Jammin' Jan's Check-In

blueskighs · Post by **blueskighs** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 8:11 pm

Hope your new job is going well. Working at a bookstore sounds like fun,

Blueskighs

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 11:43 am

Bookstores are always fun.

6 days into my current 21.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Fri Sep 19, 2008 10:56 am

Day 7 of my re-commitment.

Today, dinner will be at 4:30 and I know I will be starved by the time I get home at 10, so I am going to plan a small meal for tonight, as suggested by Reinhard. This will consist of a packet or two of instant oatmeal.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 1:08 am

Yesterday went okay -- 3 meals plus some instant oatmeal when I got home from work.

Today, three good meals but no treats. No need, so it's okay.

Today is Day 8.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 1:49 am

Day 9, can't mess up on an S Day. As it happened, I didn't end up with any treats, although lunch was larger than usual, but it got me through my shift at work to a late dinner without any problems.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 9:09 pm

Day 10...

My schedule for work today (from time leaving home to arriving back again, bus schedules being what they are) was from 9 am to 3:30 pm.

Ate a good breakfast.

At noon I got a 10 minute break. Which do I need most, a trip to the restroom, or something to eat. Did both...bolted a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on the way to the ladies room.

Starving when I got home, so had a muffin (better choice would've been fruit).

Dinner will be at 6 pm.

I am not going to count this as a failure, because out of it comes a plan:

When I have this schedule on Wednesday, I will eat a sandwich at noon, but will pack some fresh fruit to eat while I am waiting for the bus. I will call it a split meal, but that's how it goes.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 11:03 am

Day 13

A couple of no-s slip-ups as I adjust to the new job schedule, but I think it's going okay now.

Yesterday I inhaled a pbj sandwich as I walked to the restroom. But I also packed juice and apple slices to eat while waiting for the bus. So that made one meal. It was still 3 hours until dinner so my appetite wasn't ruined, which was good because I tried a new recipe for Hoppin' John that I got from a Paula Deen book. It was a knockout!

I work late tonight, so if I am hungry after work, since "dinner" will have been 7 hours earlier, I will have a packet of instant oatmeal to get through the night.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 8:04 pm

Coming back, starting over. Again. No excuses this time. I've been around here for four years; one would think I would have it down by now.

Anyway, today is day one. I'm going to go back to my original way of marking my daily successes or failures, because that worked for me in the past.

No Sweets:

No Snacks:

No Seconds:

Urban Ranger:

(about 16,000 steps)
Shovelgove:

(14 min. with light dumbbells)

mimi · Post by **mimi** » Thu Jun 11, 2009 12:31 am

Welcome back! Remember Reinhard's quote about how for most people it takes some failures under your belt before getting it right! That's me - but this time I'm determined! We can do it!

Mimi

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Thu Jun 11, 2009 12:42 am

Thanks, Mimi...I am determined to succeed this time. Success to both of us!

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Thu Jun 11, 2009 9:40 pm

Day 2

No Sweets:

No Snacks:

No Seconds:

Urban Ranger:

( almost 17,000 steps)
Shovelglove:

(14 min. light weights)

2 days down. I'm going to succeed.

kccc · Post by **kccc** » Fri Jun 12, 2009 1:13 pm

Hi Jan,

I am glad to see you back - I always enjoyed your posts, and learned a lot from you.

And yeah, somtimes it's hard to stay on track...

Welcome back.

Post by **reinhard** » Fri Jun 12, 2009 5:29 pm

Great to see you here again, Jan!

On three systems, no less!

Looking forward to lots more smileys,

Reinhard

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Fri Jun 12, 2009 7:49 pm

Day 3

No Sweets:

No Snacks:

No Seconds:

Urban Ranger:

(12,500 steps)
Shovelglove:

(light weights; crunches, too)

Today was easier than Days 1 and 2.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Sat Jun 13, 2009 6:37 pm

Day 4

No-Idiot S Day

Sweets, Snacks, Seconds: very moderate

Urban Ranger: rest day

Shovelglove: rest day

Vanilla No-S, no additions, no exceptions

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Mon Jun 15, 2009 11:36 am

Day 5

S Day

Very moderate treats.

