Dinner Out - Albert's Shed

Went out to dinner with a friend tonight, to Albert's Shed in Castlefield, Manchester. Had been to Dukes (part of the same complex) a couple of weeks ago, and they catered for me wonderfully. I'd rung in advance to make the same arrangement for tonight.

A few questions from the restaurant manager to clarify a few bits for the kitchen, and my dinner arrived. It looked spectacular as you can see! Thought I'd take a photo so you could see what "diet food" looks like with a bit of effort. It tasted delicious too - can't wait to go again next Monday.

All credit to the kitchen and the staff at Alberts (and Dukes) they've been fab, nothing seems to be too much trouble, thoroughly recommend it - dieting or not!

weight

12/07/11 = 15 stone 9 lbs
only 2 gone this week, but 2 stone 12 altogether - that's amazing!

Capuccino

Capuccino is probably one of my favourite sachets - I have one most days (when they haven't run out!).
I make mine in this huge mug (with all the shipping areas on it - I love the shipping forecast, it's like a poem, and I often listen to it as I'm falling asleep).

The mug is big enough to mix up the drink - I put in about 250 mls of water and then add the powder as I mix with my coffee frother. Then 1 min 10 in the microwave and yum... Have to remember to wash the mug out soon afterwards though, the dried stuff is difficult to remove if left!

Variety is the spice of life

Sorted out my wardrobe today. Since I've lost 2 stone 10, many of my trousers and jackets are getting baggy. It's funny that a lot of the next size down don't quite fit yet but the ones I have are baggy - but I think that could be the vagaries of British clothing sizes.

So, now I've been through the wardrobe, I've discovered 10 pairs of trousers that were too small that now fit, but need taking up! It's the sewing kit for me...

I've still been sticking to the plan rigidly, even on holiday - and I'm still finding plenty of variety. Each week I seem to find a new combination which becomes my new favourite. Last week it was griddled veg with focaccia, this week it's aubergine curry!

So here's to variety being the spice of life, and the next stone off!

Crying Game

Ever had one of those days?
I did today.

I went to the dentists this morning (new front teeth - they're a bit tight and make my nose hurt!). As I was driving back to the office I just got this weird feeling. Not quite dread, but certainly unease. I'd spent the previous 2 days worrying about my mum, who had to go to hospital for a scan - turns out everything is fine, but I think I'd been really worried about it, so had a bit of an emotional roller coaster. (My dad died quite suddently of cancer in September last year, and the whole going to hospital thing just bought it all back).

Anyway, by the time I got to the office I was in tears. I couldn't go into work, just sat in the car sobbing. Not like me at all.

Don't really know if it's just emotions running high or the huge release of oestrogen from breaking down fat (where oestrogen gets stored). Given how overweight I am, my body must be like a huge oestrogen warehouse having a closing down sale.

Went for a cup of tea and a chat with a friend, and was right as rain in an hour.

Definitely one of those days!

weight

05/07/11 - 15 stone 11 lbs - yes, my weight now starts with 15!
so that's another 4 lb down

Focaccia

I recently discovered I could make passable focaccia from the bread mix.

1 Sachet plain bread mix
1 tsp italian herbs
salt & pepper
water
sea salt flakes

mix the bread sachet, herbs and seasoning (but not the sea salt) together. Add the water whilst mixing - until you get a wet dough. Beat this (with a spatula or something, going side to side) and it will get more doughy - kind of glutenous like when you kneed bread.

Plop onto a silicone mat on a baking tray (it should land in a flatish ball) sprinkle the sea salt on top and bake in a preheated oven for 12 - 14 mins at 190 - 200 (I use 190 with the oven on fan).

Take out and leave to cool slightly before cutting.

Be careful with the Italian herb mix - some ready made ones have sugar and flour in them! Check the ingredients. You can experiment by adding garlic powder, a little sweetener or other herbs.

Have fun with it!