Keto Diet: Week 3

So last week ended with a bang, and I am still going strong. I haven’t felt a strong desire to ‘cheat’ at all, and though I am still learning the in and out’s of watching my macros – I am doing well.

I have noticed a major difference in my eating habits. Before I was quite the snacker – when you sit at a desk for most of the day, it tends to happen. We constantly have businesses bringing in goodies (in fact today it was a Busken coffee cake!) but I have kept going strong and haven’t even been tempted to take a bite. To me this is MAJOR progress, and something that I probably couldn’t have done on any other diet. As I said before counting calories has always left me hungry and feeling deprived – that’s definitely not how I feel on Keto.

Today was weigh in day – its been a week, and I haven’t lost any weight. I have stuck to the plan, only going a bit over on protein and I was feeling a bit discouraged (after a 10 lb weight loss in about 10 days you can see why). But I’ve learned something new – which is easiest explained in the photo below
(and I apologize, I have no idea who to give credit too, I’ve seen it every where when I search on google and I can’t find the original creator)

The scale does lie!! Just keep going! #KetoDiet #keto #weightloss #weightlossjourney #nocarbs #lowcarb #lchf #

A photo posted by Krissy Higgins (@krissyar) on

There’s a lot I have realized I need to learn not only about the human body in general – but mine. Pretty much what I need to do is be patient and keep on keeping on..my “WOOOSH” will come.

I have to remind myself – and those that I encouraged to do it with me – that this is a marathon – not a sprint. Most diets, or ways of eating that give super fast results continuously, are impossible to keep off long-term. I don’t need another yo-yo diet that leaves my body in an uproar.

This week I tried a few new recipes (including the Keto Brownies I posted about earlier this week) and even ventured out to coffee land again. It makes me really nervous to have someone else make my drink and know that if they screw it up that it could set me back a week or two in progress  (which by the way, gives me a whole new appreciation for people with severe allergies, or children with severe allergies – I can’t even imagine and I’d probably never eat out!)

This week my favorites were the steak and chicken stir fry (sauteed steak and chicken with green peppers, very light on the onion since they are high in carbs, and taco seasoning) I did eat one low carb tortilla but at the rest with a fork and it was delish! Definitely something I will make again.

I also went to Starbucks to try a drink a lot of people in the different low carb groups that I’m in on Facebook had recommended. It’s pretty easy to order (though the Barista may look at you like you are crazy) but this concoction taste like a melted strawberry milkshake.
Get a venti passion tea – no classic. Made with heavy whipping cream instead of water. Add 3-5 (depending on your liking) of Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup, and add whipped cream. It’s delightful, and I wish they had a bigger super-size sized cup because I wanted more! It was around 6/7 carbs, but totally worth it! (Next time I will be trying an iced coffee – will update details for you then). I think this would be a great drink to have in the summer – and you won’t feel like you’re missing out when your friends decide they want to hit up Starbucks.

Though I am a bit disappointed with the fact that I haven’t lost anymore, like I mentioned I am just going to keep at it. I am hoping to report BIG NUMBERS next week. If not I will need to do some re-calculating of my macros and maybe start cutting out some of the artificial sweeteners I’ve started to love.

Until next week!

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How To Upgrade Your Home Without Spending A Fortune

There are times you’ll be sick of the way your home looks. However, don’t get discouraged without reviewing your options.

There are ways to make your home look better and not feel guilty. See how to upgrade your home without spending a fortune.

DIY

Turn to your DIY skills and roll up your sleeves. Make a checklist of what you want to be completed and which of those items can be done yourself. Don’t be afraid to learn a new skill or do something you’ve never done before. This is how you learn. If you try something and mess it up, you’ll know not to do it yourself again. Worst case, call a professional to come in and save the day. Start small and leave the heavy lifting to the experts.

