Losing It....

Mid week check in...

2011-10-05T13:01:00.002-04:00

Hello All,

Sorry I didn't blog over the weekend, but I was super busy cooking!! I made slow cooker sloppy joes, slow cooker 3 bean pork chili, homemade agave bbq sauce, and feta stuffed chicken burgers! Don't worry, I'll post the recipes this weekend when I have more time. Boy DH and I both have been eating good in the neighborhood, LOL. I am hoping the weight fairies will sprinkle a little good luck on me for my WI on Saturday. I'm really close to TWO goals! I'll let you know how it goes! Hope you all are having a great week! Gotta run for now!

Connie B

Three Bean Pork Slow Cooker Chili

2011-10-01T19:18:00.001-04:00

This stuff is awesome!! I used two jalapenos and chipolte chili powder instead of regular chili powder. I also added two small bell peppers.

Three Bean and Pork Slow Cooker Chili
Weight Watchers Recipe

Course: main meals
PointsPlus® Value: search site
Servings: 10 (I got 8 1 cup serving)
Preparation Time: 35 min
Cooking Time: 480 min
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Chunks of pork tenderloin make this chili especially robust. Spicy peppers add even more flavor.

Ingredients
1 medium onion(s), chopped
2 clove(s) garlic clove(s), minced (medium)
1 cup(s) carrot(s), chopped
1 Tbsp chili powder, medium-hot
1 tsp dried oregano, crushed
1 small jalapeٌo pepper(s), seeded, chopped (don't touch seeds with bare hands) or 1 canned chipotle pepper in adobo, chopped
1/2 tsp table salt
1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
2 pound(s) lean pork tenderloin, trimmed of fat and cut into 1-inch chunks
15 oz canned black beans, drained and rinsed
15 oz canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
15 oz canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup(s) canned tomato puree
29 oz canned diced tomatoes, with green pepper, celery and onion, undrained
6 oz canned tomato paste
Instructions
• Combine onion, garlic, carrots, chili powder, oregano, jalapeno, salt and pepper in a 5-quart (or larger) slow cooker; stir. Add remaining ingredients; stir again.
• Cover and cook on HIGH setting for 6 to 8 hours. Yields about 1 cup per serving.
Notes
• We start cooking the chili at a HIGH setting so the ingredients quickly reach a safe temperature. You can reduce the heat to LOW after 3 to 4 hours, if you prefer.

This recipe is part of our Make Ahead Soups, Chilies and Stews series. To learn more about this cook-and-freeze feature, click here.

Connie B

Sizzling Ginger Pork

2011-10-01T16:48:00.001-04:00

This is a Biggest Loser recipe and it's FREAKING awesome ifyou like fresh ginger!!!

1 tsp sesame, canola, or olive oil
8 oz lean pork tenderloin (or skinless chicken breast or lean flank steak)chopped
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
2 TB finely chopped shallots
2 TB peeled, finely chopped fresh ginger
1/2 cup fat-free, low sodium chicken broth
2 TB low sodium soy sauce
1 TB dark molasses
1 TB Szechuan seasoning mix
1 cup cooked wild rice or brown rice
2 cups steamed broccoli
1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
2 TB chopped cilantro

Heat oil over medium high heat in a nonstick skillet. Add pork and cook untillightly browned but not fully cooked. Remove to plate and cover.

Add onion, shallots, ginger, and half of the broth to skillet. Simmer untilvegetables soften, 2-3 minutes. Add soy sauce, molasses, Szechuanseasoning, and remaining broth. Bring to a simmer and return meat to skillet.Simmer 3-4 minutes longer, until meat is just cooked through. Serve over hotrice with broccoli. Garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro.

Serves 2

Notes: If you aren't able to find Szechuan seasoning,you can make your own. 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tspground mustard, and 1 tsp ground coriander.

Connie B

Monday Monday

2011-09-26T19:58:00.001-04:00

Did you watch Dr. Oz today? If you don't know, you could win a million bucks! Visit his website to find out how!

Today's eats:
Bfast: Fiber One Squares w/ skim milk and a banana
Lunch: Leftovers of Stuffed Cabbage Strata (see prev post)
Snacks: WW mini bar, Nature's Valley granola bars
Dinner: Good 'ole PB&J

Workout: jog/walk intervals, 25 mins, plus 10 mins of warm up/cool down.

Happy Sunday!

2011-09-25T19:33:00.002-04:00

Hello All,

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! I've been a busy little beaver this weekend. Cleaning two fridges, one freezer, washing clothes, cleaning the birdfeeder, clipping and organizing coupons, and cooking. Whew. Going back to work tomorrow so that I can rest! LOL!

Today's eats....

Bfast: Fiber One Squares w/ skim milk and a banana

Lunch: McDonald's Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad
Snacks: Fat Free Pringles, WW mini bar

Dinner: Big bowl of "Stuffed Cabbage" Strata. This recipe is really good and a very generous portion for 8 WWPs!

I also made Sizzling Ginger Pork today. I'll post the recipe later this week, with pics. Smelled really good while cooking but I haven't tried that one yet. I'm off to cut myself a piece of Pineapple Angel Food Cake and veg in front of the TV. Ciao for now :)

"Stuffed Cabbage" Strata

2011-09-25T19:11:00.000-04:00

This is a Biggest Loser recipe and it's SO good. I think I will add some spices to the tomato sauce the next time I make it.

8 slices center cut bacon, cut into 2" pieces
1 1/4 cups finely chopped onions
1 cup uncooked instant brown rice
6 cups shredded green cabbage
1 1/2 lb ground chicken breast or extra-lean ground beef
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
2 cans (8oz each) no-salt added tomato sauce
3/4 cup water
hot sauce(optional)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly coat an 8x8 (at least 2 1/4" deep)ovenproof glass or ceramic casserole or baking dish with olive oil spray. Place large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook 4-6 minutes per side, or until the edges start to crisp. Transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towel. Discard all but 1 TB bacon fat from skillet. Add onions and rice to skillet and place over medium heat. Cook, stirring 3-5 minutes, or until onions are tender and rice is starting to brown. Spread 3 cups of the cabbage in an even layer on bottom of prepared baking dish. Top with rice mixture, forming an even layer. Add chicken, salt, and pepper to skillet and increase heat to medium high. Cook chicken, breaking up with a wooden spoon, but leaving some large chunks, until no longer pink, 3-5 minutes. With slotted spoon, transfer chicken to baking dish to form another even layer. Spread remaining cabbage evenly over chicken layer. Discard any liquid from skillet and add tomato sauce and water. Turn heat to high and bring to a boil. Spoon sauce evenly over the casserole. Lay bacon pieces on top of cabbage. Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake 45 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 minutes longer, or until cabbage and rice are tender and strata is heated through. Let stand 5 minutes to set. Cut into 6 equal pieces and serve with hot sauce, if using.

Notes: I only used 1 lb of ground chicken breast (which is plenty for this recipe). I also made this 4 servings instead of 6. WW Points Plus Value 8 for those who count.

It's all about "egg mugs"

2011-09-23T17:26:00.001-04:00

Thank you Hungry Girl for coming up with this wonderful idea for quick bfast!! This one is WAY basic but easy to build on.

1 egg beaten
Black pepper
1 wedge laughing cow cheese

Spray a coffee mug w/ cooking spray. Pour egg into mug and add cheese. Cook in microwave for 1 minute to 1 min 15 sec. Cheese gets melty and hot, so be careful :) but enjoy! Great on an english muffin with a side of veggie bacon!!

Happy Monday!

2011-09-19T20:44:00.001-04:00

Quick post...
Bfast: Fiber One Squares w/ a banana and skim milk
Lunch: Vampire Slayer's Chili and a corn muffin
Dinner: cereal again...fiber one squares w/ craisins
Snacks: fiber one brownie, mini babybel cheese and a weight watchers mini bar

Weekend's almost over....

2011-09-18T19:47:00.001-04:00

Enough whining for now....
How was your Sunday? I didn't do my usual cooking for the week today. I need some things from the grocery store and just honestly didn't want to go to the store today. I still have a couple servings of my Chicken Tetrazzini and Vampire Slayer's Chili left to get me through the next couple days until I cook again.

Weigh in was a day early this week b/c DH and I were going out of town. I was down another .4 this week. Moving right along. Well, I hope you all have a wonderful evening. I will try my best to do better this week at taking pics and posting more often. I really do miss you guys!!!

Connie B

Chicken Tetrazzini

2011-09-18T19:13:00.001-04:00

12 oz uncooked spaghetti
2 TB light stick butter
1 (8 oz) package presliced mushrooms
3 cups chopped cooked chicken breast
2 (10.75 oz) cans condensed reduced sodium 98% fat free cream of mushroom soup
2 cups reduced fat sour cream
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
cooking spray
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook spaghetti according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain. While pasta cooks, melt butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and saute' for 4 minutes or until tender. Combine pasta, mushrooms, chopped chicken, and next 3 ingredients. Pour chicken mixture into a 13x9 baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 for 55 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with parsley, if desired.

Serves 9 (serving size 1 cup)

*Notes* I used 1/2 wheat spaghetti and half regular spaghetti noodles. I also substituted 1 cup low fat plain greek yogurt for 1 cup of sour cream. As I made it, the WW points are 9 per serving.

Connie B

1 year anniversary!!

2011-09-15T11:50:00.001-04:00

Happy Anniversary to me!!! 09/13/2011 was my 1 year anniversary of joining WW, and I'm happy to say that I've lost 40.8 lbs to far! Woot! I went through about a 6 month period from Jan-June of this year and did what some call the Weight Watcher's dance. Up, down, up, down. I also slacked off on tracking and cooking at home. It was a struggle, and very frustrating at times, but I've stuck it out and now the weight is coming off again. I am more dedicated than ever, and am looking forward to a much healthier life!

P.S. I tried a new recipe over the weekend. Chicken Tetrazzini. Look for the recipe post Sunday. Be blessed and stick with it! YOU CAN DO IT!

Connie B

Happy Sunday

2011-08-21T17:52:00.000-04:00

Started out my Sunday with a really yummy bfast! Kashi waffles, a couple tablespoons of sugar free syrup, two eggs with a wedge of laughing cow cheese and two slices of deli sliced turkey chopped. Skim milk on the side. VERY filling...in fact I felt as if I were the marshmallow stay puff man after eating all that!

