What's on your Tuesday Menu, RNYers?

Good morning everyone! Happy Taco Tuesday!

QOTD - I think my pre-op self (who was over 10 years younger) would be suprised to know that I am happy. My younger self, married to another, was very concerned with external appearances, money, etc. My NOW self, in my 40s, married to my best friend...so very different. I have 40lbs to lose, I drive a used vehicle that I paid in cash, I have 8 dogs, and I work 2 jobs. I've started yoga, I am a vegetarian and I use essential oils where I used to use medication and alcohol. And yet, I've never felt this alive in my entire life. So yes, I think that my pre-op self would be suprised, and I hope looking forward to the person I have become and am still working on being.

B- protein oatmeal (instant) with cranberries, almonds and almond milk

Coffee, lots of it!

S - Blendable melon shake, with water (frozen fruits)

L - Blue cheese pizza and salad (didn't get pizza/salad for dinner last night)

D - Black bean burger, pasta, some veggie of some sort

S - Atkins shake (30g protein)

I hope you ALL have a wonderful day. Take a moment to take a deep breath and think of something that makes you happy.

I might ask you for some dinner menu options because see my post below about DS becoming vegetarian.

How old is your DS? I will tell you, I've been a vegetarian several times in my life, longest when I was in my 20s and it was nowhere near as easy as it is now.

Every meatless meal helps. For me, it's a combination of truly believing that animals are not a sustainable way of feeding ourselves longterm combined with a personal belief that I can feed myself (and well) without having to contribute to negative conditions and experiences that animals go through.

That being said, my husband is absolutely a steak and potatoes guy. Last night, I cooked a steak for him, and I had my black bean burger. I respect his decision to eat meat, and he respects my decision not to. Every now and then I can convince him to go meatless, as every meal helps!

The best thing you can do for DS is to google recipes, and even look at vegetarian websites (I will go search for a few of my favorites and add to this post). In addition, have a genuine, honest conversation with DS to inquire as to WHY the decision to become a vegetarian. Is there someone talking about it in his daily life? Has he met someone who is a vegetarian and wants to see what it is about? Intent can tell you a lot about how long he may want to do it, as well as how truly committed he is. For me, I still eat butter and cheese, but I've contacted the company and I am aware of their practices in handling their livestock and it satisfied me for now. Personally, I steer clear of PETA, or PETA type websites that use scare tactics, shock value and gore to bully people into vegetarianism. Instead, I try to simply feed myself well, and if someone asks, I'm here to help.

There's so many options and foods to choose from now, it's not a hard thing to sustain even if everyone in the family isn't a vegetarian. Simple food swaps can ensure that your DS can continue to have mealtimes at the same time, with lots of the same foods with some modifications.

Good on your for wanting to support him in this!

DS is 17, a sr in high school and in constant battle with us. So honestly I don't think his desire for vegetarianism is from the love of animals but I'm rolling with this because I have no other choice. I'll go and check my trusty Pinterest for vegetarian menus.

G'morning JB & Menu family,

We had some rain yesterday that was surprising. So I switched my run and gym days. After I post I'll go for my run in the woods. I also have to drop off DS at school because his car is at the mechanic. It makes a lot of weird noises. On the DS news he announced yesterday afternoon he is now a vegetarian!! I swear he is trying to get a rise out of us. We went to Costco on Sun and HE chose a ton of food items that are basically meat. Yesterday he had a breakfast burrito (from Costco) and for lunch bcz we had to drop off his car I stopped at chipotle so he could get his lunch. On the way home AFTER he ate his burrito he announces "oh mom, I decided to become vegetarian", while I was sharing with him what I had planned to cook for dinner. OK, whatever! I have nothing against vegetarianism but I would have liked a transition period so we could get rid of the stuff in the fridge.

QOTD: running (actually wogging) - still don't like it but never thought I would actually do it.

