Linda's Low Carb and Lyme Disease Diary

Much Needed Update

2014-03-10T21:47:00.000+00:00

I'm still sticking to a low carb diet, did quite well on my holiday to Israel last year (their diet is so healthy, mainly meat & salad) and avoided most of the temptations over Christmas. I still do Callanetics for exercise and in January OH and I started ballroom dancing. I only have 1lb to lose before I reach my 2st mark. Needless to say I have been stuck at same weight for last two weeks. I am now in a size 14 (was 16) and feel really great. I'm enjoying shopping for clothes again!

The ballroom dancing has been challenging and I was absolutely shattered after the first session. I have had to cut back on other things until I get adjusted to the extra exercise. The last few sessions have been much better, with me being not so tired at the end. The good thing is they are on a Friday night so I have all weekend to recover from them. I am determined to it up as I really enjoy it and it is something G and I can do together.

B: Sardines on toast (adapted lc fruit & nut bread )with green salad.
L: Low carb garlic bread (again adapted from fruit & nut bread recipe) with lactofree butter and lactofree cheese.
D: Roast chicken, mashed swede, tbsp carrots, 4 sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, & Bisto best gravy

Drinks: Sparkling water. Redbush tea with watered down lactofree cream (don't like creamy tea)

I got used to eating salad for breakfast whilst in Israel and just continued when I got home.

I have started eating much less on one day a week and find that helps with the weight loss. For example tomorrow I will be having:

B: 2 tbs Flax, raspberries & cream
L: Pkt salted almonds
D: Chicken & leek soup.

I treat myself to 4 small squares of dairy free dark chocolate at the weekend.

Massage

Have given up on the sports type of massage and instead I'm going to my local college where I get a aromatherapy detox full body massage for only £6 (every 10th massage is free!). I am managing to get about 3 a month. The only disadvantage is it is only available during term time.

Massage

2013-04-30T21:25:00.001+01:00

Over the last two months I have been introducing some new treatments in to my regime and also cuttong out others. For two months now I have been having Epsom Detox Baths as recommended by Dr Jernigen of the Hansa Centre for Optimum Health. At the same time I am cutting down the (with the view of stopping altogether), the amount of Samento I'm taking. I have gone from 15 drops twice a day down to 6 drops twice a day. I am hoping that instead of taking things into my body I can actually take things such as toxins out. Dr Jernigen firmly believes that those with LD need to raise their body's core temperature. I'm hoping the Epsom Baths are just start of doing just that.

Today I was introduced to the wonders of Mayofacial Massage. Basically it is the type of massage used to treat sports injuries. I did not know this, this morning when I arrived for my session expecting a lovely relaxing massage. For the next hour I endured in depth massage of some very tender areas I didn't know I had. Upon returning home I 'googled' Mayofacial massage to find out more about it and it sounds as though it will do me a lot of good. I would like to give a big thanks to ME North East for offering this wonderful treatment to its members. This afternoon and evening I have been drinking loads and I feel very tired.

Although I have struggled and wandered (yet again) on my Low Carb diet I continue to follow this way of eating.

Todays Menu

Breakfast: 2 tbsp flax, 2 tbsp blueberries & lacatofree cream
Lunch: Corned beef, lactofree cheese and green salad. Peanuts.
Dinner: Smoked Haddock, cream cheese sauce, roasted celeriac and roasted green beans. 85% chocolate.

Low Carb Malt Loaf

2013-04-18T13:47:00.000+01:00

I've been struggling for the past month or so trying to keep to a low carb diet. Energy levels have been low and I have no motivation for cooking at all. After sharing this on the MSE Low Carb Diet thread a friend posted this recipe for Low Carb Malt Loaf. It is just what I needed, quick and easy to make. It makes an ideal quick and easy lunch.

Low Carb Malt Loaf

3 med eggs

4 tbsp water

4 tbsp double cream

12 tbsps ground flax( or can mix part ground almonds, part flax0

1.5 tsps baking powder

4 dried figs chopped

6 walnut halves, chopped

pinch salt

mixed spice

Use a microwaveable lunch container - 750 ml type

Lightly beat eggs water & cream.

Separately mix flax, baking powder, salt, & spices

Add flax mix to beaten eggs and mix well. If necessary add more water to get a good, thick, smooth batter feel.