Steps for both Saturday and Sunday were a little over 10,000, so it was restful. No weights.

I am ready for this week. We are going on vacation up to Lake Superior. Plan to do a lot of hiking in the state parks on the north shore. I have a little notebook with me, and when we get back to the hotel in the evenings, I will note my successes or failures for each day of the week. Accountability is a good thing!

It's amazing what packing light weights does for one's suitcase!

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Wed Jul 08, 2009 7:57 pm

Got through vacation okay, no problems with the food, and lots of exercise. Came home the same weight as I was when I left.

Haven't been completely on program since then, but I'm not giving up. No S is the sanest, most sensible way to eat there is, and I am just going to stick with it, even if I keep messing up.

mimi · Post by **mimi** » Thu Jul 09, 2009 2:04 am

Good for you! Welcome back!

Mimi

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 7:30 pm

I'm trying hard to stay on track. Not doing too badly, although there have been a few slip-ups. Today I listened to a co-worker tell me about her diet, low carb, low fat, restricted calories. Glad I'm not doing that!

No S:

Breakfast today: fully loaded oatmeal

Lunch: pbj; fresh cherries

Dinner: bean & corn casserole; potatoes, onions, and garlic sauteed in olive oil, two slices of bread

Urban Ranger: steps so far today (will update later) 9226

Shovelglove: have had to lay the weights aside because of a recurring shoulder injury, so I did 14 min. qigong instead.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Wed Jul 15, 2009 1:09 am

Day 4/21 Green Green Green

Breakfast: Fully Loaded Oatmeal
Lunch: leftover beans & corn; sliced bread; last of the cherries
Mid-afternoon: glass of blueberry-pomegranet juice (how is that spelled?)
Dinner: homemade fettucine with marinara & meatballs; peas; garlic bread from a loaf I made this afternoon. Stuffed...no temptations for late-night snack tonight!

No-S:

Urban Ranger:

(10,500 steps)
Shovelglove:

(14 min qigong)

Now on to my HabitCal to mark some squares in green.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Wed Jul 15, 2009 8:37 pm

5/21

Breakfast: Fully Loaded Oatmeal; two slices homemade bread with Earth Balance
Lunch: leftover pasta & meatballs; bread; glass of blueberry-pomegranate juice
Dinner: black-eye peas with carmelized onions and black pepper; green beans; homemade bread

No S

Urban Ranger:

(10,500 steps)
Shovelglove:

(four hours of lifting heavy stuff at work, alternating left and right hands)

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 5:53 pm

6/21

Breakfast: optimized oatmeal; toast

Lunch: last of the pasta & meatballs; toast; juice

Dinner: beanie weenie; dinner rolls; mandarin oranges

No S:

Urban Ranger

(16,000 steps)
Shovelglove:

(14 min. light weights)

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 1:24 am

7/21

Breakfast: optimized oatmeal; toast
Lunch: catfish; coleslaw; potato salad; ice tea
Dinner: oven-fried fish; potatoes; broccoli

No-S

Urban Ranger:

(only 6700 steps)
Shovelglove:

Nearly 53000 steps Monday - Friday, so I'm going to give myself a green on my HabitCal for today anyway. Neither the weights nor the qigong happened today, so that will have to be a red.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Mon Jul 20, 2009 8:08 pm

10/21

Food:

Urban Ranger:

Dinner is going to be wonderful tonight:

Cannelini beans in lemon sauce
Fresh fruit salad
Homemade bread

mmmmm.....

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Wed Jul 22, 2009 7:37 pm

11 and 12/21 (Halfway to 21!)

Yesterday:
No S:

Urban Ranger:

(also qigong in addition to steps)

Today:

No S:

Urban Ranger:

Life in general would also be

if it weren't for the fire alarms that keep going off in the middle of the night (no fire) and during the day (also no fire). My head is throbbing and my ears are ringing and the cat is getting very jittery.

