Meringue caramel dream

The evenings are my biggest challenge ...

perhaps it's the dark nights, or
the habit of having dessert, or
an attempt to ignore the impending to-do-list at work, or
seeking out energy to combat tiredness from a long day ...

What ever it is, without a careful plan of what I can afford to have - something I really want but just enough to stay within the calorie limit - the inevitable result will see me wondering back to the cupboard or fridge for just a little something more.

Tonight's planned delight is one of the more indulgent but only takes up 95 calories - ideal.

Meringue (49) and cream (9g for 21cals) with 1 Rolo (25) cut up into tiny nibbles - together with a green herbal tea to compliment the sweetness. Devine satisfaction.

Time to restart efforts

Gosh, nearly 3 years since my last entry. Alas, in that time I have been slowing slipping back into old habits, ignoring my own advice and bemoaning the inevitable inches and weight piling up.

I could blame my endocrine condition, particularly the steroids prescribed in 2013 that made cravings overpowering - resulting in a steady 1 to 2 pounds gained each month - but to be fair I slipped into old habits. The steroids stopped, the weight stayed.

Despite short spells of healthy eating and exercise - including a short lived attempt learning to run, the weight slowly crept up to 76kg. That equates to 30 pounds gained since the end of 2012. Again shopping for size 14 attempting to hide the spare tyre.

So, with a revived motivation and determination (spurred on by a pending trip to my mum and sister) the calorie counting is back on. It's my most successful go-to-solution and with regular exercise and logging in each day, sticking  (mostly) to 1300 a day limit for the last 3 months I have lost 2.3kg (5 pounds).

Not mind blowing - but a healthy start (considering the time of year) and importantly I can start to see some changes in my body from the strength training.

This blog is being reactivated to help keep me focused and find solutions.

I am again utilising my old favourites:
- MyFitnessPal
- FitYummyMummy
- RunKeeper
- Seven

Here's to (what I'm determined will be) a successful journey toward the strong and stealth size small that I know is possible.

Smoked mackerel salad

With summer on its way this was a tasty and refreshing option. Really easy to put together - ideal for using the bits left over from a Saturday BBQ.

The potatoes are a filling yet light calorie option and goes great with horseradish sauce - which might have been to sharp with another fish or meat option but went perfectly with the mackerel. 

Accompanied with Portobello mushroom and corn on cob this meal came in at 443 calories. The salad on its own would still make a lovely nutritious meal at less than 350 - made up mainly by the mackerel but this is a great source of protein and 'good fats'! 

Balanced oxidiser winter lunch

Trying out a new soup on offer from Tescos - a slightly reduced container size providing a nice one-person portion of 400g of warming soup (and only 140 calories).

Paired with a slice of wholemeal toast and some chunks of left over smoked gammon for a filling, protein packed lunch. Total of just 365 calories. 

The yellow blob is Dijon mustard (5cals for a teaspoon).

Smoked Salmon Blueberry salad (a la Jillian Michaels)

Have made some decisions this weekend - signed up to Jillian Michael's full programme and cancelled gym membership. My intention is to make use of the equipment I have at home with short bursts of exercise that should fit more easily into my full-time work and study schedule.

With Jillian Michael's programme comes bespoke meal plans for my goals and assessed oxidisation level.

Today's lunch was smoked salmon and blueberry salad. So I have basically followed this (using Cheddar rather than Feta and skipping on the red onion).

A juicy succulent meal for just 250 calories:

Calorie breakdown (not counting the lettuce):

Nutrition breakdown (nice protein and 'good fats') - could have done with a bit of toast for carb and more calories. 

Scallop stir fry

Such a delicate flavour and quick to make. The carrots and mushrooms went beautifully with the scallops.

Only 325 calories (scallops scanned as odd quantity but the calorie amount matches the info on the pack)

Mainly protein! So with this light meal it means there is enough spare for a mainly carb dessert. Being so filling I only ended up having one chocolate truffle with some cream.

Ham and egg salad

Crunchy and colourful. Another easy lunch for work. Kept the egg whole until time to eat to reduce the smell. Had the dressing made in advance in a little pottle to put on at last minute.

Only 276 calories

Packed with protein and good fats for a balanced oxidation meal. 

Chicken tikka salad

Quick and easy salad made with pre cooked chicken tikka. With a salad cream and balsamic dressing it was a real treat.

Only 230 calories 

Packed full of protein

Power it up with eggs on asparagus

Asparagus and egg is such a devine combination. With a touch of butter and sea salt bringing the flavours out. I had these with falafels for a lovely summer healthy meal. 

Bit dry so had salad cream on the side

Quite a full meal at 475 calories - could make meal for two with 3 eggs to keep it under 400cals.

Also high fat content - but only 7g saturated. This is a great workout day meal!! 

Simple turkey sandwich

A regular for taking to work. Have also got into habit of packing some sugar-snap peas with sliced bell pepper to dip into hummus. Devine.

Only 205 calories

Nice protein / carb / fat ratio: