This is what my dinns consists of most evenings of late, with a variation of fish and chicken so there hasn’t been a recipe the past couple of weeks. Apologies for the bad quality photograph.
T-Bone steak and salad with a yoghurt and sweet chilli dressing
I have over the past while gained a few unwanted kilos, which wasn’t too difficult to accomplish however trying to get rid of them aint so easy! It is very true the older you get, the more difficult it is to shed a few kilos. So in light of an important birthday coming up in May, I thought I would get a head start before I am officially, well let’s just say a little older.
Anyhoo, without dwelling on the unwanted weight, I have been a very good girl the past couple of weeks watching my calorie intake, increasing my portein, using minimal fat and have for the most part cut carbs out all together – something I didn’t believe was possible, but here I am a couple of weeks in and I am still here to tell the tale. I have never really had much of a sweet tooth so I haven’t cut back on my sugar intake except for consuming very little fruit. I am not officially dieting as I don’t believe in diets, I am just being concious of what I am eating.
An average breakfast consists of an egg or two usually scrambled or an omelet of sorts and occasionally a wee cheat with brown bread French toast. Lunch is a salad with protein of sorts and supper pretty much consisting of the same alternatively stir fried veggies with protein. I have not deprived myself of my wine (yip, I have forgone the gin and tonics) and enjoy a spritzer (which also helps with the calories) in the evenings with my meal. If I get peckish through the day, I will have a yoghurt and I drink lots of water with lemon and still quite a few cups of tea.
I don’t anticipate I would be this successful in winter, although, I could survive on soup and carb free hearty stews.
So here’s to me reaching the point (soon I hope) where I feel comfortable again – I have no idea what that equates to in kilos as I am not particularly concerned with what number the scale throws out at me. Once “there” I will slowly incorporate the foods I have cut out so I can maintain my comfort level.
Follow me
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You are well on the way to losing that weight my friend, it is the worst!
But I like your battle plan!
Cheers
CCU
By: Choc Chip Uru on February 14, 2013
at 07:20
A slow process indeed CCU but well worth it, I hope. Have a super day.
xo
By: thecompletecookbook on February 14, 2013
at 08:09
I have cut down on my carbs and like you I still enjoy my glass of wine:) and hopefully all this decorating I am doing will help me lose as well. Still no camera, so no blogging for me either.
By: Sous Chef on February 14, 2013
at 10:16
The wine also helps with the sanity factor… I bet all your decorating will go a long way to helping the weight loss and help you firm up to. A double win.
No, how very upsetting about your camera! Hope you get it sorted soon. Enjoy the rest of your decorating. 
xo
By: thecompletecookbook on February 14, 2013
at 12:04
Last year, I planned to lose at lease 10 kg, but instead I gained 5 kg. It’s so so difficult to get rid of the extra weight. I think I need to work a little harder on it. I like your plan, too. And I might adapt it into my life
By: Tesney Ap on February 14, 2013
at 11:16
It’s not too difficult Tes, although it does take a certain amount of discipline and adding exercise would help speed up the process too. Best of luck, I hope you achieve your goal weight soon.
xo
By: thecompletecookbook on February 14, 2013
at 12:02
Dont worry, I’m NEVER successful in winter! hehe
By: suckitupnotin on February 14, 2013
at 11:31
Thanks for stopping by Caddie. Winter is no fun in any way. Have a super day.
By: thecompletecookbook on February 14, 2013
at 12:03
o man..weight….I have been having a hard time to look at the me in the mirror…who is that fat lady!! The steak looks so good!
By: Angie@Angie's Recipes on February 14, 2013
at 16:02
Angie, I bet you look stunning! Have a lovely day.
xo
By: thecompletecookbook on February 14, 2013
at 16:54
I started a low carb diet in Jan 2012 and am down over 100 lbs. It does work. I live on low carb soups most of the time. Good luck.
By: chefconnie on February 14, 2013
at 16:46
Hi Connie, thanks for stopping by and for your encouraging words! Congratulations on your wonderful weight loss. I will pop over for some inspirational recipes. Have a happy day.
