Healthy Weight Loss

[PinkieLee]

So let's talk about cooking y'all... I need a lil' help. I have been wanting to start cooking some fish. Problem is, D won't eat it if it smells or tastes "fishy".... so convincing her to try a new receipe is gonna be kind of hard. Is there a particular fish that you like best or a way that you prefer to cook it?!

I was at HEB on Sunday, and I found some tortilla crusted tilapia that I'm gonna bake in the oven. Just in case, I bought some shrimp, that I'm gonna boil... and just do the peel & eat. Then make a spinach salad with avacado, mushroom & tomato.

I guess when I diet, I get in a rut of eating a lot of baked or grilled foods... and just wanna try something different. The last thing I wanted to eat this week was another chicken breast!

[Leigh]

I hear that one Pinkie, its so easy to get stuck in a rut when it comes to food that eating anything out of the ordinary can be abit difficult to get used to. My family has not really changed what we eat but I don't eat as much as I used to and I'm actually watching portions too. My mom is more frequently putting food out after she cooks it and allowing us to take what we want, which makes it easier for Me to actually watch out for the amount of food that I am eating. I'm having alot more veggies as opposed to more of other things, and I think everyone is beginning to notice that I'm changing certain things about Myself. My best friend's boyfriend has not seen Me in a month and commented on how I look like I've lost weight ~ he almost looked like he was going to fall over when I told him all of the changes that I have made so far, and he commented on how proud of Me that he was :-)

Slowly but surely things are falling more into place and I'm in a happier spot than I was even just a week or two ago ........... life's pretty good !!!!!!!!!!!

[Sparkle]

Originally Posted by PinkieLee

I have been wanting to start cooking some fish. Problem is, D won't eat it if it smells or tastes "fishy".... so convincing her to try a new receipe is gonna be kind of hard. Is there a particular fish that you like best or a way that you prefer to cook it?!

I was at HEB on Sunday, and I found some tortilla crusted tilapia that I'm gonna bake in the oven. Just in case, I bought some shrimp, that I'm gonna boil... and just do the peel & eat. Then make a spinach salad with avacado, mushroom & tomato.

I hate "fishy" fish too!!! ...actually i'm a bit fussy full stop, i like what i like when i like it and its inadvisable to tell me different

I prefer my fish to be firm in texture, it can be flaky but must be flaky and firm. It took me a long time to find an assortment of fishes I liked.
I quite like: tilapia, sea bass, haddock, halibut, monk fish, sole, swordfish.

When I want a breaded fillet, I use panko - it is really light (perfect for fish) and it is only 3 WW points. Alternately I will sometimes season and then dredge the fillets in a whole wheat flour and cook them stove top with a very little oil or butter, adding a little stock and whatever flavors I want.

I had the most amazing escolar at a restaurant in Chicago last year, it was so mild and firm but flaky and flavorful enough that it needed nothing more than a little lemon and salt/pepper.

with tilapia I'll often do a rub of olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt/pepper, add some sliced avocado on top and bake or grill it in a foil packet. OR another favorite recipe is to bake/grill the tilapia filets and then top it with a mango salsa.

halibut - baked very simply in a foil packet with a tiny bit of olive oil, salt/pepper and lemon.

sea bass is so mild and versatile, its one of my favorites and a dish I'm most likely to order when out at a restaurant - i like it with asian flavors especially...a soy sauce, garlic, ginger, chilli and scallion marinade.

the nice thing about mild fish is that they take on the flavor of whatever marinade, rub or sauce you've made.

I also LOVE LOVE LOVE fish carpaccio, which is raw fish sliced paper thin (think thinner than the salmon for lox) - capaccio requires soooo little flavor on top - a squeeze of lemon always and some sliced peaches or capers and olive oil.

I'm also a big fan of muscles. (though I didn't realize I was until about 5years ago). Muscles are so easy to cook and the broth really determines the flavor.

