Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Cheesy Chicken Stroganoff

Cheesy Chicken Stroganoff
4 Servings= 10 pts+; 6 Servings= 7 pts+

1 lb ground skinless chicken breast
3 cups water
6 oz no yolk egg noodles
6 oz Velveeta light loaf, cut into pieces
10 ¾ oz can low fat cream of mushroom soup
¼ tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper

In a large saucepain, cook chicken until no longer pink.
Add water and bring to a boil
Add uncooked noodles, reduce heat, cover and simmer for ten minutes or until noodles are cooked.
Add cheese loaf pieces, soup, salt and black pepper. I allowed it to simmer for a few minutes to make it somewhat thicker.

Raspberry Balsamic Glazed Chicken

Raspberry Balsamic Glazed Chicken
Serves 4
Points+ per serving: 5

1 tsp canola oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup sugar free seedless raspberry preserves
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
¼ tsp ground black pepper
4 4oz boneless skinless chicken breasts
Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degress. In a small saucepan, heat oil, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds over medium-high heat.

Add raspberry preserves, balsamic vinegar and pepper. Bring to a low boil; simmer three minutes or until mixture gets glaze like consistency. Reserve half of glaze and set aside.

Brush chicken breasts on both sides with remaining glaze.

Coat a baking dish with cooking spray. Place chicken breasts in dish and bake 30 minutes. Pour remaining glaze over chicken breasts.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Recipe: Hawaiian Beef Stir Fry

Hawaiian Beef Stir Fry
Serves 4
Points+ per Serving: 7

1 lb top sirloin steak, cut into ¾ cubes
½ tsp cornstarch
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, divided
¼ cup ketchup
1 tbsp sugar (I used Splenda)
1 can pineapple chunks
1 green or red sweet pepper, cut into ¾ pieces
1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced or ½ tsp garlic powder

In a medium bowl, dissolve cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of worcestershire sauce. Add beef cubes and toss to coat.

In a small bowl, mix ketchup, sugar, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and 1 tablespoon of juice from pineapple. Drain remaining juice from pineapple and discard.

In a large oiled skillet brown beef over medium-high heat. Remove and set aside. In same skillet heat two tablespoons of water, add peppers and garlic. Cook and stir 3-4 minutes or until water evaporates and peppers are crisp-tender.

Reduce heat and stir in sauce mixture, pineapple and beef along with any accumulated juices. Heat through and serve over hot rice.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Recipe: Chicken Parmesan Alfredo

Chicken Parmesan Alfredo
Points+ Per serving=8
(serving=1/2 a chicken breast)

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 egg beaten
¾ cup Italian seasoned dry bread crumbs
¼ tsp paprika (optional)
1 jar Ragu Cheesy Classic Alfredo Sauce
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tomato chopped

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Combine bread crumbs and paprika.
Dip chicken in beaten egg, then into bread crumbs and place in a 13x9 inch baking dish.

Bake uncovered for 20 minutes.

Pour 1 cup of sauce over chicken; top with cheese and tomato. Bake 10 minutes or until chicken is thoroughly cooked.

Serve with remaining sauce heated.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Spiced Apple Pancakes

Spiced Apple Pancakes

Pancake Ingredients:
2 cups biscuit mix (bisquick or similar)
1 scant tsp cinnamon
1 egg
1 1/3 cups milk
¾ cup grated apples, about 2 medium apples

Ingredients for Cider Syrup:
1 cup sugar (I used Splenda)
2 tbsp cornstarch
¼ tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg
2 cups apple cider
2 tbsp lemon juice
3 tbsp butter

Combine biscuit mix, cinnamon, egg and milk; beat until smooth. Stir in grated apples. Grease large skillet or griddle and heat over medium heat. Pour batter, about ¼ cup for each pancake, onto hot griddle. Bake until bubbles appear around the edges, turn and bake other side until golden brown. Serve with warm cider syrup

Sauce: In saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon and nutmeg; stir in apple cider and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and begins to boil. Continue to boil and stirring, for one minute. Remove from heat and stir in butter. Makes about 2 ½ cups of syrup

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Recipe: Easy "Lasagna" Casserole

Easy “Lasagna” Casserole
Serves 4
10 Points+ Per Serving

8 ounces ground 90% lean turkey or beef
½ cup finely chopped onion
1 ¾ cup (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2/3 cup nonfat dry milk powder
½ cup water
½ cup fat free cream cheese
¼ tsp minced garlic
1 tsp dried parsley flakes
2 cups cooked medium width noodles (I used egg noodles)
½ cup plus 1 tbsp (2 ¼ oz) shredded reduced fat mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 375.

In a large saucepan sprayed with olive flavored cooking spray, brown meat and onion.

Stir in tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Lower heat and simmer 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, combine dry milk powder, water and cream cheese. Add garlic and parsley flakes.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until cream cheese is melted. Stir in cooked noodles.