By: thecompletecookbook on February 14, 2013
at 16:57
Well done to you – this is exactly the aproach I take when I need to. Well, to be honest, I always need to…but when I extra specially need to! Good luck and can’t believe you’re going to be …. what 20…25?!
By: Chica Andaluza on February 14, 2013
at 20:33
Tanya, you are my favourite – halving my age is the bestest ever compliment EVER! Have a beautiful weekend. I am going to a nieces birthday so will no doubt fall of the wagon a wee bit. Oh well, not the end of the world, I will just pick up from where I left off again on Sunday.
xo
By: thecompletecookbook on February 15, 2013
at 10:06
Even though there’s not a carb in sight, that’s a great looking dinner for someone trying to shed a few kilos. I think lots of people are cutting out carbs these days and my older two both scream at me, ‘There’s no carbs in that is there?’ It’s as if carbs are poison xx
By: hotlyspiced on February 14, 2013
at 21:36
Well Charlie, carbs are my poison, although saying that, it has been easier to cut them out than I thought – hope all hell doesn’t break loose when I incorporate them back into my diet. Have a super carb filled weekend.
xo
By: thecompletecookbook on February 15, 2013
at 10:09
Thats the problem with food bloggers like us, cook shoot and eat a lot
I think I should start a fitness blog as well
By: rsmacaalay on February 14, 2013
at 22:06
Oh yes, that other important element in loosing weight – exercise – trying my hand at that too but not the most fun thing. Have a great weekend Raymund.
By: thecompletecookbook on February 15, 2013
at 10:10
It sounds like you’ll drop those additional kilos in no time, Mandy. You certainly have a good plan and the wherewithal to stick to it. I really need to follow your example and pay more attention to what I’m eating. It was a very good — make that VERY good — holiday season and I look like it was even better. Whatever happened to that metabolism we all had at 20 years of age, where we could lose a kilo just by skipping lunch?
Have a great weekend!
By: ChgoJohn on February 14, 2013
at 22:53
I want my “metabolism” back too John! Honestly, this getting older thing is not for sissies. AND I will have to shed a few extra kilos before coming to visit cause I know I will eat way too much. Have an awesome weekend too.
xo
By: thecompletecookbook on February 15, 2013
at 10:13
Ooh, yoghurt and sweet chili. The combo sounds great for steak and salad.
By: The Yum List on February 15, 2013
at 10:51
Hi Yum List, must say it worked very well. Thanks for stopping by and have a lovely weekend.
By: thecompletecookbook on February 15, 2013
at 11:34
What a lovely dinner. I would love to see this on my dinner table every night and be a happy girl.
By: Amy Tong on February 15, 2013
at 21:24
Hi Amy, thanks for stopping by and for your lovely compliment. Have a super weekend.:-)
By: thecompletecookbook on February 15, 2013
at 22:32
Even those of us in the Glutton Household have to eat healthier every once in a while…Liz demands it.
Hope you’re having a great weekend!
By: Jed Gray (sportsglutton) on February 16, 2013
at 16:08
Sadly the weight gain in our household demands the healthier regime. Oh well. Having a super weekend thanks Jed, hope you are too.
By: thecompletecookbook on February 17, 2013
at 10:24
the first thing i do when i want to lose a few pounds is cut out the carbs, once you get past the three day craving period it is plain sailing and wonderful. i always feel lighter,( metaphorically and physically) without the stodge and i have to agree that steak and salad is also my favourite dinner. When i lived alone this is what i ate when I cooked. LOVE it!! morning mandy.. celi
By: cecilia on February 17, 2013
at 15:59
Right, next steak and salad is for you Celia. Have a beautiful week ahead – I hope your weather starts warming soon.
xo
By: thecompletecookbook on February 17, 2013
at 21:14
I really do need to go on a diet, winter just lays it on no matter how hard we work, and i like my jeans to FIT! c
By: cecilia on February 18, 2013
at 00:10
Oh my Celi, with your perfect body, I’m sure your jeans fit perfectly.
xo
By: thecompletecookbook on February 18, 2013
at 08:56
I think your approach to getting to a comfortable weight is perfect. The way you are going about it is the way to successfully keep it all as well.
