Simple Plan: The Hard Fa(c)ts!

(Added a couple of pages - "Before/After Photos" and "Menus and Recipes".  See list on right side column)

THIS IS MY USUAL DAILY GOAL:

This consisted of slightly over 1,200 calories, 50 grams of protein, and as you can see, a LOT of butter.

Breakfast: 1 egg with butter, coffee w/ erythritol & coconut cream
Lunch:  Steak with butter, green tea
Dinner:  Beef Chili with tomatoes, red peppers

When I got snack hungry later in the afternoon, I ate a few pork rinds.

It is important to keep the fats high.  That is very hard to do unless you have butter and/or coconut oil at every meal (or other equal quality fats).

And as usual, you have to find what works for YOU and do that!  I am not a fan of exercise, so I have to watch my food quality and quantity very carefully.  If you exercise, perhaps you can up your carbs a little (ala Paleo), but whatever your method the important thing is to keep trying and never give up!

One of my tips is to narrow your list of foods to those that you really love and keep it simple, fresh, and real. (Just Eat Real Food).  Make it easy!  I save "extras" for special treats and dining out.  For example, I love eggplant.  It is higher in carbs so it is not something I would have every day.  So when I go out to eat, specifically at Carrabbas Italian Grill (Link to Carrabbas), I will order the grilled eggplant!  Yum.

I'm knocking on the door of my goal weight!  And feeling pretty sassy!  The LAST 10!!

I am now ... officially ... in ... CRUUUUUUUUISE TRAINING!!! wOOhOP!!  Let's DO IT!!

And a very special thank-you to my supporting cheerleaders:

Several of my very best friends in the world -- Kim Eidson, Ailsa Washington, & Debbie Hubbs
Through thick and thin! ... and on every cruise!  

AND one last photo of another true friend who is an inspiration, source or information, and just a lot of fun! ... with an awesome blog (and in the top "Low Carb" blog lists!!)  Anne aka Carb Tripper -- Link To Carb Tripper's Blog.

2013 and Happiness

2012 was a year of big change for me.  I am finally within 10 pounds of my goal weight.  I achieved several other goals in 2012 including settling in my new house, a better car, a raise, a promotion, a new office (with a window!) and a great feeling of anticipation of what is ahead.

Maybe it is my age; maybe it is my weight; perhaps it is just looking forward instead of behind.  I started looking at what I DO have and what I HAVE accomplished instead of looking back at things not done.  What a great feeling.  How encouraging.

Attitude is everything.

I'm facing 2013 with glee.

This is the year I WILL reach my goal weight.

So, while working on the "last ten", I plan on enjoying life to the fullest.

1.  Music -- Such fun!  I've discovered some new bands that I enjoy listening to.  I've had the fun opportunity to enjoy live music.  I have some very talented friends and especially family.  We could be the VonTrapp family of Rock and Roll!  (Garage Band -- my nephews and great-nephew -- Allen Little, Matthew Dunn Sr, Matthew Dunn Jr.)

haha  I look forward to continuing.  I quit playing keyboard for a couple of years, but like riding a bicycle, I'm back on it.

Just one of my favorites!

2.  Dining -- I am a foodie.  I am a "controlled" foodie, but ... lol .... I just love the culinary art.  So for 2013 I am going on a "tasting" journey.  I started with a wonderful restaurant called "Bonefish Grill".  FABULOUS atmosphere (and great company) with an attentive staff.  I had lobster bisque that was amazing.  It was a cold and rainy day so I asked for coffee with "real" cream (for lack of coconut cream, my usual favorite).  They brought me a bowl full of whipped cream (no sugar).  I limit my dairy, but an occasional splurge is my choice.  As for restaurants of course there is my personal favorite, Carraba's.  And yes, always with more butter!

Bonefish Grill - Salmon and Vegetables

3.  Travel -- From camping in the rough to hotels in style, I love all kinds of travel.  Starting in January I have a trip planned to Dallas.  My niece has the lead (Kim) in Bye Bye Birdie.  I was in that same musical in High School.  Should be a lot of fun.  Among the other short excursions in the work, I will be going on the Low Carb Cruise in May.  I always enjoy seeing my friends from all over the world.  GREAT people.

Susan Winkler, Carb Tripper, JoAnn Paxson, Lisa Coker (and I see Bridget in the back!) 

4.  Exercise -- No.  (I am active.  That is enough.)

5.  Attitude -- Positive, light, and as always with style and grace.

Happy 2013 - a year of great blessings!