Wednesday 31 August 2011

Allergic reaction

Well Yesterday, I went and had blood taken, 5 viles later. To try and find out what is causing these allergic reactions.  They said it will take a week to get the results, so fingers crossed that I can get some answers.
Been suffering with this on and off now since 2006. As it is irregular,so it has been and is hard to pin point down from what. I know certain meds I can take, but it happens even if I haven’t take those meds. I am left with more Questions then answers.
And the Doc said there is a 50/50 chance we will find out or not.
So here is wishing me luck.
Will keep you posted.

Weight loss

On the total AWESOME side of things I have lost a total of 5.8kg’s so far. My CM’s I still have to measure but I am so happy I could SH$% rainbows. ;-)
Still lots to go, but baby steps and we will get there. Taking each day, and each meal at a time.
My Microwave is dead, so I am now using my 2 layer steamer, which is okay, just a pain to clean.
Made such a nice vegetable pizza, last night, with loads of vegetables, I tend to just “fry” more like boil, my mushrooms with abit of water to help the cooking process along, before putting them on the pizza. It was so yummy. And had none of those  unhappy feelings afterwards either.
Until next time.

Monday 29 August 2011

The Weekend away and the Prawn Shack

Friday the 26Th – all packed, Made sure all of my LG) Little Girl) stuff is all packed to stay and Granny and Grandpa for the Weekend. Okay it is only one night, but still you worry and you have to pack for anything that could or might happen.
Saturday the 27Th -  We were up very early, packed the bakkie, said our good byes and we were on our way, stopped off to get something to eat for brekky, and on the road.
The weather was cold and raining. No sun in sight.
We arrived to our B & B and got all settled, everyone arrived and at 11:30am we were all there and left to go to the Prawn Shack.  We had our welcome drinks got all settled and enjoyed our lazy Lunch which only finished at about 5pm. And we were all collected and on our way home at about 6:30pm. And Murphy Law, as we were about to leave the heaven opened and the rained poured down.
We got home after our 45min drive, and started the braai’s and etc.
We all had a great time, I sneaked off to bed by 11ish, and I was finished after beening up so early in the morning.
Sunday Morning, we were up so early again, not by choice, but the Ducks had other plans and they were making such a noise, one had no choice to wake up. If I can call it waking up, didn’t sleep very well at all.  It was a very Rustic place we stayed in. A framed grass cabins, with 2 beds with a thin mattress.  So after waking up had 2 cups of coffee and waited for everyone to wake up and wait for Breakfast to be served.
We ate brekkie and then we packed up and went home. and just vegged on the couch for the rest of Sunday.

Specialist Visit

Made my way my way to his office. I was very nerves and excited to get some answers. I hate hosptials and his offices were in the hosptial.On what is causing this tongue swelling and other problems I seem to be getting and no one’s seems to know what is going on.
So he is what he said:  that I have Allergic Oedema. Basically I swell up from an allergic reaction. He said I have like a 50/50 chance of finding out what causes it, some people never do. At the moment I am staying away from the medications that I have had a reaction too. I am trying to keep things as simple as possible.
He has ordered Blood test, which I will go and visit the Vampires on Friday after work or maybe sooner to get them done. Once that is done we will just have to wait and see what they tell us.
It is quite scary not knowing what is causing it, it is like Russian relent every time I take something or eat something, never knowing if this is going to be the one item that is going to cause swelling.
Until next time.
Be a Yummy Mummy.

Thursday 25 August 2011

Wonderfull Food and Summer Time

I love food; I love everything about it, the way it tastes and the way it makes you feel.
And I am learning every day, that food is not bad for you, you need to play around with recipes and dishes, and make them work for you, in a more healthy way. Not loaded with calories and loads of fat.
Making small changes that are making a bit difference, drinking rooibos tea instead of regular tea, changing from Full Cream to low fat or skim milk.  Grilling instead of frying.
And I can see this spring and summer, we are going to be doing a lot of Grilling, Hubby just brought a gas braai for outside, so on those hot summer evenings, we can sit outside on our sundeck and have a healthy and light dinner. Great for the soul and waistline.
Our pool is looking good all ready for summer too. Made a personal note to make sure I spend more time swimming this spring and summer. Helps with ones tan as well great for overall workout.
Such exciting times ahead. Talking about exciting times, I never told you what  I got for my Woman’s Day gift , and it has been wonderful, I got a 7Inch Galaxy tablet, what a beaut. Been doing all kinds of App to help me, calorie counter, workout log, convert app etc. you name it I most likely downloaded it.
Just counting the days until I received my Blackberry, got about a week to go, getting rather excited. Girls and our toys.
You must try the 30day health muffin recipe it is yummy.
Take care.
Yummy mummy.

