Day One Hundred and One

It's like a new beginning... Made it through yesterday just fine.  Swam, but not as viguorously... I think I have a touch of whatever's going around.  Been feeling reall under the weather this last week.  But who knows, it could be from falling off the wagon.

Very Hungry this morning... better hit the cereal b4 I eat something bad!

Special K yogurt/berries/nonfat milk 4
1/2 piece Jenn's Admin Day cake 5
leftover baked spinach and beef rotini 8

Day One Hundred!!!

How fortunate for me that this is day One Hundred... after struggling for the last 2 weeks to keep on track I went to bed yesterday determined to get back on track in the morning... not realizing that it's day 100 today.

I started out good with my breakfast and I must say that I think breakfast, or lack thereof, seems to have been a cause of my symptoms.  As I look back over the last 2 weeks I see that I often skipped breakfast.  These days led to sever evening munchies....  Interesting when you actually keep track and can see trends.

Special K yogurt/berries/nonfat milk 4
Weight Watchers key lime yogurt 2
Salad bar with fat free catalina, turkey, and 1/4 cup noodle salad 5
baked spinach and Rotini 8
chips/salsa 6
special K with berries/nonfat milk 4
I even went swimming...

Days Ninety-five through Ninety-Nine

Life has taken over and I have fallen out of sync with my goals.  They are not out of my mind tho' and I think I should be able to get back on track (and to the grocery store) on Thursday or Friday.  For now I am doing only half as good as I could be, but the good news is that even tho' I haven't been logging... I AM VERY conscious of the food that I have been eating.

So the scale is only showing a couple pound increase and holding steady at that.

Day Ninety-four

Special K yogurt/berries/nonfat milk
nachos
chicken/noodles
ice-cream sandwich

Day Ninety-three

Coffee with creamer
Special K yogurt and Berries/nonfat milk
apple
Brocolli and Cheddar roasted potatoes
chicken spaghetti

Day Ninety-two

Coffee with creamer
Special K yogurt/berries/nonfat milk
leftover mac n cheese
cousins turkey sub with baked doritos
Honey Nut cheerios/nonfat milk

Day Ninety-one

Coffee with Creamer
Special K yogurt with berries/nonfat milk
Smart ones shrimp marinara
Turkey burger and leftover mac n cheese

lightened up mac 'n cheese

I said I'd get back in the kitchen and I meant it...  Tonight's experiment is was homemade mac and cheese.  It could have a serious disaster being low fat and all, but I think it turned out pretty dern good.  I think next time I might try some garlic or garlic salt for a little more flavor... or maybe more onion...

• 1 box ronzoni smart taste elbows
• 2 Tbsp fat free I can't believe it's not butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup minced onion
• 2 cups fat free milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 8 oz reduced fat mild cheddar
• salt/pepper
• 1 bag frozen broccoli, chopped
• 1/4 cup shredded parmesan
• butter flavor spray

Cook pasta.  Spray 9x13 pan.  Preheat oven to 375

In large skillet, melt butter.  Saute onion.  Mix chicken broth and flour.  Add to pan with milk. 

Raise heat and whisk until sauce comes to a boil and becomes smooth and thick.  Season with salt and pepper.  Remove from heat and add cheese.  Mix until melted and add to macaroni and broccolli.  Put in baking pan and top with parmesan. Bake for 10-15 minutes.

Serves 8 at 7 points plus each.  No picture but still tasty...

Day Ninety

Fresh week to start again.  Goals today are 1. only eat when hungry and 2. get back into the kitchen

Coffee with creamer
Special K yogurt and berries/nonfat milk
Cousin's Turkey sub with lt mayo and baked doritos
banana
turkey burger and mac and cheese
Honey nut cheerios/nonfat milk

Day Eighty-eight and Eighy-nine and week 13 weigh in

I was so bad this weekend that I'm not weighing in... I'm not countying these 2 days.  I know they were bad, but don't want to spend the time looking up what I consumed.  Suffice it to say that it was WAY too much.  and I didn't even go swimming... :(

I am hoping that I've gotten this out of my system for a while.  This morning I started out like the weekend never happened.  Eating a good breakfast and making sure I have my fruit around.  My goal today is only eating when hungry.... AND to get back into the kitchen.  Too much eating out this weekend, too.

Day Eighty-seven

Another bad day ladies.... I feel like I'm going downhill for some reason.  Something in my head isn't on the right path and I can't pinpoint what it is.  I want to keep going and stay moving in the direction that I have been, it has been fairly easy but my willpower and self control are not working lately and I gotta nip that in the bud quickly. 

Can't feel sorry for myself or let this continue so I am looking for strategies and things to help motivate me again.  portion control... not an issue.  Better choices, well besides lunch today, are also ok.  The major problem that I am having is only eating when I am hungry.  Just not getting satisfied mentally.  Stomach is full, but brain wants more food.

What to do... what to do...

nachos and chili cheese fries (it was a Birthday lunch)
Goolash
chocolate twizzlers
ice cream sandwich

Day Eighty-six

Baked chips/Sloppy Joe serving (meat only)
1 piece thin pizza
Subway Tuna sub on honey wheat with baked doritos
chocolate twix

Day Eighty-five

Special K yogurt/berries/nonfat milk
coffee with creamer
leftover chix taco chilli - 4 whole wheat crackers
100 calorie pack chips ahoy
cousins turkey sub with baked doritos
mighty mango naked fruit and multi grain snacks

Day Eighty-four

banana
leftover spanish rice
personal bbque chix pizza
icecream sandwich
Honey Nut Cheerios

Day Eighty-three

Coffee with creamer
Smart Ones Swedish Meatballs
This was a baaaad night...
Arby's Market fresh sandwich and 1/2 small curly fry
4 oatmeal cookies
2 ice cream sandwiches
pretzels 2 servings...

Week 12 Weigh In

A good week and MUCH better than last.  This week I said goodbye to another 2.2 pounds.  Very close to the second goal of 10% loss!  Just gonna keep going!  I'll get there.

Total loss so far: 22.8

Eighty-two

Leftover Spanish rice
2 oatmeal cookies
chicken taco chili with sour cream and fat free cheese
3 more cookies... :)

Homemade Spinach Manicotti

I wasn't really sure how this one would turn out at all, but once again Gina did not dissappoint!  Monicotti with Crespelles rather than noodles as I know them. 

Crespelle

• 1 cup flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 2 large egg whites
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• spray

Blend all ingredients (minus spray).  Heat 6" frying pan on medium low heat.  Spray pan.  Pour 2 Tbsp of batter into the pan.  Slowly swilring batter around the pan to cover evenly.  Cook about 30 seconds. Flip and cook another 10 seconds.  Remove and place on plate.  Repeating process until batter is gone.

Manicotti

• 16 oz part skim ricotta cheese
• 1 cups fat free moz
• 1 large egg
• 10 oz frozen package spinach, thawed and drained
• 1/4 cup parmesan
• salt and pepper
• 16 crespelles
• 32 oz spaghetti sauce
• 1 lb ground beef (90% or better)

Preheat oven 375

In large bow, combine ricotta, 1 1/2 cup mozzerella, egg, spinach, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper

Brown beef and mix with sauce

Fill each crespelle with 1/4 cup filling and roll.  Place seam side down in baking dish cover with sauce and remaining  moz cheese. cover with foil and bake about 25 -30 minutes.

Serves 8 - 2 manicotti for 7 points

Day Eighty-one

Cheesy Quesadillas
Homemade Spinach Manicotti with rolls
misc snacks
cookie dough Icecream sandwich
special K with berries/nonfat milk

Francese - Lightened Up

This is another dish that I've never eaten, so I have nothing to compare it to, but I sure like this version of it.  Light and fresh... I've really never cooked with lemon...

• 3 large chicken breast thinly sliced in 3
• 1/2 cup unbleached flour
• 1/2 cup egg whites, beaten
• 1 lemon, juice of
• 1/2 lemon sliced thin
• 1/3 cup white wine
• 1 15 oz can chicken broth
• cooking spray
• salt and pepper
• 3 Tbsp chopped parsley
• 2 Tbsp butter

Season chicken with salt and pepper.  Place the flour in a bowl, and beaten egg whites in another bowl.

Heat large non-stock pan over medium heat.  When hot lightly spray

Lightly flour chicken, then dip in eggs and add to the hot pan a few at a time.  Saute 2-3 minutes on each side.  When cooked, transfer to a plate.  Spray pan again and repeat until all chicken has been cooked.

