Monday, June 29, 2009

Flavor of the Week: Strawberries

Hello Beautifuls,

I'm feeling very inspired today. I wonder if you all realize how much your blogs motivate me. It's a constant source of joy to see other people who do what I do and succeed at it each and every day. It's positivity breeding positivity breeding positivity. Today I was lucky to get to talk to a couple different people about weight loss and it always touches my heart that I can do even the smallest thing to help them on their journeys. I'm often approached about my story. I've had emails from desperate, anguished people, in some cases heavier than I ever was. And, it's a humbling, honest experience to remember I was once that person. I get questions about my food intake, my exercise regimen, loose skin from large weight loss, etc. People are always so surprised at how willing I am to share, which in turn surprises me. To me, it's simply "paying it forward." I am so grateful, so grateful.

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January 2005

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June 2009

Losing 200 pounds was the culmination of so many things and people in my life. There were the doctors, nurses and nutritionists, who encouraged me and reminded me gently (and sometimes not so gently) that weight loss surgery is a tool, and nothing more. And, a tool is only useful when you use it. There were those who stood by me in the worst of my rages against my eating demons, my lifelong disease. There were those who literally helped me re-learn how to eat, how to walk, how to live life in a way I'd never had the opportunity to live it. There are those today who motivate me, encourage me, remind me that who I was and who I am are two interdependent beasts that I must constantly reconcile in order to become who I want to be. Again, grateful doesn't cut it and words can barely say it, but I'm a writer, so I try (and that, my bloggy friends is where "the book" comes in).

I won't carry on any further, because, really, you're here to read about my food, but I'll say again, thank you for being my daily motivators by simply sharing of yourselves for all of us to read. It's a beautiful thing. :)

So, as you know, today was a busy day for me. I worked at the office until about noon. I came home and made a delish spinach-feta scrambled egg lunch with a side of maters and hummus toast. It was eggcellent if I do say so myself. ;)
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When I went grocery shopping this time, I was shopping the sales. I ended up with this cute little loaf of miniature bread (very small pieces). It's really very tasty. I love that each slice is 50 calories and 5 grams of fiber. Perfect for a small snack.
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After lunch, I had a boatload of work to do. I knocked it out and went straight through to about 3:30, when I realized I'd better have a snack before class. I wasn't that hungry, so I had a kashi bar. I love the pumpkin flax! Yum-o!
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Class was good. I figured out how to turn the bikes up to a higher resistance last week and now I work up a pretty good sweat. Fun stuff. When I got home, I got straight to work on dinner. Hubby was starving after the gym, and I was ready to make a yummy dish with the flavor of the week. Yes, that's right. I'm like Souplantation, and this week is Strawberry Week.

On tonight's menu... Strawberry Fish Tacos

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Holy Strawberry Poptarts, these were good! I used tilapia for the fish, which I browned with olive oil and some random spices from my cabinet. I made a sort of relish out of fresh tomatoes, frozen corn, chopped spinach and broccoli slaw.

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I piled everything on whole-wheat tortillas and topped with strawberries, a tad of greek yogurt and a bite of salsa. Awesome! This was the best meal I've made in a while (well, since Yam Pancakes, right?!).

I even made enough fish for hubby's lunch tomorrow. Yes, I pack his lunch every day (I love doing that kind of stuff.) Am I a good wifey or what?! :p

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Right now, the hubby is watching a Spanish horror film (with subtitles). Actually looks interesting, so I may go watch it (or should I say read it?). he he...

Much love to you all. See ya tomorrow.

xoxo
-j

20 comments:

  1. I am pretty new to your blog so still catching up, but sounds like you have had a long and incredible journey- congratulations! I'm glad you are sharing your story because I think it's probably inspiring to a lot of people on a lot of different levels. I LOVE hearing about how people have taken control of their health/lives and made major changes. Congrats again!

    The tacos loks amazing- I love the combination of sweet/savory...ack, between all the amazing things bloggers create in their kitchen, my 'must make soon' list is growing by the second!

    have a great Tuesday!

