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Real Results From A Real Mom

me-2

I started this journey on a whim on May 1st, 2017 weighing 235 pounds. What killed me the most is that I weighed more than when I was pregnant with my twins 19 years ago, and they weighed 7 lbs 5 oz each. I had a hysterectomy in 2005 after which my weight just continued to increase. I have never dieted nor exercised more than walking on a trail. I have a very happy marriage and my husband has never complained about my weight, but I just became comfortable with being so overweight.  To celebrate almost any occasion we would go out to dinner, which was a large part of the problem.

I was very nervous going into my first appointment at the Elevation Medical Weight Loss clinic but the doctor was very understanding and gave me a plan.  This has became more than a just diet, but a new way of life. I now look at EVERY single label, whereas before I never even glanced at food labels.  I couldn’t believe the amount of calories and carbs in some of the drinks and foods I was consuming every day.

At my first appointment I rattled off a goal weight number, which I never really expected to see. Now, here I am on Sept 21st, 2017, just 4 and 1/2 months later and I have reached my goal weight of 180 pounds. I have lost 7 inches from around my waist, and can now fit into regular size clothing instead of plus size.  When I take selfies with my friends, I can hold the phone down instead of way up in the air to get a slimmer angle. I can now walk flights of stairs that before left me completely out of breath, I even stepped outside of my comfort zone and started beat boxing with friends and actually love doing it!  If I can do this and make it work, anyone can.   I not only did this for myself but for our 4 sons, since I have found that a healthy mom is a happy mom. We still celebrate by going out to dinner, only now I am much more conscious of my choices and my order has far fewer calories and carbs.

me2-2

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Taco Beef Salad w/o Tortilla for 350 kcal

Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5-7 min
*Recipe is for 2 servings

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Item Calories Carbs Protein
8 oz raw 85% ground beef (turns into 6 oz once cooked & drained) 425 kcal 44 g
½ head iceberg lettuce 45 kcal 9 g 3 g
2 tbsp sour cream 60 kcal 1 g 1g
1/8 cup shredded cheese 50 kcal 4 g
2 cups chopped tomatoes 64 kcal 14 g 3 g
1/4 bell pepper, chopped 6 kcal 1 g
1 lime, juiced  10 kcal 2 g
1 medium  onion 40 kcal 10 g 1 g
1/2 bunch of cilantro (~1 chopped cup)
 TOTAL 700 kcal 39 g 56 g

Seasoning: 
Taco seasoning
Salt to taste
El Yucateco Habernero Hot Sauce (if you’re brave)

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For the salsa: 
Combine in a bowl the following ingredients: tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, ~1/4 tsp salt to taste

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For the taco beef: On a medium pan, toss in ground beef and bell pepper on medium high heat, sprinkle taco seasoning (~1/2 tsp and 1/4 tsp salt to taste) cook for at least 5 minutes or until brown. Use a spatula to thoroughly crumble the beef.

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In a large bowl, mix in the lettuce, beef, salsa, sour cream.  Divide into 2 servings, topped with cheese, hot sauce, and enjoy.