Lunch was a BIG grilled chicken salad from Texas Roadhouse. Yes, I did indulge in the fresh bread. 2 really yummy fresh HOT rolls!!

I'm still full from all this food, so I may not eat dinner. Maybe just some cheese and fruit.

Back to work tomorrow...*sigh*

Hot Dog Casserole

2011-08-21T17:43:00.001-04:00

Course: main meals
Servings: 6
Level of Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

1 1/2 cup(s) bell pepper(s), chopped (I used a mixture of red, green and yellow
1 cup(s) (chopped) raw onion, chopped
1/2 cup(s) celery, chopped
4 oz canned mushrooms, drained and chopped
1 pound(s) Oscar Mayer Natural beef franks, cut into coin size pieces (10 links)
2 cup(s) Del Monte Diced Tomatoes With Basil, Garlic And Oregano, (use 1 - 15 1/2 oz can)
8 oz canned tomato sauce, (use 1 - 8oz can)
1 serving(s) 1 packet Sazon Tropicale seasoning
3 cup(s) cooked brown rice
Instructions

Spray skillet with cooking oil.
Saute peppers, onions, celery and mushrooms for 4 minutes.
Add hot dogs. Sprinkle with Sazon seasoning. Mix well. Saute for 5 minutes.
Add diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Mix well. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
Serve over brown rice.

1 serving = 1 cup of hot dog mixture and 1/2 cup of brown rice

*Notes* I used turkey hotdogs. The Sazon spice is sometimes sold at WalMart, but I had to order mine b/c I couldn't find it locally. This recipe is NOT a casserole.

Breakfast Pizza

2011-08-21T16:58:00.002-04:00

1 pkg. Jimmy Dean® Regular Flavor Pork Sausage Roll
½ cup chopped red bell pepper
3 eggs ¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1 cup frozen Southern-style hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 green onions, thinly slice

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook sausage and bell pepper in large skillet over medium-high heat 8-10 minutes or until sausage is thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently. Remove from skillet; drain.
2. Beat eggs, salt and black pepper in small bowl with wire whisk until well blended. Add to skillet; cook 2-3 minutes or just until set, stirring occasionally.
3. Separate crescent dough into 8 triangles; press onto bottom and up side of 12-inch pizza pan to form crust, firmly pressing seams together to seal. Top with sausage mixture, potatoes, eggs and cheeses.
4. Bake 10-15 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Sprinkle with onions. Cut into 8 wedges to serve.

Yield:

Makes: 8 servings (1 wedge each)

*Notes* I used Jimmy Dean Turkey Sausage crumbles (entire bag) instead of the tube sausage. It's pre-cooked. I also used refrigerated hashbrowns, Simply Potatoes, instead of frozen.

7 WWPS per serving

New Grocery Store find!!

2011-08-18T07:32:00.001-04:00

Hey all,
I know I've been AWOL for some time now, but I am still plugging away and trying to lose this weight! I was excited and wanted to share my new find. I love meatloaf and my hubby does too, but if I make it with anything other than beef he won't touch it, so I end up throwing half of it away b/c I can't eat it all before it goes bad. Jennie-O now has a heat and serve turkey meatloaf! It's small, only 3 servings, but that is perfect for me! Hope you all are doing well. Be back on Saturday with a new breakfast pizza recipe!

Happy Saturday!!

2011-06-18T15:07:00.001-04:00

Weighed in this morning. Down .4 this week, leaving 1.6 lbs cruise weight left to lose. DH left this morning, headed to St. Louis. I am busy in the kitchen trying to get things done for the week. I reeeeeeaaaaly need to be better about cooking ahead! So far, applewood smoked turkey tenderloin, chicken taco filling, and carmelized onions done!

Today's eats....
Bfast- starbucks spinach feta wrap and a grande light caramel frapp
Lunch- applewood smoked turkey tenderloin, peas w/ carrots
Snacks- WW popped cinnamon swirl crisps, WW chocolate caramel bar, apple
Dinner- (the plan is...) turkey pepperjack sausages w/ caramelized onions, and a side salad

Weekend's almost over...

2011-06-12T19:37:00.000-04:00

*sigh* Not ready for this weekend to end!! Are you with me? Well, it's been a busy one! Saturday morning was weigh in (down 1.4 lbs) and it was a good one. Only 2 lbs left of "cruise weight" left to lose, then to move onward! Saturday was also Race For The Cure 5K walk. About 30,000 people were there, which is about 5,000 less than last year. Another great experience, although HOT HOT HOT! I was pretty useless for the rest of the day! Today was church with my Granny, and then a good lunch out with the hubby! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! I have a couple new recipes I may try this week. Let you know how all that goes!

Today's eats:
Bfast- Subway western egg white muffin melt, apples, and milk
Lunch- Grilled chicken salad with chipolte ranch dressing, and bread...of course
Dinner- Turkey Pepperjack sausage in a hot dog bun w/ mustard
Snacks- WW chocolate caramel bar, and a WW ice cream cone, an apple

Connie B

Happy Monday!

2011-06-06T19:56:00.001-04:00

Well, WI Saturday was a gain of 3.4, but I'll take it! At least I've lost a little over 5 lbs of my "cruise weight" already!

Today's eats....
Bfast: Kashi GoLean Crisp cereal w/ skim milk
Snacks: banana and Activia key lime yogurt
Dinner: Lean Cuisine chicken pot stickers (sodium is high, but OK for a quick fix w/ no cooking).
7pts per serving
Workout: Tae Bo PT 24/7 basics, and 7 mins on the elliptical

Now I'm off to watch Master Chef w/ the hubby!! Nite all!

Cruise Gain!!!

2011-05-31T14:15:00.001-04:00

Oh my goodness! I have SO much work to do! I gained 8 lbs on my cruise! YIKES!! Had a blast, but I'm back on the grind. How's everyone doing?? Hope you all are doing well and still working towards your goal! Check in later!

Happy Easter!!

2011-04-24T17:40:00.001-04:00

Hope you all are having a wonderful Easter, and spending some quality time with the family! I've had a good day. Church w/ my Granny, to the grocery store, and then back home to get some food prepared for this week.

Today's eats....

Breakfast: WW Baked Apple oatmeal (made w/milk) w/ fresh strawberries, YUM. Although this sounds really good, I had to work for it!! I had somewhat of an explosion with the oatmeal while cutting up the strawberries. So...after adding the strawberries to the oatmeal, and cleaning up my mess, I had to nuke the oatmeal again b/c it had gotten cold *sigh* It was all worth it in the end, lol!

Lunch: Kashi GoLean Crunch cereal, and skim milk. Yeah, I skimped a little at lunch, no fruit and veggies, b/c I got home from church and the grocery store, and just needed to eat something quick.

Dinner: Teriyaki Turkey Burger, light bun, and baked beans

Snack: Raisin Bran Muffin, SoBe LifeWater

Exercise: Gonna hit the treadmill later after I eat and start the new WW run plan that was handed out with the Walk It Challenge. Starting late, but hey....better late than never!!

Later peeps!!

Connie B

Saturday WI

2011-04-23T21:13:00.001-04:00

Hello All,
Well, another gain *sigh*. 2.6 this week, making it a gain of 4 lbs for the month of April. Last week I ate out several times, went thru a hellacious class, and had no time to exercise, so a gain was to be expected. Gotta get back on track!! Tonight I sat down and made a grocery list/menu for the week. Going shopping after church tomorrow, then back home to cook! Looking forward to getting back to working out too! Hope all is well with you all! Check back in tomorrow!

Saturday WI and 5K walk!!

2011-04-09T13:28:00.001-04:00

Hello All,
A gain of 1.9 this week...boo. I am still (3 mos now) battling these same two pesky lbs!!

Today I walked a 5K for MS. Somehow I talked my Mom into walking it with me. Really a great day!

My goal this week is to start the 5K walk/run Walk It Challenge that WW put out this week, and be better about cooking and blogging! I miss you guys!!

Happy Hump Day!!

2011-03-30T11:56:00.000-04:00

Hello All,

I have been so lazy when it comes to blogging lately!! I just can't get into the groove. I have NOT fallen off the wagon...just keeping at a slow...VERY SLOW pace. I haven't lost any weight, and am still flip flopping with this same 2 dang pounds!! Can't get over the hump to save my life, lol. I have signed up for several 5K's in April, so hopefully that will help kick my butt into gear and maybe the scale too!!! I hope you are all doing well, and thanks for hanging in there with me. I will try to do better by you all! Stay safe and healthy!!!

Connie B

And the winner is.....

2011-03-13T18:14:00.001-04:00

Alissa!!! Send me your snail mail info and I will get the dvd's out this week! Thanks to all of you for entering my giveaway!

Happy Saturday!

2011-03-05T11:29:00.001-05:00

So....for the 9th week in a row, I'm battling the scale. I was down .2 this week. I've been on somewhat of a plateau...ugh. Eventually all this working out will make a difference, but it just gets discouraging.

On another note, GO DUKE! Tonight I will be hanging out w/ some old friends and making some new ones while watching the game. I know they are planning on ordering pizza so I will eat before I go, b/c pizza is a trigger food for me!

Well, gotta run! Have a great weekend, and don't forget to enter my giveaway. See prev posts for details!

What's for dinner??

2011-03-03T20:06:00.001-05:00

Today while I was in class I had a pork tenderloin getting happy in a bag with fresh rosemary, orange juice, orange zest, garlic, and olive oil! Hubby played grill master and cooked it up for me tonight. Very yummy! Hope you all had a great day!

Don't forget about the GIVEAWAY!! See prev post for details!

Giveaway!!!!!

2011-02-28T19:25:00.001-05:00

Hello all! Sorry to be AWOL for the last few weeks. I have no excuse other than being lazy! Once I get home, make something for dinner, and workout....I tend to veg for the rest of the night. This is why my dirty laundry is multipying and my blog is neglected. I've been battling two pounds for two months now, but I WILL win the fight. Eventually all this working out will push me over this plateau!

So who wants new workout videos?? I have a set of three Tae Bo videos that will go to one lucky person!!! Just leave me a comment saying you are interested and what your fav workouts are! Good luck! I will randomly pick a winner next Monday night!

Don't Give Up...