Add chopped figs and walnuts.

Cook for 5 minutes or so on full power in microwave. You'll have to check by turning out. if still wet on the bottom, put back in container upside down for 1 min. Turn out onto cooling rack and allow to cool.

Around 30 carb for the lot.

I have 12 slices from mine at an amazing 2.5g carb each.

Lovely toasted with butter

Will keep once cooled in an airtight container for at least 4 days.

Jesus In the Fog

2013-04-01T20:58:00.000+01:00

Following a conversation I had with a fellow Lyme Disease sufferer last week I've decided to post a little testimony I wrote a while ago which I hope may encourage others.

Jesus In the Fog

The Lord is my Shepherd

I shall not want

He makes me lie down in green pastures

He leads me beside still waters.

He restores my soul

For over 12 years I have been battling with Chronic Lyme Disease. In the early years it was very difficult. A typical day would be: husband would get up with the children (I have 3), get them dressed & give them breakfast, then see them off to school. He would then go off to work. I would get up later in my own time and just sit around saving my energy for when it was time for the children to come home. I would then collect them from school in the car (it is only a 10 min walk). If I had enough energy I would give them their tea and then just sit with them until my husband got home. My husband would then take over and I would retire to the bedroom. I could not stand any noise or having people around me. I had to shut myself off from the noise of the television or the normal things children do.

Spiritually it was a very difficult time too as I was too exhausted to even pray. I couldn’t concentrate to form coherent sentences. When I attempted to pray it seemed as though they didn’t get past the ceiling. I couldn't manage church because of the noise. I questioned my faith and wondered if I was backsliding. Nevertheless the Lord ministered to me. He has shown me that even when I can give nothing in return he still loves me. He reminded me that He loved me before I knew Him and that all I had to do was lean on Him. When we can’t do anything for Jesus he understands and still loves us. He knows our hearts and our desires, when we can’t reach out to Him, He reaches out to us. I started to talk to Him as I would a companion in the home just about day to day things, most of the time it would be a very short sentence or just a thought given to the Lord.

On a rare occasion when I was doing a daily reading I came across the story of a man who whilst travelling to work would pass some large mountains in the distance. On some mornings he could see them clearly but on others there was a mist/fog obscuring his view. Despite the mist/fog this man knew those mountains were there. In the same way although we can’t see, hear or feel God’s presence He is still there beside us even through the BRAIN FOG. This story has stuck in my mind and has been a great encouragement.

About a 2 years ago I started going to a small house church and have been richly blessed with really 'meaty' teaching. I saw the Lord working in so many ways on a day to day basis. I also realise I have a lot still to learn. The Lord has impressed upon me that the time before His coming is short and I mustn't waste any of it.

I questioned how the Lord could use me, when I have so little energy. What energy I have is used to meet my family’s needs. Then Jesus reminded me that when I was just a babe in Christ all I did then was pray. He reminded me that when I prayed for my Mum and three sisters those prayers were answered. My mum and sisters know Jesus as their Lord. The prayers I prayed then were very simple ones, not long drawn out things. I thought well I can still pray simple prayers now so this will be my service to my Lord. I have rediscovered the joy of reading. Whilst reading God's Intercessor by Reece Howells I was encouraged to ask the Holy Spirit to not only fill me a fresh but also to dwell in me and live through me. I am learning to let God lead me as to who/what to pray for.

I have also been blessed by DVD's which a friend has kept me supplied with and I listen to sermons on the internet. I have started having quiet times with the Lord again. One of the things I have found most difficult is the loss of memory, being unable to remember a scripture or where to find it. I would start singing a chorus and then realise I didn’t know the rest of the words.

One day recently whilst having a time with the Lord I again started singing a chorus which on previous attempts I had been unable to remember the words. To my delight the words just flowed. I began to sing chorus after chorus which I knew from years gone by, it was like a floodgate had been opened. Since that day I have found when I try to sing songs that I want to sing I struggle to remember the words but when the Holy Spirit leads me to sing I have no problems.

The twelve years with Lyme Disease have indeed been difficult but looking back I can now see they have been a true blessing. Like the Psalmist I can say ‘He made me lie down in green pastures’. During that time in the green pastures the Lord has taught me so much, it is all His doing, we can do nothing ourselves.