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  2. Strawberry fish tacos...what a fresh summer meal! Yum

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  3. hi there! i found your blog through another's and wanted to drop by and say hi because i'm from san diego, too!

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  4. I just stumbled upon your blog too and I am blown away by your story! What an inspiration you are!

    And I can't agree more, the motivation and support I feel from fellow bloggers and like minded people warms my heart and soul.

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  5. ACK I hit enter by accident!

    Anyway, adding you my reader and can't wait to follow along with you! :D

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  6. hi! thanks for visiting my blog :) seems as though you LOVED florence! honestly, im leaning towards that one anyways- but I have to talk to my parents about it all still! and your story is AMAZING- absolutely inspiring. congratulations on all that you have accomplished!

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  7. Okay. I am officially the world's most distracted person - I guess I'd never really paid any attention to your header, and then I saw it yesterday, and I was like OOOH pretty! Haha.

    Anyways - you are INCREDIBLY inspiring. It's amazing what you've been through - no wonder people want to hear about it!

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  8. Your journey was for a reason and I'm so glad you now are able to reflect on it, learn, share and pay it forward! You truly are amazing!

    AND...I'm way droolin' over your lunch!

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  9. Well, you've come a long way and I think it's great you want to inspire people. I've always had a soft spot for people struggling w/ food and weight issues probably because I myself could relate. It has been a constant battle in my life as well. The funny thing is, it's not even about the food! I'm beginning to learn this in OA.

    But you've come a long way and it shows! You've changed a lot, both inside and out, for the better. You are beautiful & strong, which are the best combination!

    On a side note... are you smoking crack??! What are you thinking mixing fruit with fish? Ewwy eww! I am all for trying new things but that is just strange.

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  10. Im not sure I can mix strawberries and fish..but it looked pretty! :) I would try it, just prolly not make it.

    I had to forward a coworker a before and after pic, she was amazed. It is an amazing journey you have been on, and look at you now!

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  11. YOU are the inspiration my dear! i can't even imagine all you've been through - kudos to you pretty lady!

    also, pumpkin spice is my FAVE kashi flavor too. strawberry tilapia tacos? never would have thought about that but look soo good!

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  12. You have an amazing story, and you should be proud to share it!

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  13. LOVE the strawberries...and I love the idea of strawberry week, because that's exactly what I'm having too. haha. :D

    Thanks so much for sharing your story and showing all your healthy (and yummy) eats too. :D

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  14. You're so brave to share your story with all of us and we, in turn, are so inspired by you!

    P.S. I love "Nature's Own" bread too! You can't go wrong with 50 calories/slice of cinnamon toast in the morning! ;)

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  15. i still can't believe that this is the new you. so fabuloso by the way! ;) you guys are a beautiful couple and i can see a glow that you have.

    P.S.- i love Double Fiber Wheat bread. it's so tasty. have you tried the FiberOne multi-grain english muffins?! you must!!!!

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  16. I'm so glad you shared your 200 pound loss, and I don't think we're here just to read about your food - I love hearing your thoughts on the journey and what is has done for you because it empowers us to be strong in our lives as well, it doesn't need to be weight loss! Anything that takes commitment, persistence, and hard work applies, so please keep sharing!!!

    Now...your lunch is DEFINITELY up my alley. You deserve many pats on the back! hahahah

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  17. You are such an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your story, Mrs. M.

    I thought about you at the gym today because I ran for 10 minutes on the treadmill (in a mixture of 40 minutes fast walking and high incline). I told myself, "I can do it; she said I could do it." For some reason I couldn't get my breathing pace right. I think I need to build my stamina. I'm going to start keeping a time log because I believe I can do more.

    Thanks for sharing your story and life. You are a beauty!

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  18. Amazing story - thank you for sharing yourself with us as I know that takes a lot of courage. I know that you have inspired others, just from reading the other comments on this post.

    Will you please pack my lunch tomorrow? :)

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  19. Simply amazing!! Congrats on all you achieved.

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  20. WOW! What a transformation. You noticeably look 100 years younger too!

    Love your use of strawberries!

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