2011-02-07T19:31:00.001-05:00

So tonight I pushed play on another new Tae Bo video; during which my arches really started hurting. I took a couple mini breaks, and tried to jump right back in, but by this time they were doing push ups. I SUCK at push ups. Instead of getting down and doing as many as I could, I gave up. I was so disappointed in myself that I began to cry. Had myself a little mini breakdown, lol. I was just so frustrated and felt like I had no workout at all. Now that I can see clearly I see I DID have a workout, that could have been better if I would have only kept going. Don't give up, or you will never get to your goal!

Today's eats:
Bfast: WW oatmeal w/ craisins and a glass of skim milk
Lunch:
Sloppy Joes!!
Dinner: Salad (didn't eat at lunch) and an apple

Taco Soup

2011-02-05T12:12:00.002-05:00

1 1/4 pound(s) raw extra lean ground beef

1 large raw onion

3 clove(s) (medium) garlic clove(s)
3 15 oz cans of chili or pinto beans (not drained) [I used 2 cans pinto, 1 can dark kidney]
1 can whole kernel corn (not drained)
2 cans diced tomatoes (not drained) [optional]
1 can green chilies [optional]
1 15 oz can tomato sauce
1 pkg. taco seasoning [I used reduced sodium]
1 pkg. Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix (not mixed up- powder only)

Brown hamburger and onion. Drain. Combine all other ingredients and simmer for about 20 minutes. Will freeze for three months.

Notes: I serve this soup with a tablespoon of sour cream on top, and some Tostitos bite size chips. YUM! I also used more hamburger than the original recipe called for. The original recipe only used 8 oz, or half a lb of beef, which would make the points value lower.

Serves about 12 (1 cup servings)
WW points 4

Connie B

Broccoli and Sausage Casserole

2011-02-05T11:56:00.001-05:00

12 oz of Italian Bread, unsliced
1 large garlic clove, peeled and smashed
1 large red onion, cut into thin wedges
4 cups broccoli florets
1 tsp olive oil
12 oz raw turkey sausage, sweet italian variety
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
cooking spray
3/4 cup low-fat, shredded, sharp cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Slice bread in half lengthwise; rub insides with garlic clove. Place bread, open-face, on one side of a baking sheet; spread onion on other side. Place broccoli on another baking sheet. Coat vegetables and bread with cooking spray. Bake until broccoli is tender, flipping bread over and stirring vegetables halfway through, about 15-20 minutes total. Remove pans from oven and cut bread into 1/2 inch cubes, reduce oven to 350 degrees.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Remove sausage from casing; cook sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, about 7-10 minutes. Stir in broccoli and onion, bread cubes, broth, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. (Make sure to scrape up any browned bits of food on the bottom or sides of the skillet and stir into mixture).

Coat a 9 inch square baking dish with cooking spray. Spoon 3 cups broccoli mixture into prepared dish; sprinkle with 1/4 cup cheese. Top with remaining broccoli mixture; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Bake until cheese is melted and casserole is heated through, about 30 minutes. Slice into 8 pieces and serve.

Serves 8
WW points 6

Connie B

Weigh In and new recipe review!!

2011-02-05T11:06:00.002-05:00

Hello All,

So the verdit is ....down another .6 of a lb this week. Pretty good I guess although I was surely hoping for more. I started exercising this week after not being able to for almost two months b/c of a cold that just wouldn't leave me alone!

Do you like to work out?? Do you like NEW work outs?? I LOVE the new Tae Bo PT 24/7 workout system!!! The best part....the workouts are only 30 mins! Some of the other videos in my Tae Bo collection are more like 50 mins. Some days, that's just a little much for me! Anyways...please stay tuned this week for a giveaway of 3 Tae Bo videos!!

Last week I tried a new recipe. It was in one of the WW weekly handouts. Broccoli and Sausage Casserole. It ROCKS!!!! Spicy and filling. I will be posting the recipe shortly. Please give it a try!

Today, I am just playing catch up on laundry, working out, and going to a benefit dinner for a friend's nephew who was just diagnosed with cancer at the young age of 32.

Have a great day everyone!!

Weigh In and catching up!!

2011-01-23T19:38:00.002-05:00

Hello All,

OK, so my weigh in on Saturday was a gain...1.8!! Yikes! I am having a hard time trying to get used to eating on a regular schedule again. Now that I am working strictly day shift, I REALLY need to get back on track with cooking more and eating out less. It's no surprise that I gained though, b/c I've eaten out more, and snacked on the bread before the meals, as well as munched on my hubby's chocolate chip cookies that he got from the Double Tree...YEAH the BIG totally yummy ones!! I also didn't exercise (still have a cough from being sick since Christmas, and get easily out of breath right now) and I DIDN"T TRACK my food!!! I was totally obsessed with it before, not sure why in the last two weeks I just can't get it together. UGH! Anywho...it's all good and hopefully I can start working out some this week. I'm gonna try tomorrow, so we'll see. Wish me luck with that b/c I know my endurance is totally shot after no working out for a month!

Today's eats:
Bfast: Special K red berries, with 2% milk
Lunch: Applebee's WW Paradise Salad
Dinner: Taco Soup (wow, my pts on this soup really went UP), tostitos chips
Snack: WW chocolate caramel bar, gingersnap cookies

I find that when I worked shift work, I had trouble eating all my daily points every day. Now that I am back on day shift, I find myself running over every day? WTH?? I just really need to buckle down, eat more fruit and more veggies to fill myself up and lay off the carbs...they get me into trouble!! I will post the recipe for my Taco Soup later in the week. I hope everyone has a great OP week! Later!

Saturday WI

2011-01-08T09:24:00.001-05:00

Well, poo!!! My first gain since starting WW again in September. Only .6 of a lb so not bad. I can't lie...I knew I would gain this week. I didn't track and I didn't eat as much as I should have. Oh well, this upcoming week will be the test. I start a new job on Monday, regular daytime hours, so I will eat and exercise more regularly and more consistently. I can't wait to see the results on the scale. I did get some more WW bling at my meeting! Stay and succeed! 16 wks!!

Well, have a great weekend everyone!

Happy New Year!!!

2011-01-02T17:04:00.003-05:00

Hello All,

Whew...lots of catching up to do! Sorry I haven't posted much lately, but as you can imagine, life has been pretty busy for the last couple of weeks!

For several years now, my husband and I, along with a whole group of people, have been handing out teddy bears to the residents at two local nursing homes on Christmas Eve. My hubby dresses up as Santa, and the residents really get a kick out of the visit!! Some give him kisses and some follow him around. Really fills your heart and gets you even more ready for Christmas!!

This is a pic of the group making our rounds....

Myself and another little (literally) elf....

So then comes our big winter storm....White Christmas indeed!

My birds were still well fed....

Ok...enuff of all that. Let's get back to eats...

New Years Bfast: Jimmy Dean turkey sausage bowl, YUM!

along with some OJ....

Lunch: Chicken noodle soup

They say this stuff is good for you when your sick, lol.

Snack: Strawberries!!

Dinner: Progresso Soup over brown rice

Hope you all had a safe New Year, and I wish you all the best that 2011 has to offer!!!

Saturday WI

2010-12-18T19:26:00.006-05:00

Hi All,

Worked night shift last night, but had my Saturday pretty much planned out....or THOUGHT I did. Came home this morning hoping to catch the new Tae Bo PT 24/7 infomercial. Started Friday night (into Sat morning). I had my DVR rolling all morning hoping to catch it, b/c the new DVD set it still in test market stage, so the infomercial is only being shown on limited channels. NO LUCK. So I set my phone alarm clock to get up after 4 hrs to make sure I make my WW meeting and weigh in. NO LUCK. Never heard the alarm go off, so I overslept!! I looked online to see if I could make another meeting somewhere else. Found one in Cary (neighboring city about 30 mins from home), and was able to just weigh in and skip the meeting as I was already running WAY behind.

Down 2.2 lbs!!!! Yay!!!

Guess it was worth the ride, b/c I also got my 25 lb disc for my keyring!!!

After all this, I came back home, changed clothes, put on my "face" and contacts to get pretty for my sorority chapter Christmas party! Good times, but I am really tired!! Now back home to chill and do some laundry!!

Oh, and I wanted to share a pic of myself with Santa...A.K.A. hubby!!! Doesn't he make a wonderful Santa!!

Monday Monday!!!

2010-12-13T07:15:00.002-05:00

Hi All,

Whew, it's been a super busy weekend for me!! I'm working dayshift this weekend, but doing stuff after work and not getting home until late every night is telling on me! Saturday work, Saturday night TWO Christmas parties. Sunday work, Sunday night, Young Frankenstein play. Monday work, Monday night, eating out for my hubby's belated bday. Guess I'll sleep on Tuesday!!!

Weigh in was Saturday . . . (drumroll). . .

Down 1.4 lbs this week. I'm really happy about it, but at the same time, I can't help but be a little jealous of people on the new plan losing like 4 lbs per week. WHAT?!?! Oh well, slow and steady wins the race, I guess.

Another bonus....

My keychain for making 10% YAHOO!!!! When I go back to WI the next time I should make the 25lb mark! This is getting good! Well, back to work. I will catch up on eats a little later! Hope you all have a great day!

Lazy Friday....

2010-12-10T17:53:00.001-05:00

I've had a really good day!! I'm doing a little laundry, watching some movies, and cross stitching (what?!?!?!) I haven't picked up my needle in almost a YEAR!!

Today's eats aren't too exciting...
Bfast: kashi cereal w/ craiains and skim milk
Lunch: PB&J w/ apple

Dinner: To be determined

Hope u all had a great day!

Catching Up, FREE fruit, and Weigh In....

2010-12-04T13:34:00.007-05:00

Hi All,

Sorry I haven't been around much this week! I've been feeling a little under the weather and just haven't felt like blogging. I feel as if bronchitis is coming on, but after a Doc visit, he tells me it's just a viral inflammation of the airways. Dry and irrated airways basically, so no meds. *sigh*

I won't bore you with trying to catch up each and every meal for over a week, but I did want to share a couple pics from one of my sorority Christmas parties last week. We did not serve ourselves, plates were already made as we approached the counters, so I couldn't really control portions, or what was placed on my plate.

Ziti pasta w/meat sauce, small salad, breaded chicken cutlet, and garlic bread

I ate the pasta w/ meat sauce, scraped off the breading off the chicken, ate the salad, and OF COURSE I ate the garlic bread!! Water to drink, and NO dessert!!

