Week 5, 2019 with Trim Healthy Mama

The menu plan for week 5 is complete.  Initially I planned to do a one week “Fuel Cycle” challenge this week, but I have decided to start it on Saturday.   Over these past months we have been sharing dinners with our daughter who is also attempting to follow the THM eating plan.  Since she will be gone for one week beginning Saturday, I decided to do the challenge while she is gone.  The ‘Ole Buckeye will have supplemental options in addition to what I am eating.  I have been frustrated with the current stall I have experienced.

I have spent some time this week attempting to reeducate myself on THM and the experiences that others have had during times like this.  I have learned several things and hope to put what I have learned into my menu planning.   I have not been as disciplined as I need to be.   I have been relying on too many S meals, many heavy with cheese and cream.  I also tend to wait too long between meals or snacks.  I simply need to “get with the program”.

The challenge during week 5 will begin on Saturday and extend into week 6.  Each day will have the same category of meal and snack for the entire day.  I have read that it is important have an “E” day prior to beginning the challenge.   Friday will be an E day followed by 2 Deep S days, 2 E days, and 2 Fuel Pull Days, ending with a final Deep S day.  It will take additional prep and planning, but I am determined to get a “jump start” on my weight loss and boost my metabolism.

Breakfast planning is easy and I already have some individually packaged breakfasts in the freezer.   There are no new meals. Every thing planned has been enjoyed in the past.

Upside Down Pineapple Oatmeal   THM E

Tex Mex Breakfast Scramble   THM Deep S

The plan for lunches will take more preparation than usual.   I also have some snacks planned.  Cheese and nuts are not permitted on Deep S days and I normally depend on both of those options.

 

Chinese Chicken Salad THM S page 199 Trim Healthy Table

Cornbread in a Bowl with Beans   THM E

“Cheesy” Sausage Cabbage Skillet   THM Deep S

Creamy Vanilla Custard Shake   THM Deep S

Tangy and Sweet Vinaigrette   THM Deep S

Quinoa Goes Cajun THM E (from the freezer) page 69 Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook.

Cinnamon Roll Protein Smoothie    THM E

Dinner for week 5 features only one new untried recipe…the orange chicken.  All of the other meals are repeats and several are favorites.  The key will be using sides that meet all of the criteria of the main course.  Plenty of low carb vegetables for the S days and good fresh fruit and rice or quinoa for the E days.  I won’t be able to throw things together at the last minute.  Every aspect of every meal including the salad dressings and condiments must be thought out.   Sunday is to be a 70 degree day and I hope the prediction proves to be true.  Good steaks on the grill would be a real treat.

 

Ranch Hand Taco Salad THM E page 200 Trim Healthy Table

Orange Chicken   THM E

Cowboy Grub THM E page 59 Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook.

I plan to keep track of the complete meal each day as well as snacks, drinks, and desserts.  If successful I would use the meal plan for future challenges.  If parts are not successful, I will determine good alternatives so that planning will not be as time consuming.  It would be great to be able to utilize a complete “Fuel Cycle” menu plan that has been proven.

I would be remiss if I didn’t share successes from week 4.   We truly had a great week of eating.  There was some juggling which is why the Ranch Hand Taco Salad appears during week 5.  The ‘Ole Buckeye and I enjoyed a belated Valentine dinner on Friday night at Becca’s in the newly renovated Cavalier Hotel in Virginia Beach.  Fabulous food and atmosphere.  Cavalier   We learned a long time ago NEVER to go out on Valentine’s Day (or Mothers’ Day), but the next evening was just as special.  I can’t wait to go back in good weather and sit outside.

Sausage Parmesan Cream Cheese Soup   THM S As reported last week…Delish.

Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken   THM S  A dinner success all around.  My daughter ranked it above several other chicken dishes I have prepared in the past.  It was especially nice to have dinner cook in the crock pot while I was away…and come home to deliciousness.

Chicken Piccata   THM S  An ‘Ole Buckeye favorite.  I omit the flour and dredge the chicken in parmesan cheese.  I now purchase the big “Green” packages of Parmesan from Costco.

Raspberry Cheesecake Mousse   THM S  Made for a nice Valentine dessert with a little squirt of low fat Reddi Whip!

Sweet and Spicy Orange Salmon   THM S   Although the ‘Ole Buckeye prefers Salmon with lemon and capers, this was indeed a nice change.  Very tasty and not too spicy.

Garlic Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice   THM S  Yum.  This cauliflower rice was extremely good, possibly the best I have made.  Next time I will go a little lighter on the garlic.

All in all we had a great week of eating.  The only downside is that the pounds gained on the cruise remain.  Sigh.  Oh well, I will keep learning and as I continue implementing the new things I learn, hopefully the current stall will come to an end.  Here’s to the challenge ahead.  Bon Appetit.