I just wanted to encourage fellow sufferers by showing that the Lord Jesus has indeed Restored My Soul. When those around you put pressure on saying 'but you need to have fellowship, you need to go to church' don't let it get you down. The best fellowship you can have is the one to one fellowship with our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Rest of the Week

2013-02-23T18:57:00.001+00:00

Thursday 21 February 2013

9.30 Up and dressed.
10.00 Breakfast: blueberries, flax & cream. Redbush Tea
10.30 - 11.30 Lidl Shopping.
11.30 - 12.30 Scanned shopping and put away
12.30 -1.30 Lunch: Homemade soup. Nuts. 81% chocolate.
1.30 -2.00 Lit the woodburner
2.00 - 4.00 Watched TV
4.00 - 4.30 Re-heated curry for OH and myself whilst DS had a pizza
5.00 Tea: Lamb curry, vegetable bhaji and 2 tablesspoons of brown rice. 81% chocolate.
6.30 - 9.30 Church Quiz
Bed: Midnight.

Friday 22 February 2013

8.30 Up & dressed.
9.00 Breakfast: Raspberries, flax & cream. Redbush Tea
9.45 -10.45 Travelling to Mam's
10.45 Asian Food shop
11.00 - 1.00 Visited Mam Lunch: 2 corned beef sandwiches. Indian Sweets. cup of Tea
1.00 - 2.00 Travelled home.
2.00           Lit woodburner
2.30 - 4.00 Watched TV
4.00         Prepared Tea for OH and DS
5.00 Tea: Salted Almonds. 81% chocolate. Redbush Tea
7.00 Shower
8.00 - 10.00 Began reading a novel
10.00 Bed.

Saturday 23 February 2013

8.30 Up & dressed.
9.00 Breakfast: Blueberries, flax & cream. Redbush Tea.
9.45 Travelled to attend a Wedding.
11.00 - 1.00 Wedding Ceremony. There was coffee and refreshments afterwards. I had a fruit scone.
1.45           Returned home, emptied bins and lit the woodburner.
2.15           Lunch: Homemade soup. Salted Almonds.
3.00 -5.00 Computer: submitting reports, surveys etc.
5.00 - 6.00          Tea: Fish & chips.

As you can see I've had a busy few days. I am absolutely exhausted.   The effects of the walk on Tuesday showed themselves on Thursday. I felt so tired and achey and didn't really want to go out in the evening but couldn't get out of it. As a result of my tiredness my will power left me and I succombed to eating too much chocolate, this continued the next day whilst visiting my mum. I went to the Asian food store to stock up on coconut oil and a few other things and ended up buying Indian sweets. I had forgotten that they were made from milk and today (Saturday) I am suffering the consequences. My IBS has flared up, making me feel even worse. I feel so cold and tired that I just didn't have the energy to make something for tea tonight hence the fish and chips. I'm hoping to get back on track in the next few days. Thankfully upon getting weighed this morning I have just stayed the same and not put weight on, but if I continue on the downward slope this won't last for long.   OH is back at work next week and DS back at school so hopefully I'll be able to get back into some sort of routine.

Outings -Tuesday 19 February 2013

2013-02-20T10:26:00.000+00:00

Monday 18 February

Took DS out for a meal and also visited the library. Its nice to do something a little different.

9.00 Got up and had breakfast.
Breakfast: Blueberries, flax & cream. Cup of Redbush tea.
9.30-10.30 Callanetics
10.30-11.30 Shower & dressed.
11.30-12.30 Prepared lamb casserole for tea tonight and put it on to slow cook. Also preped the veg ready to cook when I get back tonight.
12.30-1.30 Lunch: 3 Sausages, scrambled egg & fried onions. Mixed nuts. Cup of Redbush
Tea.
1.30 -3.30 Watched TV
3.30 Lit woodburner
4.00 - 6.00 Took DS out for tea and took the opportunity to also visit the library.
6.30 -7.00 Tea: Lamb casserole, cabbage & mashed swede. 85% chocolate. Cup of Redbush
Tea.
7-30 Computer: Surveys, checking emails.
12 midnight Bed.