Don’t Make Matters Worse

Know when to call a professional for help. Don’t ignore projects that are meant for a professional just because you’re feeling cheap. Mold is one item you can’t ignore. Either learn how to remove it yourself or research the home mold remediation cost and hire someone to get the job done. Understand when it’s a project for someone else and don’t let things fester longer than they should. If you do, it’s likely you’ll make matters worse, and it’ll end up costing you more to fix.

Makeovers

Instead of remodeling your entire kitchen or bathroom, simply conduct a makeover. Make updates to what you can and leave the rest the way it is for now. Replace towels, frame a mirror and paint the walls. These are just a few ways to upgrade the rooms without breaking your bank. You can always replace a vanity or the floors at a later date. My favorite room update is lighting. Drum chandeliers are a great way to makeover any room. From kitchens, to bedrooms, a chandelier can make any drab room POP! 

Paint

Painting is easy on the wallet, and it’s fun. Check out your rooms and see where paint is chipping or if a new color would look better. It shouldn’t take you very long to do, depending on the size of the space. Go for something bold or daring and if you don’t like it, paint over the area. Make sure everyone who needs to be onboard is committed to the color before you start painting.

Declutter

Organizing and decluttering is a cheap way to improve the look of your home quickly. Look at each room and get rid of what you don’t need. Start putting loose items in organizers and make sure everything has a place. You’ll love how refreshing your home feels after it’s clean and tidy. You’ll also be making room for items that never had a spot before. This is a very inexpensive way to enhance the look of your home. That’s all it takes is time and patience.

Conclusion

There are many ways to go about decorating a home. It’s exciting to see it all come together and to be able to enjoy it in the end. These are ways to upgrade your home without spending a fortune, and you’ll be happy you did.

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Things You Don’t Want to Miss in Newark Delaware

Newark has a ton of places you don’t want to miss – from shopping, to some historical adventures check out Newark Delaware.

Christiana Mall. Induldge in brands you love at the best shopping mall near Philadelphia. With hundreds of stores and restaurants, you could spend a whole day here exploring all that Christiana has to offer!

Glasgow Park. one of New Castle County’s premier parks. Glasgow Park is full of amenities for all to enjoy. The huge playground area features a wide variety of activities for ages 2 to 12 and are ADA accessible. The state-of-the-art Skate Park includes rails, steps, and half-pipes for fun and fitness. Bark Parks include separate areas for small and large dogs. Other amenities include a 2.75 mile paved walking path, basketball and tennis courts, and 4 pavilions (1 large and 3 medium) available for rental from April 1st to October 31st. Restrooms and free electricity are Included in your pavilion rental. You can also permit out our park for events like 5K runs, walks, and other special events.

White Clay Creek State Park. Come to White Clay Creek to escape the encroaching development of New Castle County. The park’s lush greenery and sparkling streams offer a refreshing change of pace and countless opportunities for outdoor fun and relaxation. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the park. 37 miles of trails lead explorers to historic sites and scenic vistas overlooking lush valleys and impressive rock outcrops. Hikers and mountain bike riders can enjoy trails at Possum Hill and the Judge Morris Estate, or follow the Pomeroy Rail-Trail to the pedestrian bridge over White Clay Creek.

This post is sponsored by Newark Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM.

Newark Resevoir. The newly constructed Newark Resevoir has 1122 acres and a 1.8 mile paved walking trail around the perimeter. The site is connected to the William R. Redd Jr Park to the North and has a wonderful view of the city and surrounding areas.

Cooch’s Bridge. About 700 American troops including a select group of 100 marksmen under General William Maxwell set up a classical ambush at Cooch’s Bridge. Protected by the thick woods and heavy brush south of the bridge, the Americans waited for the lead forces of the British Army. It’s a beautiful historical landmark that some say is also haunted!

