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Posted by Tony T on May 19, 2019 in Favorite Recipes

Cauliflower English Muffins

This recipe is from EatingWell. I made them this morning and they taste pretty good. I had them with an egg and a couple of slices of bacon. If you like cauliflower you will like these.

Ingredients:

5 cups cauliflower florets (about 1 pound)
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
⅛ teaspoon salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place cauliflower in a food processor. Process until finely grated. Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and microwave on High for 3 minutes. Let cool slightly. Transfer the cauliflower to a clean kitchen towel and wring out excess moisture. Return to the bowl and stir in Cheddar, egg, and salt until thoroughly combined. Place a 3-inch biscuit cutter on the prepared baking sheet. Fill the cutter with about ¼ cup of the batter, patting down slightly in the mold. Repeat with the remaining batter, leaving about 1 inch between each one, until you have 8 “muffins.”

Bake until browned and crispy around the edges, about 25 minutes. Serve with your favorite toppings or use to make a breakfast sandwich.

Nutrition:

Serving size: 2 muffins
Per serving: 165 calories; 11 g fat(6 g sat); 3 g fiber; 8 g carbohydrates; 11 g protein; 90 mcg folate; 74 mg cholesterol; 3 g sugars; 0 g added sugars; 418 IU vitamin A; 64 mg vitamin C; 237 mg calcium; 1 mg iron; 315 mg sodium; 439 mg potassium
Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (107% daily value), Calcium (24% dv), Folate (22% dv)
Carbohydrate Servings: ½
Exchanges: 1½ vegetable, 1 high-fat protein, ½ medium-fat protein

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Losing Weight

I’m losing weight but mostly because my new medications make me nauseous. So I don’t feel like eating most of the time. Seems like an awful price to pay, but at the moment, I guess its worth it to be able to keep my blood glucose levels within the normal range.

Normally, I am not eating things I should not be. However, it does happen. And that usually does not go well with the medications I am on. Add bloating and stomach pain to the already present nausea and you have a very unhappy Tony T.

So, because of those issues, it is like I am being trained to stay away from foods I should not eat. In a way, it is like being punished when I eat the wrong thing. In order to continue feeling okay, I try more intentionally to eat the right stuff.

My blood glucose levels have been way better I have to admit. I wish I had had the strength to do it without medications. However, I could not. So, here I am, diagnosed with a disease (diabetes) that contributed to my Mom’s death. It is a little scary. Only a little because of the unknown of what happens after death. I have been blessed in life, but I have had enough of a rough time that my last day in this life will be a welcome beginning to rest.

I know. That sounds rather dark. I am not depressed. I am not suicidal. I am just tired. I have great people in my life. My kids, my family, my friends, my girlfriend. With them, I am always having a good time and learning more about love every day.

So, losing weight can’t be too bad. I could stand to lose about 70 pounds. If I could do that, it may ease some of my physical pain, which is substantial. I could possibly eliminate some of the medications from my life. Maybe I would have more energy. Wouldn’t that be great!

Anyway, that is what I have to report today. I hope you all are blessed in your own lives.

Posted by Tony T on May 4, 2019 in Diet, Health

Alas, Diabetes

So, I had my numbers checked at my last doctor’s visit. Technically, they were so close to the type II diabetes barrier my doctors has gone ahead and taken measures to get things under control. She considers the numbers close enough to diagnose the disease.

So, the first thing that is different: new medication, a weekly injection of Trulicity. So far, the only side effects are a little bit of nausea and a lack of hunger for most of the day. Oh, and the freaking pain of the needle entering my body.

Already, my blood glucose is lower. I feel about the same. Probably because my main issue is back and neck pain, and that has not changed. I consider those mechanical issues. Other than that I had not felt at all ill before the medication. And I feel no differently now.

My blood pressure had been high. Hopefully, with the new meds (some other stuff specifically for that), the pressure will be coming down.

It’s all about my health at this point. Stand by.

Posted by Tony T on March 22, 2019 in food, Keto-meals

Dinner Tonight

Baked Spare Ribs and Cheesy Cauliflower Mash

Tonight I had spare ribs and cauliflower mash. Nothing too difficult. Used a simple seasoning, McCormick’s Roasted Garlic & Herb, on the ribs and baked at 400° for 1 1/2 hours. Then brushed with a little bbq sauce (cook’s choice), and baked for another 40 minutes or so.

