Waking after a full seven hours rest was profoundly different. I don't know why I seemed so surprised--or why I sometimes take a little longer than most to put two and two together. But, I'm me--and that's just fine. I'm making progress, not perfection, for certain.
It was a busy afternoon. I left the studio a touch later than I wanted, enjoyed a fantastic one on one session with a new client, ran a few after work errands--and made it home in time to prepare for the Monday night support group conference call.
I made the mistake of moving both dinner and a workout until after the group call. The Monday group is early--so it is possible to do dinner and workout afterwards--but only if I keep dinner fast and simple. I didn't do that tonight. I was bent on preparing something I've avoided for more than two and a half years...at least I can't remember eating it in the last two and a half years-- MEATLOAF!
The challenge: Make a meatloaf with a bunch of ingredients--use a refined sugar-free alternative to ketchup, no crackers--and make it big--but keep it lower in calories. I accomplished this goal at the expense of sacrificing my workout.
It took too long. I measured everything going into this kitchen experimental recipe--and it turned out perfectly--and oh my, the flavor was fantastic---and the entire 1/2 pound personal meatloaf checked in at 375 calories. For smaller calorie budgets--it could easily be cut in half, and still very satisfying! The entire process of this creation played out on the Twitter feed--you can check it out, below, if you like that kind of thing.
The secrets of this successful meatloaf: 96% lean beef and spicing up sugar-free tomato sauce instead of sugar loaded ketchup. Instead of crackers, I used chopped mushrooms and olives. It was fun to get in there and get into it with enthusiasm. And that's awesome--but I simply cannot allow myself this on a busy Monday or Tuesday night. I need to reserve these kinds of adventures for later in the week--and preferably weekends!
It was a great food day.
Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained abstinent from refined sugar, I exceeded my daily water goal and I stayed connected with awesome support. And of course-- I got adventurous in the kitchen!
As I texted a support connection: "If I'm not going to meet a stated goal, number one, I must have a solid reason--number two, I must learn from it and do it differently next time."
Progress, not perfection. Thank goodness!
Continuous Accountability Live-Tweet Stream:
Good rest! 2 cups water, 20 push-ups & 20 squats✔️✔️✔️ #morningdeal starts the day! It's Monday morning coffee time. pic.twitter.com/hmav5GlVu6— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 15, 2016
2 tbsp half & half in my first cup. I'll use 3 tbsp in the to-go cup, soon. Good morning! 100 cal. pic.twitter.com/ihmXFIksW0— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 15, 2016
Food is planned & packed. Good day ahead! pic.twitter.com/qIAbkIUw9l— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 15, 2016
Breakfast in MyFitnessPal... pic.twitter.com/59aJBmgH17— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 15, 2016
2 egg whts, 2 whl&2 slices provolone on sugar/flour free sprouted grain Ezekiel bun. 7.1oz pear&163g grapes. 615 cal pic.twitter.com/996VoYv073— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 15, 2016
Midmorning cup of dark roast with 2 tablespoons half & half. 40 cal. pic.twitter.com/nicZ7qY1r1— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 15, 2016
3 cup water bottle with lunch #wateraccountability pic.twitter.com/GPjnAIFuaO— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 15, 2016
Lunch in MyFitnessPal... pic.twitter.com/2cjIVbusZ8— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 15, 2016
5.6oz pork loin w/36g sf peach all-fruit, 220g swt.potato, red pepper&red onions w/OOSpray. 6.1oz apple. 566 cal. pic.twitter.com/ipsvA4yiII— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 15, 2016
Cup of coffee with three tablespoons half&half. 60 cal. pic.twitter.com/ncmpmmaee5— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 15, 2016
Holdover until dinner. 5.4oz apple w/32g peanut butter. 286 cal. pic.twitter.com/7Ezw6MolHn— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 15, 2016
Elements of dinner... pic.twitter.com/WQPsOIIdgX— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 16, 2016
1/2 pound meatloaf for only 375 calories?? Yes. Details upcoming! pic.twitter.com/bx490vlWn9— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 16, 2016
8oz 96% lean beef, 18g olives, 1 egg wht, 20g red onion, 28g red pepper, 1/2 diced hatch chili pepper, 1oz mshrms, 45g tomato sauce. 375 cal— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 16, 2016
Fills a mini-loaf pan... Set oven at 400 degrees, bake 45 minutes. Top with remaining 17g tomato sauce at 40 min. pic.twitter.com/BwW2akZ50B— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 16, 2016
Only 16g remaining. Topped, spread-back in oven. Sauce heated&seasoned w/pepper, paprika, garlic powder&chili powder pic.twitter.com/Z7GNtnsAaD— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 16, 2016
Dinner in MFP Part 1... pic.twitter.com/Jt8AXaJ0zt— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 16, 2016
Dinner in MFP Part 2... pic.twitter.com/MunzYiKrlK— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 16, 2016
2 cups water with dinner #wateraccountability pic.twitter.com/e0Hvm5Pequ— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 16, 2016
8oz 96% lean beef, 18g olives, 1 egg wht, 20g diced red onion, 28g red pepper, 1/2 hatch chili pepper...contd nxt... pic.twitter.com/Ojii7ljSz8— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 16, 2016
Contnd...1oz mshrms, 62g tomato sauce. Mini corn, 121g grn beans, 143g red pot.w/7g sr crm&1 tbsp half&half. 573 cal pic.twitter.com/8ISnp2vtFz— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 16, 2016
1.5 cups water exceeds #watergoal Small 3.7oz orange & 17g red grapes (yes-4 grapes) #lastfoodofday 60 cal. pic.twitter.com/eZ9BH9xKCU— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 16, 2016
Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
Did you chop your olives and mushrooms before adding them to the ground beef? It looks delicious and very calorie-friendly! In the past I have mixed up the meatloaf in the morning, stuck it in the fridge all day while I was at work, then stuck it in the oven when I got home, to save time.
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