Once all chicken is cooked, place the chicken broth in the bowl w/remaining flour and whick.  Add to pan along w/juice of lemon, white wine, lemon slices, parsley and butter and simmer on low heat for about 2 minutes so it reduces slightly and thickens.  Turn off heat.  Return chicken to pan to combine with the sauce.  Serve immediately....

3.5 points each piece

Serve with a nice salad, or over egg noodles.  We had some nice biscuits...

Day Eighty

Coffee with creamer
Special K yogurt/berries w/nonfat milk
leftover Spanish Rice with water
Chicken Francese with buscuits
spinach stuffed shells
chips ahoy 100 calorie pack
honeynut cheerios/nonfat milk

Day Seventy-nine

Feeling particularly good today.  I've made a nice rebound from last week's bumpy ride.  It's also very nice hat my back is not hurting like it was.  I can actually move around without much pain.  Don't worry... I'm not pushing it. I don't wanna hurt it again.


Coffee with creamer
Special K yogurt/berries/nonfat milk
Turkey taco and fresh fruit
Chicken Spanish rice (1 1/2 serving)
popcorn
Breyers cookie dough icecream sandwich

Day Seventy-Eight

Leftover stuffed shells with meat sauce and water
Cousin's turkey sub baked chips
honey nut cheerios/nonfat milk
popcorn
breyers cookie dough ice cream sandwich.

Chicken and Black Bean Enchiladas

I tell ya... Enchilada must mean filling or something cuz everytime I eat one I am just stuffed afterwards.  This time I followed one of Gina's Recipes for Turkey and Clack Bean Enchiladas (but I used ground chicken breast... the ground turkey around here is too high in fat for me right now).  Her enchilada sauce is FANTASTIC! I was talking to Chris at the dinner table tonight wondering how I could make this stuff in larger batches and can it!  It's tasty.  I am officially a fan of Chipotles in Adobo sauce to be sure!

Give this one a try!

Enchiladas

• 1 lb ground chicken breast
• 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 4.5 oz can chopped green chiles
• 15 oz can crushed tomato
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1-2 tsp cumin  (I used 1 1/2)
• salt
• 10 fat free flour tortillas - 8"
• 1 cup fat free cheddar cheese
• nonstick cooking spray

Sauce

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp Chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
• 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 3/4 cups chicken broth
• salt and pepper

Sauce: In medium pan, spray oil and saute garlic.  Add chiles in adobo, chili powder, cumin, chicken broth, tomato sauce, salt and pepper.  Bring to boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes.  Set aside.

Enchilada Filling: In large skillet, brown chicken and season with salt.  Add onion, cilantro, garlic, black beans, green chiles, tomatoes, cumin and chili powder.  Mix well and simmer on low, covered for 20 minutes.  Remove lid and simmer another 5-10 minutes to reduce liquid.

Preheat oven to 400. Spray 9x13 pan.

Put 1/2 - 3/4 cup mixture in each tortilla and fold.  Place in pan seam side down.  Top with Sauce and cheese.  Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes.  Top as desired (count your points!)

10 enchiladas at 6 points plus each!  I had one and it was enough... Chris ate 2 and they must have been good cuz he cleaned his plate!

Day Seventy-Seven

Special K w/berries/nonfat milk
banana
leftover stuffed shells
Chicken and black bean enchiladas
black bean brownie
banana
Breyers cookie dough ice cream sandwich

Day Seventy-Six

HoneyNut Cheerios/nonfat milk
Smart Ones Cheesy Quesadilla
banana
lowfat cheesecake
Spinach stuffed shells with meat sauce

Spinach Stuffed Shells with Meat Sauce

• 12 oz Jumbo Shells
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 tsp garlic, chopped
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground chicken breast
• 1 Tbsp sweet basil
• salt and pepper
• 3 packets splenda
• 2 cups light ricotta cheese
• 2 cups fat free mozerella
• 1 egg
• 10 oz package chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 1/4 cup parmesan, grated

Boil water and cook shells to al dente

Meanwhile, saute onions and garlic in oil.  Add chicken and salt, brown until cooked.  Add tomatoes, salt, pepper, basil, and splenda.  Simmer on low, covered.

Preheat oven to 375.
Strain noodles and rinse with cold water.

In large bowl, mix together ricotta, egg, spinach, mozzerella, and parmesan.

Fill cooled shells with cheese mix and place in baking dish with a little sauce in the bottom.  Cover shells with sauce, cover dish with foil, and bake 40 minutes.  Uncover bake an additional 5 minutes.

Calculations based on 37 shells...4 shells for 7 points

Lightened up Strawberry Cheesecake

Another dessert from Gina.  It is really tasty... give it a shot!

• 16 reduced fat honey graham crackers
• 1 Tbsp fat free I can't believe it's not butter
• 8 oz package fat free cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 6 oz fat free vanilla Greek yogurt
• 2 large egg whites
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 Tbsp flour
• 1/2 cup strawberry pie filling or jam

Heat oven to 350.  Spray 8 inch square pan or 9" pie pan

crush graham cracker and mix crumbs with butter until evenly moistened.  Press evenly into bottom of pan.  (I used a sandwich bag as a glove and I sprayed it with cooking spray so the crumbs wouldn't stick)

Gently beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth using an electric mixer.  Gradually beat in fat free yogurt, egg whites, lemon juice, and flour.  Do not over beat. 

Pour over graham cracker crust. 

Stir jam until smooth.  Drop spoonfuls over the surface of filling.  Using knife, swirl jam gently through the filling to create a marble effect.

Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until center is almost set.  Cool to room temp...  Chill a few hours in fridge.

serves 9 - 5 points each.

Week 11 Weigh In

Well... Not too happy with the scale today, but I can't really blame the scale.  Last week was a difficult one for me.  I had a really hard time staying within my points and threw caution to the wind a couple of times throughout the week.  I've been back on track since Saturday so results should continue again.

Went up .6 (not much and I'm not freaking out... don't worry)

Day Seventy-five

Trying to get back on track today after a mini de-railing.  Sad, but true and recoverable.  I am dreading going on the scale on Monday... this whole week has been a rough one, but yesterday in particular.

Honey Nut cheerios/fatfree milk
Smart Ones cheesy quesadillas and Pepsi One
leftover shepards pie
got hungry later so instead of sweets ate another serving of shepards pie

Day Seventy-four

I ain't gonna try and sugar coat this in any way.  I think I ate WAY over my points today and this probably includes by 49 weekly 'extra'.

I skipped breakfast and had Christiano's for lunch...
Italian chicken sandwich... it was soooo greasy.
Taco Bell nachos for dinner... :(
chocolate twizzlers and butter pretzels for a snack... but I didn't measure out portions like I should have...

bad day... but I did learn that some of my former favorites just aren't favorites anymore so that's good... Just putting on a couple of pounds is not how I would have like to learn that lesson.

Day Seventy-three

coffe with creamer
leftover spinach Italian Meatballs with penne noodles
Shepards pie
chocolate twizzlers

Day Seventy-Two

coffee with creamer
Strawberry oatmeal
leftover spinach stuffed chicken and rice
chicken wrap and small chili from Wendys
small berry smoothie from Mcdonalds
snack

Day Seventy-one

Special K yogurt/berries/nonfat milk
coffee with creamer
chicken/zucchini burger with shells and cheese
Weight Watchers Icecream sandwich
Chocolate Twizzlers

Day Seventy

Special K yogurt/berries/nonfat milk
leftover spinach stuffed chicken breast/rice
Spinach Italian Meatballs and Sauce with noodles
butterscotch oatmeal cookies
butter pretzels

Another great recipe from Gina!!!

Tonight I chose a new recipe from Gina's skinny recipes...  She's dubbed it Skinny Spinach Italian Meatballs.  Very good, as usual!  As I've said before... I have yet to have a recipe from her NOT be phenomenal.

Meatballs

• 1 lb. 90% or better ground beef (I used ground tenderloin)
• 2 pieces of 100% whole wheat bread, toasted and chopped
• 1 pack of frozen Spinach, thawed and drained
• 2 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup Romano cheese, shredded
• salt and pepper

Sauce

• 30 oz crushed tomatoes
• 2 tsp garlic, minced
• 1/2 onion
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

Toast bread and chop in foodprocessor.  Preheat 350.  Put pot of water on to boil for noodles.

In large bowl mix meat, garlic, spinach, cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, and salt and pepper until thoroughly mixed.  Roll into meatballs about 1/8 cup each (smaller than a golf ball... I used my small cookie scoop).  Place on cookie sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, until cooked all the way through.

