Another weekend totally zipped by. At least some of the craziness is done for a bit. Or the known craziness, that is. Always some surprise around the corner 
It was quite foggy out this morning, which is kind of weird for December.
Today was not a gym day. I decided to keep the Tues/Thurs gym schedule again.
I made up a banana bread breakfast pudding and topped it off with some homemade lemon curd.
Who knew lemon curd was so easy? I have been wanting to try this forever, but just never got around to it. I can post about it as I did take some pictures when I made it yesterday. It took about 15 minutes tops and is so yummy!
Funny thing about making changes. I had been watching my gluten intake over the last few months. Then I did my grain-free experiment, and then last month I also implemented grain free days. All of those changes over time have now gradually worked their way into my daily life without thinking about it. I seem to now gravitate to the grain free options for food and choosing gluten-free items instead of bread or regular crackers (both of which are in the house). Like for lunch:
Those are Nut Thins on the side. I really like these, I have to say.
I used to be such a big bread lover. I had to have some kind of bread or carby thing like crackers, chips, pretzels with my meal or it didn’t feel complete. Now I get my carbs mostly from veggies and fruit or potatoes. And the not so occasional cupcake…
It’s nice to know that change can happen. Maybe it is best when the process isn’t noticed at all!
Clementines are coming back into season now. The price has dropped nicely. I have to have my set of 3!
I cooked up a nice dinner tonight. Chicken thighs! They are so juicy. I do like the dark meat.
That potato has some light sour cream on it. Yum. I used to only get sour cream on a potato when we would go out to eat. It never occurred to me to buy it for home. D’uh.
Time to practice a bit before Monday Night football! I have gone and made myself nervous about putting a guitar video on the blog. It will be okay, but not perfect – since I have been playing for 1 year and not 10. But, it’s all for fun.
And, here is a picture for those that come to the blog just for the Pixie hit!
Question: What small changes have you made lately that have stuck?
What came first–Pixie or the rug? They look like they were made to match! My grandma used to make lemon curd and fill little tiny tarts with it. The lemon tarts were a staple at our Christmas celebrations. My sister picked up the tradition, so I have only made lemon curd once. But I agree, it was much easier than you would think.
Little changes…I’m hoping this increased protein change will stick.
I always love the way your banana bread pudding looks. Maybe I’ll have to try it one more time…
The rug came first 😀 Actually, it is an old rug LOL!
I really like the breakfast pudding (you think??). It’s just sweet enough and a nice bread-type treat without being bread!
Crack Oranges!!!!! YUM! I can eat like 5 of those suckers.
It was 31 degrees today with freezing fog and slick roads.
I think the color name for that rug should just be Pixie. The colors match Pixie very well. The small changes I have made have just been trying to be content with small changes, ha. Not so much “all or nothing thinking”, but just keeping everything in moderation.
Eating grain free or wheat free several days a week, like you, it just evolved into a habit. I feel so much lighter on days that I don’t eat wheat. I bought a bag of ruby red grapefruit today, I can’t wait to start eating citrus again.
The lemon curd looks luscious! I love all things lemon.
I am sure your guitar video will be great and I can’t wait to see it.
Yahoo for gluten free!!!
Can’t claim any small changes, but I have made a big one recently re: carbs. So far, so great!
I love those Nut Thins. Therefore I don’t buy them, lol – I’m sure you can understand why! 🙂
The chicken has the shape of a rhino 🙂
I love lemon curd but never made it myself.
Don’t worry about the guitar video. Most of us don’t play so you will be better than us. You will be great.
I hope you don’t think I come here just because of Pixie?! (I do admit I enjoy seeing Pixie her full glory…).
Small changes I’ve made lately… I dunno, I learned to be more active physically when I started using a pedometer a year ago. I still wear it around my neck practically every day, so I can see how I’m doing. It’s a constant reminder.
Cut yourself some slack on the guitar post. You know we’ll all enjoy it anyway!
The egg salad really looks like a good idea. What do you put in yours? Might be a good make ahead and bring to work lunch idea for me.
The egg salad is just eggs, light mayo, mustard and salt and pepper. Simple, but the way I like it!
Lori, it is so cool that the small changes have worked for you & like other things we do with small changes – they lead to a lifestyle & long term good stuff! The food looks good too so why not!!! You always do well at your challenges!
As for Pixie – of course I love seeing her but I come for all your info!!! That is quite a pic of her since we usually see her sleeping or resting & not in a pose like that – too cute!
I have never even seen the nut thins – where do you buy them? They sound like something I would like very much.
My biggest small change has been the exercise program I’ve been doing for the Zero Excuses Challenge. So not a strength training fan but doing a couple of exercises per day has worked really well for me. In fact it has worked so well I’ve emailed the trainer to see how best to continue after the challenge is over! 🙂
I get them at the grocery store. We have a section of natural foods in our store and that is where all the GF stuff is.
I am glad you are going to continue strength training – it rocks!
I haven’t tried those nut thins yet but I’ve seen them in the stores. I’ll have to grab them next time!
I love the Pecan Nut Thins! In act, it’s been a while since I’ve had them, so I should watch Kroger for a sale. They’re good about running a 2/$4 every couple of months.
You know I also love the concept of small changes. I haven’t made any recently (not any that have stuck, anyway:)), but I’m sure something will catch my fancy soon. One easy change for me, early on, was to drop the bread with non-sandwichy meals. When I was growing up, a meal wasn’t complete without a roll, cornbread, biscuit or–get ready for it–stack of Wonder Bread slices on the table. Having it as an adult was just a habit; it really didn’t add much to the meal for me on a daily basis. Works for me, because it frees up that grain serving for my beloved sandwiches. 🙂
(I’ve had to switch to a Su/T/Th strength schedule the last couple of weeks and for some reason, I’m enjoying it more. You get a whole different group of people on a Sunday. :))
Hungry! I don’t know if I can make it to lunch now that I’ve read your blog — it’s got the gremlins in my stomach howling. All that food looks sooo good. I shall sedate myself by staring at Pixie until the hunger pains pass. I look forward to your guitar video because I hope it will inspire me to return to my lessons.
I’ve bought those nut thins, they are good but it seems everyone else in the house thinks so too lol. I look forward to your guitar video. Pixie is such a cutey I need to put up more kitty pictures myself. I’ve never made lemon curd but it sure looks good, look forward to the recipe. I wrote down the banana bread pudding recipe ages ago and have been carrying it around in my purse lol need to get it out and make it soon, looks yummy.
Hmmm changes, well I think one I had never tried before that I’m doing is sharing my food journal with others. It seems to be working somewhat to help me think about something before I put it in my mouth.
Love the Pixie/rug shot! The color combination would make any interior designer (and veterinarian) proud! silly…
Looking forward to the lemon curd recipe! Dennis recently discovered the joys of Nut Thins. They are REALLY good. And he can mow through a box pretty quickly. Love the realization that little changes have now become habits. Have a great Tuesday Lori.
One change I’m noticing more this time of year is choosing regular coffee at Starbucks versus a “foo-foo” drink. And if I do get a fancy drink it is now a “skinny” latte with SF syrup and non-fat milk. BIG CHANGE.
There was a day not too long ago I swore I’d never drink a “skinny” drink saying, “I’d rather have the flavor than drink that nastiness!!!”
Funny how realizing the price you pay in calories is almost as much as the price you pay in cash and realizing neither are worth it, or beneficial for multiple trips throughout the cold months.
psst..I am *definitely!* a Pixie fan (just don’t tell my dog, Keebler)!
🙂 Marion