My meals for the day:

• Coffee, coffee, and more coffee
• Egg bites
• Pulled pork + mashed cauliflower
• Greek yogurt or parm cheese

Have a safe and healthy Tue.

I agree, I think he's trying to get a rise out of you guys. Hang in there mama!

It does seem like he is trying to find his own way, which certainly is typical for an 18 year old. Hopefully, over the next few months, he will see that the quickest way for him to find his own path is to go away to college.

Mornin' All!

I went shopping for some things I'll need for India - and bought two pairs of shoes that should be perfect, too (they're the same model but one is gray and the other beige - so I'll have a pair that'll go with pretty much everything. But did I really need two pairs of shoes??). I started packing last night. I only want to take one checked bag and one carry on, so I'll have to pack strategically. I'm taking very few clothes as the leader said we can buy some cheap, light, flow-y garments there - plus if I wear the same three outfits otherwise, who is going to care? (I mean as long as I wash them out in the hotel at night - which I will!)

nothing on the agenda today, although I do plan to go to a water aerobics class at noon. I have not been to a pool-based class - or done anything in the pool, for that matter - since before phase 2 of my plastic surgery almost six months ago. For awhile that was sensible since I was having some issues with spitting sutures (so the incisions weren't 100% healed for the first 3-4 months), but they should be fine now, even though they often feel very dry and tight (I'm still massaging them with rich lotion twice a day, though...). I think the chlorine should be OK as long as I really lotion them up afterward. Anyway, looking forward to this..

accountability was good yesterday, weight was down this morning. YAY!

QOTD: taking stairs. I used to avoid them like the plague. If I had to take things down to our basement, I'd either ask DH to do it, or I'd pile them up at the top of the stairs so I only had to make ONE trip down there per day. Now I'm up and down the stairs probably half a dozen times a day. And when I'm out and about, unless I have to go up more than three or so flights, I take stairs.

4 years 3 months out:

B: protein pancakes with plain Greek yogurt and homemade raspberry/cranberry compote, coffee with half & half

MS: I had a late breakfast, but I should probably have something before the noon water aerobics class. Maybe a protein bar or shake. Or cottage cheese.

L: something light given the MS. Cottage cheese? Yogurt? Or maybe some deli turkey slices

AS: crustless protein pumpkin pie

D: I still haven't eaten that last Beyond Meat bratwurst, so that. With a FlatOut Fold It wrap and sauerkraut

have a great day, all!

Hello JB and Menuers,

I don't know how to navigate public transportation. And I am jealous of those who can. If I don't have someone standing in the airport waiting for me I would sit in an airport. The only city I can do public transportation in is Vegas and I learned that early in life. There were no Casinos near Pittsburgh when I was in my 20's so I would meet up with my friends from California sometimes 3 or 4 times a year. Back in the 80's when it was super cheap to go to Vegas and you always got free hotels. I learned how to ride the Deuce and I actually can get from the airport to my hotel on a Deuce. But I have not been in Vegas now since 2008. I think since I married there we should go back for our 15th wedding anniversary in 2 years.

QOTD: That I truly gave up smoking. My last cigarette was October 29, 2017 and I have not looked back. I smoked for 36 years.

TSS 1 year 9 months 6 days 143.6 lbs ( on my way back to 140.2 after weekend of many bad choices)

B: Bariatric Advantage Iced Latte w/Miralax

CB: Dark roast coffee with and SF Caramel Macchiato and stevia

MS L&F Banana Cream greek yogurt and one Sous Vide turkey Egg bite 1/2 pear

L: 5 shrimp wrapped in bacon and marinated in italian dressing grilled w/green beans with garlic olive oil and parsley 1/2 pear.

D: Zucchini Lasagna and Mississipi pot roast

LS Gloria jeans Toffee coffe and Aldi SF French Vanilla creamer

Exersise: 30 min elliptical

Everybody have a great day.

Brightest Blessings,

Chrissy

In think it's awesome that you've been able to stop smoking.