Myself (in gold on the left) and some of my sorority sisters @ a Christmas party

Lots and lots of items collected for the USO, awesome!!

BOOZE basket raffle...OK they said it was a beverage basket, but looks like mostly booze to me!!! Didn't win it though *sniff sniff*

Hey fellow WW'ers....what do you think of the new Points Plus?? I've been doing it since this past Tuesday, and I love it. In my opinion, really not all that different, other than the FREE FRUIT!!! I'm WAY happy about that. The new plan basically nudges you to make the better decision and stay away from processed carbs

On to the weigh in.....

Down 1 lb this week! Yay! Pretty good with no exercise! I didn't feel well enough to try and sweat it out on the treadmill or otherwise this week, so I just took it easy. In fact, I was signed up for another 5K walk this morning, but b/c I still can't seem to shake this "almost" cold, I felt I should pass. There will be another one around here soon enough!!

Well, that's all for now peeps!! Have a great weekend!!

Surviving Turkey Day!!!

2010-11-26T17:01:00.002-05:00

Hello All,

Yesterday was an awesome day!! I started out my Thanksgiving day by doing a 5K walk in Cary; Inside Out Sports Turkey Trot. I finished in 52:15!! I'd always heard that doing activity in the cold weather really constricts your lungs....well THEY WERE RIGHT!! Man, that first mile was TOUGH! I was literally HUFFING and PUFFING while looking all around me to see if anyone could hear the noises I was making, lol. I expected to be able to share my tshirt and road ID number with you in a pic, BUT they ran out of my size shirt and have to mail it to me. I will take a pic of both together later.

*Disclaimer* I totally forgot to take pics yesterday, sorry!!!

Breakfast: Starbucks light caramel frapp, and spinach feta wrap

TURKEY DAY meal: Turkey, baked beans, butter beans, cornbread dressing, corn on the cob, glazed carrots, veggie soup, and for dessert [a WW recipe] lemon cheesecake. Water to drink. One plate, no seconds, and small portions of everything but turkey.
I had a wonderful time with my family and am so grateful that I was off work this year and able to enjoy!

ON TO THE WEIGH IN....

I set a goal for myself this year. I will NOT gain weight during the holidays this year! Well, I DID IT...so far at least!! I am down 2.4 lbs this week, AND am 4 lbs away from making 10%!!! I'm very proud :-)

I'm working night shift this weekend, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, so I will blog when I can, but it may be just playing catch up on Tuesday! Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!!

Weigh In....

2010-11-20T14:32:00.002-05:00

Down another 1 lb!! I was hoping for 1.4 lbs so that I could say I've lost 20 lbs, but it will come next week. The good news is that I'm 5 lbs away from making my 10%, yay!!

I went to the late meeting today, 11am, because I worked night shift last night. It's really hard to come home, get into bed at 6am, and get right back up at 10am to hurry to a meeting. I have plenty of laundry to keep me awake this afternoon, otherwise I'd be a zombie!!

Bfast: uh, not really anything b/c of getting up so late. Starbucks grande light caramel frapp

Lunch: Applebee's Asian Crunch Salad (one of the under 550 calories entrees)

Dinner: ??? who knows. I DO know that I am NOT cooking :-)

Ta Ta for now peeps! Have a great Saturday!

Not Your Ordinary Grapes and soup disaster....

2010-11-18T19:18:00.002-05:00

Hi All,

Do you like grapes??? Have you ever frozen them?? Wow, I had forgotten how much I love this snack! It's especially nice in the summer time to cool you down.

Frozen grapes...YUM!

At least I was happy with the grapes, but the new soup recipe that I made...NOT SO MUCH. Roasted Garlic Potato soup. Sounds great, right?!?! When I find a new recipe that I want to try, I usually make the recipe "as is" and if I like it enough to make again...that's when I may make changes to the recipe. Well, I followed the directions (even though the whole roasting garlic process was a joke..should have done what I normally do)and made the soup. What a pain in my behind, the process of making this soup, only to find the taste just wasn't that good, and I will end up throwing it away. GRRRRRR. So now, I've wasted about 2 hrs or so in the kitchen, wasted food, and ending up having cereal for dinner. Oh well, live and learn.

This is THE soup...

Bfast: Kashi crisp cereal w/ craisins (which also turned out to be dinner after the soup disaster)

Lunch: It's that TOM, so I wasn't very hungry but knew I needed to eat...SOMETHING. So...a WW muffin

followed by a honeycrisp apple

Today I had a job interview. I think all went well, but I'm waiting to exhale. I should hear something back from them after Thanksgiving. I pray this one works out b/c I've since found out that all the other jobs I've applied for have been filled. Say an extra prayer for me, will ya?!?! I'm on night shift, so will catch up with you all in a couple days! Ta Ta for now!!

Loving my Shape Ups!!!!

2010-11-16T22:58:00.004-05:00

Hello All,

I bought a pair of Sketchers Shape Ups when Mom and I went to the new outlet mall last week. I wasn't sure that I would like them at first, but they were a really good price and I had a 20% off coupon on top of that, so I went for it...and BOY am I glad I did. In fact, I'm thinking about getting another pair in another color, same style.

Mom and I in the parking lot of the new outlet mall...LARGE Christmas ornaments...can we get thru one holiday at a time, really?!

QVC Outlet...YAY!!!!

So today was a gloomy, rainy day. I was off work, so headed off to pick up the ingredients to make a potato soup. It's a new recipe for me, and I can hardly wait to try it. I'll give you guys a review of it after tomorrow!

Bfast: raisin bran muffin and a fruit cup

Lunch: McDonald's Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad (yes AGAIN..told you I'm addicted)

Snack: Honeycrisp apple and some rice crisps

Rice Crisps I found at Whole Foods today. I'm on the hunt for some brown rice chips that one of the ladies in my WW meeting had the other day, but I can't find them. Hopefully I will see her at the next meeting and get the down low. Until then...these are pretty good and you get A LOT of them per serving!

Dinner tonight was at a Pampered Chef party. 7 layer southwestern salad. Very healthy and yummy! The party was being hosted by a friend of mine from work, but to my surprise....when I arrived I found out that the Pampered Chef consultant doing the party was my cousin's wife!! Too funny, but it was great seeing her too! Well, that's all for now. Ta Ta!!

Sunday ;-)

2010-11-14T21:35:00.001-05:00

Evening peeps!! Another successful workout w/o knee issues. Whew, think I'm finally on the mend! Treadmill for 25 mins and 15 mins of a kettlebell dvd. I was afraid to push it and do the whole thing.

Bfast: raisin bran muffin, crustless mini quiche, fruit cup, and skim milk

Lunch: McDonald's Southwest grilled chicken salad

Snack: black cherry jello

Snack: apple slices and light string cheese

Dinner: black bean burger w/ WW cheese, simple romaine salad w/ light ceaser dressing

Back to dayhift tomorrow. Going to try a new soup this week!! That's all for now. Ciao. ;-)

Technology...

2010-11-14T14:18:00.005-05:00

So....I tried to blog from my phone early this morning before getting ready for work, this @ 4:30am. Apparently my phone wanted no part of being awake and working, and refused to post to my blog. This is about how I felt this morning too, being startled awake by my alarm clock! Wow, what the heck is that noise???? I was sleeping so soundly after working out for the first time in about 2 1/2 weeks because of the knee issue. In any case...here are yesterday's eats.

Bfast: Subway Western Egg White Muffin (no cheese)

Lunch: Forgot my lunch when I left the house so after my WW mtg I grabbed a frozen dinner. Healthy Choice Asian Potstickers

I really LOVE these!!!

Dinner: Leftover turkey chili and a corn muffin

VitaTop Corn Muffin :-)

For all the runners out there in blog land...HERE is a link for smoothies with you in mind!!

Weigh In...

2010-11-13T09:16:00.006-05:00

...and the verdict is...down .8 lb this week! Hey, it's still a loss, not a gain!!! I'm hoping my knee is healed completely now so that I can get some activity in this week!

A new Tanger outlet mall opened last week, and it's about 30 minutes from home!! Yay! Mom and I decided to check it out yesterday. I got a GREAT deal on some Sketchers shape ups, and picked up some goodies from the kitchen store. I've been wanting some Sil-pats (silicone sheets to line your sheet pans), and I found them for $20 bucks each! They usually run about $30 each around here. I also picked up a groovy magnet for the fridge. It's actually measurements/equivalents for cooking; cups, oz, etc. This way I don't have to run around looking in various cookbooks when I need a conversion!! All in all, a great day until we got home and Mom locked her keys in her car. That was quite the experience. We had to end up calling the Sheriff's Office and having a Deputy come out to help her get into the car. LOL. Well, that's all for now. Will check in a little later this evening with today's eats!

P.S. I'd like to give a shout out to my friend Heather @ Leading The Weigh who has a large file of crockpot WW recipes for download!! That's awesome Heather, thanks!!

Way passed tired....

2010-11-11T03:20:00.002-05:00

Boy am I glad this night shift is almost over!!! My sleep was disrupted several times today. First the phone ringing woke me up around 8:30am after just getting into bed about 6:00am. I get back to sleep and then about 11:30 the doorbell rang. Package delivery. I tossed and turned, finally giving up and went to watch TV. About the time I get sleepy and lie down again...my neighbor (who works on cars) starts banging the heck out of what sounded like metal!! So...all of this equals nowhere near enough sleep to pull a 12 hr night shift!!

Today I have my annual mammogram appointment. Yay, so excited to have my boobs flattened like pancakes. Have YOU had your mammogram this year ladies??? If not, please call and make an appointment. Your life may depend on it.

Have a great day, and I will "chat" with you all later! Peace Out!

Just another Tuesday

2010-11-10T04:39:00.003-05:00

Hello All,
I'm back on the night shift *boo* but at least it's been a quiet evening. I did manage to find time to fill out several job applications. *crossing fingers*

Not too much going on around here, so this one will be a short one! Here are some of today's eats...

Before Work: Subway Melt (no cheese)

Snack: Pop Chips
Snack: Veggies w/ light ranch veggie dip

Dinner: WW Smart Ones Cheese Ziti Marinara

This really hit the spot!!!

Hope everyone has a great day! Peace out!!

New Changes!!!

