time. I’m drawing the line at a healthy BMI this time. May God grant me the strength to reach a healthy weight and to stay there! Hope this video inspires us to do great things in 2014!

Long time forgotten are dreams that just fell by the way . . .

Not really.  I have been weighing regularly.  I need to update the progress page.

The truth is I just fell back into my old habits and the scales now read 151!  Again!  A far cry from 134.8 I weighed in February!  If I get serious and go back to what I was doing when I was at my lowest, I’ll go back to my lowest.  Not rocket science.  Move more.  Eat less!  No reason to be depressed or get discouraged or give up.  Just got to GET UP!  My portion sizes have grown.  I’ve stopped exercising and I’m eating too many carbs and junk.  I was thinking, if I could only get a jump start to encourage myself and see some real loss then maybe I would be back on track.  For real this time!  I came across this article where the author states, “I can show any human adult on earth how to lose 5 lbs in one day.”  It was all poo – literally.  The author states that “160lb woman can lose 3.2lbs to 4.8lbs in one single bowel movement.”

I really love this:

It’s not about weight. It’s about size. It’s about routines. It’s about good habits.

If you focus on habits and ignore all the other noise, size reduction occurs, energy increases and your self-confidence goes through the roof. This is lifestyle change.

I need to go back to being a little hungry all day long until my stomach has shrunk and I can relearn how to eat and not over-eat.  Baby steps.  Baby bites.  Slow down!  Relax.  Exercise.  Plenty of water and sleep!  I can do this!!

I can lose 15 lbs in 3 months, right?  It’s only 5 a month.  During the holiday season.  🙂

I found this on the internet:

I am your height [5’1.5″], female, and lost a stone (from 140 to 126) in two months very easily without counting calories, though I did monitor my carb levels and kept them below 70g a day. I just gave up grains, potatoes, legumes and alcohol totally, and replaced them with meat, fish, salad, veg, and nuts. Interestingly, I also found myself eating a lot of strawberries and cream, sometimes even for breakfast. 

When I scroll back, at the time, I was averaging somewhere around 1300 to 1600 calories a day, with some 1700 to 2000 expended (but this is very rough, so do not take it as gospel). I didn’t do any specific exercise apart from a regular walk 40 mins each day with a longer one at weekends (audio-books, music or language course on my i-pod), and housework.

It was not hard and, aside from the first week (carb flu), I didn’t get hungry.

Yes, IF I want it, I CAN do it!  Just not without effort.

Tragedy and Triumph

I’ve been through so much these past few years and it finally came to a climax on  January 30, 2013.  As a result, my weight has been all over the place!  At the start of the year we were recovering from the flu so I wasn’t eating much.  Then I  started eating compulsively and couldn’t stop myself and I gained 7  pounds.  Then tragedy hit and I lost 10 pounds in a week.  Then in February I gained 2 of those pounds back.  So far in March I gained yet 3 more pounds.

I’m still down about 14 pounds from where I was a year ago so that is success!  I’ve lost (well, lost and regained tons but not talking about that!) about 18.5 lbs since I started this blog!  Even through all the ups and downs I have kept off some of it and that is progress!  I am borderline “normal” – by some charts I am normal, some I need to lose about 7 pounds.

I would like to weigh 125.  I think that would be a good weight for me.   So that’s about 14 pounds.  I could totally do that by summer.  I really don’t feel too fat right now.  But I live in a land where most of the population is overweight so of course I look fine to most people.  I never exercise and I know I need to be exercising daily!  I know that would help me maintain a healthy weight.  With all the stress and tragedy in my life I don’t want the added stress of fat on my body.