Monday, January 31, 2011

The Smell of Chocolate...made me CRY!

So today I was at school on break and one of my classmates broke open a King size Take 5 bar
I have to tell you I have a cold and really can't smell anything, but I could smell this....I looked over at the taunting chocolate bar, and made a comment to a fellow classmate.  On how I would love to eat that!  She giggled and agreed.  Then I jumped in that it would go straight to my bottom ( unlike my classmate who was eating it who is a size 0!) and she replied why do you have to worry about that you're skinny!
My jaw dropped and my eyes welled...me skinny?
I wanted to tell her that I had another 20 pounds that I want to lose...but I didn't I focused on how far I have come.  I told her that I lost 50 pounds in the last year.  I knew the next thing was to come was the ?, the one everyone asks, how did you do it?
Instead she asked how do you look that great ( seriously I love this girl I may adopt her ( b/c she might be 20 tops!)
I told her I work out 4-6 times and week and I eat healthy.
I may not be skinny, but I do know I am healthy, I cannot wait to continue this journey tomorrow, and I hope maybe someone might be out there reading this thinking, hey maybe I can be healthy too!
Now I have a new emotion tied to chocolate ( other than guilt, or emptiness that it used to hold), pride.

Friday, January 28, 2011

What's up Next week!


Menu Plan for 2/1/2011-2/7/2011




Monday Dinner
·         HG's Sweet 'n Sticky Sesame Chicken Recipe
F  
     Jama’s Fried Rice Make Over
3
 
1.5 cups water
1 frozen stir-fry vegetables, thawed
1/4 cup Lite soy sauce
1 low sodium
chicken bouillon cube
2 cups cooked brown rice (not instant)
2 tablespoons finely minced green onions
1/8 teaspoon pepper
3 egg whites(with just a little yolk for color)

Per Serving: Cal 316 Carbs 74 Fat 2 Protein 16 Fiber 11 (I eat a half it is so super filling!)

Scramble the egg whites (I prefer to do this in the microwave, I think they are fluffier).  In a sauce pan, add water, onions, soy sauce, and bouillon cube.  Once the cube has disintegrated into the water add the vegetables.  When you have cooked these add the rice bring to temp and add eggs and enjoy!(I edited this after I made it, it took less water, but it is super tasty!)



Tuesday Dinner

Lasagna Soup- this was a hit without the cheese so I serve it without it! Recipe

Wednesday Dinner
Left Over Night

Thursday Dinner
Beef Stroganoff Makeover (this is based off a recipe from a crock pot cook book just tweaked!)

1 pound of beef stew meat
1 package of Lipton French Onion Soup Mix
1 Container of 0% Greek Yogurt
2 cups of mushrooms
2 cups of fat free beef broth

This is a simple recipe; brown the meat in a pan, season with salt and pepper.  With exception of the Greek yogurt add to the crock pot, cook on low for 6-8 hours, and 30 minutes prior to serving add the Greek yogurt (or until warm).  I serve this over whole wheat flax noodles (which is what the calorie and carb count is for) but you can serve over brown rice or your choice of noodle! 

Servings 6
Calories 289 Carbs 29 Fat 5 Protein 27 Fiber 4


Friday Dinner
Rachael Ray’s Oven Fried Corn Dogs recipe
Oven fries (potatoes sliced into wedges (parboiled 1st for 5 min) and then tossed in Olive Oil and pepper and seasoning salt)
Peas

Saturday Dinner

Crock Pot Green Pepper Casserole

1 can of Diced Tomatoes
1 small can of tomato paste
Peppers - Sweet, green, raw, 4 medium
2 cups Brown Rice-Regular
1 pound of 80/20 ground beef
2 cups Swanson - Beef Broth 99% Fat Free
1 Red Onion

Brown ground beef and put all the ingredients into the crock pot for 6 hours on low.  Serve over rice.