I love all shellfish (so long as it doesn't arrive in its exoskeleton.)
I like to lightly saute pre-cooked/tails on jumbo shrimp in a pan with a touch of olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes and scallions - so that it is warmed through and serve it over a small amount of angel hair pasta, or orzo rice, or quinoa.

[Hack]

I'm a huge seafood fan. I love salmon and trout, and living in the Great Lakes state, I have access to lots of salmon, whitefish, lake trout, perch and walleye. Shellfish is stupid expensive here, and I only treat myself to shrimp periodically.

There are lots of articles about what fish to eat and avoid based on sustainability and environmental concerns. I tend to select wild salmon, not farmed. Farmed fish are fed lots of chemicals, and are not free-ranging fish, for lack of a better term. Wild fish can be contaminated with mercury, however, so I recommend checking labels, checking with your public health department on any consumption advisories, etc.

Jake

[PinkieLee]

THANK YOU Sparkle! That's exactly what I was hoping for! Because I've never really cooked a lot of fish before, I stare at the seafood counter and then walk away because I don't know what kind of seasoning to use for each kind of fish.

I've had sea bass before and absolutely loved it! They served it on a cedar plank...OMG to die for!

Because neither one of us knows a lot about fish, we only got ONE fillet of the tortilla crusted tilapia and then we got ONE fillet of the potato crusted cod. We are gonna split them both... that way we can see which one we prefer. If all else fails, we've got the boiled shrimp that we both love!

A friend of mine says that she grills most of her fish in foil packets. She said that the best way to cut out any overfishing taste is to slice lemon and put them on top of the fillets while cooking in the foil packets.

[Chancie]

Do you think she'd like to try salmon?

You can buy cedar planks at the supermarket, then soak them for 30 minutes, and then grill right on them, very easy. I only use each cedar plank once.

I've also made scallops this way, and they were sweet and delicious.

[Hack]

Originally Posted by Chancie

Do you think she'd like to try salmon?

You can buy cedar planks at the supermarket, then soak them for 30 minutes, and then grill right on them, very easy. I only use each cedar plank once.

I've also made scallops this way, and they were sweet and delicious.

Scallops are a great choice for someone who doesn't like "fishy" seafood. I can't get good scallops in markets here. I spoil myself when I visit places much closer to the ocean.

[PinkieLee]

Originally Posted by Chancie

Do you think she'd like to try salmon?

You can buy cedar planks at the supermarket, then soak them for 30 minutes, and then grill right on them, very easy. I only use each cedar plank once.

I've also made scallops this way, and they were sweet and delicious.

She does like salmon... that is a great idea! I will have to look at the supermarket next time we go, THANKS! She also mentioned something about Tuna steaks... but honestly I didn't know how to cook them.

Luckily, she loves shrimp and scallops (unfortunately, she loves them swimming in butter). But we've grilled them like shiskabobs, and she drizzled the some melted LIGHT butter on them for a lil' extra flavor while they were still warm. So, so good.

[Chancie]

I defrosted two tuna steaks in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt and pepper, and then Pete grilled them. Neither of us are experienced grillers, but because tuna is thick, she turned down the heat, so they wouldn't overcook on the outside before they were cooked on the inside. I personally don't think you should eat any fish that isn't cooked through if it isn't sushi grade.

[Thinker]

Originally Posted by Thinker

I'm going to go ahead and start my upper body weight program

I.
Am.
Sore.

That is all.

[PinkieLee]

Originally Posted by Thinker

I.
Am.
Sore.

That is all.

OUCH! Luckily "they" say work through the pain... it gets better! **probably a load of crap to keep you motivated, but who knows **

[sylvie]

i am SO excited!
i lost 4.4 lbs since my last weigh in, thats 23 lbs total now.
i was scared to go for my weigh in this morning, thinking i hadn't lost anything...but, yaaaaaaaay, i did!

it's downpouring rain today - wondering if i should go for my walk like usual or if i should change it up and do an inside workout today.. i walked to & from work this morning and will again this evening, however - maybe some weights, stepups and elliptical will do me some good this morning!

i'm loving the support & motivation in this thread, gets me moving more!