In pot add olive oil and saute garlic until golden brown.  Add tomatoes, salt and pepper.  Mix and add onion.  Cover and simmer on low.

Put noodles in boiling water.  Add meatballs in sauce... return cover and simmer until noodles are done.  Remove and discard onion.  Drain noodles and serve with meatballs and sauce.

Meatballs were 1 point each and I got 26 out of this recipe... with one serving of noodles and 4 meatballs I was looking at a 9 point dinner.

Week 10 Weigh In

Another week gone along with another pound!  Yay for me! 

Still having a good time with the cooking, starting to re-use a couple of them per request of the kids.  My back has been a real problem for the last few weeks so I haven't been as active as I could have, but things seem to be turning around in that area (thank God!).  Just not really in a chatty mood today I guess. 

Day Sixty-nine

slept in
skipped lunch (not on purpose)
Shepard's deluxe and mozz sticks
butterscotch oatmeal cookie

Day Sixty-eight

Back on Track!

Honey Nut Cheerios/nonfat milk
b-bque chicken pizza
lowfat oatmeal/butterscotch cookies
Spinach/Ricotta stuffed Chicken Breast with Creamy Chicken Rice

Day Sixty-seven

Boy... was I naughty today!

Strawberry Oatmeal
KFC - 3 original strips with Bque dipping sauce and side salad/fat free catalina
Taco Bell - Steak Fresco Burrito Supreme w/Mexian Rice
totinos pizza rolls
Honey Nut Cheerios/nonfat milk
breyers cookie dough icecream sandwich

Taking the diet soda cake one step further...

after making the 'better than velvet cake' the other day, my mind started filling with ideas of taking the simple 9x13 cake and tackling different combinations.  This is my second attempt and I think it turned out nicely...

• 1 chocolate cake mix (dry only)
• 1 package butterscotch sugar free instant pudding
• 1 can pepsi one
• 4 cups sugar free vanilla pudding (snack pack)
• 1 package fresh  raspberries

mix cake, pudding, and pepsi... bake according to package.  Chill pudding and spread 2 cups on each layer of cake...  top each layer with raspberries...

Day Sixty-six

Honeynut cheerios/nonfat milk
Leftover lasagna
Leftover enchiladas
WW Icecream sandwich
4 chocolate twizzlers

Day Sixty-five

Honey Nut cheerios/nonfat milk
Smart Ones cheesy quesadillas
leftover lasagna
chicken enchiladas
Breyers cookie dough ice cream sandwich

Chicken Enchiladas.... Stuffed after this meal.

Fantastic meal... with the recommended serving of 2 enchiladas you'll be very satisfied.  A little sour cream on the side was all I added to this one.  There is a suggestion of rice on the side, but if you do... don't eat 2... you'll be sick full then.  It's 3 hours later and I am STILL feeling a full belly.

Sauce

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 heaping Tbsp chipotle chilis in adobo sauce
• 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 3/4 cup fat free chicken broth
• salt and pepper

Enchiladas

• 1 tsp olive oil
• 3/4 lb shredded chicken
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• salt
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/3 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 8 whole wheat flour tortillas
• 1 cup non-fat shredded cheddar cheese
• cooking spray

Spray Medium sauce pan and saute garlic.  Add chilis, chili powder, cumin, broth, tomato sauce, salt and pepper.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes, set aside.

Preheat oven to 400.

Heat oil in medium skillet - medium high heat.  Saute onion and garlic until soft.  Add chicken, salt, cumin, oregano, chili powder, tomato sauce, broth and cook 5 minutes. remove from heat.

Spray 9x13 baking dish.  put 1/3 cup chix mix into each tortilla and roll.  Place in dish seam side down and top with sauce and cheese.  Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.  Tope with lowfat sour cream (extra points) or scallions and enjoy.

4 points each enchilada... 2 is a really good sized serving and will need no side dish...

Day Sixty-four

Special K yogurt/berries/nonfat milk
taco salad - baked chips, chicken taco meat, tomatoes, salsa, reduced fat cheese, nonfat sourcream
banana
leftover lasagna
WW key lime pie yogurt
better than red velvet cake
Honeynut cheerios/nonfat milk

Day Sixty-three

Special K yogurt w/berries/Nonfat Milk
Coffee with Creamer
Banana
Leftover shrimp creole with brown/wild rice
lasagna with garlic bread
WW ice cream sandwich
bad midnight snack day... :( cake and middle of the night cereal

8 point good old-fashioned Beef Lasagna

Not Veggie, no noodle subs, not a lot of veggies, AND it uses good old fashioned ground beef.  This was a tasty lasagna recipe that I lightened up where I could...

• 1 lb. 90% Ground beef
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 tsp seasoning salt
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 3 packets splenda
• 2 - 15oz cans tomato sauce
• 6 oz can tomato paste
• 5.5 can mushrooms, drained
• 3 cups water
• 14 oz fat free shredded mozarella
• 3/4 cup fat free cottage cheese
• 3/4 cup light ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded parmesan
• 15 lasagna noodle (dreamfields)

In large pan brown beef with onion and seasonings. 
Stir in tomato sauce, paste, mushrooms, and water.
Simmer 10-15 minutes... the mixture should be thin.
In separate bowl, mix together cottage, ricota, and parmesan cheeses set aside

In 9x13 pan layer 1/3 noodles, 1/3 cheese mixture, 1/3 beef sauce, and 1/3 shredded mozarella.  Continue with 2 more layers until pan is full.

Cover and bake for 70 minutes.  Let stand for 10 minutes and then cut into 10 equal pieces.

8 points each

Week 9 Weigh In

Got up this morning to a back that is less achy but still pinching.  Happy Monday, ugh...  BUT after stepping on the scale I cheered up a bit.  227!!! That's almost 3 pounds this week!  Plus I've reached a total loss of 20.2 pounds!  Yay!  Twenty is a big milestone!  Plus I'm almost to my second goal of 10%... 4 more pounds!

wohoo!

Day Sixty-two

slept in
late lunch/early dinner
Arby's angus 3 cheese sandwich and curly fries with low sugar lemonade
piece of better than velvet cake
breyers cookie dough Ice-cream sandwich

Hoping I didn't make a mistake

I didn't go to the pool today as planned and I hope that doesn't start the downward spiral of exercise avoidance...  I had planned to go, but Chris asked if I wanted to run to Oshkosh this afternoon.  We hadn't spent much of the weekend together so I thought it would be nice and thought at least I would still be walking around and moving.

I tell ya... whether or not I got the 'normal' amount of activity in, I feel beat!  absolutely pooped!  I got a couple injections in my lower back on Friday to help remedy some pain that I've been having and they seem to be working, but a couple of hours ago my back said flat out it was done!!!  So it may have been a good thing that I didn't go.

Either way I just really wanted to get it down that I 'skipped' today and I wanted to be held accountable that I won't be making it a habit.

Day Sixty and Sixty-one

Day Sixty-one

special K with nonfat milk
spaghetti noodles and reduced sugar ketchup with hot dog
1/4 personal pizza (yummy) leftover shrimp creole with rice...
'better than red velvet cake'
bowl special K berries with nonfat milk

Day Sixty

Coffee with creamer; Strawberries and Cream oatmeal with 1/4 cup nonfat milk
KFC original strips and mexican rice with diet dew
Shrimp Creole with brown and wild rice
Breyers cookie dough ice-cream sandwich
Special K with Nonfat milk

Better than Red Velvet Cake

I am sure some of you have seen the Diet Coke Cake that Weight Watchers promotes...  Well today, after some time searching for diet creme soda, I tried a different combination and it is fantastic!

• red velvet cake mix
• package of sugar free instant jello pudding... white chocolate
• 11 oz (almost one can) A&W diet Creme Soda

Mix these together and bake according to package... low sugar cream cheese frosting would rock on this, but we just used fat free whip cream today.

Shrimp Creole

I can't recall every having any cajun cooking of any kind in my life.  No Gumbo, no Jambalaya, and certainly no Creole.  I don't even know what Creole means, but I thought... what the heck... why not try this recipe, too.  So I combed the spice rack at the grocery store for cajun seasoning, pulled out the cayenne, and gave it a try.  I have no idea if it's good creole, but it was good food.

• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1/2 red onion, chopped
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 1 large stalk celery, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
• 8 oz tomato sauce
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp cajun seasoning of choice
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 Tbsp all purpose flour
• 2 Tbsp water
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tsp Worcestershire
• 1/4 tsp hot sauce (or to taste)
• parsley

Put 1 & 1/2 cup brown rice and 1/4 cup wild rice to boil/steam (however you make your rice).  Takes about and hour.  After about 15 or 20 minutes

In a large skillet heat olive oil over medium heat.  Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, garlic and celery and saute until tender.  Add tomatoes and sauce, cayenne, bay leaf, and cajun spice and bring to a boil.  Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes.