LoriLifts · Post by **LoriLifts** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 2:08 am

Hi Jan,

Thanks for the supportive comments on my check in page. I read your pages on a regular basis. It's really inspiring to read about the progress of long term No Sers.

Lori

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Fri Jul 24, 2009 1:08 am

13/21

A very good day, no temptations! Lunch plate was pretty loaded, but breakfast was normal, and I actually couldn't finish what was on my dinner plate because I took too much.

No S

Urban Ranger

Will I make it this time? Will it be permanent? I have reached 21 days in the past, but then lapsed. But now I feel a new sense of determination. Everything is possible!

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Fri Jul 24, 2009 7:40 pm

14/21

We're hosting a bbq party for family and friends tonight to celebrate our grandson's second birthday!

No S

Urban Ranger

Update: Even though yesterday was definitely a Special Day, I kept it as an N day, with the exception of a small piece of birthday cake.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Sat Jul 25, 2009 12:45 pm

15 and 16/21 (Hey! I'm getting close to 21!)

Today and tomorrow are S days, so I can't do anything wrong!

S = Success!!!

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 8:21 pm

17/21....almost there!

No S:

Urban Ranger:

Shovelglove:

(14 min. qigong)

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Tue Jul 28, 2009 10:15 pm

18/21

As I draw near to my 21st day, I notice that this is getting easier day by day. I am still going to aim for 100 days, but 21 will be a good mileage marker.

No S

Urban Ranger:

Shovelglove:

(cardio/strength dvd)

mimi · Post by **mimi** » Wed Jul 29, 2009 1:30 am

Jammin' Jan wrote:18/21

As I draw near to my 21st day, I notice that this is getting easier day by day. I am still going to aim for 100 days, but 21 will be a good mileage marker.

That's great Jan! Keep up the good work!

Mimi

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Thu Jul 30, 2009 1:04 am

19/21

No S:

Urban Ranger:

Almost there!!

Dinner tonight was yummy, based on an idea I got from a food network show I was watching last night: corn cakes with pinto beans and salsa verde; tomatoes and avocado on the side.

gratefuldeb67 · Post by **gratefuldeb67** » Thu Jul 30, 2009 1:44 am

Great job Jammin!!! And the last day is an S day which will be a cinch.

Debs x

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Thu Jul 30, 2009 10:29 pm

20/21 I can almost touch success!

No S

Urban Ranger

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Sat Aug 01, 2009 12:48 am

DAY 21!

I did it!

Tomorrow will be Day 22 of 100 days, my next goal. By golly, I'm going to get this habit fixed firmly in my life.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Sun Aug 02, 2009 8:12 pm

23/100

I am so glad that today is an S Day. Last night, we went to visit our daughter who is studying pastry and baking at Le Cordon Bleu and she gave us several zip-loc bags of the cookies she had baked this week. What a great program she's in...she gets to play with her food and eat her homework, too! These are magnificent cookies, like you'd buy in a fancy bakery. So I am sampling one of each today, saving a few for our son and his family who will be over for dinner tomorrow night, and sending the rest in to work with my husband for the ladies in his building. Everyone's happy!

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Mon Aug 03, 2009 7:27 pm

24/100

No S

Urban Ranger

kccc · Post by **kccc** » Sat Aug 08, 2009 9:26 pm

Jammin' Jan wrote:DAY 21!

I did it!

Tomorrow will be Day 22 of 100 days, my next goal. By golly, I'm going to get this habit fixed firmly in my life.

Woo-hoo! Congrats, Jan!

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Mon Sep 07, 2009 2:42 pm

DAY 59

Some ups and downs, but I am firmly committed to following No-S.

My husband and I have joined a gym and have been going there nearly every day. This has been good for both of us. So...

No S...

pretty good, but firm intentions
Urban Ranger...

lots of outdoor walking
Shovelglove...

dumbbells and other stuff at the gym

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 1:04 am

Day 64

Tell me again why we joined a gym?