The cauliflower mash is a variation of a recipe I posted here a few weeks ago. This one only has a head of cauliflower (steamed until tender), 2 tbsp heavy cream, 4 tbsp butter, 2 tsp garlic powder, salt & pepper to taste. Ingredients are blended until desired consistency. Pour into a small saucepan mix in a half cup of shredded cheddar cheese and smooth out the top. Sprinkle some over the top and bake for 30 minutes at 400°.

The cauliflower mash is one of my favorite recipes. Ribs not so much because sometimes they don’t turn out so good. They did tonight. Quite delicious.

Well, that’s it for now.

Posted by Tony T on March 14, 2019 in Diet

A Week Into Diet

Well, it has been a week since my re-start. I managed to stay on my diet with the exception of one meal. I did pretty well overall getting the nutrient percentages required. It was actually pretty easy using myfitnesspal.

What I have found is that I have to make a conscious decision about what I’m gonna eat at every meal. I am constantly tempted to go off-diet. For instance, yesterday, I had a job interview. Woke up in plenty of time to make breakfast at home. However, the thought to just grab something at McDonald’s on the way to the interview surfaced. Without thinking I was headed out the door. I caught myself, returned to the house and made my breakfast, which only took a few minutes.

The mindset and the ability to just grab food on the road which is usually not healthy for you is prevalent in my mind. I have to keep reminding myself that I have food at home. And at this point, I am not busy enough to be grabbing convenient fast food meals. Before I am so busy, I hope to be in the habit of preparing meals for such times. Being prepared is a big part of success.

I think I lost 4 pounds. That always happens at the beginning. The challenge is staying the course when weight-loss isn’t happening. There many benefits to the keto-diet. One of them is how settled and unbloated your stomach feels. Also, my blood pressure is back to near normal (with the help of medications). My blood glucose levels are within normal ranges.

Hopefully, my success will continue beyond just a few weeks. I will try to keep you all informed.

Posted by Tony T on March 8, 2019 in Diet, Favorite Recipes

Loaded Cauliflower

I found this recipe at Low Carb Maven. It is very close to my own recipe with the addition of a few ingredients. Cauliflower is very low carb and great for the keto diet. I think you will enjoy it. And be sure to check out Low Carb Maven for more great recipes.

Ingredients

1 pound cauliflower florets
4 ounces sour cream
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
2 slices cooked bacon crumbled
2 tablespoons snipped chives
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1) Cut the cauliflower into florets and add them to a microwave safe bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of water and cover with cling film. Microwave for 5-8 minutes, depending on your microwave, until completely cooked and tender.

Drain the excess water and let sit uncovered for a minute or two. (Alternately, steam your cauliflower the conventional way. You may need to squeeze a little water out of the cauliflower after cooking.)

2) Add the cauliflower to a food processor or powerful enough blender and process until fluffy. Add the butter, garlic powder, and sour cream and process until it resembles the consistency of mashed potatoes.

3) Remove the mashed cauliflower to a bowl and add most of the chives, saving some to add to the top later.

4) Add half of the cheddar cheese and mix by hand. Season with salt and pepper.

Top the loaded cauliflower with the remaining cheese, remaining chives and bacon.

5) Put back into the microwave to melt the cheese or place the cauliflower under the broiler for a few minutes.

I visually divide the cauliflower into sixths. Serving size is approximately 1/3-1/2 cup.

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Posted by Tony T on March 7, 2019 in Diet

Starting Once Again

Yesterday I woke up with health on my mind. I was determined to be better. I’m tired of being over weight. I’m tired of being un-disciplined. So, it’s time to get to work. I stayed the course yesterday and I intend to do so today. I know I will mess up sometimes, but I hope I will have the will to get right back up.

Again, my diet of choice is Keto. It is easy enough. There is plenty of yummy stuff to be had on the diet. And it works quickly. And one of the best things about this diet is that once you get used to being on it, hunger cravings are kept at bay for a really long time.