 

Iron Hill Museum.Originally opened in 1966 by Robert L. Melson, and operated by the Delaware Academy of Science since 1968, the Iron Hill Museum is one of the best local repositories of historical information about the Iron Hill region, as well as wildlife, ecology, archaeology, and the natural sciences. Located within one of the last surviving DuPont Schools, we are currently building a new facility to house our collections. When it is finished, the D.A.S. plans to restore the schoolhouse to its original state, that it may serve as an enduring monument to the legacy of the DuPont Schools, and as a center for historical research on that era of Delaware’s history.

Hale-Byrnes House. Hale-Byrnes is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is part of the 9-state Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail and is also the southern anchor site of the federally-designated Wild and Scenic White Clay Creek.

 

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What To Do in Dover

Air Mobility Command Museum. The Air Mobility Command Museum is dedicated to military airlift and air refueling aircraft and the men and women who flew and maintained them. The museum houses over 30 aircraft varying in roles and sizes. Cargo haulers, fighters, helicopters, a presidential aircraft, and even a bomber – the museum has a little bit of everything!

Dover Downs Casino.  From fine dining to horse racing – the Dover Downs Casino has it all. Enjoy the casino and live entertainment.

Dover International Speedway. Dover International Speedway is a race track in Dover, Delaware, United States. Since opening in 1969, it has held at least two NASCAR races. In addition to NASCAR, the track also hosted USAC and the Verizon IndyCar Series.

John Dickinson Plantation. The home of John Dickinson, one of the founding fathers of the United States, signer of the U.S. Constitution, and “Penman of the Revolution.” Visit  this historic plantation and take a trip into the fascinating world of 18th Century America! The John Dickinson House, generally known as Poplar Hall, is located on the John Dickinson Plantation in Dover, a property owned by the State of Delaware and open to the public as a museum.

 

This post is sponsored by Holden Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM

The Old State House. Built in 1791, the Old State House served as Delaware’s capitol during the United States’ critical early years as a nation. With additions and modifications, the building continued to serve as the state capitol until 1933.

Fordham Brewing Company.  Fordham & Dominion Brewing merged in 2007 and brew award winning ales and lagers.The craft  brewery specializes in seasonal ales & lagers & offers tastings & site tours.

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Historic New Castle Delaware

Historic New Castle has always been a key part of Delaware’s past – and in many ways, the past never left. The cobblestone streets and stately townhomes of this riverside city  combine to create a  Colonial charm that invites visitors to stroll and shop, and of course eat -before exploring the First State National Historic Park. Cozy and intimate, New Castle still can deliver a whole weekend’s worth of things to do.

First State National Historic Park. Embracing a variety of historic locations in the northern and central regions of Delaware, the park touches on tales that are essential to the American story – including debates over Colonial allegiances and slavery, and the crucial role that the new land’s rivers and natural resources played in our economic growth.

Fort Christina National Historic Landmark (where Swedish and Finnish settlers established the first American Swedish colony, New Sweden) and Old Swedes Church national Historic Landmark (the oldest church in America still used for worship) lays in the hills of this park.

Amstel House. Among New Castle’s few surviving early colonial buildings is the elegant brick, early Georgian mansion, the Amstel House. Built in the 1730’s by the town’s wealthiest landowner, Dr. John Finney, the house is graced with original woodwork, fine architectural details and open hearth. It’s early fanlight and central hallway were among the first uses of these features in the town. (Walk-in guided tours are available April 1st – Dec 31st)

Penn’s Place. Penn’s Place is in the heart of historic New Castle, and the most quaint coffee shop you may ever step foot in. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and they have live entertainment and local artisan gifts for sale.

This post is sponsored by Sheridan Nissan Dealer.

The Old Library Museum. Visit the Old Library Museum home to the New Castle Historical Society’s changing exhibits. The building was built in 1892 and has retained the original interior woodwork.

Dutch House. At the Dutch house, step back in time to the seafaring days of the late 17th century when New Castle was a young port. Enjoy the  gleam of the early pewter set at a hutch table, discover the kas (an unusual cupboard), spoon rack, 1714 bible, among the captivating Dutch Colonial artifacts which reflect the traditional lifestyle in early America.

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