Oh, ow.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Mon Sep 14, 2009 12:07 pm

Thinking positively today. Instead of saying 'no' to snacks, sweets, and seconds, I am going to say

YES! Today I will enjoy three full plates of food!

kccc · Post by **kccc** » Mon Sep 14, 2009 2:24 pm

What a great attitude!

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 8:42 pm

Day 81

Still here, not great, but here. Have been doing some soul searching, and trying to understand just exactly why it is so difficult to do something so simple.

No-S: as many

days as

Shovelglove: was

until I overdid at the gym and had to take time off. Ready to go again soon. We like our new gym better.

Urban Ranger: almost always

Did I say I was going for 100 days? Ha ha! It'll be more like 200 the way I'm going! But at least I'm going...

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Wed Sep 30, 2009 11:40 am

You can't go forward if you keep looking back...

My resolution for today:

Today I will not look back at the McDougall Program. I will look forward to three nutritious, tasty, and sustaining meals on No-S.

Today I will not look back to the hard-core exercise routines I did in years past. I will look forward to envigorating but sustainable movement through work, Urban Rangering, and Shovelglove.

Today I will be satisfied with who I am... today.

Kevin · Post by **Kevin** » Wed Sep 30, 2009 12:11 pm

Sounds like a plan, Jan.

Jammin' Jan wrote:Day 81

Still here, not great, but here. Have been doing some soul searching, and trying to understand just exactly why it is so difficult to do something so simple.

No-S: as many :( days as :)

Shovelglove: was :) until I overdid at the gym and had to take time off. Ready to go again soon. We like our new gym better.

Urban Ranger: almost always :)

Did I say I was going for 100 days? Ha ha! It'll be more like 200 the way I'm going! But at least I'm going...

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Thu Oct 01, 2009 1:26 pm

I have discovered that it is possible, although a little awkward, to do Shovelglove movements with dumbbells. Great for the core.

Today's October 1st...good day to get back to HabitCal.

mimi · Post by **mimi** » Thu Oct 01, 2009 2:26 pm

Jammin' Jan wrote:I have discovered that it is possible, although a little awkward, to do Shovelglove movements with dumbbells. Great for the core.

Now that's interesting Jan! Tell me more! Do you use one heavier dumbbell, or two? Maybe this is something I could do for exercise (seated, for me) while I recover from this broken ankle.
Happy October 1st!

Mimi

mimi · Post by **mimi** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 3:24 pm

Thanks Jan! I'm going to hunt up some dumbbells and give it a try!
Guess what? I noticed on the October challenge that your birthday is October 12...mine is October 13! Small world!

Mimi

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 11:30 pm

Sometimes you just have to decide to decide...

MerryKat · Post by **MerryKat** » Sun Oct 04, 2009 7:09 am

Hey Jan

So nice to see you still here. I am, like you, still battling to get this down pat. But you know what - we can do this and with the great attitude and plan you have you will soon have the healthy happy body you are working towards.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Mon Oct 05, 2009 7:05 pm

Day 87...all is well!

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Mon Oct 05, 2009 7:06 pm

Day 87...all is well!

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Thu Oct 08, 2009 6:44 pm

Day 90

Best decision I've made yet...going from Day 21 to Day 100. It's moved me from goal-oriented failure to firm-habit success.

My jeans and my swimsuit are both a little more comfortable right now, and the scale is even beginning to show a little loss.

Back in ten days!

mimi · Post by **mimi** » Mon Oct 12, 2009 3:17 pm

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday dear Ja-a-a-n

Happy birthday to you!

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 9:27 pm

Day 98...almost there!!!

No S

nearly every day now

Urban Rangering

10,000 steps most days

Shovelglove

need to continue striving for consistency

Only two more days to go to hit my 100 days!

Dinner tonight:

Shrimp over thin spaghetti, olive oil and garlic over all. Green peas.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Sat Oct 17, 2009 11:54 am

Day 99...one more day!

I'm going to celebrate this weekend by going to the bookstore and buying a new cookbook or two.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Sun Oct 18, 2009 12:14 pm

Day 100

This is it, my 100th day of recommitment! 21 days didn't do it, but I think continuing on pretty much did the trick.