2010-11-09T02:11:00.002-05:00

Hello All,

I'm making changes to my blog, and hopefully it will be complete soon. I've still got some bugs to work out (hopefully with a little help) and hope that it will be easier for you to find exactly what you want or need from my blog. I'm excited about it, and hope you are!

Turkey Trot!!!!!

2010-11-06T19:27:00.003-04:00

I'm SO excited!!! My first ever Turkey Trot!! Thanks to my friend Krista @ Fit By Faith and Heather for posting info on their events every year. I never knew such events existed!!

Weigh In and Trip to Fayetteville!!

2010-11-06T16:11:00.003-04:00

Down another 3 lbs. this week!! Yahoo!! My meeting was a great one this morning. Master your Metabolism. Physical exercise is the ONLY way to kick up the metabolism, so I guess I better get busy doing some of those weight bearing exercises!!!

Today I traveled to Fayetteville. Every year my sorority sisters and I have a day trip for a one day luncheon/convention. Attendance was VERY low but our chapter managed to make about 200 bucks on our Snowman basket!!! I arrived late, so didn't buy any raffle tix, but some of the loot was really nice stuff!!! I did have my eye on a Christmas quilt (hand made). Anywho....here are my eats from the Fayetteville luncheon.

Small salad, not too much going on here...

Chicken w/fettucine, green beans w/ham in them, dinner roll (didn't eat one) This dish was WAY too much food. I stopped after eating half.

Cheesecake....always save room for dessert!!!

I'm a water horder...

Rigatoni with Sausage and Kale

2010-11-06T16:03:00.006-04:00

Rigatoni with Sausage and Kale
2 cup(s) uncooked rigatoni
1/8 tsp table salt, or to taste, for cooking pasta
8 oz raw turkey sausage, sweet Italian variety
4 cup(s) kale, roughly chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 cup(s) canned chicken broth
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp table salt
1/2 cup(s) shredded Parmesan cheese, Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended
Instructions

* Cook rigatoni in salted water according to package directions.

* Meanwhile, remove sausage from casing and cook in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, breaking up sausage as it cooks, about 3 minutes. Add kale; cook, stirring frequently, until limp, about 3 to 5 minutes.

* Add broth to skillet and scrape up browned bits on bottom of skillet with a wooden spoon; season with salt and pepper. Cover skillet and reduce heat to low; cook until kale is tender, about 5 to 10 minutes. Stir in rigatoni; heat through.

* Sprinkle each serving with about 2 tablespoons of cheese before serving. Yields about 1 1/2 cups per serving.

Notes

* Make this dish vegetarian by swapping cannellini beans for the sausage (could affect POINTS values).

Serves 4
WW points 7

Night shifts.....

2010-11-02T03:18:00.001-04:00

They can sometimes be reeeeeeally long....ugh! I'm off tomorrow and plan on cooking, yay! I'm really in the mood for. good bowl of soup! Anyways.....here are some of my eats from the last couple nights @ work.

Snack: veggies and light ranch veggie dip

Dinner: MorningStar Farm riblet and Green Giant broccoli for one

Snack: watermelon with WW string cheese

A Halloween goodie box left for me that I didn't touch. I had fruit instead!!! Yay me. ;-)

Weigh In and Blog Award!!!

2010-10-30T09:36:00.003-04:00

Good Morning All,

Today was weigh in....

Down 1.0 lb! I can't lie...I was really hoping for 1.2 lbs this week so that I could get another 5 lb sticker. I know, sounds lame, but after getting a few stars so far, it's really a visual helper to keep me on track. Oh well, it will come next week!!

Yeah!!! A blog award, thanks to http://weightwatcherramblings.blogspot.com/

So...I'm supposed to share 7 things about myself....

1) Family is very important to me (this is one reason why I'm looking for another job to get away from shift work)

2) I'm in sorority. Beta Sigma Phi, which is a non-collegiate women's organization, and I've met many great friends and given back to my community by doing several raffles and donations through sorority. www.betsigmaphi.org (in case you are interested)

3) I work 12 hr rotating shifts, day and night. I love the job (dispatcher for my local sheriff's office) but I hate the hours and am currently looking for another job, M-F.

4) I love movies, and movie trivia!! Some call me a "movie hound", lol

5) I love to read, but don't really have a lot of time to read. I've now discovered Kindle on my phone. Great thing to have, since my cell phone goes everywhere with me!

6) I'm addicted to TV!!! I have TWO DVR's. Yes...two.

7) I LOVE to cook!!! Trying new recipes and cooking old favs!! I wish I had time to cook more often! I love sharing my finds with you guys too!! Happy EATS!!

Some of my sorority sisters and myself out for Fiesta For The Cure @ On The Border. 10% off all proceeds for the day went to the Susan G. Komen foundation.

Chicken Salsa Fresco, with black beans, and grilled veggies. I must admit, I had some of the chips and salsa to start.

I had a wonderful lunch yesterday. Chicken breast with panko, rosemary, and orange zest, with a baked sweet potato!! I even made a sauce with some orange marmalade and fresh orange juice!! Yummy and very filling!

Well, that's all for now! I'm going to meet a sorority sister now for another volunteer event. NRGRR....golden retriever rescue!!

Happy Tuesday!!

2010-10-26T19:29:00.002-04:00

Hello All,
Looking forward to Thursday and Friday off. Plan on doing sime cooking. Oven fried chicken...I think.

Today's eats:
Breakfast

Kashi GoLean Crisp, Fiber One, skim milk

Lunch
Chick-fil-a sandwich w/ mayo, and a fruit cup

Dinner

Kashi cereal, skim milk (lazy..no cooking)

2010-10-23T18:27:00.002-04:00

*****DRUMROLL PLEASE*****

Down another 1.6 lbs!!! Yay me! I'm actually very excited about this week's WI. I didn't expect to lose anything b/c it's been such a stressful week. My Grandmother has been diagnosed with pneumonia as well as congestive heart failure. She's been so healthy all of her 90 years of life, it's so hard to see her like this now. Please keep her in your prayers.

Today I went with a couple of my sorority sisters to a local farm and we did a corn maze!! Very cool stuff. We also took a hay ride around the farm. Good times.

Well, I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!!

LONG day....

2010-10-20T22:09:00.006-04:00

Hello All,

Today was a long gloomy day. The rain was falling outside, and I got a call from my Mother telling me my Grandmother has been taken to the hospital again. This is the 4th time this summer. She is 90 yrs old and is in good health for her age, but has been declining for the last few months, and pretty quickly. After getting chest xrays, we found out there is some fluid build up in one of her lungs. This may be the beginning of pneunomia (sp?) or something else going on with her heart. Please pray for her!

Breakfast:

WW yogurt, banana, and a raisin bran muffin

Lunch: Chick-fil-a grilled chicken sandwich, medium fruit cup, diet dr. pepper

Dinner:

Mexican style brown rice casserole
This casserole is good, and you get a HUGE serving for 6 WW pts!! Funny story: DH says, while I was taking the casserole out of the oven, "hmmm sure smells good; sure looks good; but you have that foreign matter [spinach] in it so I can't eat it", LMAO!!! Straight from a pure meat and potatoes man!!! Back to night shift for me tomorrow night! I'll chat with you all later in the weekend!!

Mexican-style Brown Rice Casserole

2010-10-20T20:29:00.006-04:00

Mexican-Style Brown Rice Casserole
Course: main meals
Servings: 6
WW Points 6

Like a burrito in a bowl, this dish is great for parties. Serve a big salad on the side.

Ingredients
1 spray(s) cooking spray
4 cup(s) cooked brown rice
1 1/4 cup(s) salsa
1 tsp ground cumin
15 oz canned refried beans
10 oz frozen corn kernels, thawed
4 oz canned green chili peppers, mild, diced
1 Tbsp chili powder
10 oz chopped frozen spinach, or collard greens, thawed and set to drain in a strainer over a bowl
3/4 cup(s) low-fat shredded cheddar cheese, divided
2 Tbsp cilantro, fresh, chopped (optional; for garnish)

Instructions
Preheat oven to 375ºF. Coat a 2-quart rectangular, round or oval baking dish with cooking spray

In a large bowl, combine rice, salsa and cumin. Spoon 2 cups of rice mixture into prepared baking dish and spread out to evenly cover bottom of dish.

In another large bowl, combine refried beans, corn, chili peppers and chili power. Using a rubber spatula, scrape bean mixture on top of rice layer and smooth out top.

Squeeze out any excess water from spinach or collard greens and then spread on top of bean layer; sprinkle with 6 tablespoons of cheese. Top with remaining rice mixture and smooth out top; sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Place casserole on a large rimmed baking sheet to catch any spillage. Bake until heated through and cheese is browned and bubbling, about 30 minutes. Sprinkle with cilantro (if desired), cut into 6 pieces and serve.

Raisin Bran Muffins

2010-10-20T20:08:00.007-04:00

Raisin Bran Muffins
1 cup whole wheat flour
2/3 cup uncooked wheat germ
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup turbinado or brown sugar
1 large egg
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup raisins, chopped
cooking spray

Preheat oven to 400. Coat a 12-hole muffin tin with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, combine floer, wheat bran, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon; set aside. Using an electric mixer, in a large bowl, cream butter with sugar until sugar is dissolved; add egg and beat thoroughly. Add 1/3 of bran mixture and 1/3 cup buttermilk; mix until just combined. Repeat, alternating, with remaining bran mixture and buttermilk; fold in raisins. Fill each prepared muffin hole about 2/3 full of batter; place in middle of oven. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center of a muffin comes out clean, about 15-20 minutes. Serve warm or cooled.

Serves 12 (1 muffin per serving)
WW Point Plus Value 5

Sunday, Sunday

2010-10-17T19:16:00.001-04:00

Hi All,
I worked day shift today. Started out the day with an awesome breakfast that kept me full from 5am 'till almost 11am!!

Lunch was a salad from McD's
Dinner was light

Working dayshift again tomorrow and hoping to get in some cardio after work! Have a great evening!

Happy Saturday!

2010-10-16T18:51:00.005-04:00

Down another 2.6 lbs this week!!! I also made my 5% goal!! Really good start to my day!

Breakfast after the meeting:

Starbucks spinach feta wrap

Starbucks grande light caramel frapp

Lunch: Chick-fil-a original chicken sandwich. We were at the Duke Football game, so no sides or anything else.

