Shaila Kibria

Last week I had declared a “NO JUNK FOOD” proclamation, announcing a ban on all junk food. So on the third day of my “NO JUNK FOOD” week, I had a great pang and desire for serious junk food, serious chocolate.  I needed energy. Tea, honey, or nothing would do it. I was going to crash.  But I REALLY didn’t want to break my proclamation.  I took Kim’s advice, and had my sister’s warm home made cupcake with my tea, and it hit the spot.  He said to have atleast one junk food a week, or so, not to go to the extreme.  (read his response to my blog last week www.shailakibria.ca) I also looked back at Camille’s advice (on facebook) to try out the brownie recipie for the next time I have a junk food craving - she provided me with a recipie that has no butter or sugar, yet the cocoa to hit the chocolate cravers like me with satisfaction and no guilt!  (I have shared her recipe below)

I also complained to my doctor about my flab, and he suggested that I add in a half hour of weight training to my half hour of cardio three times a week. I did (painful!!) He said I should see results in three months.

My son’s drum teacher, Alberto, came to teach my son, and I noticed how much weight he lost. I asked him how he did it, he said he drank a bottle of water every hour. So, what did I do? I took a bottle from the cupboard, and filled it every hour (watch out for the washroom runs!!!)

I was talking on the phone with Nazia, and she told me a story of a woman who had two boiled eggs every morning for breakfast, so I took to having two boiled eggs for breakfast….and I felt full longer…..good stuff, good protein.

And finally, I tried a blouse on at Le Chateau, not even the extra large fit, and the lady said, “please go to the gym and eat smaller portions, but many times a day”…she just said it outright, I think she just couldn’t be polite, she had to be honest, and with my daughters standing at my side, I couldn’t agree more…we need to look after ourselves.

 

So, Dr.Tautkus, Camille, Kim, Nazia, Alberto, and the salesperson at Le Chateau, I don’t know what worked, BUT I LOST 5 POUNDS THIS PAST WEEK!  I am telling you, this is a serious break through, as for the last 15 months, NOTHING has made my weight budge.  THANK YOU for you care, support, and advice.

I also want to thank my husband and children for helping me through my cravings…..they are my strenth and support.

More on this to come next week.

And as promised above, here is the recipe Camille provided:

Deceptively Delicious Brownies by Jessica Seinfeld.

 

These brownies fool everyone! You won’t believe how scrumptious they are (or how good they are for you) until you make them yourself. Just don’t serve them warm — it’s not until they’re completely cool that the spinach flavor totally disappears.

Prep: 15 minutes
Total: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 brownies

Ingredients

Nonstick cooking spray
3 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate
1/2 cup carrot puree (After peeling and trimming the ends, steam for 10-12 minutes and then puree in a food processor for 2 minutes)
1/2 cup spinach puree (Steam for 30 to seconds, then puree in a food processor for 2 minutes)
1/2 cup firmly packed light or dark brown sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons trans-fat-free soft tub margarine spread
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 large egg whites
3/4 cup oat flour, or all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
2. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or over a very low flame.
3. In a large bowl, combine the melted chocolate, vegetable purees, sugar, cocoa powder, margarine, and vanilla, and whisk until smooth and creamy, 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Whisk in egg whites. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt with a wooden spoon.
5. Pour the batter into the pan and bake 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely in the pan before cutting into 12 bars.

These brownies are low in calories (only 133 per brownie) and saturated fat. They’re also packed with 3 grams of fiber (which is just crazy for a brownie!), while spinach and carrots provide two powerful antioxidants that help your kids’ eyes stay healthy.