The journey continues...

frugaltexan · Post by **frugaltexan** » Mon Oct 19, 2009 1:16 am

Congratulations on making it to 100 days! That is fantastic!

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Sun Nov 01, 2009 12:40 am

October went pretty well until the very end. Not sure what happened; I just seemed to lose my resolve.

Oh well, November is a brand new month, and it starts tomorrow! With an S-Day! I will strive to do better.

Never give up! Never surrender! (Galaxy Quest, I think

)

Here is a quote I like:

"A man who governs his passions is master of the world. We must either command them, or be enslaved by them. It is better to be a hammer than an anvil." St. Dominic

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Sat Nov 07, 2009 1:20 pm

November is off to a good start: first week of the month on No-S was easy as pie. Got all my Urban Rangering steps, and did weights, including Shovelglove moves, as well.

Habits are cementing.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Sun Nov 08, 2009 12:07 pm

One day when I had nothing useful to do, I went back and read all 20 pages of this check-in. What I found especially interesting about my four-plus years here was that when I was really on track, I was also cooking interesting but simple meals for dinner (which also produced interesting ready-made meals for lunch). I looked at those meals and thought, why am I not fixing those menus any more? Changes in job schedules, moving, kids growing up and leaving home, etc., explain it, but I thought, now that I am doing well on No-S again, maybe it's time to get back to that. One of the cookbooks that I drew on frequently was "The Four Ingredient Cookbooks" by Coffee and Cale. I gave one to my son and his wife after they were married and gave mine to my daughter when she left home. So yesterday I bought a new one for myself -- not giving this copy away! It's just plain and simple recipes; I think half of 'em call for Cream of Mushroom soup. Definitely not gourmet food, but they taste good and are affordable to make. Next project will be to find an equivalent crock-pot cookbook.

mimi · Post by **mimi** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 1:39 pm

I like the Fix-it and Forget-It cookbook. I also have the Fix-it and Forget-It Five Ingredient cookbook. The author's son-in-law was one of my student teachers and he gave me a copy of the first one as a gift. That's how I was introduced to them (there are lots of others in the series). In fact, today I'm trying a new recipe from it...Polish Sausage Stew: Polish sausage, sauerkraut, brown sugar, diced potatoes, onions, cream of celery soup, and Monterey Jack cheese added at the end. I'll let you know how it turns out! I use my crock-pot a lot when I'm working, so I decided to test some new recipes while I am still off from work and have the time.

Mimi

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 7:52 pm

Note to Self: lay off the cheese.

I thought I was doing better with the dairy allergy, and have been hitting the cheese pretty regularly. Now my lips are blistered and swelling and burning and peeling. 'Way more than chapped lips!

No cheese is still vanilla No-S!

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Wed Nov 11, 2009 8:13 pm

"I am not a number, I am a free man!" Number 6 (1968)

Who, then, is free? The wise man who can govern himself." - Horace (35 B.C.)

That's what I like about No-S: it is me governing myself.

Kevin · Post by **Kevin** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 12:43 am

So, you cut the cheese, huh?

(Sorry. I just couldn't help it. Inside every man is a little boy that still laughs at flatulence. And jokes about flatulence. I'm laughing now, having twice type flatulence.)

Jammin' Jan wrote:Note to Self: lay off the cheese.

I thought I was doing better with the dairy allergy, and have been hitting the cheese pretty regularly. Now my lips are blistered and swelling and burning and peeling. 'Way more than chapped lips!

No cheese is still vanilla No-S!

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 12:37 pm

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 12:21 am

My husband & I really enjoyed tonight's dinner. I brushed two phyllo sheets with butter then put on a couple of slices of tofu, then on top/around that a spoonful of prepared Uncle Ben's White & Wild Rice. Folded and buttered and baked. Topped with brown gravy. This was a really yummy dinner, and I won't be tempted to snack tonight!

And tomorrow is an S-Day! Hooray!

