Thursday, May 10, 2012

Mediterranean Salad & Brutal Honesty #1


Ready for some brutal honesty? Here it goes… 

I weigh 207 pounds, and at 5’7” I can honestly tell you that I never imagined I would ever weigh this much. The last time I was at a weight that made me happy was about 5 years ago, pre-kids. Of course I wasn’t “skinny” then at 140 pounds, but I didn’t feel fat – and would rock a 2-piece swimsuit without hesitation. Since I had kids I have just let my weight go, but it is time to take back control. 

After checking out My Body Gallery I have decided I want to get back down to 140 – it looks absolutely healthy, and so much better than what I am now. I have decided to give myself some incentives for each 10 pounds I lose, all the way down to 140. 

Check out the prizes I am giving myself!
200# - Pedicure
190# – Sushi Dinner
180# – Purse
170#Electric Wok
160# – Sushi Dinner
150# – New Dinnerware Set
140# – Tattoo & Sushi Dinner

In order to lose the weight I have decided to do several different things:

Portion Control: I know this is going to shave off some pounds all on its own. If something is really tasty I tend to overindulge – and that needs to stop. Honestly, I want to get rid of the huge dinner plates we have – nobody needs to eat that much food…
Eat Healthier: This one should be pretty easy – or so I am hoping. At the beginning of this year we cut out eating at restaurants and I have been preparing our meals, it has already made a huge difference in how healthy we feel. The less preservatives, the better – and plus I love to cook, so it’s a total win/win. I still want to cut out meat two nights a week, and I am hoping that will help as well. 
Exercise: This is my complete and utter nemesis. When I was more active I would be down to jump on my bike and cruise around all day – but since I am so out of shape, I don’t know where to start. Since I have to start somewhere, I was thinking a 30 minute walk each day, followed by an exercise video (any recommendations would be APPRECIATED!!). 
Being Honest: I am going to keep a weekly update of my progress and be completely honest. If I am being honest with all of you, then I am being honest with myself as well. No cheating, no lying, no exaggerating. 

With all that said, how about some Mediterranean Salad?


 This salad was full of so many wonderful flavors and an awesome pairing with some Red-Wine Marinated Shrimp (recipe coming later this week!). May is Mediterranean Food month – and this salad is a great way to celebrate the foodie holiday. :)

Mediterranean Salad
Makes: 2 salads
Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
4 slices of mozzarella cheese (I used about 1/4" thick slices)
1 cup cucumbers, peeled and chopped
1 cup tomatoes, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup black olives, pitted and halved
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
rosemary for garnish
salt & pepper to taste
Directions
1. Mix together olive oil and lemon juice, set aside. (I always giggle when recipes call to set something aside, what is the other option? Leave it in my way? haha)
2. In two salad bowls layer ingredients in the following order: mozzarella, cucumbers, tomatoes, black olives, green onions, feta cheese and rosemary. 
3. Drizzle olive oil-lemon dressing over salad and season with salt & pepper.
4. Enjoy!

8 comments:

Anita at Hungry Couple said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

The best of luck to you. It sounds like you're on the right track and I sure do love Mediterranean flavors in a salad.

Jen at The Three Little Piglets said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

I hear you - I found the weight much harder to keep off after baby #3. About a year ago I had that same moment of wow I have never weighed this much before in my life (aside from being pregnant), and I was ready to change. Like you I started by serving dinner on salad plates instead of regular dinner plates. I also reduced the amount of protein and simple carbohydrates I ate and replaced it with more fruits and veggies. I feel better and healthier than I have in a long time! Best of luck to you. I'll be rooting for you!!

Lisa @ Flour Me With Love said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

What a refreshing salad; it looks divine! Thanks so much for sharing at Mix it up Monday :)

Cynthia @ Oh So Pinteresting said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Wishing you the best of luck on your weight loss! It sounds like you've got a great plan in place.

The recipe sounds perfect for those hot summer days ahead. I'm looking forward to the shrimp recipe.

You now have a new subscriber. I found you through the Monday Mealtime Link Up

Patsy said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Hopped over from Mix it up Monday. I can certainly identify with the weight issue. I wish you luck, you can do it! This salad sounds wonderful. I am now following. Patsy

Diane Balch said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

It is Mediterranean Diet Month and I am promoting the benefits of eating this way on my blog. I would really love it if you share this recipe on my food party today.

Diane Balch said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

So glad you shared this. Hope to see you next week. Glad I found your blog.

Charlene@APinchofJoy said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Beautiful salad and sounds so good! Best of luck on the weight loss journey -- you will have lots of company including yours truly! Thanks so much for sharing on Busy Monday at A Pinch of Joy. Hope to see you again soon!

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