I still have to try to work in some exercise. That is the hardest part for me right now. I have a new bicycle. I have a total gym. I have free access to the Naval Weapons Station gym. But all these require another level of discipline. I’m not there yet. Not to mention I am usually in pain.

I have some hurdles to over come. But what is important right now is that I have started. My birthday was on March 1. So let’s get this thing started.

Posted by Tony T on February 25, 2019 in Health

Dizziness & Allergies

Lately, I have been light headed and somewhat close to dizziness. I thought maybe my blood pressure was high; it wasn’t. I thought maybe my blood glucose levels were off; they were not. I now believe it is due to a high pollen count. Everything was covered in the stuff this morning.

I stayed outside most of the day. I took it upon myself for the first time since I have had my motorcycle to change my own tires. I watched several videos on YouTube.

I bought tools, tires, and more tools. I started with the front because I had already worked on the front brake in the past. I got the front wheel off easily enough. Getting the tire off of the wheel went as planned, but it was harder than I expected. And it certainly took longer than I expected.

Getting the new tire on the wheel went as planned, except that it was harder than I thought, and of course, took longer than anticipated. I got the tire on, got it inflated, and then balanced it. Balancing was the easiest part of the process. Getting the wheel back on the bike was a little bit of a struggle for one person, but it went fine.

I was covered in oil and greasy dirt. Took the bike for a spin and everything was fine. I will tackle the back tire tomorrow. That should prove quite interesting.

After being outside all day my lightheadedness is almost gone. My ears are ringing very loudly though. My back pain is a little less. Perhaps I just needed some fresh air.

I have a doctors appointment on Thursday. Hopefully she can get to the bottom of the issue. That’s it for now.

Posted by Tony T on February 15, 2019 in Health

New Body Mysteries

Lately, I have been getting these really swollen bumps on my left shoulder, a rash I guess. At first, I thought they were bug bites, but, they are only on my upper left arm and shoulder. They are very itchy.

I don’t know whether to go to the doctor about them or not. As I age it always seems there is some new thing happening with my body. If it is not a new pain it is an ear infection or something happening with my skin. It gets really tiresome.

Sometimes I get a little worried when multiple things are happening at once. Like today, I have the itchy rash on my shoulder, and, a pain in my right armpit. Armpit pains alarm me because it is usually lymph node issues cause by something in whatever deodorant I may be using. I have tried many different ones trying to find one that doesn’t clog my nodes.

While I write this I am considering going to the ER to have the rash checked out. You can’t really see how swollen it is in the picture to left. But my arm is completely lumpy. And it itches insanely.

I hate going to the ER with something like this but my doctor’s office is already closed, and they don’t open on weekends.

Like I said, I don’t think these are bite because it is only happening on my left upper arm and shoulder. Nothing on the rest of my body. It has been happening on and off for the past month or so. I wouldn’t be so concerned if it had only been just the last few days.

If I go this weekend I’ll let you know what I find out. I just don’t want to end up with some flesh-eating bacteria working its way up to what little brain I have left.🤪

Posted by Tony T on February 4, 2019 in Diet, Health

Blood Pressure

It has been high but I don’t know why. And I mean stroke and heart attack high! My doctor had increased my med dosage an few months back but did not help.

I saw her last week and it was still high:142/100. So, she added another medication and in only 6 days it has come down to near normal numbers. This morning it was 127/83. I was very pleased,and, I feel better.

I am also feeling better because I am not driving a school bus any longer. I do have to find another job though. You know how when you’re working, and the money is good, and you start spending more and making new bills? Yeah, I did that. I am not completely sunk yet. I can conceivably pay off the debts I’ve created very slowly, or I can get a job and pay them off like I was doing before.

However, I am not worried about it. I will find a job eventually, even if I have to deliver pizzas in my car. And that’s not really a bad gig. I only need so much to get by. Being retired military helped immensely.

The only thing that really disappoints me is that I will not be able to buy that new motorcycle I have been wanting for the last 11 months. I wanted to buy a Harley Davidson. After test riding a few I can’t stop thinking about them. One day I will though.

Anyway, that is about all I have to say on this post. I feel like my health is improving. I am getting better and better reacquainted with my diet. And I am slowly but surly taking measures to improve.

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