By: Karen on February 17, 2013
at 17:32
Thanks very much Karen. Although I went to my cousins little ones birthday party and fell off the wagon and ate a cupcake. No matter, back on track today. Have a lovely week ahead.
xo
By: thecompletecookbook on February 17, 2013
at 21:15
Looks Devine.
when I visit you, will you cook for me?
Love !! Xxxxxoooo
By: My Inner Chick on February 17, 2013
at 19:07
Oh yes, absolutely! Are you on your way yet? What shall I make for you first? Have a beautiful week ahead dear Kim.
xoxoxo
By: thecompletecookbook on February 17, 2013
at 21:16
You’re inspiring Mandy! I can totally relate. It started with our trip to New Orleans and then we rolled right into the holidays. And like you said – it’s hard to not go for some comfort foods in the winter. I’m trying though. Finally got my workouts back on track. Now if I could get my eating habits on board with that, all will be well again.
I agree with many of the sentiments above – wish I had my old metabolism back too! I like your approach and I think you’ll be right where you want to be for that big birthday. No doubts about it!
By: Kristy on February 18, 2013
at 06:43
The exercise bit is something I need to incorporate more Kristy – I do a little bit in the morning but could definitely do more which as we do will help the weight loss. Have a beautiful week ahead.
xo
By: thecompletecookbook on February 18, 2013
at 08:58
I don’t have scales – I think it’s better to gauge how you feel in terms of size, health and comfort. I think we know when we’re over-eating. Sounds like you have a sensible balanced plan.
By: Sally on February 18, 2013
at 09:29
Thought I was the only one who didn’t weigh herself – good to know I am not the only one who approaches it differently. Have a super week ahead Sally.
xo
By: thecompletecookbook on February 18, 2013
at 10:57
oh that weight is going to start falling off- just you wait and see! I believe the best results come when you take it slow and don’t limit yourself to everything! You have the perfect attitude about it and i know your going to do great. Hey and that t-bone looks mighty fine
By: Jessica Maher (@kbelleicious) on February 18, 2013
at 22:10
Thanks Belle! I would rather it take a wee bit longer to come off and to have it stay off permanently. Must say, the T-Bone was scrumity! Have a beautiful day.
xo
By: thecompletecookbook on February 19, 2013
at 09:15
I think I need to visit your weight loss strategy. That T-Bone looks amazing! Have a great week, Mandy!
By: bitsandbreadcrumbs on February 18, 2013
at 23:04
It would be fantastic to do it with a buddy Betsy, always makes it easier to stay motivated. Have a happy day.
xo
By: thecompletecookbook on February 19, 2013
at 09:16
What a great mouth watering meal! Speaking of weight…I’ve just started exercising to lose my weight. Since blogging, I’ve been suffering from weight gains. I think it’s not because of food intake, but mostly late night work and I cut down on my exercise so that I can blog. >_< You inspire me to keep on trying my exercise I just re-started…
By: Nami | Just One Cookbook on February 19, 2013
at 07:39
I am equally as guilty about sitting for far too much of the day Nami and find it quite difficult to get into a regular exercise routine. I would love to hear what type of exercise you do to keep the weight off. Have a lovely day.
By: thecompletecookbook on February 19, 2013
at 09:18
I find winter easier as soups are so filling. I’m now very hungry from reading blog posts so I’m heading to the kitchen
By: Tandy on February 19, 2013
at 15:01
Please enjoy something nice for me.
Have a lovely afternoon. 
xo
By: thecompletecookbook on February 19, 2013
at 15:10
Healthy and yummy!!
Love it!!!
If you want to have a look at my blog it would be great
http://mystylerecipe.com
By: Piera Anastasia on March 2, 2013
at 19:37
Hi Piera, welcome and thanks for stopping by. Have a lovely week ahead.
By: thecompletecookbook on March 4, 2013
at 09:32
Good luck Mands! Your steak and salad looks yum!
By: moi du toi photography on March 12, 2013
at 13:34
Hmm, having Petie home for 2 weeks then up in Jo’burg for a week hasn’t been very conducive to my weight loss – will pick up where I left off when I get back home.
xo
By: thecompletecookbook on March 12, 2013
at 14:51