Walking Walking Walking

I started the morning with a HUGE breakfast...eggs benedict, hash browns and coffee...a trip to the grocery...and then a nice long walk. All told I think it was close to 8 miles at a pretty descent clip! Dinner was at 6pm...so two meals today...and I think I am good with that. Maybe some hot chocolate is in my future. Made my Lays "fried chicken" with roasted potatoes and salad...not the most healthy...but not the worst for me either!

Now...gotta get through the week keeping up with veggies and exercise...even if I just do it a little each day!

Didn't Weigh in...

Okay, I overslept this morning...mostly because I didn't go to bed until Midnight or after. I just didn't want to get up at 7am and weigh in...I should have, but I didn't. I guess if I had to assess the week, I would say that I wasn't horrible...but I wasn't good either. I made meals that helped me keep on track...but I also had some meals that took me off track. I don't feel guilty about them, but I realize that I can't eat like that! I need to try and take the weight off, for me, for my health and sometimes I have to acknowledge that it is a struggle! But...I did get some more movement into my week...and for this week I need to add more veggies into my week. I started with a HUGE SALAD last night...I can eat that for the next couple of days...and of course carrot sticks and dip! Maybe I need to get some more V8...which is a quick and easy way to get my servings of veggies in!

So...more movement and more veggies...I can do this!

Slow Cooker Lasagna - YUMMY!

So...I decided to try this since my hubby is gone :( and he can't have gluten anyway...good time to try out this WW Slow Cooker Lasagna Recipe. Of course I make some of my own changes...but the points should stay close! And...after a day at class...this was a yummy dinner to come home to! Now I have this for the rest of the week along with the baked potato soup I made yesterday!

1 lb uncooked lean ground beef (7% fat) and I would definitely recommend Italian turkey sausage (if you prefer)
1 small onion chopped
3 cloves garlic (org recipe 1)
28 oz canned tomatoes (I used the Italian seasoned ones)
15 oz tomato sauce
1 tsp salt (I didn't add)
1 tsp dried oregano (I added a tbsp)
1/2 tsp dried basil (I added 1 tbsp from a jar)
1/4 tsp red pepper to taste (I didn't add)
1 cup part skim ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups part skim mozzarella shredded, divided
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
6 dry lasagna noodles, no cook

so make the sauce...brown the ground beef, saute the onion and garlic...add tomatoes and seasoning to taste

mix 1 cup ricotta with 1 cup mozzarella (I added in some Italian seasoning too)

In the crockpot, start with 1/3 sauce then noodles (break each of the 6 in half...use for layers)
then cheese, then sauce then noodles then cheese...repeat like you do...

cover crockpot and cook on low 4-6 hours...top with remaining cheese before serving

6 servings at 8 points per!

you can add mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant...etc!

I found this YUMMY after a long day...and I did indulge in a glass of red wine with it. But it was filling and satisfying!

Meal Planning for this week...

So...my husband will be gone this week. Without him cooking, I need to find a couple easy to make recipes so I don't spend my evening cooking when I get home. I came up with two recipes. One I prepped today. That will be my first soup, the Baked Potato soup...and I can throw that together when I get home Monday night from work. Now that I have the potatoes baked and the garlic roasted...I will just need to assemble the soup...and that won't take longer than 30 minutes!

My second soup I will either do Wednesday or Thursday...and that will get me through the week. This is a favorite of mine...my husband will eat it...but he isn't a HUGE fan. So, he won't miss out on anything. It is Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup from WW

Now...if you aren't a fan of Velveeta...you may not like it. Sometimes when I can't find Velveeta I substitute...but no cheese is as creamy as Velveeta.

