Chicken Wonton Taquitos

Makes: 6 taquitos

Ingredient:

• 6 wonton wrappers
• 90g diced roast chicken
• 3 tablespoons grated cheese
• 3 tablespoons refried beans
• 3 tablespoons salsa

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 180 degrees celsius and line a baking tray with baking paper
• Lay the wonton wrappers out on a clean dry surface in a single layer
• Spread 1/2 tablespoon of the refried beans down the middle of each wonton wrapper and then top with 15 grams of chicken, 1/2 tablespoon grated cheese and 1/2 tablespoon salsa
• 
• Fold one half of the wrapper tightly over the filling, dampen the edge of the unfolded filling with some water using your finger tips
• Fold the other side tightly over to form a cylinder
• Place on the baking paper fold side down and lightly spray with cooking spray
• 
• Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown

Nutritional Value per Taquito:

• Calories: 78
• Total fat: 3.3g
• Total carbohydrates: 5.9g
• Sugars: 0.3g
• Protein: 5.9g

Recipe Notes:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days
• This recipe is freezer friendly to be consumed within 6 months. They can be frozen prepared and unbaked or frozen after being baked

Disclaimer: C4K Kitchen does not hold any responsibility for the consumer using this recipe including the storage guidelines and time frames recommended in the recipe notes. The consumer holds all responsibilities to ensure that food hygiene and safety standards are adhered to.

Happy 8 months to me!!

That means it’s that time of the month to do my body measurements. I have lost another 7.5cm off of my 6 measure points including a huge 5cm off my belly/bum. It still astounds me that I am managing these big numbers.

It was day one of operation new wardrobe with fitted and smaller clothes so off I went to work feeling confident and feeling good but still slightly apprehensive. When I walked through the door the first thing the lovely lady I sit next too said to me is “holy shit Holly have you shrunk even more over the weekend” and another one of my colleagues kept telling me off for old habits of covering myself up in my gigantic cardigan and to let people see the new me……these are all weird concepts for my brain to catch up with.

Today I had a hungry day and the first time ever I managed to get through my entire lunchbox and you know what I am ok with that as it was full of delicious and healthy goodness.

Tonight when I got home from work I decided tonight was the night for me to head back to the gym. As I was getting ready I walked past the mirror I did a double take of myself in profile so much so that I had to go get my phone and take a photo as I did not believe what I was seeing. I also did a side by side comparison shot using a photo that I said I would very share publicly…..today I am sharing as I am in complete shock and disbelief of the changes.

I started out by being welcomed back by a friendly smile and asking if everything was ok as I haven’t been seen in a while. Nice to know I have been noticeably missing. I have also rescheduled my PT session that I was supposed to have while I was in hospital to Tuesday next week. I’m excited to get back into gym doing 30 minutes on the bike and 30 minutes on the treadmill burning a total of 705 calories. I was supposed too start back going easy does it. Oopsy………

Today I had a turning point in my mindset all thanks to my photo from last night. This I VERY rare for me to think this and almost unheard of for me to say this but last night I looked damn bloody awesome! I felt amazing, I looked nice, I felt healthy, I felt sexy, I felt happy and most importantly (and very weirdly) I felt comfortable within myself. In all honesty today I couldn’t actually stop looking back at the photo of myself and actually smile and think wow girl look at you. Look at that shape and who knew I actually had a waist.

Feeding off this new found confidence I did something that I have needed to do for a while but have never been in the right frame of mind to do it. Because I am feeling confident within myself I decide that it was time to do a wardrobe cull and get rid of my old frumpy too large clothes. I need to start embracing my new shape and flaunting it with more shapely clothes that fit properly and don’t hang off of me like a sack (or tent).

I find that when I’m getting dressed I keep resorting back to my old clothes because they are comfortable and known to me so I have no eliminated that option but packing them all up and getting ready to send them off to good will for a new home. I was a bit sad to see some of my old faithful tops and dresses be packed up and sent on their way but it’s time for them to be moved on.

