Dining, Recipes

Pecan Smoked Brisket

I picked up this USDA Choice butcher-cut point brisket at Albertson’s when I saw the stacks of pecan wood outside the store earlier that week. It was time to try the taste of pecan smoked brisket. Alas, I still didn’t have time to smoke the this beast entirely–at 10 hours, it still hadn’t reached the grey color so desired in perfectly smoked brisket. I hit the dread stall, and the temperature gauge wouldn’t budge past 170 degrees. I even foil wrapped the brisket and let it sit in the oven for 3-4 hours, but no such luck. At least the blackened exterior looked and tasted good. And the pecan smoke was oh-so-pervasive, I was smelling pecan smoke in my hair and clothes nearly a week later.

8/5/2012 August Fatty Brisket (1) 8/5/2012 August Fatty Brisket (2) 8/5/2012 August Fatty Brisket (3)

Fitness

October — almost over

Yes, yes, I think it is.

Eating healthy and light seems to be doing the trick this go around. I think my active metabolism is also getting efficient at burning off the calories. I’m about to finish off the second week of the restricted diet and so far I’ve burned about 2 pounds a week. If I keep up this trend, I’ll be two pounds lighter than my lowest point two months ago (about 144lbs in May).

I’ve been scrutinizing food labels, measuring my meals with my trusty food scale, and making healthier decisions when dining out. I’ve been staying away from the buffets and the AYCE style restaurants (oh Brazilian BBQ how I miss it), the fried foods and burgers, skipping rice and eating smaller Asian/Chinese food portions. I’ve steered clear of cheese and dairy (not so hard since I generally get by without it), watched my sugar intake (though I still drink juices and eat fruit), skipped carbs unless they’re whole grain, and made more low- or non-fat choices. Lately, I’ve developed a taste for non-fat sweet (not tart) chocolate yogurt at a shop down the street.

I see green a whole lot more. Generally I eat a lot of vegetables with my meals: broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, gai lan, spinach, edamame, and brussel sprouts. But I’ve been eating salads for lunch nearly every work day and not sneaking out  for a fast food lunch. This healthy midday meal seems to have the most impact on my rapid weight loss.

Tomorrow I have a doctor’s appointment to get some bloodwork done. Next week is evaluation week at Peak Body Transformation. I’m looking forward to seeing the results.

Did I mention my fiance is doing this 4 week diet with me? It was his idea after all. However, he’s not seeing much movement on the scale and getting slightly discouraged. He’s got a lot more weight to lose (about 40-60lbs) and hasn’t gotten into a regular fitness regimen. I hope he makes some progress soon; mens big and tall clothing sure is expensive!

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