Make slurry of the flour ans water.  Stir into the tomato mixture.  Continue cooking for another 5 minutes.  Add shrimp, worcestershire, and hot sauce... Stir together.  Cover and cook for another 5-6 minutes or until shrimp is opague and cooked through.

Sprinkle with parsley...  I calculated 8 points plus (including rice) - 5 servings

So if anyone that knows creole tries this... let me know how it compares.  Either way I'll be making it again.

Oh ya... don't forget to remove the bay leaf ... don't eat that thing.

Day Fifty-nine

Coffee with creamer
Special K fruit and yogurt with nonfat milk
Smart Ones Pasta Primavera
100 calorie pack chips ahoy
chicken taquitos turned salsa chicken pizza
cookie dough ice cream sandwich (breyers)
Honey nut cheerios with milk (middle of the night snack)

Day Fifty-eight

1/2 cup grapes
leftover stuffed pepper and V-fusion juice
6 inch subway turkey sub with cheese and sweet onion sauce, baked chips, and pepsi one.
Multi grain snacks
WW ice-cream sandwich

Day Fifty-seven

coffee with creamer
smart ones santa fe chicken, V-8 fusion, and 100 calorie pack chocolate chip
pita pizza
Jello

Day Fifty-six

Coffee with creamer
Special K fruit and yogurt with nonfat milk
KFC orignal recipe strips with Honey BBQ sauce and side salad with light Italian dressing
chicken stuffed pepper and cheesy buscuits
Honey Nut cheerios/nonfat milk

Stuffed Peppers and garlic buscuits.

In an earlier post on FB I referred to these as turkey stuffed peppers, but that's just what the recipe read... I actually used some of the chicken that I ground yesterday instead of turkey. which turned out great!!!

Here's what I used...

• 1.3 lbs ground chicken breast
• 2 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, minced
• 1/4 cups fresh cilantro, minced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• salt to taste
• 3 large bell peppers
• 1 cup fat free chicken broth
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce
• 3 cups long grain brown rice, cooked
• 1/4 cups fat free cheddar cheese
• cooking spray

Prepare brown rice.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 

Mince/Chop onion, cilantro, and garlic in food processor.  Spray medium saute pan and saute onion, cilantro and garlic. 2-3 minutes.  Add ground chicken and 'brown'.  Season with garlic powder, cumin, and salt (about 1/2 tsp).  Once 'browned' add chicken broth and tomato sauce.  Simmer 5 minutes.  Mix with rice.

Wash and cut peppers in half, cleaning out the seeds.  Place in a baking dish and stuff each pepper with chicken rice mixture.  Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.  Remove cover, and top with cheese.

This amount made 6 servings in a pepper and 2 that was just rice and chicken (Neither Kyle nor Kery like green peppers yet, but Kery's best bud did!!!)  If I calculated right each serving is 4.5 points...

I served with some carbquick cheesy biscuits that I made

• 2 cups carbquick mix
• 1 cups fat free milk
• 1 cups shredded cheese
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 Tbsp melted fat free I can't believe it's not butter

combine mix, garlic, and cheese.... slowly add milk until combined.  Separate into 1 oz portions and bake 8-10 minutes.  brush with melted 'butter'. Whole batch is 24 points so each biscuit would be less than 2 points...  I think I'll get almost 20 or so biscuits... I have kept half for later in the week so I'll know for sure soon.

Note:  Next time I would add some salt to the mixture... or garlic salt.

Week 8 Weigh In

     If you'll remember... last week was a woppin' 4 pound loss that nearly floored me due to shock, so this week I was clearly not expecting to loose a thing!  I was even prepared to have put on a bit of those 4 pounds.  So this morning I hesitantly stepped on the scale... hoping that it would be that bad.  What I was surprise and delighted to see was that I have left the 230's behind (barely) and was weighing in at 229.8!  That's six tenths of a pound.  I tell ya, with the weekend I had (2 social events) AND the pool being closed for maintenance for the entire week... I'll take it!!!

Total loss so far of 17.4 pounds!

Days Fifty-three through Fifty-five

Took some vacation time and although I paid attention to what was eating I neglected the posting so now is the time to catch up from the weekend.

Day Fifty-five

Garlic lovers roast with miracle mashies and green beans almondine
Strawberry cake thing that didn't turn out right... tasted good tho'.
Weight Watchers ice-cream sandwich

Day Fifty-four
Special K berries with nonfat milk
Taco Bell beef fresco burrito supreme with mexican rice
taco, crackers with spinach dip, cookie brownies

Day Fifty-three
Honey nut cheerios and nonfat milk
leftover sesame chicken with rice
6 oz filet, 3 large broiled shrimp, baked potato, salad with raspberry vinegarette
2 amaretto/sours

Day Fifty-two

Honey Nut cheerios with nonfat milk
mango and mutligrain ricecakes
banana
leftover shepards pie
sesame chicken and brocolli with rice
jello fluff
special K with berries and nonfat milk

Sesame Chicken and Brocolli

This one didn't pass the Chris test, but lucky for me Kery liked it so I get to make it again if I'd like.  I even have a picture of the final product, altho' it's not very good quality.

This recipe came from Hungry Girl... a few adaptations.

10 oz. boneless chicen breast, raw, cubed
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1/8 cups egg substitute, liquid
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cups fat-free chicken broth
1 Tbsp cornstarch
2 Tbsp and 2 tsp pancake syrup, lite or sugar free
1 Tbsp and 1 tsp rice vinegar
1 Tbsp ketchup
1/2 Tbsp lite or low sodium soy sauce
1 and 1/2 tsp sesame oil, separated
2 packets splenda
1/2 tsp crushed garlic
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp sesame seeds
2 Tbsp thinly slice scallions
Brocolli flourets 2 cups
1 large red vadalia onion, peeled and cut into bite size pieces
Optional: crushed red pepper

• Preheat over 375.  Spray baking sheet and set aside. (I also started some rice in the steamer now)
• Place chicken in a bowl, salt and pepper... cover with egg substitute.  Toss to coat.
• Put flour into a dish or bowl and throughly coat chicken with flour...  make sure to allow excess egg to drip off chicken first. Place chicken on baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine broth with cornstarch (I shake in a container) and put into a small pan.  Add syrup, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, sesame oil, splenda, and garlic.  Heat over medium heat stirring often until thick enough to coat a spoon.
• Heat wok or large saute pan with 2 garlic cloves and 1 tsp oil.  Add brocolli and onion, stir fry until tender.  Add chicken and cover with sauce.  Sprinkle scallions and sesame seeds and gently mix.
• Serve over rice

Makes 6 generous servings for 6 points each

Here's my finished product... sorry the picture's not better quality...

Day Fifty-one

Smart Ones cheesy taquitos and rice
Shepards Pie, lightened up
baked torillas chips and salsa
ww ice cream sandwich

My first 'Irish' dish... at least that I know of...

Made a lightened up version of Shepard's Pie that I found on http://www.skinnytaste.com/.  Of course... changed it up a little, the curse of living in a smaller town, but I think it was fantastic and it was sooooo filling.  The points were very low considering how full I feel.  I calculated 5 points, but am thinking that number was so low that I added a point cuz it just didn't seem right.  *sigh*

Potatoes:

• 1 1/2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled, diced
• 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 Tbsp fat free sour cream
• salt and pepper
• paprika

Filling

• 1 lb 90% or better ground beef
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, diced
• 16 oz package frozen mixed vegies (I used the one with beans, carrots, corn, and lima beans)
• 2 Tbsp flour
• 1 cup fat free chicken broth
• 2 tsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Worcestershire
• 1 tsp rosemary (ground)
• 1 tsp thyme
• salt and pepper

boil potatoes until soft, drain, and mas with chicken broth, sour cream, salt and pepper

preheat oven 400

Brown meat in large saute pan and set aside.  Discard fat in pan... add oil, onion, celery, and garlice saute about 4-5 minutes.  Add flour, salt and pepper and mix well.  Add frozen vegies, chicken broth, tomato paste, worcestershire, rosemary, thyme, browned meat and mix well. simmer on low 5-10 minutes

spread mixture into 9x9 pan and top with potatoes.  You can use fork to put texture on potatoes and sprinkle with paprika.  Bake 20+ minutes until potatoes are golden brown.  Let cool 10-15 before serving.

makes 6 generous servings.  I didn't serve anything with it... and 1/6 was plenty for me.  Chris had 2 servings and topped his with a couple different types of cheese.