1 medium garlic clove minced
1 medium onion chopped
1 celery stalk chopped

put in a pan that has been sprayed with pam (or whatever) cook til tender
Spray a 3 Qt or larger slow cooker and put the veggies in ( I have also added shredded carrots to this, cook with the other veggies)

Brown 1 lb lean ground beef (93/7) pour off liquid and add to slow cooker

in a small cup combine
2 Tbsp all purpose flour (I use gluten free when I make it with Tim)
1/2 cup chicken broth
wisk til smooth and lump free

pour this into the skillet and collect any brown bits left behind by the meat and add the remaining 2 1/2 cups of broth (3 cups chicken broth needed for the recipe)

Add this to slow cooker
And then add the following
1 cup low fat evaporated milk (I use fat free)
8 oz Light Velveeta cubed (sometimes I will use reg Velveeta, just less 4-5oz)
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp table salt
1/8 tsp black pepper

cover and cook for 2 hours on low
Serve with crumbled tortilla chips (recipe calls for 24 baked low fat tortilla chips crushed)

about 3/4 cup soup per serving with 3 tbsp crushed chips (5 points!)

For ease...well maybe, I bolded the ingredients!

I have also discovered a cheeseburger casserole that is like having a cheeseburger and fries...I will post that next time I make it...also good...and similar ingredients!

Weigh in...and the plan for the week!

So I weighed in Saturday AM...looks like I gained .4 (that is right, there is a decimal in front of the 4) so not a HUGE weight gain...but I have my work cut out for me this week. Of course it doesn't help that I started my week with breakfast at Barlow's (newly opened restaurant in Liberty Lake, open for breakfast and lunch) and had eggs Benedict and chai...and then split a gluten free pizza and salad for dinner... Tim made gluten free crepes for breakfast...and I had one savory (bacon egg and cheese) and one dessert (nutella and banana)...but after that meal...I plan to meal plan the rest of the week. We have leftover pork chops and potatoes for dinner tonight...and then I will definitely make a soup to keep me occupied this week...and this week's plan is to add some activity in DAILY! So far for Saturday I didn't really do any activity. But today I plan to either bike or walk...and then I need to add at least 10 minutes a day somewhere! I can do this!

Hungry week...

So...I wondered when this would turn around for me. I have been HUNGRY all week (with the exception of Monday). I can't believe how hungry I have been. Most of what I eat is good for me...but of course I slip! I am afraid that I have had too many days of bad choices for there to be a good scale outcome this weekend. But...I will weigh in anyway...and I really need to meal plan this week. SOUP! Never lets me down! Chili may be in the cards! Anyway...just two more days til weigh in...keep your fingers crossed for me!

Weigh in...and sabotage

So I weighed in Saturday, down another pound (YIPPEE) but of course yesterday I had to totally sabotage it! Lots to eat, went to bed feeling like CRAP! Although everything was soooo yummy. Pizza, wine, lemon bars...I even ate two pieces of pizza and then wanted a third...waited 20 minutes...and still wanted it. UGH! Probably was the onions! Anyway, today is a new day and I plan to keep on track the rest of the week. I have my regular chili recipe in the crock pot and had fruit for breakfast! So...positive thoughts...hopefully I will be down a pound or maintain this week!

WW Clam Chowder

I made this soup the same day I made the WW Taco Chili...it made enough for two meals...and it was YUMMY! I did have to use gluten free flour (I chose white rice flour) and I added mushrooms...but it was really good...I would definitely eat it again.

Makes 4 servings
4 tsp canola oil
2 medium all purpose potatoes, peeled and diced (I used red with skins on)
1 celery stalk finely chopped
1 onion finely chopped
1 cup water
1 cup fat free milk
1 cup fat free evap milk
1 tbsp all purpose flour
1 (10 oz) can clams, drained, reserve 1/2 cup of juice
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/8 tsp ground white pepper
2 slices bacon crisp cooked and crumbled

add oil to a medium saucepan over med heat...then add first 3 ingredients and saute until onion is translucent. Then add water to cover and bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender about 15 minutes

in a medium bowl mix milk, evap milk and flour til smooth and add to saucepan

add in everything else (except bacon) and stir until thickens slightly...don't bring it to a boil...cook about 10 minutes. serve with crumbled bacon.

It was YUMMY...not as creamy, but a GREAT flavor. We ate it by itself the first night and then for lunches the next day...I added a grilled cheese the second day...it was perfect!

WW Taco Chili...

So I was talking to a co-worker Saturday at work and talking about comparing recipes...and she gave me this one...and I had to run out and try it. I have it simmering as we speak on my stove!