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Sat Nov 21, 2009 11:18 am

I made the phyllo rolls again last night, using portobello veggie burgers with the rice instead of the tofu. I like tofu but in this recipe it didn't have enough flavor of its own to show up in the rolls. Also I used butter-flavored pan spray on the phyllo sheets instead of brushing with butter. Used Hain veggie gravy. Now I am satisfied with this dish! I will serve this on Thanksgiving for our veggie daughter and anyone else who wants to try it.

November's almost gone! So far, only one red day and everything else a

. Good month for me.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Sat Nov 21, 2009 11:21 am

Just one more thing, as Columbo used to say...

If I stopped putting that handful of chopped walnuts in my oatmeal every morning, I could save enough calories to lose about 12 pounds over the course of a year, without doing anything else. I like walnuts, but do I really need them? I used to just eat oatmeal and raisins and was perfectly happy. Funny how things grow when you're not looking.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Tue Dec 01, 2009 2:01 am

November was a pretty good month since I only messed up twice. My intention is to make December even better.

I have finally banished all soda pop from my diet. The stuff is so sweet these days I don't enjoy it anyway, but I just kept ordering it from habit. Anyway, it's been gone, even on S Days, for a long time now.

My husband has been doing near No S with me, and has lost 10 pounds over the past three months. We have been exercising together during that time as well. I am proud of him!

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Thu Dec 03, 2009 12:32 pm

Baked Chicken for dinner last night:

Put a couple of pieces of chicken in a baking dish. Dot with butter. Season with whatever. Pop the lid on and bake at 425 F. for about a half an hour. Simple.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 12:00 pm

Macaroni & Cheese, with Jalapenas and Corn:

What was an imitation of a (mild) new side dish at Famous Dave's, when made at home turned into an extremely hot main dish. Husband liked it, I couldn't eat it at all.

Next time, green chilies will replace the jalapenas. More taste, no heat.

kccc · Post by **kccc** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 3:38 pm

Sounds like you're doing really well - and your hubby too.

(I can't eat food that's too hot either, and my husband likes it even milder. Our nine-year-old is the spicy one at our house!)

Jan, it's so nice to see you around here. I remember you from when I first joined, and learned a lot from you then.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Sat Dec 05, 2009 1:19 pm

Thanks for the kind words, KCCC!

Last night I was again playing with phyllo wraps. I mixed 4 oz. goat cheese, 4 oz. cream cheese, 1/2 tsp. dried thyme, and one bunch parsley, chopped, no stems, and used that for my phyllo phylling.

Mixing the two cheeses is a good way to stretch the expensive chevre.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 2:44 am

Had the most wonderful gyro today. It was sliced beef with chopped cucumber, tomato, red onion, and feta in a cucumber ranch dressing wrapped in a pita. And fresh fruit on the side. What a terrific lunch!

Saturday and Sunday, two S-Days with no S items. How did that happen? It wasn't something I decided to do. And yet, I felt no need, and no lack. Very satisfying food both days and very reasonable.

I am determined to have a perfect vanilla December.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 8:50 pm

Pork chops tonight: Dredge in flour or Bisquick, dip in Italian salad dressing, dredge in Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs. Fry in a skillet in a little oil. Veggies and dinner rolls fill out the plate.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Wed Dec 09, 2009 12:45 am

Sloppy Joes on toasted buttered buns; corn on the cob. Kind of meager on the plate, but filling enough.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Wed Dec 09, 2009 10:25 pm

Chicken Stew: chicken, carrots, celery, onions, tomatoes, chicken broth, thyme. Throw it all into the crock pot and cook on low for 6 hours or so.
Dinner rolls on side.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Fri Dec 11, 2009 9:02 pm

'Nother crockpot dinner: boneless rib meat, can of white beans, drained and rinsed, 8 oz. can tomato sauce, seasoned to taste with garlic and onion powders and black pepper. Cooked on low all day. Served up with crook-neck squash and a roll on the side.

Nice to come home to after the gym, and it's Minnesota freezing outside.