[PinkieLee]

Originally Posted by sylvie

i am SO excited!
i lost 4.4 lbs since my last weigh in, thats 23 lbs total now.
i was scared to go for my weigh in this morning, thinking i hadn't lost anything...but, yaaaaaaaay, i did!

it's downpouring rain today - wondering if i should go for my walk like usual or if i should change it up and do an inside workout today.. i walked to & from work this morning and will again this evening, however - maybe some weights, stepups and elliptical will do me some good this morning!

i'm loving the support & motivation in this thread, gets me moving more!

WOOHOOOO you go Sylvie! 4.4 pounds is beyond fabulous!!! You are well on your way honey...I am so very proud of you!!! All the healthy choices you are making and the daily exercise is really paying off!

[sylvie]

Originally Posted by PinkieLee

WOOHOOOO you go Sylvie! 4.4 pounds is beyond fabulous!!! You are well on your way honey...I am so very proud of you!!! All the healthy choices you are making and the daily exercise is really paying off!

awhhh thank you soooo much xoxo!!
i'm definitely excited - i think stepping up the exercise has made all the difference, and ive been more faithful with staying off the stuff i should be as well.. but seriously *happy dancing* hehehe!! & am so proud of you too for your loss so far and staying on plan, i just love this thread, seriously!

i couldn't wait to get in here and share my news!! i'm SO scared of that friggin' scale before stepping on it, lol! it's ridiculous!

[Jessica]

I have found that if you cut your portions and eat small portions every few hrs you lose weight. I have lost 25lbs by doing this. I don't exercise (im too lazy for that). I just eat less but more often. Hope that helps

[Inked_Trinity]

I'm going to jump right in here with both feet!
About 5 months ago I finally decided to get off my butt and get healthier. I didn't want the same ole gym routine so I found a boxing gym and joined. I started slow going 3 times a week. I found I had a passion for it. I picked up a personal trainer, who hooked me up with place called Max Muscle. There I got an education on sports nutrition. I went into this just wanting to loose some weight and feel better physically. What I have gotten out it is SOOOOO much more. I never realized how much it would affect my mental attitude or my confidence in myself. I have lost about 40 lbs, dropped 2 pants sizes and need a stick of butter to get my head through the door some days. I sleep better, feel better, have so much more energy and I'm happy. So far the only negative thing I have experienced is getting my ass knocked out in the ring ( only once ), but not everyone chooses to fight like I did. I'm also becoming addicted to that wonderful euphoric feeling after an ass kicking workout. This is no longer an option in my life, it has become a necessity. I am also a type 2 diabetic, this keeps me eating right and gives me the exercise that I need. I have had a few fights in the ring and I'm currently training for an upcoming fight in October. Not bad for a 50 yr old!

[sylvie]

Originally Posted by Jessica

I have found that if you cut your portions and eat small portions every few hrs you lose weight. I have lost 25lbs by doing this. I don't exercise (im too lazy for that). I just eat less but more often. Hope that helps

That is definitely something i keep saying i am going to do and never do..
Although i am cutting back in portions now, and eating more veggies than anything else.. YAY on losing the 25 lbs by simply doing that.. it's awesome when altering our eating patterns can make such a difference alone..

My dietician set me up with an eating plan that i've been following ....

Breakfast - protein, starch & fruit
Morning Snack - 1 piece of fruit
Lunch - protein, starch & vegetables
Afternoon snack - fruit & protein
Supper - protein, starch & vegetables
Evening Snack - anything no more than 100-150 calories

My rules to go by are:
1/ no eating passed 8pm
2/ water, water & water..
3/ breakfast must be eaten within 2 hours of waking up
4/ protein - meat should be 2 oz, for breakfast can be 1 egg, piece of cheese or peanut butter on toast, etc..
5/ starch - nothing white, multigrain or whole wheat (small portion)
6/ vegetables should cover half the plate if hungry, only a lil protein and starch (i find it easier to make salad for the veggies, i'm a salad lover)
7/ no white anything (flours, sugars, etc)
8/ fruit should be 1/2 cup serving
9/ no sodapop & junkfood
10/ no processed food

So far its working really well for me - though i do need to start finding some recipes and trying new things for my meals, to add a lil zing... so i guess the way my plan goes i am eating small meals through the day cept the salads can be big sometimes depending how hungry i am, but its just a garden salad and i use lemon juice for flavor rather than dressing..