Tuesday 19 February 2013

OH took me out for a drive today, we went up into Weardale and stopped at Wolsingham. I managed to walk a mile very slowly. Just have to wait and see whether I pay for it in the next few days. I absolutely love being in the countryside looking at the wide open views, its very therapeutic.

9.30 Up and dressed.
10.00 Breakfast: Blueberries, flax & cream. Redbush Tea.
11.00 - 12.30 Weekly grocery shopping. OH came with me this week and helped.
12.30 -1.00 Scanned shopping and put away.
1.00-1.30 Lunch: 3 sausages & salad. Salted almonds. 85% chocolate.
1.30 -3.00 Watched TV
3.00 -5.00 Out for a drive
5.00 - 6.00 OH lit the woodburner ( I taught him how yesterday) whilst I prepared the tea.
OH and DS are having Slimmers World chips, chicken portion and sweetcorn.
6.00 Tea: Fish in cream sauce, celeriac chips and roasted green beans. Cup of cocoa.
Redbush Tea.
7.00-midnight Computer: surveys, MS registering & checking emails.
Bed.

Half Term Begins - Friday 15 February 2013

2013-02-15T22:25:00.000+00:00

9.15 am Got up - slept right through the night but unrefreshing sleep. Woke up tired.
9.30       Breakfast: Fried egg & bacon. Cup of Redbush Tea
10.00 - 10.45 Computer
10.45 - 11.15 Callanetics: 30 mins
11.15 - 12 noon Shower & dressed
12.30 - 1.30pm   Lunch: Homemade soup. Cup of Redbush Tea
1.30 - 4.00 pm   MS qualification
4.00 -4.30   Lit Woodburner
4.30           Put chips & fish goujons in oven for DS
4.45           Emptied kitchen bins
5.00           Put my Dinner in the oven
5.15 Snack: Peanuts
5.30 Dinner: Fish, celeriac chips & green beans. 85% chocolate. Cup of Redbush Tea
6.00            Watched TV
7.00            Got headache and had to take antihistamine
9.00    Cup of Redbush Tea
11.00          Bed

Thursday 14 February 2013

2013-02-14T23:30:00.000+00:00

7.50 am Cup of Redbush Tea. Family prayers
8.00    Computer
9.00 Breakfast: Egg & bacon.
10.00    Got Dressed.
10.15    Lit woodburner
10.45    Prepped Mince and put on to slow cook
11.15 Made soup
12.00    Computer
1.00 pm Lunch: Homemade soup. Cup of Redbush Tea.
1.30 pm Quiet Time
2.00 -4 pm Spreadsheets
4.00 -4.30 Prepped vegetables for Tea.
5.30         Made packed lunch
5.45        Filled coal bucket
5.50    Cup of Redbush Tea
6.30    Served Tea: Mince, mashed swede, sprouts, cabbage, broccoli. 85% chocolate.
7.00        Watched TV
9.00        Cup of Redbush Tea
10.00-11pm   Computer

Recovering - Wednesday 13 February 2013

2013-02-13T13:11:00.000+00:00

I'm finally on the mend. Had to get antibiotics off the Doc in the end. Still have a little bit of a cough and still have very little energy, but much much better than I was. Found it very difficult to concentrate these last few days.

Decided to log my activities throughout the day so I can see where my energy is being spent.

7.50 am - Got up and had family prayer time. Cup Redbush Tea

8-9 am   - Computer

9.00-9.30am    Breakfast: Bacon & fried egg.

9.30 -11.00 am - Computer

11,00-11.15 am Cleaned toilet

11.15 - 12.30 pm - Shower

12.30 -1.30 pm Lunch: 2 lamb chops and roasted green beans. Cup of Redbush Tea.

1.30 - 4.15 pm Computer

4.15pm - 4.45pm - Lit woodburner

4.45pm Snack: Salted almonds

5.30 pm   Made packed lunch for DS. Put pizza in oven for DS

6pm Dinner - Chicken Curry and Vegetable Bhaji.   85% chocolate. Cup of Redbush Tea

Rest of evening spent watching TV and knitting.

9.30 pm Cup of Redbush tea

Lurgy! - Monday 4 February 2013

2013-02-04T13:57:00.000+00:00

Started feeling ill yesterday and have come down with some sort of lurgy. Got sore throat, tickly cough, and head is all congested. Have not felt much like eating/preparing food and definately can't attempt any exercise. Went back to bed this morning after family prayer time.

