Weekend Recap Part 2

Sunday I woke up very early - I just couldn't sleep past 6am.  The night before I went grocery shopping and bought the ingredients to make pumpkin pancakes.  It is fall after all.  The twist is that I am making these pancakes healthy.  Instead of processed white flour I am using unbleached whole grain flour.  I also bought turkey bacon to go with the pancakes.  I’m not a big fan of bacon, especially turkey bacon, but I wanted a healthy protein for my breakfast.

Pumpkin Pancakes Per Serving:

214 Calories

41 Carbs

2g Fat

10g Protein

350mg Sodium

3g Sugar

I felt pretty good with my breakfast.  It was still pretty early when I finished breakfast.  My head was filled with pressure and I was still very emotional from being in a down swing so I decided rather than feel sad for myself that I would try to get some exercise in the hopes it would make me feel better.  I did my normal 20 minutes (still working on endurance) on the elliptical but I just didn't feel like doing any strength training today and my mood was not changed.  As I got in the shower I was reminded again of my dad and I cried.  Maybe I'll make some cookies and visit a fire station this weekend.

The entire morning I just kept telling myself to not let myself get down and to keep moving.  I picked up peaches from the farmers market the day before with the intent of making jam so I figured I'll go get the supplies needed.  

The best place for canning supplies is Wal-Mart.  Oh how I loathe Wal-Mart.  I absolutely hate the store.  As I drive through the parking lot I am reminded why.  There are some very strange people that shop at Wal-Mart and most seem to be stupid idiots.  Don't get me wrong, I'm sure there are some very intelligent, nice people that shop at Wal-Mart.  However, it seems that when most people pull into the parking lot they lose their ability to think logically and with common sense.  Add on the parents with screaming, wandering children and I just cringe.

I successfully make it in and out of Wal-Mart with my canning supplies without a major incident.  It was a close call a few times but I managed to not get touched or yell at anyone.  I'm quite proud of myself.  

I venture on to Publix and pick up items for lunch.  Staying on the path to weight loss, I picked up whole grain Rye, lettuce and tomato.  I figured I'll make a BLT with the turkey bacon I have at home.  I also picked up some veggie chips from the farmers market to go with my yummy sandwich.

BLT on Toasted Rye with Dried Veggie Chips (Hellmans low-fat mayo)

312 Calories

32 Carbs

12g Fat

13g Protein

917mg Sodium

0 Sugar

I discovered while in the grocery store that whole grain rye has fewer calories and carbs then whole grain flour bread.  I silently did a little happy dance because I love me some rye bread!  This sandwich was so yummy.  I could have eaten a second one and been a happy girl.

I rested for a little while and then decided to make the jam.  Instead of regular jam, I wanted a healthy alternative so I found a recipe on Splenda's website for no-sugar added peach jam.  I've made many jams but I've never made a jam with Splenda before.  This was going to be a first.  Usually when making jam the amount of sugar added double's the volume of the fruit added.  Because I was adding just a 1/2 cup, it only made four half-pint jars.  I was a little disappointed but in the end it tasted phenomenal!  Of course I had to taste it with a slice of the yummy rye bread.  

No Sugar Added Peach Jam
Serving Size - 1 tablespoon
10 Calories
0g Fat
5mg Sodium
3g Carbs
1g Sugars

Overall the day was productive.  I like when my days are productive.  It helps normalize my moods and that is always a good thing.  I had a salmon filet and roasted brussel sprouts for dinner.  I finished the night with a Skinny Cow Mint Ice Cream Sandwich and a movie.

Daily Total

1608 Calories

151 Carbs

69g Fat

95g Protein

2717mg Sodium (little high)

27g Sugar

I felt great at the end of my day.  I stayed moving and went to the gym, I ate healthy, and I finished the jam.  

Two weeks ago I purchased bath salts from Fresh Market.  I made up a mixture that was recommended in the store to help me sleep so I decided to try it.  WOW! It actually helped.  I made a mixture of spearmint, grapefruit and eucalyptus.  My skin felt incredible and my muscles seemed to melt under my skin.  I got in bed after my bath and I was OUT.  I usually wake several times in the night but last night I slept hard until 6am.  I woke feeling great.