Wednesday 24 August 2011

Balancing Act.

Things are all upside down. I have either been man down with the flu or been having allergic reactions to what I have no idea. Tongue swelling and hand and feet. Going to see a specialist this week, have on idea what is causing it, I have not eaten or taken anything I haven't had before.

I have had to go back to basics, and plan each meal and day at a time and introduce exercise slowly again. I have been doing 15mins on the bike a day, and slowly increase each work out by 2 mins. Taking things slowly, as I don't want to relapse and end up getting sick and then I am man down for another 2 weeks.

Gail's blog has been a great motivational tool for me. After reading her blogs, I get the extra push I need to get into action. So thanks Gail.

We are going away this weekend to the Prawn Shack, looking forward to the get away, not sure how many points the lazy lunch at the Prawn shack is going to be, but I am sure trying to save points, with exercising and eating light this week.

see ya .

Beef and Bean Chili

Beef and Bean Chili
From the Recipe exchange at http://www.weight-watchers.com/
From The Weight Watchers Complete Cookbook and Program Basics
7.5 Points Per Serving

1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon olive oil
1 cup onions, chopped
1/2 cup carrot, chopped
1/4 cup celery, chopped
1/4 cup green bell pepper, chopped
2 teaspoons garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon seeded jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
10 ounces extra-lean ground beef, 10% or less fat
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
2 cups canned plum tomatoes with juice, chopped
16 ounces cooked pinto or kidney beans, rinsed, drained
1/2 teaspoon salt
Pinch pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup nonfat sour cream
1/4 cup chopped red onion
Chopped fresh cilantro

1. In large saucepan, heat oil; add onions, carrot, celery, bell pepper, garlic and jalapeno. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent, about 15 minutes.
2. Add beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon; saut'e until no longer pink, about 2-3 minutes. Add chili powder, cumin, oregano and coriander, cook and stir 1 minute.
3. Add tomatoes, beans, salt and pepper; reduce heat to low and simmer gently, partially covered, 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in cilantro before serving. Top each serving with 1 tablespoon each of sour cream, red onion and come cilantro.
Makes 4 Servings
Each serving (1 cup) provides: 1 F, 2 V, 2 P, 2 B, 10 opt calories
Per serving: 388 calories, 27 g Protein, 13 g Fat, 43 g Carbohydrate, 566 mg Sodium, 44 mg Cholesterol, 7 g Dietary Fiber
Since there are a lot of ingredients to measure out, which is time consuming, I always double this recipe and freeze individual dinners for later. I do cook it differently. I completely cook the ground beef in a separate pan, drain the fat, then add the cooked beef to the cooked vegetables. I also use regular canned peeled tomatoes instead of canned plum tomatoes because plum tomatoes are so expensive. I also use 2 Tablespoons chili powder instead of 1 T like the recipe calls for, and I add an 8-ounce can of tomato sauce or paste. I also use a whole bell pepper. (I use kidney beans). You will have to make it and adjust ingredients to your taste.

30 Day Muffins (Makes 50 muffins)

Here is a muffin mix that you can prepare when you have a moment, then store it in your fridge for up to 30 days. Whenever you feel like having a fresh muffin, pour some of the mixture into a muffin pan, add some extras (optional) and whip it into the oven. Enjoy!
Ingredients
8 Eggs
500ml Vegetable Oil
200g Bran
10 cups Nutty Wheat
2 litres Milk
600g Brown Sugar
50ml Bicarbonate of Soda
10ml Salt
20ml Vanilla Essence
Method
1. Beat the eggs and oil together until well emulsified.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix until well combined.
3. This mixture keeps for 1 month in the fridge. When you want to bake muffins, do so in a buttered tin, at 180°C for 15-20 minutes.
4. Variations: Grated Apple, Grated Carrot, Grated Cheese, nuts and seeds, blue berries, raisins, dried fruit, banana and cinnamon, butternut.