In the midst of doing my cull and constantly fighting with trying to keep my pants up I tried something that I have seen people do before but never actually believed that I would be able to go it myself but I can and I did!! All of Holly now fits into one leg of my pants hahaha that’s just ridiculous, there is no other word for it. I didn’t bundle up these pants not only because they weren’t clean but because I am keeping these ones to go with a few other staple pieces for reflection of how far I have come since I started this crazy roller coaster ride.

Health wise I am so very very very happy and relieved that the pain levels and discomfort is starting to ease up. Operation “unload” is well underway and I am definitely starting to clear the backlog and today is the first day that I haven’t needed any pain relief and I could handle the pain without it until about 4pm. This brings me no end of relief both mentally AND physically.

Today has been a real turning point for me and I have felt something click in my brain to know that it’s ok for me to say and feel – damn girl, you are looking damn good and feeling even better AND most importantly you worked hard to get here and you deserve it.

We have lift off…..the medications I am taken to get things moving have kicked in with some serious action happening this morning to resolve my backlog situation and I am pleased to say that the pain and constant discomfort I am feeling while it’s still there it has definitely eased. Let’s just hope I keep heading in the directions of continuing to improve until I am pain free.

I have had a very busy and social day today which was so nice to be out and about to feel like a person rather then the sick confused slump I have been feeling lately but I’m exhausted now.

I had a catch up this afternoon with a Lee who has become a friend that I have met through a mutual friend. Lee is also heading towards the sleevers bench and it was so nice to be able to share my story and experiences with someone where I can hopefully support him on his journey. While everyone’s experiences are their own and will be different to mine it is nice to be able to be honest and frank about the good, the bad and the AMAZING of this crazy sleeving journey.

I am so excited to take another photo of us 12 months for now to see the differences in us both.

Tonight I had a dinner with a beautiful group of ladies that I have been friends with since high school. I haven’t seen a couple of them in 6 months and one of them since pre-surgery. Getting ready I was so awkward and nervous about seeing them, not so much for me seeing them but for them seeing me….would they notice any difference? Have I made any substantial difference in this time frame? Have I met their expectations of how I am looking? Do I look ok? Is this dress too small? Too tight? Too short? I know they are all stupid thoughts but that’s what was going through my head. With the help of Jamie this is what I decided on even wearing heels for the first time in years!!

Well my fears and anxiety were all unwarranted and the girls where so complimentary and supportive of how things are going. In hindsight I have no idea why I was worried as I have known these lovely ladies for the vast majority of my life and who are there for me and love me for me not for how I look.

FINALLY and I say FINALLY my clothes size has started to shift and I will again need to cull some on my old clothes to make room for a smaller size selection of clothes. But with this change in size has bought a whole new mental battle that I am going to need to spend some time to work through and adjust my perception of myself.

I am so self conscious and ridiculously awkward in new clothes and new outfits particularly as a lot of my smaller clothes are more fitted and show my shape. My shape that I have spent so many years trying to hide and disguise. I am also trying to push myself out of my comfort zone and wear things other than all black all the time. This morning I tried on a new dress and it fitted but I just don’t see in the mirror what everyone else sees. I went to the brain trust (in one of my Facebook support groups) to make sure it looked ok and all the lovely ladies assured me that it looked lovely. So off I went to work wearing my new dress trying to tell myself that I looked lovely, I was owning the outfit and that I am embracing and showing off my new emerging womanly shape…..trying!!

But old habits die hard and I am really struggling with major self doubts only seeing the flaws and wanting to hide all the lumps and bumps that I have known my entire adult life.

Being Friday today I did a Friday face off and it really does help to put into perspective of how far I have come in a short amount of time and it does clearly show my improved and emerging shape, now I just need my brain to see this on a daily basis instead of having to do side by side comparison photos, and hopefully this happens soon as I am running out of before photos to use after year and years of hiding from the camera.