Also, i usually only eat chicken and fish, i've never been very big on other meats anyway!

[sylvie]

Originally Posted by Inked_Trinity

I'm going to jump right in here with both feet!
About 5 months ago I finally decided to get off my butt and get healthier. I didn't want the same ole gym routine so I found a boxing gym and joined. I started slow going 3 times a week. I found I had a passion for it. I picked up a personal trainer, who hooked me up with place called Max Muscle. There I got an education on sports nutrition. I went into this just wanting to loose some weight and feel better physically. What I have gotten out it is SOOOOO much more. I never realized how much it would affect my mental attitude or my confidence in myself. I have lost about 40 lbs, dropped 2 pants sizes and need a stick of butter to get my head through the door some days. I sleep better, feel better, have so much more energy and I'm happy. So far the only negative thing I have experienced is getting my ass knocked out in the ring ( only once ), but not everyone chooses to fight like I did. I'm also becoming addicted to that wonderful euphoric feeling after an ass kicking workout. This is no longer an option in my life, it has become a necessity. I am also a type 2 diabetic, this keeps me eating right and gives me the exercise that I need. I have had a few fights in the ring and I'm currently training for an upcoming fight in October. Not bad for a 50 yr old!

wow frigging awesome!!!
i've been looking for some place that does boxing or kickboxing , i would love kickboxing actually, a gal friend of mine who lives a few hours away does it and adores it and is shedding lbs like crazy.. i have a gym membership which i hardly use, i hate to let it go though because i'd love to be faithful with going, i just bore of it easily, its good for the winter months though when getting out walking is hard to do! but i'd much rather pay for kickboxing or something i would enjoy..

and i sooo agree, my attitude, my rest, my eating, my overall health are so much better when i'm taking care of me, i love the positivity and happiness... soo awesome for you, 40 lbs, wow.. thanks so much for sharing!

[Zimmeh]

I love having smoked salmon or baked salmon with thyme, fresh ground black pepper, and a little bit of garlic salt. I am not a shellfish fan.

Have a great day,

Zimmy

Originally Posted by PinkieLee

So let's talk about cooking y'all... I need a lil' help. I have been wanting to start cooking some fish. Problem is, D won't eat it if it smells or tastes "fishy".... so convincing her to try a new receipe is gonna be kind of hard. Is there a particular fish that you like best or a way that you prefer to cook it?!

I was at HEB on Sunday, and I found some tortilla crusted tilapia that I'm gonna bake in the oven. Just in case, I bought some shrimp, that I'm gonna boil... and just do the peel & eat. Then make a spinach salad with avacado, mushroom & tomato.

I guess when I diet, I get in a rut of eating a lot of baked or grilled foods... and just wanna try something different. The last thing I wanted to eat this week was another chicken breast!

[Inked_Trinity]

Originally Posted by sylvie

wow frigging awesome!!!
i've been looking for some place that does boxing or kickboxing , i would love kickboxing actually, a gal friend of mine who lives a few hours away does it and adores it and is shedding lbs like crazy.. i have a gym membership which i hardly use, i hate to let it go though because i'd love to be faithful with going, i just bore of it easily, its good for the winter months though when getting out walking is hard to do! but i'd much rather pay for kickboxing or something i would enjoy..

and i sooo agree, my attitude, my rest, my eating, my overall health are so much better when i'm taking care of me, i love the positivity and happiness... soo awesome for you, 40 lbs, wow.. thanks so much for sharing!

You should look into it! It really is a lot of fun. Not only do you get a great workout but it is social as well. I have met some really good people at the gym. Also the workout can burn up to 1000 calories an hr and creates mental discipline in your self. I love it!