We had our Facebook and Flickr celebration at work Friday, and all the food had to start with the letter “F.” There was an abundance of Funyons, Fritos, Fig Newtons, and…fiber?! People probably would need a spoon or two of that after a junk food overload. 
And I didn’t help much by bringing these:
I am shocked that I didn’t attack this box after taking the wrapping off — my nose was in chocolate chip heaven. But, after looking at the calories, it just wasn’t worth it to me. 180 for half a brownie? No thanks. So, I used those calories to sample some of the other eats.
Four gourmet crackers with a slice of smoked Gouda and a slice of pepper jack cheese, two spoons of homemade chili, three baked potato wedges and a small roll topped with REALLY good chicken salad. It wasn’t the healthiest of meals I guess, (and I’m not sure everyone followed the ‘F’ food policy…unless it was “fabulous” potatoes or “freakin’” good chili — ha!) but since there wasn’t a fruit or vegetable in the house, I tried to make decent choices. (And I left part of that roll on the plate) Luckily, I had some green beans in the fridge to make up for the lack of veggies.
I still stayed in my calorie range for the day, and did a good workout when I got home. Elliptical trainer for 30 minutes, plus weights, crunches and push ups. By the time I was done, my whole body was ready for bed! Good thing I did get some Zzzs, because I had to get up at 7 a.m. today to get a workout in before my week-early birthday party. I knew with all the errands, food preparation and family time, I probably wouldn’t feel like exercising in the evening. I kept it strictly cardio today, (my muscles needed a serious break after Friday’s strength training) and finished 30 minutes of intervals on the elliptical. Sweat was dripping like a faucet off my face…love a good workout! After a quick shower and light breakfast, JD and I headed out for supplies.
Look at all our loot! I love Sam’s Club! The vegetables alone are super cheap. I also got a great deal on flowers at the grocery store — three bunches for $12. Gotta love sales!
Our menu was delicious, gluten and onion free (my mom has Celiac Disease, and my mother-in-law is allergic to onions), and pretty low calorie for this weight-loss seeking birthday gal. JD smoked pork tenderloin (trimmed of all fat) after marinating it for two days.
Appetizers included a huge veggie tray with homemade ranch dip, three kinds of olives, gluten-free crackers and Sabra roasted red pepper hummus, pepper jack and Colby cheese cubes and an awesome cranberry-nut Cinnamon Chex mix. It took every ounce of determination I had not to eat the entire bowl!
To go with the pork loin, we made rosemary sweet potato fries and set up a salad bar with all sorts of goodies for our guests to choose from.
Dessert was leftover F word party brownies and vanilla ice cream. I didn’t have any…my heart belonged to the Chex Mix! I was actually under my calories for the day, so I was able to indulge in a whole half a cup. Mmmmmm…..
I had a great party! I got to spend time with my family (minus my sister, Tiffany, her husband and my precious niece, Kristen Michelle who live a few states away…miss you guys!) and JD’s family, who made the hour+ drive to celebrate with me. It’s not often we all can get together, so tonight was truly special. I got some great presents too! I’m looking forward to Friday as well, which is my actual birthday. Rumor has it I get to spend it with one handsome man.
Hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend! Night, night!