Health wise, the constant pain is still there however I am now managing the pain using pandiene forte instead of having to rely on endone to manage the pain. I have had some bowel movement but nothing that I would call substantial to clear any backlogs. This is such a shitty topic to write about but it’s all a part of the journey so can’t gloss over the facts of what’s going on. So I will continue following through with my action plan to try of laxatives to try and get this situation under control, so bottoms up (pun intended)……..

Protein Jellies

Makes: 24

Ingredients:

• 4 scoops protein powder water
• 4 teaspoon powdered gelatine

Method:

• Dissolve the protein powder in 1 cup of cold water until fully dissolved and set aside for 60 minutes or until the foam has settled
• Line a brownie tin with plastic wrap
• Dissolve the gelatine in 1 cup boiling water until well mixed
• Combine the two mixtures together and whisk for 30 seconds until well mixed
• Pour into the prepared tin and allow to set in the fridge overnight
• Using a sharp knife with a hot blade to slice into 24 even sized pieces

Nutritional Value for Jellies:

• Calories: 13
• Total fat: 0.1g
• Total carbohydrates: 0.1g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 3.5g

Recipe Notes:

• Store covered in the fridge for a maximum of 5 days
• This recipe is not suitable for the freezer
• The picture shown uses BODIEz Berry Protein Water powder.

Disclaimer: C4K Kitchen does not hold any responsibility for the consumer using this recipe including the storage guidelines and time frames recommended in the recipe notes. The consumer holds all responsibilities to ensure that food hygiene and safety standards are adhered to.

My day started with an emergency visit to the dentist, never a fun start to the day! One of my friends works at the clinic and I haven’t seen her since December, she was blown away with how different I looked. Thought I would do a side by side from last time I saw her now.

Then made my way to my appointment with Lilian. The appointment I have been waiting for all week, well actually for the last fortnight.

We went through a recap on everything that’s going on and review of all my test results. All the diagnostic radiology have come back clear and my endoscopy also came back clear with a perfectly healed and perfect looking little sleeve that has apparently be treated with the greatest among of love and respect (from the inside picture). We then had a conversation about my diet and fluid all of which are on point and doing exactly everything I’m supposed to be doing.

Which then lead us the conversation that’s well a little bit…..shitty!! Bowel movements. She agrees with the GP and believes that my pains are as a result of 2 things. And the dizziness and nausea are a direct side effect to my body coping and dealing with the pain.

Firstly, the dramatic and rapid weight loss resulting in my muscles realigning and settling into their new location and contracting while readjusting. This one I will have to just ride it out while my body is adjusting to its new and improved state and my clearance to go back to the gym will help with settling the muscles to where they are supposed to be without causing any twists or problems.

Secondly, I have a severe blockage. I have only been having bowel movement weekly only with taking tablets. This is not ok and I need to get back to my pre-surgery regularity of daily. I have been taking 2 sennalax/colloxyl tablets night but this still isn’t doing the trick so now have to add in 30ml to a liquid laxatives every night until I am having regular actions. Once this settled into a daily routine and I have cleared all backlogs and the pains have subsided then I will slowly scale back the liquid and tablet supports until I find the right level for my system that keeps me regular.

I have another appointment in 3 weeks to review how things are going and to see if this treatment plan is working.

Lilian was so supportive and comforting in listening and genuinely being concerned about what’s going on and wanting to find a workable solution for fix as soon as possible so I can get back on track. It was also great to hear that 7 months down the track that Percy is looking picture perfect internally and that he is looking loved and well looked after.

It was also lovely to see the clinic nurse on the way out who said to me “you looking freaking phenomenal” that’s got to be great for the ego.

It thought it was time to remind myself how far I’ve come from my first appointment at the clinic up until where I am up to now.

It was an emotionally charged and draining day but I’m glad my pains and other symptoms have been taken seriously and we now have a plan to fix this pesky problem.