Sunday's Menu

B: Blueberries, flax, ground almonds & cream.
D: Roast chicken, mashed celeriac, cabbage, sprouts, broccoli and carrots.
T: 2 boiled eggs. Molly cake.

Monday's Menu

B: 85% chocolate ( wanted something soft for my throat)
L: Mug of Beef Tea. Mixed Nuts
D: Roast chicken, mashed celeriac, mashed swede, cabbage, broccoli & sprouts.

Encouragement - Wednesday 30 January 2013

2013-01-30T13:04:00.000+00:00

Just tried a top I bought a few years ago but was too tight - It now FITS! I will have to tone up a little bit more if I want to wear a jumper underneath but I am thrilled at the progress made, just the encouragement I need to keep going. I've got another summer top was too tight when I bought it, so my next goal is to get comfortably into that.

Tuesday's Menu

B: Raspberries, ground almonds & flax with cream.
L: Low Carb bubble & squeak with 3 sausages. Few salted almonds.
D: Baked Pollock with celeriac chips & green beans. 85% chocolate

Wednesday's Menu

B: Scrambled Egg & bacon
L: 2 lamb chops and roasted green beans. Salted Almonds
D: Bolognese with cabbage. 85% chocolate.

Callanetics: 45 mins

Monday's Menu - 28 January 2013

2013-01-28T19:27:00.000+00:00

Determined to have a quiet week this week, not going to House Group or any other meetings. Had a lovely quiet, restful day today and yesterday.

Sunday's Menu

B: 2 boiled eggs.
L: Pork chop, mashed celeriac, cabbage, sprouts, broccoli & carrots. 1 slice Molly Cake
T: Egg & cheese salad. 85% chocolate.

Monday's Menu

B: Fried egg & bacon
L: Pork chop & stir fried cabbage. Mixed Nuts
D: 3 sausages, mashed celeriac, mashed swede, cabbage, sprouts & broccoli.

Callanetics; 45 mins

Slight Improvement - Saturday 26 January 2013

2013-01-26T10:10:00.000+00:00

Been having an easier few days and I'm beginning to feel the benefits. Energy levels have improved. I've also managed to cut out the milk chocolate (so far) and that has made a big impact. On Thursday I had a Church meetigng to attend in the evening so I did very little during the day apart from a few surveys. On Friday I did Callanetics, so again did very little the rest of the day. Today will be busier as I've got the Lidl shop and a few things online that must be submitted today. Decided I'm not going to Church tomorrow as I don't think I'm up to it just now, will just listen to some teaching on the internet.

Thursday's Menu

B: Fried egg & bacon
L: 2 boiled eggs. mixed nuts
D: Chilli with cabbage. 85% chocolate. Mug of Cocoa

Friday's Menu

B: 2 boiled eggs
L: 2 lamb chops. Peanuts
D: Fish pie (fish in a creamy sauce, topped with mashed cauliflower), broccoli. 85% chocolate

Callanetics: 45 mins.

Saturday's Menu

B: Flax, raspberries & cream
L: 2 boiled eggs. Mixed nuts
D: Fish pie, celeriac chips & green beans (if I can gets some from Lidl) 85% chocolate

Bad Patch - Wednesday 23 January 2013

2013-01-23T14:30:00.000+00:00

I think Christmas and the extra activity these last few weeks are taking their toll. This week I am struggling. I've absolutely no energy, have brain fog and can't think straight. Eating chocolates and sugary foods has not helped, in fact I think its a major contributor to how I'm feeling at the moment. Finding it difficult to plan, cook meals, and then have the energy to eat them. Decided today to keep house work, meetings etc to a minimum. I've made a pan of cauliflower and cream cheese soup that will do lunch for the next 3 days. Decided I will have 85% chocolate each day until I get the cravings under control and then gradually cut down so I only have chocolate at weekends. When will I learn! Each Christmas I say I will not give in to the high carb foods or chocolates and each time I fail and end up like this! Despite the lack of energy I'm determined to keep up with the Callanetics even if it means not doing anything else. I have cut back to doing them only twice a week instead of three but I do feel much better once I've completed a Callanetics session.