Dinner: BBQ Chicken Pizza

BBQ Chicken Pizza

2010-10-16T18:49:00.004-04:00

BBQ Chicken Flatout Pizza
1 flat out wrap (your choice of flavors)
1 6 oz bonless skinless chicken breast (cubed or shredded)
1/4 cup bbq sauce
sliced red onion
1/3 cup Weight Watchers shredded cheese
cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350. Spray one side of flat out wrap with cooking spray. Cook about 4-5 minutes, then flip the wrap, spray the other side and bake for another 4-5 mins. While the wrap is in the oven, cook your chicken breast. Take wrap out of oven. Spread bbq sauce on wrap. Top with cooked chicken, red onion, and cheese. Put back into the oven for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Take out of the oven, slice and enjoy!!

Notes: I topped mine with cilantro to mimick one of my fav pizzas from Brixx Pizza. I also didn't use all of the bbq sauce. I took part of the sauce and tossed my shredded chicken in it, and used the rest to spread on the wrap.

Trip to SC!!

2010-10-11T19:58:00.001-04:00

Hello All,
I had a wonderful trip to SC to visiy with my Aunt! She's a special lady! Here are some pics of my eats while there.

We walked around the mall a bit and got some exercise. I was successful in getting the elliptical home and have done a small workout tonite. 10 mins. Well that's all for now!

Hello from SC!!!

2010-10-10T17:49:00.004-04:00

I'm still in SC visiting with my Aunt but wanted to check in with everyone! We managed to get the elliptical in the truck, and strapped in thanks to the neighbor!! Yay, a practically brand new elliptical for me! This will be such a blessing in my weight loss journey! Thanks Aunt Carolyn!!! I've eaten at a couple new places and managed to remember to take photos. I'll post all that later when I return home!

Saturday morning was my weigh in. Down .6 lbs for the week. Not wonderful, but still a LOSS!! I will kick my exercising into gear next week so that should make a difference, and hopefully I won't have any more days that I feel I can eat the back end of a horse all day!!! Well, until later peeps! Back to my visit and watching the race!!

Tropical Turkey Meatloaf

2010-10-08T19:17:00.004-04:00

INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup egg substitute
1 (8 ounce) can unsweetened
crushed pineapple, undrained, divided
3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup dry bread crumbs
1 1/2 pounds ground lean turkey
1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
1 green onion, finely chopped
2 teaspoons finely chopped
jalapeno pepper
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon lime juice
1 pinch pepper

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a bowl, combine egg substitute, 1/3 cup pineapple and the seasonings. Add bread crumbs; mix well. Crumble meat over mixture; mix well. Press into an 8-in. x 4-in. x 2-in. loaf pan coated with nonstick cooking spray. Top with 1 tablespoon pineapple. Bake at 350 degrees F for 1-1/4 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 180 degrees F. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine onions, jalapeno, honey, lime juice, pepper and remaining pineapple. Serve with the meat loaf.

8 servings
174 calories 2 g fat 0 fiber
Recipe was copied from the WW message boards

TGIF!!!!!

2010-10-08T18:59:00.004-04:00

Whew...what a week!!! I have a lot of catching up to do! Monday was my 10th wedding anniversary! I am married to a wonderful man who I love very much! Wanna guess what my gift was?!?!? hmmmm?!?!?! Well, you don't have to guess...

my very own PINK (just in time for breast cancer awareness month) Ipod Nano. The new one that you can just clip on! I'm very excited and haven't even had a chance to "play" with it yet!!

Tomorrow morning is my weigh in. I'm anxious about it, well excited to see what the scale shows for this week's progress!! After the meeting, my Mom and I are heading to SC to visit with my Aunt. I haven't seen her in over a year, so really looking forward to this trip!! I'll catch up with you sometime over the weekend!

Here are some of the eats from the last few days....

Lunch: MorningStar Farms veggie burger, wedge of LC cheese, and a pear on the side

Breakfast: Kashi Island Vanilla cereal with craisins (bad pic..sorry)

Lunch: Tropical Turkey Meatloaf, baked sweet potato, green giant corn niblets for one

Dinner: Tropical Turkey Meatloaf, bush's baked beans, green giant broccoli and cheese for one

Breakfast: WW english muffin topped with orange marmalade, morningstar farm veggie bacon, and an "egg mug" egg with LC cheese.

Busy Friday!!

2010-10-01T23:33:00.002-04:00

Whew...today was really busy and has flown by!! I intended to go to the grocery store after training yesterday, but didn't so I had to go first thing this morning. After coming home, I hit the ground running. I made a tropical turkey meatloaf, jalapeno and cilantro flavored cod cakes, and wanted to make some raisin bran muffins, but ran out of time. In fact, about 10 minutes before 3pm I realized I had quite the headache. I was so busy I forgot to stop for lunch!! Dinner with DH, Mom, Stepdad, and now catching up on editing some pictures for facebook. Sorry no pics of eats today, but here's the break down...

Breakfast: omlette (2 eggs, with one wedge of laughing cow cheese) topped with salsa

Lunch: OOPS I forgot b/c so busy

Snacks: WW sweet and salty bar, vitatop, fruit cup

Dinner: salad from salad bar, chicken kabob, baked sweet potato, and one piece of texas toast

Working night shift this weekend, Sat, Sun, and Mon, so I probably won't be back to chat with you all until Tuesday of next week. Hope everyone is having a great weekend, and staying OP!! Toodles!

Wednesday Weigh In......

2010-09-30T20:11:00.002-04:00

Whoooo hooooo down 5 lbs!! I am still convinced the WW scale was off yesterday. I didn't expect any more than 2 lbs! Very nice surprise! In yesterday's meeting, I got my bookmark and my 5% sticker! Yay me!! I also picked up some goodies after the meeting!!

My Goodies....

For breakfast after my meeting:

Starbucks grande light caramel frapp

Starbucks cranberry orange scone. This will have to be a "once in a while" treat as the scone is 10 pts!! Yikes!!!

Lunch: MS Farm veggie burger on a sandwich thin, with a wedge of laughing cow cheese, oven roasted chickpeas, and an apple on the side.

Dinner: 3 pieces of turkey kielbasa, broccoli and cheese "for one", and 1/2 cup of uncle ben's ready rice.

Happy Tuesday!!

2010-09-28T19:19:00.003-04:00

Hello All,

Hope everyone is doing well! Tomorrow is my 2nd weigh day since starting WW again. I'm pretty excited about it. I have to admit, I have NOT started the exercise to accompany the healthy eating, but it will come. OK, so here are some of the eats from yesterday and today.

Easy as 1-2-3 fire alarm chili and some cheese toasts made on sandwich thins.

Asian stir-fry veggies with ginger and garlic

Veggies with some turkey kielbasa

Ultra thin deli ham on a sandwich thin, with one wedge of laughing cow cheese, and an apple on the side.

Oven roasted chickpeas

Cheeseburger on whole wheat bun, with roasted chickpeas on the side.

Playing catch up....

2010-09-26T20:05:00.005-04:00

Hello All,

I worked night shift Thursday and Friday night. Saturday DH and I went to the DUKE football game. I had a ball even though it was SO hot (got burned...AGAIN) and Duke's football team is not the best team out there, haha. Today was church with my Grandma, and then I helped out a friend who was doing some volunteer work for NRGRR (golden retriever rescue) at an event called "Woofstock". Great time with friends, both human and doggies! Enough of all that....here are some of the eats for the last few days.

Wendy's 1/2 size salad and chili. This one is the Apple Pecan Chicken salad.

Morning Star Farms Veggie Lasagna (this is really good)

Today's Eats...

Starbucks grande caramel frapp light

Starbucks Spinach egg white wrap

McDonald's Southwest Chicken Salad (my fav!!)

MS Farms Veggie burger on a sandwich thin, zuchinni "fries", and light ranch veggie dip

Teriyaki Turkey Burgers

2010-09-22T21:22:00.004-04:00

1 1/4 lb. lean ground turkey
1 TB ginger root, fresh, finely chopped
1 TB minced garlic
1 tsp sesame oil
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
1/4 cup scallions, chopped
1 large egg white
2 TB cilantro, fresh, finely chopped
2 sprays cooking spray
4 reduced calorie hamburger rolls

Preheat a grill (or grill pan) to medium-high.

In a large bowl, combine turkey, ginger, garlic, oil, teriyaki sauce, scallions, cilantro and egg white; mix until just combined. Make for burgers, about 3/4-inch thick each.

Offheat, coat both sides of burgers with cooking spray.

Grill burgers, flipping once, until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes per side. Lightly toast rolls on the grill.

Serves 4
WW Points Plus Value 9

Notes: The burger mixture will be extremely wet. I found it a bit difficult to form patties, but all the moisture is needed as lean meats can get very dry when cooked. Also, when the recipe says to coat both sides of the burgers with cooking spray...again this is difficult because of the burgers being so wet. I just used EVOO in the pan and it worked well.

Hump Day!!

2010-09-22T21:11:00.002-04:00

My hump day was apparently a cereal day, haha! I didn't even realize I had done this, but for breakfast AND for dinner...CEREAL! Tomorrow I go back into night shifts, so I will be up for awhile tonight catching up on some DVR's shows!

Kashi Island Vanilla cereal, skim milk, banana

Teriyaki Turkey Burger, whole wheat bun, sweet potato wedges

Snacks: Animal crackers, apple slices

No Pudge Brownies!! My first time with these little gems! DH likes them too! I picked up another box of the mix a couple days ago, but coffee flavored! I can't wait to try those!!! It's hard to eat just one, however...

Kashi GoLean Crisp, skim milk

Weigh In....

2010-09-21T15:50:00.001-04:00

4 lbs down!!! I was releaved after eating some not so healthy things this week!! I forgot pics again...but here is the breakdown for today.
Bfast:
fruit cup, subway egg white muffin
Lunch:
Chick-fil-a grilled sandwich
Snacks:
animal crackers, apple, cheese
Dinner:
Morning Star bbq riblets, Green Giant broccoli w/cheese

Monday Monday...

2010-09-20T20:19:00.006-04:00

Happy Monday everyone!! Today makes a week since I started WW again. Didn't get to a meeting today, but will be going in the morning @ 10. I think I will have a good week, but not for sure. DH and I ate out several times while in Charlotte for the weekend. OK...catching you up on Sunday and Monday eats...