Day Fifty

Special K fruit and yogurt with nonfat milk
coffee with creamer
Smart Ones Chicken/Chees quesadilla, Raspberry Jello Fluff
100 calorie pack shortbread cookies
1.5 crab cake with sugar snap peas and baked seasoned fries

Anybody Crabby?

OK... I tried the crab cakes tonight.  As usual, I made a couple of changes to the recipe.  Some were preference, at least one was necessity.  The taste was good, I am just not sure of the texture...  they were aweful moist and not crumbly like I've had other crab cakes.  I think maybe I didn't get enough moisture out of the canned crab???  That might have been it... Did you know that stuff comes in the can wrapped in some kind of paper?  I've NEVER had it before, but I'm finding there is a first for most things in the kitchen.  Alright enough talk... here's what I did...

• 2 - 6 oz. cans white crab meat, drained (about 1 cup drained crab meat)
• 2 1/2 slices of whole wheat bread, lightly toasted
• 2 Tbsp shredded parmesan
• 3 Tbsp egg substitute
• 2 Tbsp onion, finely diced
• 2 Tbsp celery, finely diced
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced
• 1 Tbsp Miracle Whip
• 1/2 Tbsp dijon mustard of choice
• 1/2 Tbsp parsley, fresh if you have it
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp whipped light butter of choice, melted
• 1/4 tsp worcestershire sauce
• dash hot pepper sauce (tabasco)
• dash salt
• dash black pepper

Heat oven to 450 degrees

Tear lightly toasted bread into pieces and place in food processor or blender.  Pulse until reduced to breadcrumbs and transfer to medium bowl.

Add crabmeat, parsley, garlic, salt and black pepper.  Gently mix until combined.  Add onion and celery.  Lightly mix again and set aside.

In smaller bowl whisk cheese, egg substitute, miracle whip, dijon mustard, lemon juice, melted butter, worcestershire, and hot pepper sauce until smooth.  Poor over crab mixture and gently fold together. add salt and pepper to taste.

Spray baking dish and form 4 small patties.  Place into the dish.  Bake for 20-25 minutes.

3 points each cake.

I served with Sugar Snap peas and baked fries.

Day Forty-nine

Special K fruit and yogurt with Nonfat milk
coffee with creamer
leftover chicken taco chili with cheesy cornbread muffin
Chinese - beef w/brocolli; shrimp w/snow peas; rice; eggroll
Multigrain snacks

I'm hungry, but I'm full

So I just ate a big meal... chinese food... rice, eggroll the whole deal with chopsticks and everything.  I know I'm still full, I can feel that there's still food in my stomach, but I want something to eat something so much!  I keep craving something sweet or crunchy or both.

What do you do to keep from eating when you are hungry???  Anybody whose got some ideas... please share.  I'm struggling right now...

Week 7 Weigh In

Well, I must say that this week I am in disbelief.  I was in absolute shock when I got on the scale this morning... so much so that I stepped off and tried again.  If the numbers are right... I've lost 4 pounds this week!  I just get my mind around that!  That's a lot for a week.

Don't get me wrong... I am not complaining.  I just kind of wonder what this means?  Am I going to be in for a couple of weeks of loosing nothing?  Not trying to be a Debbie Downer or anything, just trying to prepare my mind to keep on track no matter what!

Either way I think I will just enjoy this achievement and munch on some Special K this morning!  Yay!

Day Forty-eight

Skipped Breakfast cuz I slept in...
Skipped Lunch for a early and heavy dinner...
Shepard's deluxe and Mozarella sticks

Day Forty-six and Forty-seven

Day Forty-Seven

Chicken Taco Chili and Gluten free Cornbread Mix
Rasperry/Orange Jello fluff
leftover Parmesan Chicken over noodles
another jello fluff

Day Forty-six

Coffee with creamer and bagel thin with 2 Tbsp Peanut Butter
banana
leftover turkey taco chili soup and cornbread muffin
Taco Bell Steak Fresco Burrito and chicken soft taco with Mexican Rice
honey nut cheerios and nonfat milk.

Turkey Chili Taco Soup and Cornbread Muffins

This was a good recipe when you need are pressed for time or have a group to feed.  Similar to the Crockpot Chicken Chili that I made, but a different taste and consistency to be sure...

• 1 1/4 pound lean ground turkey
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 10 oz can rotel tomatoes w/green chilies
• 15 oz canned or frozen corn, drained
• 15 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 8 oz tomato sauce
• 16 oz fat free refried beans
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 2 1/2 cups fat free chicken broth

In a large pot, brown turkey.  When cooked, add onion and pepper and cook 2-3 minutes.  Add tomatoes, corn, beans, tomato sauce, refried beans, taco seasoning, and chicken broth.  Bring to a boil and simmer about 10-15 minutes

Made for me about 8 -1 1/2 cup servings at 6 points each

The cornbread muffins were different, but I think the taste was good.  I have a feeling that I didn't cook them long enough... they probably needed about 5 more minutes...  (I only left them in for 20)

• 1 cup canned cream-style corn
• 2.3 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1/2 fat free egg substitute
• 1/2 fat free sour cream
• 1/2 cup fat free shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup shopped scallions
• 2 Tbsp Splenda (granulated)
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Optional: 1/4 tsp hot sauce

Preheat oven to 375

Combine flour, cornmeal, splenda, baking powder, and salt in large bowl.  In separate small bowl, mix together all other ingredients, then add the contents of the smaller bowl to the large one, and stir until well mixed.

Spray 12 cup muffin pan with nonstick spray or line with baking cups.  Evenly distribute muffin batter among the cups.  Bake for 15-20 minutes (until firm and light golden brown) Allow to cool and enjoy!

2.5 points each and boy... are they filling.

Day Forty-four and Forty-five

Day Forty-five

Coffee with Creamer
Bagel Thin with 1Tbsp reduced fat Peanut Butter
leftvoer Baked ziti with Spinach
Turkey Taco Soup and Cheesy Cornbread muffin
Multigrain snack bag
honey-nut cheerios 1/2 cup nonfat milk


Day Forty-four

Special K fruit and yogurt with nonfat milk
coffee with creamer
leftover Baked Ziti with Spinach
Taco Bell Steak Burrito Fresco Supreme with Mexican Rice and Pepsi One
Banana

Day Forty-three

Coffee with creamer
Special K with berries cereal with nonfat milk
Leftover Baked Ziti w/Spinach
banana
Leftover Chicken Parmesan
rice crispy treats

Day Forty-two

Coffee with creamer and a banana
leftover veggie packed goolash
Baked Ziti with Beef and Spinach
rice crispy treats

Baked Ziti with Spinach

Now this one was good... and filling!  Best Spinach recipe so far (out of a total of three!).  I've always thought Cooked Spinach had an earthy taste that I've never been fond of, but I am finding out how wrong I have been.

This recipe would work great with a nice salad and some garlic bread if you must...  produces 8 pretty good size servings...

• 1 box rozoni smart pasta (I used penne)
• 1 lb ground beef, 90% or leaner
• 28 oz crushed tomatos
• 1 tsp oregano
• 2 Tbsp basil
• 3 tsp garlic, minced
• 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed
• 16 oz fat-free cottage cheese
• 2 packets splenda
• 1/4 cups grated parmesan
• 1 cup fat free mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 375 - spray 9x13 casserole dish
boil noodles to al dente
Saute garlic and brown meat
Add crushed tomato, spinach, splenda, seasonings, and salt/pepper
In large mixing bowl combine noodles, meat sauce, and cheeses
Bake for 30 minutes

Serves 8 for 8 points each...

Can top with more cheese if you like...

bad hostes cupcakes.....

OK... someone come to my office and get these creme filled cupcakes out of my cabinet!!!  They are calling my name today something aweful and I am struggling not to eat them.  I want to take them out and step on them but I am afraid if I get near them I'll just eat them.....  must.... resist!

*AAAAHHHhhhhhh!*

Week 6 Weigh In

This weekend threw a few curve ball cravings at me and some temptations that I didn't pass up.  The sad thing is that they were things that I could have done more healthfully, but just decided NOT to.

This morning's weigh in brings me a pound lighter than last week (which is good of course), but I do not sound excited, cuz last week Wednesday I was down 2.5 pounds... so I gained some back over the weekend.  I know that I shouldn't get discouraged by that and that I am going in generally the right direction....  I just feel like I should know better.

Today is a new day!  I learned some valuable lessons this weekend.

