Tailgating on a Diet

When we started our 6-week eating plan, we were fully aware that it coincided perfectly with the beginning of football season, and therefore would essentially ruin our tailgating for the bulk of the season. We have been as faithful as we could be, only enjoying a fraction of the beer (that sounds bad) that we normally would.

Yesterday, with a 7 o'clock kick-off time, we were just going to HAVE to try our best to come up with a tailgating solution, because tailgate we must! It was really a collaborative effort, assisted greatly by our friends. I had been complaining via instant messaging to our friend Martin that during his visit to our tailgate this weekend, we would be virtually beerless. He helpfully informed me of MGD 64, Miller's lightest beer, having only 64 calories! For some reason, Erick is strictly a no-Miller man, so Milwaukee's finest brew isn't often enjoyed in our home. Desperate times call for desperate measures. So, we gave it a try.

Erick summed it up pretty well. "It tastes about like you'd expect a 64-calorie beer to taste." However, having had so little exposure to beer in the past 3 1/2 weeks, it tasted pretty darn good. I don't think we'll make it a habit, though.

Our tailgate food was greatly boosted in appeal by our friends the Chandlers. Knowing of our resolution to continue with the eating plan, they chipped in by bringing these vegetable kabobs (photograph courtesy of Casey.)

They were even tastier than they look. So, that is one tailgate adjustment that just might remain after our initial period is over. With peppers, onions, and the largest zucchini and yellow squash that I have seen in a long time, complemented by some fresh mushrooms and grape tomatoes for color, these were the finest veggie kabobs in my memory. Mmmmmm.

Anyway, the Tigers didn't make it easy for us to stay on track last night. In the midst of our offensive sputtering, I was really missing some chips and queso, or at least some real beer! We managed to push through, although the Tigers couldn't. Next week, when the Tigers play Texas, we'll be good and I have no illusions that we'll have a lower stress level. I do, however, think our result will be different next week! Go Tigers! Feast on some Longhorn for me, since I have to control my portion size.

I have a rumbly in my tumbly

As my good friend, Winnie the Pooh, would say, "I have a rumbly in my tumbly." Unfortunately for me, a jar of honey is completely out of the question. Last Wednesday, Erick and I started a diet to end all diets. Well, not really that drastic, but hopefully it will give us habits to eliminate our need for future diets.

This diet is the Six-Week Body Makeover. The diet itself focuses on boosting metabolism by prescribing three meals and three snacks, balanced with protein, carb and fruit, depending on your body type. It seems to be a healthy way to lose weight, if there is such a thing. It's certainly healthier than the way we were gaining weight.

The first couple of days were rough, to say the least. I was just a little on the grumpy side. I guess losing out on my normal comfort foods was taking it out on me. Spending the day in the kitchen preparing less than appetizing meals didn't help any either. Things have thankfully turned around in the last couple of days. I have found a few recipes and ways to make our food tastier, and I think my body is already adjusting to the new habits. Mind you, at this moment, it feels like my stomach has turned inward to eat itself, but still. . . the hunger is always worst just before bed. Just a reason to go to sleep earlier.

Anyway, I just wanted to share the reason that I can't focus. I have never thought so much about food in my life. So that's definitely a downside. The best way I have been able to describe my reason for this diet is that I need to turn the tide for my body before it becomes even more difficult than it will be through October. I've reached the age where I can't eat whatever I want without gaining an ounce. Yet, I still seem to insist on exercising that freedom. I have tried here and there to cut out the bad things, insert the good things and eat at home more, but I just can't seem to find the willpower. So, here we are wrapping up Day 5 of the diet and I don't feel like giving up any time soon.

I'm filling you in so I can continue to update you on my moods, cravings and increasing hotness.