Desert Cliffs Day Five

I think the biggest mistake I've made this week was not having myself measured before I began my Desert Cliffs meal plan.  My biggest number loss may not be on the scales but in my waist line.  I'm feeling great on Day 5!

After my usual breakfast I was off on an 8.5 mile hike in the Red Cliff's Reserve.  We explored Johnson's Arch, Scout Caves and strolled around the Island in the Sky.  Sounds heavenly right?  It was.  I have lived in Dixie for a year and a half now and the scenery still never fails to blow me away.  I never tire of the cinnamon and sienna sandstone, the electric blue skies and silver-green sages and creosotes.  With every step I take in the desert, I am rejuvenated.

Lunch was eaten while ducking out of the northwest wind, in some rocks. I thoroughly devoured my chicken salad in a whole-wheat pita.  I saved my bag of veggies and 3 slices of watermelon for a snack later.  One common thing I hear from our clients is that there comes a point during your stay at Desert Cliffs, when you cross over from being hungry all the time, to staying satisfied longer.  Many of our guests will say that they can't finish their meals and aren't counting the hours until the next.  This happened for me on Day 5.  I was literally full from my sandwich and couldn't eat another bite.  When 3:30 came, I didn't have the usual cravings and desire to eat the entire pantry.  I can see that for me, another week of eating like this consistently just might cure my food challenges!

For pizza lovers, dinner was perfect.  Layered on a whole-wheat pita, were homemade marinara, tons of veggies, crumbled and browned ground-turkey, measured and shredded cheese and even a dash of parmesan.  Baked into one delicious pie...I really felt like I was eating something better than the average pizza.  I will keep these ingredients on hand because I will definitely be making these again.  Dessert was a chocolate-almond-blueberry cluster.  Who says you can't have dessert...or chocolate?  You just have to make sure you keep your portions in check.  I know that is easier said than done when you are home and cooking for a family. That's why I think you should come to Desert Cliffs to get back on track!!

I'm in the home-stretch now!  One more day of fabulous food.  Let's do this!