Day Forty-one

Special K red berries cereal with nonfat milk
Baked Chicken Parmesan over noodles
strawberry creme jello with fresh strawberries
rice crispy treat

Day forty

HoneyNut cheerios with Non fat milk
6 inch wheat/turkey sub from subway with sweet onion sauce,
              spinach, cucumbers, onions, pickles, and tomatoes.
Veggie packed Goolash
1 laffy taffy
multigrain caramel snacks

I fit into some old jeans today....

I've been beginning to see/feel the progress in the way my clothes fit.  This last few days I've been able to pull out a couple of my older clothes which has felt very rewarding.  It has kept me from going completely overboard this weekend... :)

Veggie Packed Goolash...

So I took the goolash that I normally make with beef, noodles and sauces and switched it up a little.  It turned out good and I'm calling it Veggie Packed Goolash.

• 1 lb 90% ground beef
• 1 tsp garlic, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, grated
• 2 tender celery stalks, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 4 oz mushrooms, chopped
• 1/2 green pepper, chopped
• 1 Tbsp Molasses
• 2 tsp splenda brown sugar, packed
• 1 can Manwich
• 1 can condensed tomato soup
• 1 box Ronzoni smart pasta elbow noodles

Boil water for noodles.  Boil and strain.

Brown beef with chopped garlic.  Add veggies and simmer for 4-5 minutes.  Add Manwich, soup, brown suger and molasses.  Simmer for 5 minutes.  Mix with noodles.  Serve.

Makes about 10 cups at 6.5 points each cup.

Day Thirty-Nine

Day Forty

Banana and coffee with creamer
Chicken Avacado salad  with diet Pepsi
pb&j sandwich with baked Doritos
WW ice cream sandwich

Day Thirty-Nine

Coffee with Creamer and a banana
Sandwich bar (Potluck at word)

• flat out wrap - 4 pt
• 4 oz chix off the bone - 4 pt
• 1 Tbsp Light Miracle whip - 1pt
• 1 slice fat free Kraft single - 1 pt
• onion, lettuc, and cucumber
• 1 serving of cheetos - 4 pts

Bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios with nonfat milk

Day Thirty-Eight

Special K yogurt and berries and nonfat milk
coffee with creamer and a banana
apple
Smart Ones chicken and cheese Quesadilla
Shortbread cookie 100 calorie pack
Taco Bell Steak Fresco Burrito Supreme with Mexican Rice and Dt Dew
Bowl of Special K with nonfat milk

The best Tuna Melts I have every had!

Who knew you could put more than Tuna and cheese in a good tuna melt?  Well, not me!  I made another Andi adaptation to one of Gina's Awesome recipes again tonight.

Tuna Melt

• 2 small cans tuna in water, drained
• 1/2 cups carrots, shredded
• 1/2 cups celery, chopped/diced
• 2 Tbsp (approx) of red onion, minced
• 4 Tbsp Miracle Whip
• 2 tsp Red Wine Vinegar
• salt and pepper
• 5 slice whole grain bread
• 10 slices Kraft fat free cheese singles
• 2 tomatos

Preheat oven to 350

Combine tuna celery, carrots, onion, miracle whip, vinegar, salt and pepper.

Place 2 slices cheese on each piece of bread. Pile equals amounts of tuna mixture onto each piece and top with a slice or two of tomato (tomato is a must... it was fantastic warm!)  Arrange on non-stick baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. 

Counts for the items that I used brought me to 5.5 points each open face sandwich... with an apple and some chips... one was enough!  This one will become a regular here...  it was fast and easy.

Day Thirty-Seven

Well... today I am exhausted.  I think that my body didn't recover from shoveling yesterday and swimming made it increasingly tired!!!  I just finished reading my homework for class tomorrow night and when I got up from the chair I could have fallen over... very sore.  Glad to have a night off tomorrow, but I'll be back at the pool on Thursday, you can bet on it!

Banana for breakfast... on the run...
Apple for snack... on the run...
PB/J bagel thin with banana for lunch (almost on the run).. phew!
Skinny Tuna Melts - (totally fantastic) with an apple and pretzels
bowl of Special K with Strawberries and 1 cup nonfat milk

Day Thirty-Six

Since I shoveled tons of snow today, I'd say I got enough exercise! 

Honey Nut Cheerios and nonfat milk
left over spaghetti with cilantro turkey meatballs and sauce
2 bananas throughout the afternoon...
1 1/2 spinach lasagna rolls

Week 5 Weigh in

This morning feels like a lazy day with all the snow and not being able to get out of the house... :) but I still remembered to get on the scale to check progress.  Good news and great numbers!!!  I am down another 3 pounds from last week Monday! Totalling 11.8 pounds... only .2 away from my first goal of 5%!  I just can't believe how easily this is going!  I don't think it would be if I wasn't trying different recipes and making things from scratch (a little). 

Besides purchasing 'low to no fat foods' like sour cream, milk, and cheese I haven't been buying much 'diet food', which is great!  I guess the point I am trying to make is that by choosing to cook the way I have been I haven't really felt like I'm on a 'diet'.  I have simply been eating the same stuff, just watching portions and making better choices.  I have found that I still get to enjoy my favorites... I just plan them rather than eat them by impulse.

Added benefit being that my family is eating better too!  I am no longer making double meals (One for them and one for me).  Instead I make sure to have regular options in house....  regular sour cream, milk, cheese... these are staples around here!  I make sure there are both the fat free or low fat options as well as the stuff they are used to that can be used as 'add-ons' to the recipes that I am making with the no fat items.  A fair compromise I think, that seems to be working well.  I even have 'healthy' buns vs. regular buns and I've had the boy choose the 'healthy' option more than once!

Tonight I'm making Spinach lasagna rolls and I can hardly wait!

Day Thirty-Four and Thirty-Five

Day Thirty Five

Chicken zucchini burgers with shells and cheese
WW Dreamsicle Dessert
5 baked doritos

Day Thirty-Four

Honey-Nut Cheerios with nonfat milk
leftover sloppy joes and baked seasoned fries...
cilantro turkey meatballs with spaghetti noodles and sauce
5 baked doritos and 2 laffy taffies...

Chicken Zucchini burgers ...... Yummy!

This recipe was listed online as a turkey burger recipe, but I had thawed ground chicken in the fridge to use so I thought... why not?

Turns out that chicken makes a great burger!!!  I cooked them on the George Foreman grill rather than on the stove and I really like the way the cooked!  Much more even than beef burgers.

• one pound Ground Chicken
• 1 small zucchini, grated
• 1 Tbsp red onion, grated
• 1 tsp garlic, chopped or grated
• 1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• Salt and Pepper

Combine chicken, zucchini, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.  Form 6 equal patties.

I made them ahead of time and put them in the fridge for a couple of hours so they were nice and firm when I began cooking them. 

These are so light on points that I didn't feel bad serving them with good old 'shells and cheese'.  (I'm just not ready to tackle homemade mac n cheese... soon tho'... very soon).

Each patty is 2.5 points... I ate with the thin sandwich buns that are available for 3 points with Miracle whip and no fat cheese, onion, and lettuce.   6.5 point burger!  totally worth it!  It was good.

Day Thirty-Three

Coffee with Creamer and a banana
Special K fruit and yogurt with 1/2 cup nonfat milk
Lean Cuisine glazed chicken with rice and green beans
Skinny Sloppy Joes and homemade seasoned fries
honey nut cheerios and nonfat milk

Made Sloppy Joes tonight!

So this evening I tried making some sloppy joes...  One again I visites skinnytaste.com and found a couple of recipes to make for dinner.  The second was some baked, seasoned fries.

As is becoming usual, I substituted a few things, but the original recipe can be found <here>.

Andi's Chicken Sloppy Joes... :)

• 16 oz ground Chicken
• 1 Tbsp Seasoning Salt
• 1 carrot, minced
• 1 med onion, minced
• 1/4 cup green pepper, minced
• 4 oz mushrooms, minced
• 1 heaping tsp of mince garlic
• 1 Tbsp red cooking wine
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1-2 Cups Tomato Sauce (to taste)

Chop all vegies really fine in a chopper or processor

Brown Chicken, Seasoning Salt, and garlic in large Skillet and then add onion, carrots, mushrooms, and pepper to the skillet.  Reduce heat, add wine and worcestershire, simmer for 5 minutes.  Add tomato sauce until desire consistency is reached and simmer another 5 minutes.

Yields about 7 1/2 cup servings. at 2.5 points each.