~reneew · Post by **~reneew** » Fri Dec 11, 2009 9:07 pm

Yum! Now I know where to go to find a new recipe. Thanks for the ideas.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Sat Dec 12, 2009 12:08 pm

Last night for dinner:

Bow-tie pasta with olive oil, garlic, and basil; sprinkled with feta cheese. Green peas on the side.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Sun Dec 13, 2009 12:31 am

We celebrated our son's 25th birthday at Olive Garden this evening. I ordered the Cappelini Pomodoro, which is what I usually order. Thin spaghetti, tomatoes, basil, and olive oil. Anything with olive oil is good in my book.

Today is Day 155 in my 100 Days of Recommitment. Still some tough days, wanting to snack, but posting daily to the monthly challenge is a big help. I really want December to be a perfect month.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Sun Dec 13, 2009 8:01 pm

Discouraged over my total lack of weight loss. Even on vanilla No-S, I know I am eating too much for my size and weight, but hesitate to cut portion size because then I might be tempted to snack. I am having a nice string of

days and don't want to jeopardize that.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 7:19 pm

Tonight's dinner: Polish sausage, sauerkraut, green beans, black bread.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Wed Dec 16, 2009 12:44 pm

Dinner on Tuesday night: succotash (limas and corn in veggie broth cooked in saucepan until the limas were tender and the broth reduced by half); mashed potatoes with green onions; 12-grain bread. The starch in the vegs thickened the broth a little; it was very buttery and smooth, so I also spooned it it over my potatoes. Very tasty and filling.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 6:26 pm

Wednesday's dinner: eggplant, Italian-seasoned tomatoes, and white beans cooked gently together, then served over pasta. Drizzle of olive oil, twist of freshly ground coarse garlic salt. Served with Garlic-Rosemary bread.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 6:29 pm

Dinner on Thursday: Brown rice, seasoned with chopped green onion, dried thyme and garlic, topped with black beans. Corn and steamed zucchini on the side.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 9:10 pm

It's Friday! Yay!

Dinner tonight, an old favorite: Boulangerie Beans and Potatoes

1 tsp dry thyme, divided
1 can beans, drained and rinsed (white, pink, or red)
3 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (I'm using red potatoes tonight.)
1 cup stock
3 Tbs. butter
salt and pepper to taste

Oven, 325 F. Stir 1/2 tsp. thyme into the beans and sprinkle with salt & pepper. Put the beans in a baking dish.

Lay the potatoes in overlapping rows to cover the beans. Pour the stock over the top, dot with pieces of butter, sprinkle with salt and pepper and the remaining thyme.

Cover and bake 45 min. Uncover and continue baking another 45 min.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 9:00 pm

Mock Sausage Casserole: chickpeas, red beans, tomatoes; thyme, sage, onion, garlic, black pepper. Heat and eat.

Enough with the beans already!! Beef in the crockpot for tomorrow night!

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Thu Dec 24, 2009 1:24 pm

Tuesday: chunks of some cut of beef, tomato sauce, and red potatoes in the crockpot. Green peas and a dinner roll on the side.

Wednesday: Finally got to try Mi Famiglia Restaurant. The prices for dinner entrees were 'way beyond what we could afford, so we ordered a cheeseboard and an antipasti board and shared that. Probably the best meal I've ever eaten!

Cheeseboard: Crostini, pick 3 cheeses (I have fallen in love with asiago!), red grapes and figs.

Antipasti board: Crostini, 4 choices (we chose roasted red peppers, grilled eggplant, whole baby marinated artichoke and prosciutto), the grapes and figs.

There was also a beautiful rosemary bread with a very fragrant and fruity olive oil to enjoy with our drinks (Darjeeling tea for me) before the meal.

Taste, texture and presentation were perfect. We were delighted and satisfied.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Fri Dec 25, 2009 1:19 pm

On the table for Christmas dinner:

Entrees: Roast beef
Holiday Baked Beans
Mashed potatoes with choice of beef or veggie gravy
Asparagus almondine

On the side: Olive Bar
Baby corns
Grandma's Cranberry Conserve
Pearl onions

Dessert, from Chef Clare: Tiramisu

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 1:22 pm

Hard to believe, but I am only 4 days away from a perfect December!

