Mediterranean Salad & Brutal Honesty #1

Ready for some brutal honesty? Here it goes… 

I weigh 207 pounds, and at 5’7” I can honestly tell you that I never imagined I would ever weigh this much. The last time I was at a weight that made me happy was about 5 years ago, pre-kids. Of course I wasn’t “skinny” then at 140 pounds, but I didn’t feel fat – and would rock a 2-piece swimsuit without hesitation. Since I had kids I have just let my weight go, but it is time to take back control. 

After checking out My Body Gallery I have decided I want to get back down to 140 – it looks absolutely healthy, and so much better than what I am now. I have decided to give myself some incentives for each 10 pounds I lose, all the way down to 140. 

Check out the prizes I am giving myself!

200# - Pedicure

190# – Sushi Dinner

180# – Purse

170# – Electric Wok

160# – Sushi Dinner

150# – New Dinnerware Set

140# – Tattoo & Sushi Dinner

In order to lose the weight I have decided to do several different things:

Portion Control: I know this is going to shave off some pounds all on its own. If something is really tasty I tend to overindulge – and that needs to stop. Honestly, I want to get rid of the huge dinner plates we have – nobody needs to eat that much food…

Eat Healthier: This one should be pretty easy – or so I am hoping. At the beginning of this year we cut out eating at restaurants and I have been preparing our meals, it has already made a huge difference in how healthy we feel. The less preservatives, the better – and plus I love to cook, so it’s a total win/win. I still want to cut out meat two nights a week, and I am hoping that will help as well. 

Exercise: This is my complete and utter nemesis. When I was more active I would be down to jump on my bike and cruise around all day – but since I am so out of shape, I don’t know where to start. Since I have to start somewhere, I was thinking a 30 minute walk each day, followed by an exercise video (any recommendations would be APPRECIATED!!). 

Being Honest: I am going to keep a weekly update of my progress and be completely honest. If I am being honest with all of you, then I am being honest with myself as well. No cheating, no lying, no exaggerating. 

With all that said, how about some Mediterranean Salad?

 This salad was full of so many wonderful flavors and an awesome pairing with some Red-Wine Marinated Shrimp (recipe coming later this week!). May is Mediterranean Food month – and this salad is a great way to celebrate the foodie holiday. :)

Mediterranean Salad

Makes: 2 salads

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

4 slices of mozzarella cheese (I used about 1/4" thick slices)

1 cup cucumbers, peeled and chopped

1 cup tomatoes, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup black olives, pitted and halved

1/4 cup green onions, chopped

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

rosemary for garnish

salt & pepper to taste

Directions

1. Mix together olive oil and lemon juice, set aside. (I always giggle when recipes call to set something aside, what is the other option? Leave it in my way? haha)

2. In two salad bowls layer ingredients in the following order: mozzarella, cucumbers, tomatoes, black olives, green onions, feta cheese and rosemary. 

3. Drizzle olive oil-lemon dressing over salad and season with salt & pepper.

4. Enjoy!