20 Pounds lost....hope I don't find them again!

Today was a milestone. I have lost a total of 20 pounds in about five weeks. I am celebrating by continuing to do what I have been doing since I began the diet. After all, I used to celebrate by allowing myself a special "treat." That would have caused me to put back on a couple of pounds. I call that discipline and discipline has been a serious problem for me in the past. I sincerely hope my undisciplined days are behind me because losing weight is no picnic!

I am a little less than half way to my weight loss goal. I have 28 more pounds to lose and I am growing weary. It is difficult to eat out or socialize with friends as I don't want to be a pain. I am also a foodie and my limited diet is not very satisfying.

The good news is the diet is effective and I'm losing so quickly I won't have to be on it for more than another five weeks. That is, if I continue to lose at the same rate. I'll be able to go to the next phase that will allow a few more carbs and a little more fat. I'll be grateful for the fat as my hair and nails are absolutely brittle.

I am very happy to report I am wearing clothes I haven't fit into in quite some time. Bathing suits are still an issue. I look better but it still isn't pretty! Maybe next year!

Birthday boy cooks!

It is my brother, Joe's, birthday week and he spent the weekend cooking for the entire neighborhood. Thursday was roasted chickens on the big green egg accompanied by grilled zucchini, yellow squash and onions. It was, as usual, outstanding. A day of laying in the sun, floating in the pool and eating good food while visiting with family is a good day.

Friday was my niece, Angela's, birthday. A large party of friends, neighbors and family was on again. This day was another day of floating and drinking, sunning and visiting (gossiping if the truth be known) followed by more picnicking. This time the menu was a little fancier. Joe grilled an entire rib eye on the spit. His Parmesan mashed potatoes are always the best accompaniment with the roast beef. The ever popular King salad was also a hit. The topping on the cake, so to speak, was a beautiful masterpiece of a birthday cake by Angela's friend, Joannah. Angela's friends were dressed up and sassy. What a beautiful group of young ladies. They partied 'til 2:00am. I was long ago in bed when all the younger folks left. Another good day!

Today was a day of sunning, swimming, drinking, eating and visiting. Are you getting the pattern? Today's menu was ribs on the Big Green Egg (a ceramic smoker) that we all had to smell for six hours. The aroma from the ribs made our taste buds perk up and our mouths water all day. Justin, my nephew, made a fabulous cole slaw, ML made a tasty pasta salad and Jerry made an appetizer of cerviche Atlantic salmon. I shall publish the recipe for the salmon on my other blog, "My Southern Table" if he will allow me. It was spicy with jalapenos, soy and onion.

Here's the really sad news....I could eat none of it. My diet is still on. I have lost a total of 16 pounds so far and I do not intend to stop until I reach my goal. You would be proud of me. No drinking, no snacking, no potatoes, no pasta salad, no cake!! I am very proud of myself. It wasn't easy. I love all that stuff but I didn't cheat. There has to be a reward for me somewhere down the line. Lord give me strength!