I gave the family a choice of a regualr white bun... or a healthier whole wheat flat bun...  we were split 50/50.  I, of course, went with the whole grain choice to add another 3 points pus.    Nice sandwich for 5.5 points!!!

Even with the french fries at 4 points for a full medium size potato, the meal was under 10 points!!!

Day Thirty-One and Thirty-two

Way too busy of a day for me... haven't had a chance to sit down until now...

Today I didn't get to eat until I got home from work which isn't good.
I had a mango before and after dinner... they were sooooo good.
and had pork tenderloin with roasted broccoli and onions and green bean casserole
addt'l eating happened in the middle of the night... 1 bowl of cereal...

Yesterday I had...

Special K Yogurt and Berries with nonfat milk
coffee with creamer
Lean Curising: Garlic Stir Fry w/Chicken (20, 42, 4, 5)
Taco Bell Steak Fresco Burrito Supreme and Mexican Rice with a Diet Mt Dew...

Black Beans in Brownies!!!!! What!?!?!?!

That's what I thought too!  Whose the nut who put a Can of Black Beans with Brownie mix and WHAT in the world were they smoking when they did it!!!

After reading review after review of the super simple recipe I just had to try it... not a single person said they were gross, icky, or anything of the sort.  Everyone was boasting fudgy consistency and I just couldn't believe it!  With all the doubt in the world I went ahead and tried them... Bought the black beans and brownie mix and followed the few easy steps....  let them cool and they were ready to serve.

Now I must mention that I have a huge mental block when it comes to the consistency of food.  There are foods that I WILL NOT touch simply because of the texture... so with that obvious flaw I took a bite of a brownie...  Cautiously chewing and waiting for it to taste like a chocolate burrito or something like that.  Well it didn't happen.  They DO have a fudgy consistency and the flavor ain't bad either.  I ate plain with no frosting and thought they were pretty good.  In the future a little powdered sugar sprinkled on top would add a nice touch..

1-15 oz can of black beans
1 Brownie mix of choice


Open, strain, and rinse (well) black beans.  Return beans to the can and fill with water.  Blend until smooth and then mix with the dry contents of the brownie mix.  DO NOT add eggs or oil.  Bake according to box instructions.  A 9x13 pan will yield 20 brownies at about 4 points each!!!  Next time I make them I am going to cut each brownie into fourths for 'bite' size treats at 1 point each!

It's that simple... are you brave enough to try them?????

Day Thirty

Tired from swimming again...  back doesn't seem to hurt as badly as it has... hopefully I can say the same in the morning.

Special K Yogurt and berries cereal with Non-fat milk
coffee with creamer and a banana
Spaghetti with sauce and southwest turkey meatballs
beef Stir Fry with rice

Day Twenty-Nine

Good night ladies and gentleman...  Hope you all had a happy valentines day!

Coffee with Creamer and a banana
Honey crisp Apple
Lean Cuisine, Shrimp Alfredo with brocolli and peas over noodles
Spaghetti with sauce and southwest turkey meatballs
One Black Bean Brownie

Week 4 Weigh In

Not the results I hoped for, but still in the right direction.  I know that I really splurged on Saturday... altho' I didn't go over the allotted points I still could have done without it.

I recalculated my points with this week's weight and now the calculator says 37 a day instead of 38... no problem.  I hadn't really been going over 32/33 anyway and it's not because I'm trying not to.  I find that 38 was a LOT to eat in a day (especially if you are making better choices).

I really worked on eating more slowly this week, and I met my exercise goal of 3 hours of swimming as well.  I think that the weekend brought the hurdle of not eating unless hungry.  I know didn't go over my points, but I also know that there were a couple of snacks that were had just for the having and not because I was hungry.

Still doing good planning ahead and making sure that there are good choices around.  I just need to get off my lazy bum next weekend instead of searching for 'better' choices in the dining out companion... lol.  I even made the 'diet coke' cake which was rather tasty I must say, and I didn't really even miss the frosting!

so I end this week at 238.4... down a little less than a pound.

Day Twenty-Eight

Cheerios with Nonfat milk
bananas
skinny tuna noodle casserole
Taco Bell... steak fresco burrito supreme with rice and chicken meximelt
Weight Watchers cinnamon bun bar

Weekly Allowance Points

For the first time since starting this journey I used the extra Weekly Allowance Points yesterday.  I dipped into 8 of them (I guess there are 49 that can be used each week, which I must admit seems like a lot).  I just wasn't in the mood to cook OR get up and go out to pick up some dinner so I spent some time with the Dining out guide deciding what to get from Dominos... the only delivery place close by that was in the book.

I normally get a pasta bowl... which I KNOW is carb overload, but is soooo tasty!  That item wasn't in the book so I spent some time online tracking down the nutritional facts for them.  None of this is really important, but the reason I even bring it up is to point out that the difference between that time and all others, is it was deliberate.  I didn't splurge without taking into consideration the rest of the day's/week's intake.

The fact is that there wouldn't have been Dominos for me if I hadn't had the points to cover the meal.  Yay me!

Day Twenty-Seven

Honey Nut Cheerios with nonfat milk
banana
Tuna noodle Casserole
Dominos pasta/bread bowl
Diet Coke Cake
Jello

Day Twenty-Six

Coffee with Creamer
Cousin's turkey sub with 1 pkt Kraft fat free mayo, sour cream/onion chips, diet coke
banana
Gina's Skinny Tuna Noodle Casserole
one piece diet coke chocolate cake and light whip cream.

Tried the Diet Coke Cake

Went to a Weight Watcher's open house this week and heard, again, about the chocolate cake made with diet coke.  Kyle had been asking all night to get some candy or make brownies so we compromised and made this cake.  Just finished a piece with a serving of light whip cream and I must say... not bad at all.  I don't know if I'll ever make chocolate cake the other way again!

One box mix makes 12 servings at 4 Weigh Watchers points a piece... versus 9 points made to package specifications.  I never realized how much fat was in the oil!!!!!!!

It was very moist...

Tuna Noodle Casserole

I am home with the boy, but I made dinner anyway.  On nights like this when the family is spread out I normally just have 'fend for yourself' dinner, but I thought it wiser to make something rather than grazing all night.  So.... I visited Gina's Skinny Recipes again and found her Skinny Tuna Noodle Casserole and gave it a try.  I'll tell ya that I'm the only one that's trying it right now (Kyle won't touch it... it's got peas, mushrooms, AND tuna in it) but I override his vote anyway.  This one is DEFINATELY making it to the recipe box.

Skinny Tuna Noodle Casserole (Andi Style)

• 6 oz No yolk noodles (I literlly weighed out 6 oz on a scale)
• 1 Tbsp Butter (used No Fat I can't believe it's not butter)
• 1 medium onion, finely minced
• 3 Tbsp flour
• 1 3/4 cups fat free chicken broth
• 1 cup non fat milk
• 10 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced (very important part of this recipe I think)
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 2 (5 oz) cans of tuna in water, drained
• 4 oz reduced fat sharp cheddar
• cooking spray of choice (I used olive oil)
• 2 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese
• 2 Tbsp seasoned breadcrumbs
• salt pepper

I know this seems like a lot of ingredients, but it's super easy to assemble...  I got all the stuff ready ahead of time like on a cooking show, you know... so everything was measured out... made following the recipe soooooooo easy!

put water on to boil (for noodles) and Lightly spray 9x13 casserole dish. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Melt butter in large skillet and saute onions until soft.  Mix flour and broth (I put in covered container and shook it) and add to the onion.  Whisk to combine then add the milk and bring to a boil... (this is when I threw the noodles in to boil )  while boiling add peas and mushrooms, then salt and pepper to taste.  Simmer on medium, mixing occasionally until sauce thickens (about 6-7 minutes).  [Noodles should be about done now... you wanna leave them a little raw.  Strain and set aside.]  Add drained tuna toand mix for another minute.

Remove Tuna mixture from heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese mixing until cheese is melted.  Add the noodles to the sauce and mix until evenly coated.  Pour into casserole dish topping with permesan cheese and bread crumbs.  Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Let cool a bit and serve... yummy!

This could serve 6.  My way the WW Points Plus was 6 per serving.

So that credit goes to where it's due... here is the <link> to original recipe that I had.  She added Sherry which I did not.


Well... try it and enjoy... now he wants me to make brownies!!!

Day Twenty-Five

Whole Wheat Bagel Thin with 1Tbsp Sugar Free Jam
Coffee with creamer
Macintosh Apple
Asparagus Pasta
Chicken Taco Chili and wheat crackers
Special K with Nonfat milk

Day Twenty-four

Finishing up another day strong.  got home from class early...  funny how I can't wait until tomorrow so I can go swimming again.  See you tomorrow.