Menu

B: Fried egg & bacon
L: Cauliflower & Cream cheese soup. Piece of Lactofree cheese
D: Bolognese with cabbage. Mixed nuts. 85% chocolate.

Hoping to tackle a small portion of the ironing pile later today - I need some clean clothes to wear!

Menu -Thursday 17 January 2013

2013-01-17T15:10:00.000+00:00

Didn't get time to post yesterday so here's yesterday's and today's menu's.

Wednesday

B: Fried egg, 3 rashers of bacon
L: 2 Lamb chops with stir fried cabbage.
D: Smoked Haddock with celeriac chips in a cream cheese & onion sauce. Mixed nuts. Mug of Cocoa

Thursday

B: Fried egg and 3 rashers of bacon.
L: 2 Lamb chops with salad.
D: Smoked Haddock in cream cheese & onion sauce with celeriac chips & roasted green beans.

Callanetics: 40 mins

Don't know where the time has gone today I feel as though I've been chasing my tail all day and still have loads to do. Got the Church quiz tonight so no time to think of anything different for tea.

Bye Bye Mr T - Tuesday 15 January 2013

2013-01-15T21:41:00.001+00:00

Succeeded in avoiding Mr T's today. Got all I needed from Aldi, Iceland and Sainsbury's. Must admit I think it will be slightly more expensive but I'm going to try and manage. I much prefer Sainsbury's for Customer service. I will get vegetables and meat etc from Lidl at the weekend.

Menu

B: Flax Porridge
L: Lactofree cheese. Nut mixture (walnuts, Brazil's & hazelnuts)
D: Chilli with Celeriac wedges & cabbage. 2 squares 85% chocolate.

Snack; Peanuts.

I think because I didn't have a substantial enough lunch I felt hungry this evening so ended up eating chocolate and peanuts. After shopping I just didn't have time to prepare a proper lunch. Hope to do better the rest of the week. Have recently discovered that Cashew nuts are quite high in carbs so I'm hoping to phase them out and gradually stock up on lower carb nuts such as walnuts, Brazil's etc.

Weight Gain - Monday 14 January

2013-01-14T09:41:00.000+00:00

Discovered I'd gained another llb this weekend :( Both girls are now back at Uni so hopefully I will be able to give my full attention to losing weight. Started again in earnest on Saturday after a terrible week of eating rubbish. Decided the only way forward was to stop eating chocolate altogether until I get things back under control. It is DS birthday next week(he wants to go to an Indian Restaurant), so if I can make it 'til then without chocolate I intend to reward myself with Curry and RICE. Since starting low carbing I've only had rice twice and it is something I really miss. I've also been drinking more which I think is helping.

Sunday's Menu

B: Flax, blueberries & cream
L: Pork chop, mashed celeriac, carrots, cabbage, sprouts & cauliflower
T: 1 slice ham, 2 hard boiled eggs & salad. Peanuts

Monday's Menu

B: Scrambled egg, 1 sausage, 1 bacon
L: Lamb chop, cabbage & roasted green beans
D: Bolognese on a bed of cabbage.

Callanetics; 40 mins

Had a run in with Tesco last week re stocking lactofree products. After several emails to Head Office and them indicating if I had any trouble to ask for the Duty Manager. The week before Christmas when I was doing my Christmas shop I could not find any Lactofree products. After emailing Head Office I was informed they had been moved to a different aisle. Last week I went looking for Lactofree hard cheese, couldn't find it so asked an assistant working on that aisle. I was told it had been discontinued. I decided to ask for the Duty Manager after I'd finished my shopping. At the Customer Services desk I was told the Duty Manager was not available but if I gave them the details they would get back to me. Two days later I received a phone call confirming the cheese had been discontinued due to lack of demand. I'm sure I'm not the only one who buys this product but I think due to Tesco's inconsistency in maintaining supplies people have gone elsewhere. I have decided to do the same, so tomorrow when I do the weekly shop I will be boycotting Tesco. I have been buying more and more in discounts shops such as Aldi and Lidl anyway so I think I can survive without Tesco.

Sleep Deprivation - 8 January 2013

2013-01-08T16:15:00.000+00:00

Have not slept well for the past two nights. Been getting to sleep well after 1am and waking around 4-30 am, hence I've not had much energy or been able to concentrate on much. Caved in and had 5 Quality Street chocolates today, just so tired and no will power to resist.