Sunday Dinner
Finish up leftovers

Dessert for the week
I am taking this one from an idea the Biggest Loser website Healthy Lattes~ I am a coffee nut and the hubby can’t live without his ice cream, so I am doing a version of a latte, cooled cup of coffee served with my Coffee Creamer and instead of the fat free vanilla yogurt they suggest (hubby really loves his ice cream) I am going with a reduced calorie ice cream cup that is prepackaged, that way the hubby will not be as tempted to eat the whole carton well before the week is over! Plus I think I may even get some sugar free whipped topping!  Can hardly wait to try one of these!  I did not forget about the kids I am making graham cracker and non dairy whipped topping “ice cream sandwiches”.  My littlest one food allergies are always a concern as I am getting Rice Whipped Topping (for hers only(or I am going to make her some whipped topping from a coconut milk based coffee creamer (Will tell you how that goes!) You sandwich that between graham crackers (they have chocolate one too!) wrap in plastic wrap and freeze!


Grocery List    2/1/2011-2/7/2011
Produce
Dairy
Meat
Canned Foods
Frozen
Green onions/scallions
Greek Yogurt
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
Chicken Broth
Stir fry veggies
mushrooms
Rice whipped topping
Beef Stew meat
Rice vinegar
Cool whip- sugar free
Green peppers
Laughing cow blue cheese
Italian Sausage
Fat free Beef Broth
Single serving ice cream cups( reduced cal)
Apples
Coffee creamer-COUP
80/20 Lean Beef
2 cans of diced tomatoes

Bananas
Almond milk- Coup
Turkey hot dogs
Tomato paste

celery

Lunch meat
 Progresso light soup

Baby Carrots


pickles 




Dry Food



Bread/Cereal
Sesame seeds



Oat Heads- Coupons
Chicken bouillon cubes


Baking
Coco Rice cereal
French Onion Soup mix

Sweets & Snacks


Brown rice




Jiffy Corn Bread mix
Condiments



Chocolate graham crackers




Apple sauce




Buddy Fruits




applesauce




Fiber One Cereal Coupon

Beverages
Health /Beauty
Paper Products
Cleaning
Miscellaneous
pop

Paper plates

 2 towels

























Monday Feb 1, 2011






Really seriously...hahahah!

WARNING: The following information about my husband is not to be used as a device to tease him!  I love and support him this is about the impact my life changes are having on my family!

So some of you may know I had a heart to heart with my hubby at the end of last week.  We spent an entire weekend together and I could not help to notice that he has started to carry his weight *in the middle*.  I sat him down and talked facts about how I am not getting and staying healthy because I to look hot in a pair of shorts( not that I am not going to enjoy that too!).  That heart disease and diabetes are risks and concerns.  I asked him if he would join me 3 days a week( I figure it's a starter) in a workout.
I am NOT asking him to do this by himself, I know how hard it can be to start or to work out after a long day, I am changing my routine for him.   I have done all the hard work in changing the way we eat at home ( I wish I could help with the work thing, but heck I am only human).  So proud he did really on Tuesday, he however backed out before he even got home on Thursday ( but that's ok, he worked till 9pm).  Today he texted me that he really does want to do this!  He has promised that tomorrow morning we are working out ( I am not sure if I look forward to this he is not a morning person!)
Now that I think hard he may not want to be the only fattie at the pool on our vacation to Florida in May!  Ok I know that was a little mean (and just a joke!) WARNING: Although I should delete that comment I just can't I am laughing so hard right now I might pee!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

The success and failures of food makeovers Part 2

So I adapted a recipe from Hungry Girl and I must tell you success is not the word!  I am in love!

Caramel Pudding Apple Cupcakes
(Makes 15 servings)
Per serving (1 cupcake): 107 calories, 22 Carbs 2 fat grams 1 protein






Ingredients for cupcakes
  • 2 cups moist-style
  • yellow cake mix (1/2 of an 18.25-ounce box)
  • 1 3/4 cup applesauce
  • 2 egg whites
  • 2 tablespoons light maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granulated)
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt 
Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes 
    Ingredients for topping
    • 3tablespoons of Carmel bits ( they no longer carry the squares)
    • 2 teaspoons of Silk unsweetened almond milk  
    Mix these in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 10 to 15 seconds( or until caramel melts).
    Drizzle this on top of the cupcakes, I love them warm so I will freeze the rest and microwave!