1 lb ground turkey (breast)
1 onion
1 can black beans
1 can kidney beans
1 pkg taco seasoning
1 pkg ranch dressing mix
2 cans diced tomatoes (she adds the ones with green chilies) I did one of each

SMELLS divine! I guess one cup is 2 points! NOT BAD! and...this could easily be made vegetarian!

Facing the music...

So, today, with heavy heart I went to my WW meeting. I did it to weigh in...and officially put myself back on track with weight loss and health! I entered the door and walked up to the counter...there were so many people I recognized! It was great to be among people who struggle with weight loss...I sometimes feel like I am the only one. I told the lady at the counter it had been awhile since I had been in...and I needed to return. I took off my hat, coat, scarf, shoes and got on the scale. She asked me when was the last time I had weighed in...I said I wasn't sure but October or November...and then she said, well congratulations...you are down 5.6 lbs! Over the holidays too. I was floored. What do you mean? I asked...she said you are down 5 lbs...I asked is the scale broken? I can't believe it. She said even though I hadn't been in awhile...sometimes we still make better choices when deciding what to eat...

Well, part of me was SUPER happy...and the other part of me was sad...I am soooo happy I have lost. I know (and you know) that I haven't been eating as well as I ought. And I am sad...that I wasn't going all along...and I felt so shameful about my return.

Between you and me...I was steadily gaining from about August 20th to Oct. 31st (my last weigh in) to the tune of 2 lbs a week! EEK! So, now I am ready to head to goal. I am now 187.2 lbs and my goal weight is 175lbs...so I just have a little over 10 lbs to go. I can do this in 2010! Meal planning is up next today! I need to get my week in gear! No, my husband can't make cheesy polenta...I have to wait until I get closer to goal!

A Post Christmas Poem

Thanks to a co-worker who sent me this...I need to remind myself and get back on track!

'Twas the month after Christmas,
and all through the house,
Nothing would fit me,
not even a blouse.

The cookies I'd nibbled,
the chocolate I'd taste
At the holiday parties
had gone to my waist.

When I got on the scales
there arose such a number!
When I walked to the store
(less a walk than a lumber),

I'd remember the marvelous meals I'd prepared;
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared,
The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese
And the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please."

As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt
And prepared once again to do battle with dirt...
I said to myself, as I only can,
"You can't spend a winter, disguised as a man!"

So, away with the last of the sour cream dip.
Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip.
Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
Till all the additional ounces have vanished.

I won't have a cookie, not even a lick.
I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick.
I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie.
I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.

I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore...
But isn't that what January is for?
Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.
Happy New Year to all, and to all a good diet.

Week in Recap...

So, I started the week thinking I will be SOOOO strict. Now, I am just happy I haven't gone off the deep end! Actually the week was pretty good. My biggest mark against me was the three slices of pizza on Monday night (thanks girls!). But, all in all I did eat rather well. I also got the shock of my life when I weighed at a friend's house and it said I was 190...which would be AMAZING, and for about 12 hours I believed it...until I was told the scale was pretty much 10 lbs off...the wrong way! So...I still believe I weigh 200. I do plan to face the scale on Saturday morning bright and early...so I can report the real weight I carry! In other news I am getting some light activity in...walking to and from bus stops, in between classes, taking stairs instead of elevators...and keeping my meals and snacks on track! All in all pretty good.

I am already trying to plan meals for this weekend and next week...and trying to convince my husband to make quiche tonight...WW style. Ah well! Should all work out okay.

Okay back to studying...

White Bean Chili - not a WW recipe

So here is the White Bean Chili recipe I made today...it is in its final stages on the stove...but I can tell it is going to taste AWESOME! I will give you the whole recipe...but I did half it!

Southern Living Recipe - White Bean Chili
1 med onion
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves
8 skinned, boneless chicken breasts

first do the onion and garlic, once translucent, add diced chicken
then add

3 cups water
1 tsp SALT
(I added 1 tsp dried cilantro)
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp dried oregano

let cook 10 minutes til chicken is done

4 cans (15 oz) canellini or great northern beans (rinsed, drained and divided)
half of the beans go in a blender, add chicken broth until smooth (1 14 1/2 oz can)

add all of that to the pot and
1 16 oz bag frozen shoepeg white corn
2 (4.5 oz) cans chopped green chilies

bring to boil...once at a boil reduce heat to simmer for 30 minutes

right before serving add 3 tbsp lime juice and garnish with fresh cilantro!