Menu

B: Blueberries, flax and cream
L: Ham salad. Peanuts.
D: Smoked haddock with celeriac chips and roasted green beans. Mug of cocoa. 2 squares 84% chocolate.

Happy New Year - 7 January 2013

2013-01-07T15:56:00.002+00:00

I wonder what the year will bring! I'm not feeling very positive about it. I think there will be judgement brought upon the UK government for going against Gods way when they pushed for the Gay marriage bill. Things also look very bleak in the Middle East. It is fascinating to see bible prophecy being fulfilled before your very eyes - read Isaiah Chapter 17 or Psalm 83 verses 1-5 I am looking forward to the return of the Lord Jesus - Maranatha!

Now on to the more menial matters of health and low carbing. I did really well avoiding carbs until the Friday after Christmas, from then on it all went downhill. As a result I have put on 3lbs and feel terrible. Today is the first day of strict low carbing and I've had a headache most of the time.

Today's menu

B: Scrambled eggs, 1 sausage, 1 rasher of bacon.
L: 2 slices of ham, salad. Peanuts
D: Bolognese with cabbage. Mug of cocoa

3 squares 84% chocolate as I was tempted to delve into the sweetie (Quality Street etc)tins and thought this was a better option.

Callanetics: 30 mins.

DS is now back at school but both daughter's still have a few days left until they return to Uni. It has been great having them home.

Molly Cake - 20 December 2012

2012-12-20T13:40:00.000+00:00

Have been caught up with Christmas preparations hence not posting as often. As promised I've finally got round to posting the Molly Cake recipe. This is not a low carb recipe but it is 'clean eating' suitable for those with dairy or gluten intolerances.

MOLLY CAKE

Serves 8

250g Stoned Dates, roughly chopped

300ml water

85g plain flour

85g whole wheat flour

3 tsps baking powder

1 tsp ground mixed spice

500g mixed dried fruit

50g ground almonds

80ml Orange Juice

1. Pre-heat oven to 1700C?Gas Mark 3 and line 2 loaf tins with baking parchment (this will make two flattish cakes, or for a full sized cake just use one loaf tin)

2. Put the dates and water in a pan and bring to the boil. Remove from the heat and set aside.

3. Sieve the plain flour, baking powder and mixed spice into a bowl. Add the whole meal flour, mixed fruit and ground almond. Stir to combine. Stir in the wet date mixture and the orange juice. Mix well. Add more water if too dry.

4. Spoon into the tin(s). Bake for 50 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Turn out onto a wire rack and cool.

I substituted the flour with gluten free brown rice flour and to make it more festive I replaced the orange juice with brandy

Wednesday's Menu

B: Bacon and fried egg

L: 2 Lamb chops with roasted green beans

D: Keema & cauliflower & cabbage Bhaji. 2 squares of carob. 1 Mug of cocoa

Thursday's Menu

B: Bacon & egg

L: 2 lamb chops. Stir fried cabbage. Cashew nuts

D; Keema with cauliflower & cabbage bhaji. Mug of Cocoa

Not sure if I will get to post again before Christmas, if not may I wish all my readers Every Blessing over this holiday time.

Tree Decorating and Present Wrapping

2012-12-15T21:50:00.000+00:00

Spent most of the day putting up the tree. Discovered DS was not in the least bit interested in decorating it so I found myself with the rare pleasure of decorating it all by myself. It was both a pleasure and a sadness, knowing those special family times have gone, probably forever.

Friday 14 December 2012

Menu

B: Cinnamon Flax porridge
L: 2 slices of Genius Gluten free bread with butter.
D: Boiled Egg and 2 slices of Genius Gluten Free bread with butter

Had a bit of a tummy upset today so tried to eat lightly. I had a few slices of gluten free bread in the freezer which I thought I would use up (I'm desperate for space), not very low carb today I know but.......

Saturday 15 December 2012

B: Flax, raspberries & lactofree cream
L: Boiled egg. Peanuts
D: 2 lamb chops & celeriac chips. 1 square of 74% chocolate

Stomach a bit more settled today. By teatime I was so hungry I decided to risk it with the chops.
Went to Lidl this morning but there weren't that many bargains. I managed to get reduced price clementines and Bisto Best gravy granules which were much cheaper than in Tesco.