Weigh in Wednesday…..you can kiss my fat (albeit shrinking) arse!

This week I have gained 1.4kg….that’s right I GAINED!!!!

I am not upset or disappointed. I am damn well angry and frustrated!

I am angry that whatever is going on is disrupting my process.
I am angry that I’m not getting enough protein and calories in my diet so my body has shut down all weight loss.
I am angry that this pain is stopping me from going to the gym.
I am angry that I don’t know why and what is going on.
I am angry that the universe has dealt me this hand.
I am just an angry and pissed off being today!!

Let’s just hope my appointment with Lilian tomorrow brings some kind of answers or at least some suggestions or action plan.

Tonight will be short and sweet as I’m exhausted. Tuesday is my mummy, housework, down time day and I haven’t stopped all bloody day and I’m spent.

I went to the physio today as I really wanted to try another route to locate and treat this damn pesky pain. One of my friends works as the office manager at the clinic and she couldn’t believe how much weight I had lost, this felt good to hear given the funk I am finding myself slipping into.

The physio was lovely, slightly confused with what was going on but was determined to try and figure out what’s going on! I think I had the poor man slightly terrified by all my revolting noises to the point that he was on red alert with the bin was on standby next to the bed. He believes that it is something muscular as a result of my body trying to readjust to my massive weight loss so quickly. He tried different position and motions to see if it affected the levels of pain, nausea and dizziness, some did and some didn’t. He didn’t want to push things so we did some initial assessments of what’s going on and back again tomorrow for more active treatment. I have no idea if it’s going to work or not but at least I’m trying something new and not feeling sorry for myself dwelling on the couch.

BBQ Pork Dumplings
Makes: 48

Ingredients:

• 48 wonton wrappers
• 500g Pork mince
• 2 scoops (60g) pure protein powder
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, finely grated
• 1cm fresh ginger, finely grated
• 2 teaspoons Chinese 5 spice

Method:

• Place all ingredients except the wonton wrappers into a bowl and mix until well combined.
• On a clean dry service place a wonton wrapper
• Dip your fingertip in a cup of water and dampen two edges of wonton wrapper in a L shape
• Place a heaped teaspoon (approximately 20g) into the middle of the wrapper
• Fold the wrapper over to form a triangle, press down one edge to seal the wonton with about 1/2-3/4cm seal
• Use your fingertip to push in the filling and comfortably seal the other side
• Dampen each of the points of the triangle and wrap them across each other to form a large tortellini shape
• Repeat with all the mixture
• To cook your dumplings:
• Steam, place in a bamboo steamer and steam for 10 minutes
• Deep Fry, for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy
• Pan Fry, place dumplings in a frying pan with a lid with about 1cm of water and replace lid.  Cook over a medium heat until the water has evaporated and steamed the dumplings. Then add in 1 tablespoon oil and give the frying pan a cook shake and pan fry for about 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy.
• Serve with your choice of dipping sauce.

Nutritional Value per dumpling:

• Calories: 35
• Total fats: 0.6g
• Total carbohydrates: 4.1g
• Sugars: 0.3g
• Protein: 3.9g

Recipe Notes:
• Store covered in the fridge for a maximum of 2 days either cooked or uncooked
• Can be frozen uncooked for a maximum of 6 months
• Recipe shown has a dipping sauce of sweet chilli sauce  and uses a dumpling press to fold
• Dumplings can also be steamed or poached by adding into a short or wonton soup
• Protein powder used in the recipe is Protein Supplies Australia Pure WPI Fast Release protein powders
• You can buy online from www.proteinsuppliesaustralia.com.au
• Use the Discount code psafriendsofhollys at checkout to get a 10% discount

Disclaimer: C4K Kitchen does not hold any responsibility for the consumer using this recipe including the storage guidelines and time frames recommended in the recipe notes. The consumer holds all responsibilities to ensure that food hygiene and safety standards are adhered to.