Day 6: Dining Out -- It's do-able.

I woke up Saturday (Day 6) 1 more pound lighter -- total weight loss 7 lbs.

I was told from the get-go that weekends are the hardest -- true story.

I had a hair appointment scheduled for 8:30 in Winchester -- meaning an hour+ drive, depending on how many old people are out for their morning coffee. Yea, I said it. I was a little late leaving, and that didn't help the cause. I ended up stopping at Sonic and getting an unsweet tea and a side order of [well-done] bacon. I must admit -- it was scrumptious.

After I got my hair done, I went to the ritual "dinner" my family has with the Minors' on Saturday. We're creatures of habit, so we had Mexican for lunch -- just like we have for almost every Saturday for the last few years.. with the exception of the occasional burger joint. I get so happy to be sitting at a table with some of the best people I know that I end up distracted. Judge me if you want -- I had a few chips and salsa. Heck, I was able to refrain on Friday -- that's got to count for something. Either way, I again ordered a grilled chicken taco salad [grilled chicken, lettuce, grilled onions, tomato, extra cheese]. I also got really crazy and ordered a diet coke.. mind you that's the first "coke" I've consumed in two weeks.

I came home and mowed my god forsaken yard -- and raked it, too. Yes, it was that high!

Joe and I ended up going out to dinner [Ruby Tuesdays] where I had a delish dinner. I had the New Orleans Seafood Dinner -- it was creole seasoned Tilapia and Shrimp in a Parmesan sauce with Grilled Zucchini and a Salad. [Downfall: I wasn't up for eating my salad with no dressing, so I did the best I could and settled for low-fat Ranch.. used sparingly of course.]

After dinner, we ended up at Yogurt Mountain [which I now wish I never knew existed. Oh the torturous temptation.] I had about a half cup of No Sugar Added vanilla yogurt topped with crushed pecans [South Beach Diet Approved] and barely a teaspoon of hot fudge. Oh.My.Heavens. It was the highlight of my day, by far. Please note, that my minuscule half cup of vanilla yogurt in that huge bowl gave me quite a giggle.... but I managed. I needed just enough to enjoy, but not enough to over-do it.

Now -- I know it looks like I veered a little off course, or at least I feel like I did -- but I was told the weekends are tough... and that's so true. I am changing my lifestyle... but I'm not going to sacrifice life's simple pleasures.. so. In your face South Beach Diet.

Day 5: Pizza! Pizza!

Well - on Friday (Day 5) I woke up one pound lighter than I was on Thursday -- making my total weight loss 6 pounds! In the grand scheme of things -- 6 pounds sure doesn't seem like much, but considering I did that in 5 days -- I'm pretty freakin' impressed.

Since I was off on Friday and because of the events on Day 4 -- I slept in. So, I skipped breakfast -- which I probably shouldn't have done.. oh well.

So the day's eats went like this:

• Breakfast: uh.. what breakfast?
• Snack: uh... what snack?
• Lunch: Joe and I went to lunch at casa blanca. I ended up touching none of the chips and salsa and having a taco salad -- lettuce, grilled onions, grilled green peppers, grilled chicken, and cheese. Yum!
• Snack: I got my nails done, no time for a snack. Priorities.
• Dinner: I made pizza! Yes, I said it - Pizza. On a diet. Who knew?! Here's the recipe (originally located here).

Skillet Pizza
Ingredients
Sargento Reduced Fat Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Hormel Pepperoni
Crumbled Hamburger Meat
Diced Onions

Directions
1. Cover the bottom of a small non-stick skillet with the shredded cheese. Let it being to melt over a medium heat.
2. Once the cheese has melted a bit, place your toppings. (note: don't over load the toppings or the cheese won't be strong enough to support it!)
3. Let the cheese continue to melt and wait for the edges to start turning brown.
4. Remove from heat and let cool, then remove with spatula.
5. ENJOY!!