Keeping a Food Log

Okay, I really, REALLY thought this was a dumb idea back in the day. Turns out that it really does tell a lot. You can learn so much from keeping track of these things: Your weight, your measurements, what you eat, how many ounces of liquids you consume daily, and the time of day you eat.

For example, by keeping a food log, I learned that I can eat chicken for one meal a day and steak for the other, BUT... If I eat chicken for lunch and steak for dinner, I don't lose weight. If I eat steak for lunch and chicken for dinner, I lose 1/2 a pound by morning.

Another surprising fact is that I learned I can't eat after 6 pm if I want to lose weight by morning. In addition, ground beef causes me to stall in my weightloss or slightly gain by causing me to retain water weight.

Try keeping a food log and see what you can learn. I've lost 42 lbs since last April, with 32 lbs of the 42 lbs being lost since mid-November 2010. I'm always learning and hope you can, too. You have nothing to lose but the weight.  :)

Amazing, Super Easy, Homemade Ice Cream from Mia Cucina

Well friends, it's been a while. I've been creating in the kitchen in the mean time, though, and have an amazing sugar-free, low-fat, ice cream recipe to share with you. Before you start thinking you can't make it (flashback thoughts of the old, loud ice cream makers with the rock salt & ice), it's super easy to do, no rock salt or ice is needed, it takes about 30 minutes, and clean up is a breeze. Best of all, it's not bad for you and tastes better than anything store bought and the possibilities are endless.

This is Jorge Cruise "Belly Good" and also okay for HCG Phase 3 in moderation.

First, you need an ice cream maker.

Option #1 - Cuisinart (my favorite). I bought mine refurbished on eBay from TigerDirect's store for $32.99. Here's a link of an auction that is current as of today:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Cuisinart-White-Automatic-Ice-Cream-Maker-/350438180579?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5197be46e3

~or~

Option #2 - A Deni Ice Cream Maker for $19.99:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Deni-1-5-Quart-Quick-Freeze-Ice-Cream-Maker-/380321308450?pt=Small_Kitchen_Appliances_US&hash=item588cea9f22

I have both of these machines and bought them both from these eBay sellers on the links that I provided.

From Mia Cucina, a little recipe I created and tested with the family:

ICE CREAM (Basic Recipe)
Yields: Approx. 6 cups
2 c Heavy Whipping Cream
1 c Half & Half
4 oz Liquid Egg Beaters
1 c Stevia
1 tsp Vanilla

Optional Add-In Ideas:
1 c. mashed banana
1 c. tiny diced fresh strawberries
1 c. pureed raspberries
3 heaping tbsp unsweetened dark cocoa...  Or, whatever else you can dream up! ENJOY!!!