Starting Again - GI Day One

As I mentioned at weigh-in, today is the first day of the Glycemic Impact diet.

I have the advantage of inspiration and a new outlook on my side.


Breakfast

• oatmeal with blueberries, soy nuts, cinnamon, and Splenda
• lemon green tea (not on diet, but allowed)
• egg white "omelet" with onion, green pepper, and low-fat Cheddar cheese

This meal was rather involved but definitely worth it. I was excited when I saw it because it had so many of my favorite foods, and I was floored by the thought of having cheese, eggs AND oatmeal.

I prepared the oatmeal first, but because I knew I wouldn't want it too sweet, I also made a mug of lemon green tea, and I split the packet of Splenda between the two. Because I tend not to like soy nuts dry, I also mixed them in with the oatmeal and found the water softened their texture and made them much more enjoyable. The blueberries, though they cost $3.99 for a tiny 4 oz. package, really gave it a special kick.

While the water boiled for that and then it all cooled, I had cut up the onion and pepper. I opened the cheese and found both ends covered in mold, which was quite distressing, since I'd just opened it. I ran back to the store to exchange it (something I really almost never do because I hate confrontation, especially when it's to do with food), and by the time I got back the oatmeal and tea were perfectly cooled.

The "omelet" unfortunately did not come out as well as one might have hoped, but the flavor was out of this world. Because I used sharp Cheddar that I hand-sliced, the cheese really gave it all a strong kick, and it went so well with the sauteed onion and pepper. I am usually reluctant to use liquid egg whites, as my first few experiences with them were so anemic and disappointing, but this time I found they were delicious. My omelet making skills must leave something to be desired because even though I'd mixed the whites with a splash of water and gotten them nice and frothy, they just did not want to make a solid omelet mass. At the end my poor pan looked like this:



Ah well. I popped it into the sink to begin soaking and enjoyed the hell out of my breakfast. I also drank a big tumbler full of water while I was preparing the omelet, which combined with my tea already puts me at 4 of my 8-oz servings. Woohoo.

I really do feel energized and enthusiastic, perhaps from taking my time and enjoying the preparation, but I suspect more likely because of the combination of pleasurable and nutritious foods. If every meal leaves me feeling this great, I think this diet will be a piece of cake!


Lunch

• beef tacos made with salsa, low-fat Cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and avocado
• green grapes

Good God were these delicious. Having a whole ounce of cheese and such a generous portion of avocado was simply decadent, better than I could have even imagined a taco could be.

I really like this diet's use of "smart fats," as in the avocados or olive oil - it really improves the flavor and will presumably help my skin and hair stay nice. They're really satisfying.

I continue feeling excellent, energized, and really happy with this diet. The recipes are written slightly differently, so that the measurements correspond better with my measuring spoons or cup rather than having to weigh things.


Afternoon Snack

• hummus Masbacha mixed with low-fat Cheddar cheese
• baby carrots

Oh yes, just when I thought this diet couldn't get better, I get to mix cheese with hummus. Unbelievable. I didn't even miss the Triscuits, which I used to think were the best part of the whole hummus and carrots snack. Fantastic.


Dinner

• beef tacos made with salsa, low-fat Cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and avocado
• green grapes

Utter perfection. It was even better this time, and I am so happy with this diet I could jump up and down. The amount of delicious cheese I've been able to eat today is out of this world, and the levels of energy and satiation are off the charts.



Late Night Snack

• Dannon Light n' Fit French vanilla yogurt with wheat germ
• almonds

Just when I thought it couldn't get better, they add in a second snack! This is really much more like the way I naturally eat, so I didn't go to bed feeling hungry or craving a little bite of something. I really think this will help keep me from cheating or feeling deprived, and I'm so happy with how it's working out.

I know it's early in the game, but I think I've found a diet that will work for me.