Sunday eats:
Kashi cereal 3/4 cup
Fiber One 1/4 cup
Skim Milk

Canteloupe and 100 cal pack of cheese

Chocolate Vitatop (gotta love these things!!!)

McDonald's Southwest Chicken Salad

Healthy Choice fudgesicle
Cheez It 100 cal pack

Smart Food

Lean Cuisine 3 Cheese Chicken (the new microwavable meals in the bag!!)

Monday's Eats:
Breakfast:
Peach yogurt, w/ 1/4 cup Kashi GoLean, canteloupe, Subway Western Egg White Muffin Melt

Lunch:
Chick-fil-a original sandwich (there's a story here...went to the drive thru, ordered the grilled sandwich but had a surprise when I got back to work)

Dinner: PB and jelly sandwich w/ popchips

Nature's Own Double Fiber Bread (has Omega 3's in it too!!!)

Sour Cream and Onion Popchips

just a look at the whole thing put together, lol

Keebler 100 cal pack Fudge Strip cookies

Moo Shu Beef Lettuce Cups

2010-09-19T12:51:00.005-04:00

Moo Shu Beef Lettuce Cups
cooking spray (I used EVOO)
4 oz. uncooked lean ground beef (with 7% fat)
1/4 cup thinly sliced yellow onion
2 tsp minced fresh ginger root
2 tsp minced garlic
1/4 cup thinly sliced bok choy
1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
1/2 cup thinly sliced button mushrooms
2 tsp low sodium soy sauce
2 leaves bibb lettuce

Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and set pan over medium-heat. Add beef, onion, ginger and garlic; cook until beef is browned and onion is soft, breaking up meat as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Add bok choy, pepper, mushrooms, and soy sauce; cook, stirring occasionally, until bok choy is wilted and pepper is tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes. Spoon about 1/2 cup of beef mixture into each lettuce leaf.

Serves 1
WW Points 4

Race Weekend!!

2010-09-17T19:36:00.002-04:00

DH and I are at the drag races in Charlotte!! Always a fun time, but it's really freaking hot here right now!!!! I've had a pretty good week so far with food, but it's really hard to try and plan for venues such as this. I brought some snacks with me, but will still have to eat at the track for lunch. Good thing is, I got some exercise and drank LOTS of water!! I'm gonna catch you up on the eats for the week, but I was forgetful about taking pics.

Tuesday eats:
I worked night shift on Tuesday so my menus will be reversed somewhat...

banana
pop secret kettle corn, 100 cal pack
apple

Chick-fil-a grilled sandwich
Honey Roasted BBQ sauce
side salad
FF honey mustard dressing
diet coke

canteloupe
cheese, 100 cal pack
skim milk
double chocolate vitatop

Wednesday eats:
(after midnite, still on night shift until 5:30am)
WW mini cheeseburger
pop chips
Healthy Choice fudge bar
Diet Coke

Kashi GoLean Crisp 3/4 cup
Fiber One 1/4 cup
Skim milk

Subway Melt, no cheese
Water

Moo Shu Beef lettuce wraps (recipe to follow when I get back home)
Apple
Pop Secret Kettle Corn, 100 cal pack

Thursday eats:

Kashi GoLean Crisp 3/4 cup
Fiber One 1/4 cup
Skim milk

Subway melt, no cheese
Apples
Diet Coke

Pack of cheese/peanut butter crackers

Lean Cuisine 3 cheese chicken (microwave meal)
Animal Crackers

Cheese, 100 cal pack
Apple
Pop Secret kettle corn, 100 cal pack

Now to today's eats:

scrambled eggs (2)
bacon (3 strips)
1/2 biscuit
skim milk

Cheeseburger

Cheese nips, 100 cal pack
Animal crackers

Salad, from salad bar
1/2 biscuit
Diet coke

Sorry again for the lack of pics. I will get better...just takes time to get back into the groove!! Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Monday Monday...

2010-09-13T23:31:00.003-04:00

Hello All,

OK, signed up for WW meetings again. My first weigh in was today, followed by the first meeting. It felt really good to be in the same room with several other people who are going through the same trials that I am, and that I have someone else to share my journey with. I had a pretty good day today, even though I had a sorority meeting tonight, so I couldn't control what was being prepared for dinner. Busy week ahead, but I am looking forward to chatting with you all every day!!

Here are today's eats...

Breakfast: One slice of whole wheat bread toasted, with butter, two slices of veggie bacon, and a small cup of skim milk

Lunch: Subway Turkey and Ham Sub, apples, and Diet Coke

Snack: 100 cal pack of Pop Secret Kettle Corn, and an apple

Dinner: Chicken Broccoli Bow Tie Alfredo, and a slice of toasted bread w/butter.
SKIPPED DESSERT...YAY for me!!!

Healthy Decisions....

2010-09-12T20:51:00.003-04:00

Hello Peeps,

I have found myself right back where I started, AGAIN. Things have been crazy lately, and I have eaten myself silly. I'm not happy with my work situation right now, and am currently applying for jobs that will allow me to work regular hours instead of 12 hour rotating shifts. Exercise...haha! Nope, none of that either. I've made a healthy decision to start attending WW meetings again. I guess right now I need to be accountable to someone other than myself. At this time in my life I really want...NEED...to get back to a regular schedule in my life. See more of my family, friends, and be able to take my Granny to church every week instead of only twice a month. Anyways...long story short...please join me on this new chapter of my journey. Thanks to those of you who hung in with me during my absence. Until tomorrow!!

More La Vida Loca...

2010-07-28T19:14:00.001-04:00

I keep saying I'm sorry, but my life has been a little crazy for about 3 mos now! For those that don't know, my hubby had total knee replacement surgery and was out of work for 8-9 wks. My grandma, who will be 90 in September has had surgery and hospitalized twice. I have also applied for a new job and am waiting nervously on the call. I am hoping to get that news next week and get back to taking care of ME! I have gained some weight and feel like crap but it's hard to concentrate on me until things are settled. So....to those who I owe videos and/or prizes....they are coming. Really they are! Hope you are all doing well and I hope to be back blogging really soon!

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Ultimate Classics!!!

2010-06-15T14:38:00.001-04:00

This cookbook rocks!!! I can hardly wait to get into the kitchen!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.3.1

Weigh In...

2010-06-12T20:19:00.001-04:00

Well I lost 2.5 lbs last week and gained 2.0 lbs this week. Ugh!!!

Stressful day....but getting ready to watch the race! Until later!!

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Blogging from my new phone!!!

2010-06-10T18:34:00.001-04:00

Really cool! Now I won't need to wait to get on my laptop to chat with you guys!! Hope everyone is having a great day!!

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Weigh In...

2010-05-30T09:26:00.003-04:00

OK..weighing in! Not good, not good at all. A couple things working against me...first all by myself I fell off the wagon, but you already knew that. Secondly, I've been home with my hubby who had knee replacement, and eating everything known to man. He's LOST 13 lbs, and I've gained 3.3lbs. YUCK! Good news is that I'm back to exercising again. Last night I did a kettle bell workout. No joke..it kicked my butt and was only the intro DVD!! www.kettleworx.com Check it out!!

I haven't gotten into the swing of things with pics yet, but here's the breakdown of my eats for yesterday:

Breakfast: WW Smart Ones English Muffin Sandwich, Diet Mt. Dew, Apple slices, and WW light string cheese

Lunch: Honey roast Turkey (Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin) and cheese (Laughing Cow)with spinach on a wheat Arnold Sandwich thin. Sour cream and onion Pop Chips on the side.
Dessert: Healthy Choice Fudge ice cream bar

Snack: 1 Nature Valley granola bar

Dinner: Cheeseburger on wheat bun w/dijonaise, broccoli pasta salad on the side.

After workout: Special K chocolate bar cereal, skim milk

As you can see, my stomach was a bottomless pit yesterday. Today so far, it's under control, hee hee.

...and the WINNERS are....

2010-05-27T01:30:00.002-04:00

ERIN and ANNE MARIE

Please email me your addy and I will get it out in the mail in the next few days!! Congrats and enjoy!!!

Giveaway #2 and #3!!!!

2010-05-17T19:18:00.003-04:00

Hey there party people!!! Anyone out there like Jillian Michaels??? Hmmmm? I know you do! So, here's the skinny....I have TWO Jillian Michael's videos to give away!! Recently I purchased a couple workout DVD's from her website and was lucky enough to get in on the buy one get one free! If you are interested, please leave me a comment here and I will draw a random name on Monday evening (May 24th). I want everyone to have the opportunity to get in on the deal. Good luck all!!

Made a killer dinner tonite. Will post the recipes tomorrow!

Tuesday Tuesday....

2010-05-11T14:57:00.002-04:00

Hello All,

Just a quick note to let you know I won't be posting much until later in the week. My husband had total knee replacement surgery yesterday, so I've been spending all my time at the hospital with him. Hopefully I can get him home on Thursday so he can get some rest, bless his heart.

Heather W. I will get you the book you won, but probably not until next week. I took the weekend off too to be with the hubby.

Until later...Good Eats!!!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

2010-05-09T17:11:00.002-04:00

Good Afternoon all,

I hope that all of you were able to spend some quality time with MOM today! I started the day with a weight loss of .8 Not so bad in the scheme of things since I did have BBQ and all the fixins', as well as two hot dogs yesterday.

I take my Granny to church every other weekend when I'm off work, and today, for Mother's Day, my Mother went also. She usually attends another church closer to her home. Anyways...here are some of the pics from today.

All men in the choir for Mother's Day!!

In honor of all who have lost their Mother's....

Mom, Granny, and myself

Breakfast: Starbucks Light Caramel frapp and an apple bran muffin
Lunch: Spaghetti w/meatballs, and some hush puppies off my stepfather's plate (eek!)
Dinner: TBD....

......And the winner is. . . . .

2010-05-08T20:58:00.002-04:00

WAYMOM!!!!! Congrats Heather! Ya'll stay tuned...I have another GREAT giveaway for next week!!

Wow, what a weekend!!!

2010-05-02T19:36:00.003-04:00

Happy Sunday evening all!! Ricky and I had tickets for the Richmond Nascar race for Saturday night, so off we go!! The race didn't start until 8pm, so we didn't get home this morning until 1:30am. I went in to work today at 11am, and can I just say TIRED?!?!!? My eating schedule was off b/c I only worked half a shift. I picked up a foot long tuna sub on the way to work, so had half for "brunch" and the other half for dinner b/c I knew I would NOT feel like cooking!!! Not much else for now. Don't forget about the Biggest Loser book giveway I have going thru Saturday!!!