Special K Yogurt and Berries with 1/2 cup nonfat milk
coffee with creamer
macintosh apple
asparagus pasta
clementine
Steak fresco Burrito Supreme with Mexican Rice
Multi-Grain snacks

Day Twenty-three

Just got back from the swimming pool. Even tho' I am not a strong swimmer I sure feel like I get good exercise when I am there.  I do my best to stay moving in the pool for an entire hour.  I know I have only been doing this for a few weeks, but I can already tell that my endurance is building and I am not getting as tired as quickly as I was 3 weeks ago.


Special K fruit & yogurt with 1/2 cup nonfat milk
coffee with creamer and a banana
1 cup chicken with Italian Herbs Light soup with 4 whole wheat crackers
clementine
Asparagas Pasta
Sugar free pudding and fiber granola bar.
Multigrain snacks
bowl of cheerios with nonfat milk

Day Twenty-Two

Coffee with creamer
Special K fruit and yogurt with 1/2 cup nonfat milk
chicken taco chili and wheat crackers
1/2 banana
chinese - beef and broccoli 1/2 cup
              shrimp and snow peas 1/2 cup
              small egg roll
              white rice 1 cup
white chocolate sugar free pudding

Week 3 Weigh In

I am definately in a better place this morning than I was at a couple of points this weekend...

Goodbye 240's... Hello 230's...  Still a lot, but just a little less of it.  Another 2 pounds this week. (2.2 if you wanna be picky about it, but whose counting?  Oh wait!  I am)  I'm so glad!  It shows I can make some mistakes and still not completely screw up all the hard work.   I just have to continue to learn to make the right choices and control portions.

I hope that anyone else out there is experiencing results on their journey and remember that it's a state of mind and you can do it!  Just put your mind to it!!

Day twenty-one

Winding down for the day... it's the end of week three and although I had a few rough patches over the weekend I don't think I strayed too far from the WW plan... I mean it's gonna happen now and then forever... temptations and endulgements.

I am finding myself happy to be cooking in the kitchen too, which is strange for me... I am normally the one who says that there's always a way to get around home-made.  Maybe that's changing.  I am sure it has a lot to do with finding recipes that look good and taste the same.  I hope that I am able to keep finding them.

Have a good night all... I'll post tomorrow's weigh in... Hopefully it's good news.


Honey Nut Cheerios with milk
banana
Turkey/Beef Sandwich with fat free cheese, lettuce, onion, and Miracle Whip on whole wheat bread
     with veggie chips.
Taco Chicken Chili with Nonfat cheese and nonfat sour cream
White Chocolate Sugar Free Pudding

Day Twenty

Forgot to post this last night before going to sleep...

Special K with nonfat milk
leftover Ziti
jello with oranges
crock pot chicken chilie and a piece of whole wheat  bread
multigrain snacks and banana
granola bar

As the kids so eliquently put it.... Grrrr!

What frustrates you?  What shortens your fuse the fastest?  Or what discourages you most quickly?

I'll tell you that what is frustrating my at this particular moment is the fact that I let it all come back.  I sat around on my ass and did nothing while over 55 pounds crept back up on the scale (and rather quickly I might add, so I sat back and vigorously did nothing).  I'm frustrated that I back in a size 20 and I'm frustrated that my arms jiggle.  I'm rather pissed off that my back hurts most days and that I can't really bend over well to tie my shoes.  I'm angered that it's so expensive to eat healthier and the bottom line at the grocery store only exacerbates that anger.  I hate that the things I've taught myself to love to eat over the years aren't the right choices.

I don't want to go on and on like some Willy Winer, but man... I am just frustrated right now.  And dissappointed in myself for allowing it to happen.  I think this is coming out right now because it's the weekend.  The 2 days that I have the hardest time not eating until I am sick.  I like to stay up late on Fridays and Saturdays, but have a hard time not munching and munching and munching during the process.

I have got to get over this... I have got to find a way to stop these bad habits.  Mind over matter right?  *sigh*

Crock Pot Chicken Taco Chili

This one was good too!  and super easy to make too.  I think I spent a total of 20 minutes on preparation.  10 in the beginning and 10 just before serving.  This recipe made 9-10 cups of chili and they were 6.5 points per serving!

Crock Pot Chicken Taco Chili
1 onion, chopped

1 16-oz can black beans 1

1 16-oz can kidney beans 

1 8-oz can tomato sauce 

10 oz package frozen corn kernels 

 2 14.5-oz cans diced tomatoes w/chilies 

1 packet taco seasoning 

1 tbsp cumin 

1 tbsp chili powder

 24 oz (3-4) boneless skinless chicken breasts 

chili peppers, chopped (optional) I didn't use

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro I mixed in the crock pot at the beginning

Combine beans, onion, chili peppers, corn, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder and taco seasoning in a slow cooker. Place chicken on top and cover. Cook on low for 10 hours or on high for 6 hours. Half hour before serving, remove chicken and shred. Return chicken to slow cooker and stir in. Top with fresh cilantro.

You can also try it with low fat cheese and sour cream (extra points)

first major variation

I'm sitting hear this morning feeling guilty because I splurged last night... first time since I started this journey that I really fell off the 'wagon'.  Stupid peanut butter M&M's.  I KNOW I ate more than one serving, but they were soooooo good. 

I been doing this now for 2 days short of 3 weeks, so some things are starting to become habit.  I have been trying to be prepared for such cravings, but I didn't do such a good job last night.  It's always been the late night Fridays and Saturdays that have been the hardest for me.  I'ts like I'm awake for a 4th meal....

This is something that I will have to continually work on.....

Day Nineteen

Special K with nonfat milk - handful grapes
Coffee with creamer
banana
Chicken, romiane lettuce, moz cheese, croutons, with Italian Dressing
1/2 banana
baked ziti
WW yogurt and Multi-grain snacks

Planning for the Superbowl

Altho' I am not a Football fan and don't plan to watch the SuperBowl I know that I outnumbered and thought I would quickly share this link to a good amount of healthier recipes for superbowl snacks.  It's the same place that I got the quesadilla recipe the other day...

Gina's Skinny Superbowl Recipes

I may post some of these later, as I end up trying, but the big game is Sunday!!!  and we need recipes NOW, right?

Day Eighteen

Special k with nonfat milk
coffee with creamer
a handful of grapes
Quesadilla with sour cream
Honey Nut Cheerios with nonfat milk

Yummy Quesadillas

THIS was a good recipe... even the boy liked it.  I found a fantastic new blog with what looks like LOTS of good recipes that I am going to go on trying.  The only changes I made to this one were due to available products.  The 'cooking' process for this is well explained and very simple, too.... leaving room to 'custom' make for different members of the family... Kyle's had only cheese and chicken, while Chris' I could add jalepanos to it and not mess with the kids.

The seasoning of this chicken I will CERTAINLY use again... it would be great in a wrap or on a salad... VERY tasty sitting next to your favorite veggies, too!

Chicken Quesadillas (click link for original recipe)

           16 oz skinless chicken breast, fat trimmed

·         cumin

·         oregano

·         garlic salt

·         fresh pepper

·         cooking spray

·         1 small onion cut into strips

·         1 bell pepper (red or green) cut into strips

·         1 clove garlic, minced

·         1 tbsp oil

·         2 cups shredded non fat cheddar cheese
        
        1 small can of green chiles

·         10 Non fat flour torillas


Slice chicken breast in half so you have 4 cutlets. Season chicken generously with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano and garlic powder.

Lightly spray a skillet on medium heat with oil or if using a grill, grill chicken until cooked on both sides. Remove from heat and cut chicken into strips, set aside. To the skillet, add 1 tbsp oil and cook onions and peppers, season with salt and pepper. Cook about 2 minutes, add garlic and continue cooking until vegetables are soft being careful not to burn the garlic. When cooked, set aside.
Heat skillet on medium heat and lightly spray with oil. Add tortilla, top with cheese, chicken, onions, peppers, and pico de gallo or avocado-mango salsa. Top with the other tortilla. Cheese should be melted and the bottom of the tortilla should be golden brown. Put a plate on top of the quesadilla to flip it over onto the plate. Then slide the other side onto the skillet. Cook another minute and remove with a spatula. Cut into wedges and serve with sour cream if you wish

my counts with the ingredients that I used were 11 points each quesadilla....  They were very filling.  I ate mine with 2 Tbsp no fat sour cream (which added 2 points but was worth it)  I also included some salsa on top...