Dinner tonight:

Raisin Spiced Ham Steak

Brown and heat a ham steak. Remove to serving platter. Combine 1/2 cup pineapple juice, 2 Tablespoons raisins, and 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice and cook over high heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is reduced. Pour over ham.

Green vegetable and dinner roll to complete the plate.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 12:30 pm

It's only 6:15 a.m. and already I am planning dinner. I enjoy my food so much these days. And it's all pleasure and no guilt!

On the table tonight: baked chicken breasts, seasoned liberally with Famous Dave's Country Roast Chicken Seasoning. Maybe corn and potatoes on the side. A little butter, some green onions to garnish. Mmmmm, sounds good!

Today is the last day of the year. It went by too quickly, don't you think? Guess that's what comes from being busy all the time.

God willing, next year will have some special events...grandchild number two comes in March; I will celebrate 5 years on No-S; and daughter will graduate from Le Cordon Bleu and be on her way to a career as a pastry chef.

So here's to 2010. May God bless all of us and may we fill our lives with peace, love, and contentment.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Fri Jan 01, 2010 1:21 pm

Change to last night's dinner: since I was making Famous Dave's chicken, I thought I might as well make his Firecracker Green Beans to go with it, instead of the corn: green beans, red pepper flakes, chopped bacon. Should've put some chopped onion in there, too, but I didn't think of it until I was eating it.

Going out to dinner tonight with the kids, so I thought I would put a hot lunch together for my husband and me: tuna casserole (2 cans tuna, 1 can french-cut green beans, 1 can cream of anything soup; put browned tater tots on top and bake for a little while at 300 F.); bread & butter; sliced apple.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Sun Jan 03, 2010 12:25 am

Since it was -22 F when my husband and I went out to lunch, I decided it was a good day to enjoy a hot chocolate with whipped cream as my S-Day treat. Oh yum, that was so good. And holding the hot cup warmed my hands, too!

Also...Happy Palindrome Day from Weird Al Yankovic, 01/02/2010

http://www.youtube.com/alyankovic#p/f/32/PsgeTNnYywg

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Mon Jan 04, 2010 8:56 pm

Tonight's dinner:

Cabbage and Beef Casserole: brown a pound of ground beef or ground turkey and a chopped onion. Put in a casserole. Top with 3 cups shredded cabbage (I used bagged cole slaw) and top with a can of tomato soup. Cover and bake 1 hour at 350 F.

Corn on the side.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Tue Jan 05, 2010 8:08 pm

Hominy 'n Chili

Couple of cans of hominy, drained, and some chopped onion. Top with grated cheese. Chili, no beans, on top of that, more cheese over all. Bake 45 min. at 350 F.

Served with green beans; avocado and tomato slices, cilantro garnish.

Ole!

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Wed Jan 06, 2010 9:29 pm

Pork chops tonight!

Big thick boneless chops, browned lightly in soy sauce and melted butter, seasoned with black pepper, garlic, and minced onion. Move to a baking dish and bake at 350 for about an hour.

Rice and mixed veggies on the plate, too. There is a nice sauce in the pork chop dish to pour over the rice.

I'm hungry already.

Jammin' Jan · Post by **Jammin' Jan** » Thu Jan 07, 2010 8:13 pm

Chicken breast and quartered potatoes and onions, topped with Golden Mushroom Soup and baked. Homemade coleslaw on the side.

Last evening, our daughter was in town and stopped by to visit for a while. Knowing my love for bread pudding, she brought me three little pans of it, which she had made in class at Le Cordon Bleu.

I wrapped them up very carefully and put them in the fridge until Saturday. Do you know how hard it is to wait until then? Actually, not hard at all. Habit is formed. S-Day is coming!

Yesterday at work, there were several platters of doughnuts in the lounge and as a co-worker and I were getting our coats, she commented that it was really hard to resist taking one. Remembering a post from several months ago, I just nodded and smiled and said, "They're just for decoration. Some things are for eating, and some things are just to decorate." She laughed and left without the doughnut!

Conquering the world, one doughnut at a time...