Giveaway #1 for May...

2010-04-30T23:19:00.004-04:00

Any Biggest Loser fans out there??? I know you are, so here is my first giveaway for May!! This book is great. Lots of tips and some recipes too! All you have to do is leave me a comment here and let me know you are interested. I will randomly draw a name next Saturday, May 8th, giving everyone a full week to enter! Good luck all!!

Busy Day!!

2010-04-26T20:49:00.004-04:00

Hi All,

I hit the ground running (not really) this morning! I went to get a haircut, then a mani and pedi, then to the grocery store. I bought ingredients for a new crock pot recipe. It's from the new Hungry Girl cookbook. I LOVE her recipes!!

I made the Easy as 1-2-3 alarm turkey chili! It was awesome!! Yes, for those who don't eat turkey, you can sub beef or whatever suits your fancy. In my opinion it's very much like the WW taco soup that everyone loves, with an added spice kick. Ricky and I really liked it. I served it with a little bit of FF sour cream and chopped cilantro. Very yummy! Skinny Cow ice cream sandwich for dessert!

Stay tuned guys...I have TWO giveaways that I will put up this week!!

Easy as 1-2-3 Alarm Turkey Chili

2010-04-26T20:26:00.003-04:00

1 29 oz. can tomato sauce
1 14 oz. can diced tomatoes, drained
1 15 oz. can chili beans (pinto beans in chili sauce), not drained
1 15 oz. can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup frozen sliced or chopped carrots
1 cup frozen sweet corn kernels
2 bell peppers (in different colors), chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 to 3 canned chipolte peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
2 teaspoons chopped garlic
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 lb. raw ground turkey (or substitute beef)
Salt, to taste
Optional topping FF sour cream

Combine all ingredients except turkey/beef and salt in a large bowl. Add 2 teaspoons adobo sauce from the canned chipolte peppers. Mix to combine and coat all beans and veggies with sauce.

Place turkey/beef in the bottom of the crock pot and break up into small chunks. Pour chili mixture on top and mix. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hrs or low for 7-8 hrs. Stir to distribute turkey/beef. Add salt to taste. If you like, top each serving with a little sour cream.

Makes 12 servings (1 cup servings) WW points 3 (using turkey)
Notes: if you like cilantro, add some chopped cilantro when you add the sour cream before serving.

Happy Sunday!

2010-04-25T20:20:00.004-04:00

Breakfast:

Starbucks Venti Light Caramel Frapp

Starbucks Turkey Bacon English Muffin

Lunch:

McDonald's Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad

Dinner: Basic tuna salad sandwich on wheat bread. Nothing fancy so I didn't take a pic.

Dessert/Snack: 100 calorie Yogurt Crunch.

Trying a new turkey chili recipe tomorrow...crockpot recipe, so stay tuned!!!

Long time NO BLOG!!!

2010-04-24T15:10:00.004-04:00

Hello All,

Yes, again, I fell off the wagon. Not as badly as before, yet still OFF. When I got sick, I got VERY sick for about a week, then had NO energy the entire next week. I let myself continue to use that excuse for not getting any exercise, and then came the BAD eating. Not all at once, but little by little, until I felt like total crap again. Man, it REALLY makes a difference when you eat healthy foods and exercise. I have a goal this time. Maybe that will make me push harder, or not, but I still have a goal...actually TWO!! First, one of my best friends from high school is getting married in May 2011. She asked ME to be her maid of honor!!! I am so thrilled, but don't want to look like a whale in her beautiful wedding photos! So...there goes goal number one. Second, a week after the wedding, I am going on a cruise for the first time!! YAY!! I most definitely don't want to look bad in those photos!!! So I have a year to get to my goal weight. I will set smaller goals along the way, but wanted to share the big picture with you.

Today I started eating better again...but didn't take any photos. I will get that started again tomorrow.

Breakfast- Starbucks spinach feta wrap and water
Walked a 5k for MS this morning to start off my exercising again, YAY!
Lunch-Chick-fil-a #1 combo (not a very good choice but needed food after walk)
Dinner- McDonald's Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad

As you can tell, the cooking had slowed too, so I don't have any good food at the house. Will be going to the store tomorrow or Monday. Thanks for being patient with me and I hope that you are looking forward to sharing more of my journey with me!!

Also, I must say thanks so much to Kelly over @ Happy Texans for giving me an award while I was away! Kelly, you have NO idea how much I enjoy your blog and how much of an inspiration you are to me and I suspect all of your other readers!! I have been out of the blog land loop for a few months now, so I don't think it's really fair for me to nominate others for awards right now, until I can catch up on A LOT of blog reading, so I will just post the very nice award so you all can see it. Again Kelly, thank you!

Glad to be back in the land of the living....

2010-03-03T03:13:00.002-05:00

Hi All,

Sorry for the lack of posting, but I have been sick! Got some sort of virus or possibly food posioning and was down for the count! I lost between 6-7 lbs. just on the first day. Anyway, I am on night shift tonight and tomorrow night. I can happily say that I was able to eat a 6" sub before work! That's the most I've eaten at one time since last Friday morning! Hope all is well with you all out there in blog land! I'll be posting again in a few days!

La Vida Loca!!!

2010-02-25T09:21:00.003-05:00

Things have been a little crazy lately! One of my best friends is in the hospital, I've worked some overtime, gave blood yesterday (an adventure in itself) and our furnace pretty much broke down at midnight last night! We are pretty sure the whole unit will have to be replaced. Anywho...hoping to make it to the Duke basketball game tonight!! Hopefully I will be able to get back on track with pics and sharing my eats next week! Have a great day all!!

Chili Cookoff Chili

2010-02-19T16:06:00.003-05:00

1 lb. 93% lean ground beef
1 15 oz can of crushed tomatoes
1 8 oz can tomato sauce
1 TB vinegar
few squirts of ketchup (I used 2 TB)
1/2 tsp salt
1 medium onion, chopped
3-4 TB of chili powder
1 15 oz can kidney beans
hot sauce to taste, if desired

Brown ground beef, drain fat. Add all other ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer for about 3-4 hours, until desired consistency.

**This recipe came from the WW online message boards. I'm sorry that I do not have tbe original posters name, for credit. Original poster also noted that the recipe is definitely edible in an hour.**

Makes 6 servings, 1 cup servings
4 WW points (for those who count)

Friday!!!

2010-02-19T12:46:00.003-05:00

Afternoon peeps! I am enjoying a day off today. I was called in to work some overtime last night, so today I am just chillin', doing laundry, and later making some chili!!!

Breakfast: So yummy! I finally tried one of Hungry Girl's egg mug recipes. This is right on time and SO quick to make in the morning. I also added two slices of Morningstar Farms veggie bacon strips, and served on a Weight Watchers english muffin!

Snack: Mrs. May's Naturals

Lunch: Subway spicy italian sub on wheat, and Lay's light chips, diet coke.

Dinner: Turkey Hillshire Farm Deli Select slices, Kraft 2% slice cheese, on an Arnold's Sandwich Thin. Along side, some Pringle's Light chips.

Today's eats:
Breakfast- Same as yesterday, egg "mcmuffin", and some plums on the side.

Lunch:
Sometimes there is nothing better than a good 'old peanut butter and jelly sammich!! I used Peter Pan reduced fat PB, Smucker's sugar free strawberry preserves, on Weight Watcher's whole wheat bread. Pringles light on the side.

Sleepy Tuesday!

2010-02-16T22:02:00.008-05:00

Evening All,

Today I worked day shift. LONG very LONG day. I was pretty zapped of energy, one b/c I stayed up too late last night, two b/c of my cat waking me up @ 2am to be fed, and third b/c I had to get up @ 4:15am to get ready for work. Needless to say, no workout tonight, or I may have found myself falling off the back of the treadmill like you see in funny videos!!! On to today's eats...

Kelly's green smoothie with a multi bran Vitatop!!

Snack: Mrs. Mays Naturals I am SO addicted to this stuff it's not even funny!!

Lunch: Subway melt (no cheese) with light Lay's chips

Snack: peanut M&M's snack pack (like the little halloween size ones)

Dinner: Special K red berries with skim milk (really wasn't feeling the cooking thing tonite)

Happy Monday!

2010-02-15T15:48:00.007-05:00

Hello All,
I hope everyone had a nice Valentine's Day! My hubby is so sweet. He endured "fine dining" for me. This is really out of his comfort zone, since he's a meat and potatoes man. We had dinner Saturday night at Trali, which is an irish pub in the area. Here was our menu...

1st course: we both had the tomato and mozzarella salad with balsamic dressing. Fresh mozzarella, yum, and the balsamic dressing was probably the best I've ever had.

2nd course: I had salmon wrapped in puff pastry with spinach and cream cheese, rice pilaf on the side. DH had chicken cordon bleu with scalloped potatoes.

DESSERT: DH had apple pie ala mode, I had cheesecake!

Very nice dinner and time with DH priceless. (Sorry I didn't take pics)

A loss of 1.1 lbs this week, yay!!

Eats for Sunday:
Started off with Starbucks light caramel frapp, and spinach feta wrap. I also picked up a cranberry orange scone for a snack later.

Lunch: leftover Starkist tuna "burger" with Green Giant just for one broccoli and cheese.

Workout: 30 mins on treadmill (still ticking away at the 5k challenge) followed by some Tae Bo!

Today, I have to admit, I am VERY lazy. I am not sure if it's the weather or what, but I just can't seem to shake the cobwebs away! No workout tonight...my heel is not feeling quite right, so I'm gonna take it easy. I don't want another flare up of achiles tendonitis!!

On the night shift....

2010-02-12T00:47:00.002-05:00

Hi All,
Ok, on the night shift again, and I totally forgot to take pics of my eats today, sorry.

Subway tuna sub (no cheese) and Diet Coke before work
Kashi cookie and Jello SF pudding for snack
Apple slices for snack
Morningstar Farm black burger served on an arnold's sandwich thin, one wedge of laughing cow cheese and spinach, along side some pringle's light bbq chips

I'll try not to be so slack tomorrow, lol! Have a great Friday all!