Spent the afternoon wrapping presents and realised there were some I'd completely forgotten to buy, but that is all in hand now.

Feeling absolutely exhausted and still there are things to do. Next week I hope to make my gluten/lactose free treats and get the ham cooked. I will probably have enough stock to make a big pan of soup. There will also be those last minute presents to wrap. I also need to get the girls rooms ready for their return and do ordinary housework like ironing, just hope I can keep going. I still need energy for cooking the dinner on Christmas Day. Apparently both Call the Midwife and Downton Abbey are on TV on Christmas Night just hope I'm not too tired to watch them.

Oven Cleaning Urgh! - Thursday 13 December 2012

2012-12-13T22:15:00.000+00:00

B: Bakewell Porridge
L: 2 chicken drumsticks & stir fried cabbage. Peanuts
D: Chilli with cabbage and celeriac chips. Mug of Cocoa. 1 square 74% chocolate

Spent most of the day cleaining the cooker, now its already for the Christmas dinner! Did a little dusting and put the Nativity scene out. OH has agreed to put the ceiling decorations up and I will do the tree tomorrow. With all these preparations I've had neither the time nor the energy to do Callanetics, I'm hoping to do at least one session next week just to keep my stamina up.

Low Carb Christmas Cocoa - Wednesday 12 December 2012

2012-12-12T11:59:00.000+00:00

B: Scrambled egg and smokey bacon
L: chicken drumsticks with stir fried cabbage. Cashew Nuts
D: Bolognese with cauliflower. Mug of Cocoa

I always make my cocoa with lactofree cream to ensure I have enough fats but I vary the flavours depending on how I'm feeling.

Rum: add a few drops of rum essence or as a real treat use real rum but this will contain carbs
Peppermint: add a few drops of peppermint essence
Cinnamon: add 1/2-1tsp of cinnamon powder - this is real Christmassy

I also have flavoured tea. I use Redbush tea leaves and always make tea in the teapot. To my tea caddy I occasionally add one or all of the following:

bayleaves broken up
cardammon seeds
powdered cinnamon
powdered ginger
cloves

I then use the tea mixture as I usually would to make a pot of tea. The result is a lovely spiced Indian tea. You can still add milk if you want to, I do! Of course you could just add a few drops of rum essence to your mug of tea for an alternative flavour!

In the summer I have added mint leaves or even lavender to my tea mixture for a more refreshing taste.

Happy tea drinking everyone!

Monday & Tuesday 10 & 11 December 2012

2012-12-11T11:45:00.000+00:00

Monday's Menu

B: Fried egg and 3 rashers of bacon
L: 3 sausages. Peanuts
D: Pork chop & fried cabbage. Mug of cocoa

Quite a busy day and not much time to cook. Had a work assignment this morning which I spent the afternoon writing up, and then I had do the weekly shop this evening. So tired by the end of the day

Tuesday's Menu

B: Fried egg & bacon ( the egg didn't turn out very nice so I ended up having cashew nuts to fill me up)
L: Out to friends house not sure what we're having.
D: Haddock in cream cheese sauce (lactofree of course), celeriac chips & roasted green beans.

Off to deliver some home made jam to a friend today and we will be having lunch there. Not too sure what we're getting but I will just accept whatever is given me as it would be rude not to. I will try to eat low carb if it is at all possible.

My First Stone! - Sunday 9 December 2012

2012-12-09T12:17:00.000+00:00

SATURDAY

Pleased to report I have reached my first milestone today - I have lost 1st 1lb so far. Still got a long way to go, but so pleased.

Menu

B: Low carb raspberry cheesecake
D: 3 sausages & spicy green beans
T: 2 boiled eggs. Salted peanuts.

Went to a Christmas quiz at church and whilst there I had:

2 mint Matchstickmakers.
1 Quality Street toffee penny
1 glass of mulled (non-alcholic) punch

SUNDAY

Menu

B: Low carb raspberry cheesecake
D: Pork chop, mashed celeriac, cabbage, broccoli, sprouts & carrots.
T: 2 boiled eggs. Salted Peanuts. Mug of cocoa (no chocolate tonight as I had so much yesterday)