This makes 4 quarts...serves 8 is my guess...maybe even 10! If I had to guess on the point value of this soup...it would be 6-7 points per serving...the thing that makes it higher points is the beans...but not because they are bad for you! I will have to put this in the WW recipe builder and find out eventually! I will probably add a dollop of light sour cream to this as well!

Today I have been doing pretty good...had a few jelly bellys....maybe that wasn't too good...but overall I am doing okay! can't wait to try the chili!

Weigh in...didn't happen :(

So, I was all ready to weigh in today...but now I am sick...and wanted to get my beauty sleep...so I didn't go. I am guessing I am at or a little over 200 lbs...EEK how does that happen? (cramming my face with food I guess) So...I will go with that until I weigh in next Saturday. But...I still tracked my food today. Grape Nuts with fat free milk and sugar with a banana and a pear for breakfast...some of that yummy beef stew for lunch...and a clementine....a cheese stick for snack...and then out to eat with a co-worker...water and a bistro steak salad with dressing on the side. The dressing was balsamic vinaigrette...but it did have feta and cashews on it...I ate all of the lettuce, the meat and some of the feta...left most of the feta and the cashews in the bottom of the dish...headed to Ben and Jerry's for a kids sized..ice cream (YUMMY) and then called it today. I am finishing the night with a cocktail and some clementines...I have a sore throat! So, I think I did pretty good! I will continue to track all week. Hopefully this cold/sore throat goes away...but I think it is headed for my ears, UGH! Can't wait to try the white chili tomorrow. It isn't a WW recipe...but I can't imagine what would be too bad for you in the ingredients. I will put the recipe in the WW recipe builder and see how it measures up!

What's for Dinner? Beef Stew WW style!

So, starting out the year with the soups...WW has some great recipes for soup. Here is the one I am making today!

4 tsp olive oil
1 shallot finely chopped
1 tbsp finely chopped carrot
1 tbsp finely chopped celery
(my addition) 2 cloves garlic chopped

Put these items in a medium nonstick dutch oven and saute until translucent (5-6 minutes)

Add 1 lb beef round cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes and brown (about 5 minutes)

Put in
1 can diced tomatoes (14 1/2 oz) ** recipe calls for one cup chopped canned plum tomatoes, with juice...I can't help myself but to add or subtract from the recipe
1/2 cup dry red wine
1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme (up from 1 tsp)
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp salt
ground pepper to taste
Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer gently partially covered about 45 minutes

Add
8 frozen pearl onions
2 carrots peeled and cut into one inch cubes (baby carrots cut in half)
4 medium potatoes peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes (I use red with skins on)
1 cup hot water

Cook covered 40 minutes

Stir in
1 cup thawed peas (I will put in frozen)
add parsley(not me) and oregano and cook one minute longer, discard bay leaf

Stew serves 4....but I can tell you now it will serve 6...and the points is 7 for a serving (1 cup)

This can be done in a slow cooker...do the first few steps then transfer to the slow cooker...add the rest (except water, oregano, and parsley) and cook 4-5 hours on high or 8-10 hours on low, stir in herbs just before serving

ENJOY!
Can't wait to eat it today! The smell is divine!

New Year, New Outlook

This is the year...2010, that I want to try and change my relationship with food. Apparently I can't handle good food with moderation...and I am going to try that this year. Last night I rang in the New Year with broth fondue...veggies, lean meat and dipping sauces that weren't too bad. I have been eating a little better since my return from Arkansas (where I might add I ate more than I needed and felt like CRAP!) I started my meal planning yesterday and have picked a series of soups that I plan to fix over the next few weeks. Since the weather is cooler, soup is a good way to get what I need and satisfy that comfort food feeling! My challenge will be to really be pickier about what I eat and when I eat. Only when I am hungry, and only enough to satisfy is the goal! Of course I need to conquer my passion for chocolate...my cravings for bread...and of course I adore CHEESE! But...one thing at a time, right? Hope you have luck in the new year with your relationship with food, whatever it may be!