When I arrived home after yoga last night, I thought, “So… I have to try the Savory Chicken Soup tonight. On my last blog last week, I indicated that I was going to try it – and this is my last chance before I write another blog entry.” Yeeks! I just honestly did NOT want to try it. I had been avoiding it. I have read too many reviews, comments, and questions from people not liking it or struggling to add the right ingredients to make it taste better. That sounded like too much work and iffy results at best.
When the 2.1 flavor sample bundles were offered, I purchased four of them. I went through the new flavor samples in record time but never touched the soup; four sample packages of Savory Chicken Soup have been in the pantry since last August.
As I pulled a pan from the cabinet, I said, “Now I have to see if I can remember how to use a pan.” That made him laugh but it was true. I don’t remember the last time I even used a pan or the stove. I do not like to cook. I put 2½ cups of water in the pan then slowly added the Savory Chicken Soup powder with a whisk. With the burner on too high, I promptly scalded my soup and left a layer stuck to the bottom of the pan. 🙁
I handed my mug of hot soup to my husband and made him try it first. I was still super hesitant – and I was willing to give my honest opinion here. But he liked it! So I had to take it from him and try it myself. After just a couple of sips, I added one bouillon cube which made it taste just right. We both really liked it! For what it’s worth, we decided that the flavor is “like warm milk with a hint of chicken” and agreed that this warm/savory meal option is a game changer. At that point though, it was only water, soup mix, and bouillon – I hadn’t added any fat. As I sipped on it, I tried to imagine if I would like it better with some cream or butter next time. This time though, I was adding cheese! 🙂 If Chris can have cheese in his soup, then – by golly – so can I! I measured out 28 g shredded sharp cheddar (because that’s how much my calorie allowance permitted) and dumped it in. I have to say it was almost heavenly. After having only cold/sweet meals three times a day this entire month, I finally had a warm/savory meal in my hands. It was so good!! I never thought I would say this, but – I will actually be buying a 21-meal “week” package of this flavor. And I am excited to try the two new soup flavors that are currently being tested!
Last week, I rejoined a beginner yoga class that I had previously attended – I had stopped going at the end of September for a petty reason. I have now been to three classes (Thursday, Sunday, Tuesday) and it feels great! I am so glad I started going again. I am not an athletic person and have never done much (any) exercise. For some reason, beginner yoga suits me well. It gives me an awareness of my body, builds a little strength, and improves flexibility and balance.
Slow weight loss can be unbelievably discouraging. I have no patience for just about anything. Results are important to see when I am working hard at something. When I weighed over 200 pounds, I lost and gained the same 30 (sometimes 70) pounds over and over. The weight loss was usually relatively quick then compared to what I am encountering now. Looking at my average weight per week, I have lost a little more than 2 pounds this month. That is a bummer – but – it aligns with the facts: female, short, middle-aged, desk job, sedentary. So I have to accept it. If I want the scales to move faster, I have to decrease my calories or increase my activity level. Since I am not currently willing to do either of those things, I will stay the course and see where it leads me.
I have found that I am consuming my food later in the day than ever before. Lately, my shakes have been consumed around 3:00-4:00 pm, 6:00-7:00 pm, and 8:00-9:00 pm. Some would call this “intermittent fasting” (which actually means time-restricted eating) with a five- or six-hour eating window and 18-19 hours of “fasting” (18:6). I have a difficult time claiming that I do intermittent fasting, though, because I allow myself one tablespoon of heavy whipping cream in my coffee each morning and because I often drink bouillon throughout the day to increase my sodium intake. There are a dozen differing opinions on what a person can consume during their “fasting” hours. By the standards which allow beverages under 50 calories, I am “fasting” from approximately 9:00 pm to 3:00 pm each day. My reason for doing this is not for any of the typical benefits that people claim for “intermittent fasting” but rather for the reason that it helps me keep my daily calories in check. The earlier in the day that I eat, the more total calories I will likely consume. If I can postpone eating, it is easier for me to eat less.
The DietBet Challenge has ended. I enjoyed interacting with some other participants in the “activity” area of the “game”. Thankfully, I met the 4% goal with official weigh-ins of 140.6 and 134.2 (6.4 lbs lost).
If you want to ask me questions, you can reach me through the Facebook Keto Chow Support Group or the Reddit Keto Chow sub where I am fairly active. I love feedback and interaction. Supporting others in their journey ultimately helps me be successful in mine!