      The success and failures of food makeovers

      So I spent Sunday preparing some the the food for this week ( to make my already crazy life a little more predictable!)  The family and I loved the sliders(Monday night's meal!) it was a great idea and will definitely be repeated.  The Au gratin potatoes which were another blogger take on the Weight Watchers version, lets say we are having them tonight and I think I may eat extra veg instead, they do not taste anything like what I dreamed of, of well so far this week one success one failure!  I also already took the time to plan for next week so i could add the basics to my list as we go ( I did all of that on Thursday night before shopping).  Our grocery total was 107 with tax.  Not what I was hoping for, but here is to next week.  I will be posting next weeks menu on Thursday and our grocery list.

      Friday, January 21, 2011

      Fabo Friday Foods: Part 1

      As many of you know life with kids is crazy and Friday we try and kick back and relax.  However, we have already had leftover night by this point (so we have room in the fridge for groceries!) So I always try and cook something not so complicated.  Before the health changes I would have grabbed a frozen pizza, so the 1st Fabo Friday food to make over ~ pizza!

      Crescent Pizza Rolls
      1 package of crescent rolls
      5 tablespoons plus a tsp. of ready-made spaghetti sauce
      1 cup of Kraft - Natural Shredded Cheese - Mozzarella Fat Free
      24 turkey pepperoni
      Veggie topping of your choice, zucchini are great, spinach, mushrooms, onions, all my fave!
      Serves 4
      Serving size 2 rolls
      Calories 252 Carbs 26 Fat13 Protein 9 Fiber1
      First you want to preheat the oven to 350.  Unroll the crescents as you normally would (I stretch them out a little to make more space for filling).  I use 2 teaspoons of sauce and it more than covers the crescents, I chop the pepperoni, add the veg and then the cheese.  Then you want to roll the crescents according to directions, these usually take 12-15 minutes.  I prepare a small salad and enjoy!  These are also great for football parties and you can make these ahead of time and freeze for lunches!

      Wednesday, January 19, 2011

      Starting a little early....


      Justin and I are really trying to cut back expenses and wastes, so we are planning from A to Z, 1st menu then shopping list so we can avoid any grocery splurges.  I will be posting the menu in advance and a copy of my grocery list and afterwords to hold myself accountable....gulp...our actual receipts!We want to stick with our list!

      Menu Plan for 1/24/2011-1/30/2011


      Monday Dinner
      ·         Mini Lean Ground Beef and TVP ( Textured Vegetable Protein) sliders
      ·         Whole wheat dinner rolls
      ·         Homemade sweet potato fries
      ·         Frozen Sweet Peas

      Tuesday Dinner
      Grilled Chicken Breasts
      Au Gratin potatoes Recipe
      Frozen broccoli

      Wednesday Dinner
      HEALTHY & SPICY BUFFALO CHICKEN MEATBALLS recipe
      Carrots
      Celery

      Thursday Dinner
      Leftover night

      Friday Dinner
      Lean Ground Beef/TVP tacos 
      With Black Beans and Corn

      Saturday Dinner
      Bubble Up Pizza Casserole recipe
      Sunday Dinner
      Finish up leftovers


      Dessert for the week
      Guilt free cupcakes! recipe

      Grocery List    1/24-1/30
      Produce
      Dairy
      Meat
      Canned Foods
      Frozen
      Sweet Potatoes
      Skim milk
      Turkey Italian sausage
      Black Beans
      peas
      Russet potatoes
      Almond milk
      Turkey Pepperoni
      Corn
      broccoli
      mushrooms
      Shredded mozzarella
      Ground lean turkey breast
      pumpkin

      onions
      Greek yogurt
      LM Oven roasted turkey


      garlic
      2 Canned biscuits
      LM Ham


      Carrots


       

       
      celery

       

       


      parsley


      Dry Food

      apples

      Bread/Cereal
      Yellow cake mix
       





      Banana
      Baking
      Multi-grain rolls


      Sweets & Snacks
      Carmel
      2 Whole wheat white bread


      Fiber bars



      Condiments
      Tortilla chips



      Frank’s Original  
      Hot Sauce




      Fat free ranch















      Beverages
      Health /Beauty
      Paper Products
      Cleaning
      Miscellaneous
      water



       
      pop



       




       




       










      Monday Jan 24,2011