Pour noodle mixture in a 8x8 dish sprayed with cooking spray. Spread meat mixture evenly over noodle mixture. Evenly sprinkle mozzarella cheese over top. Bake uncovered 15-20 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe: Pumpkin Roll

Pumpkin Roll

Pumpkin Roll Ingredients:
3 Eggs
2/3 Cups canned pumpkin
1 Cup sugar
¾ Cup flour
½ tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda

Filling ingredients:
2 Tbsp butter
8 oz softened cream cheese
¾ tsp vanilla
1 Cup powdered sugar
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Mix together eggs, canned pumpkin, sugar, flour, cinnamon and baking soda. Line a jelly roll pan with wax paper on the bottom. Spread mixture in pan. Bake in oven at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Remove from oven, invert on tea towel. Remove wax paper and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Roll log in tea towel and let cool.

Mix filling ingredients and unroll cooled log, spread filling evenly and re-roll log. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Recipe: Crustless Pumpkin Pie

Crustless Pumpkin Pie


1 15 oz cant of pumpkin
1 12 oz can evaporated skim milk
¾ cup egg substitute or 3 egg whites
½ tsp salt
3 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp vanilla
2/3 cup Splenda or sugar

Combine all ingredients and beat until smooth. Pour into a 9” sprayed pie pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, and then at 325 degrees for 45 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Recipe: Hamburger Stroganoff

Hamburger Stroganoff   
Serves 4
8 Points+ Per Serving

8 oz lean ground beef
½ cup chopped onion
2 cups cooked egg noodles
10 3/4oz can 98% fat free cream of mushroom soup
1 can sliced mushrooms (optional)
¼ cup low fat sour cream
Salt and pepper to taste

Brown ground beef and onion, drain fat. Stir in cooked noodles, cream of mushroom soup, sliced mushrooms, salt and pepper. Simmer about 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream before serving.


Sunday, November 27, 2011

Recipe: Mexican Lasagna

Mexican Lasagna
Serves 8
7 Points+ per Serving

2 Tbsp taco seasoning
1 lb ground beef, cooked
1 ½ cups tomato sauce
16 oz salsa
1 cup fat free cottage cheese
1 egg (or ¾ cup egg substitute)
6 flour tortillas, torn into ½” pieces
6 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 oz shredded fat free Cheddar
2 oz shredded fat free Mozzarella

Simmer first four ingredients for 10 minutes.
Combine cottage cheese and egg and set aside. Combine remaning cheeses in a separate bowl.

In a 9x13 pan sprayed with PAM,  layer as follows:
½ meat mixture
½ tortillas
½ cottage cheese
½ cheese blend
Repeat Layers

Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Recipe: Hawaiian Chicken

HAWAIIAN CHICKEN
6 servings- 7 Points+
4 servings- 10 Points +


1 8 oz can pineapple chunks in heavy syrup
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, uncooked
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 can chicken broth
¼ cup vinegar
2 Tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp soy sauce
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 medium green bell pepper, cut into squares
3 Tbsp corn starch
¼ cup water

Drain pineapple chunks, reserving syrup; set aside.

In skillet brown chicken in oil, pour off fat.

Add reserved syrup, broth, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce and garlic. Cover and cook over low heat for 40 minutes.

Add green pepper and pineapple chunks; cook 5 minutes more or until done. Stir occasionally.

Combine cornstarch and water, gradually stir into sauce. Cook, stirring until thickened.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Let Go of "Perfect"

So you have decided you want to lose weight. The next question is how much do you want to lose? For some this isn't an easy answer. Some may pick the weight they were when they got married.  Or maybe the weight listed on your drivers license (because we all lie :o). Or do you go a more techinical route and use your BMI (body mass index) as a guideline? Whatever method you use, just be sure you are setting a goal for yoursel that is realistic. We would all love to look like we did when we were 18, but is that realistic? Probably not. So before you pinpoint the exact place you want to be, consider at what weight would allow you to look and feel healthier, as well as a number that you can live with emotionally.

The best way to start is to choose small goals so you aren't feeling overwhelmed or discouraged. Aim to lose 5-10% of your weight for your first goal. Or you may even want to go smaller and set goals for every five pounds. By choosing a number that isn't too far out of reach your less likely to get discouraged and to stick with it. Losing just 10% of your weight will reap alot of health benefits including decreased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Another way to determine what your goal should be is also to consider the lowest weight you've been able to maintain for a substaintial period of time.However, the further you are in years from that pivotal age, the less realistic that goal could be.

People typically lose lean muscle mass as they age and that loss causes a decrease in metabolic rate. You may  need to reevaluate your target number because what was realistic when you were 25 may not be so at age 35.

Here are a few things you will need to evaluate when determining the best weight for you.

*Your age- as you get older the metabolism slows down making it harder to lose weight
* Your height- Use these figures to calculate your BMI.
* Your lifestyle- Before setting a goal determine at what extent you can increase your physical activity.  As     well as the dietary changes you can stick with.
* If you have a weight related health problem ask your doctor how much you should try to lose to improve your health.

Of course comfort is the key. Set a goal that is somewhat flexible, because you may not realize what a comfortable weight is until you reach it. Once you reach your target, you can always adjust your goal of where you want to be.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Thankful

There are days (ok alot of days) that I gripe and moan about life and all of the "horrible" things going on. There are days that I feel like I would rather be anyone but me. Then something happens or a thought crosses my mind to make me realize how grateful I should be for what I have been blessed with instead of bitching about what I don't. There are so many things to be thankful for. No matter how bad we think we have it, we need to remember that it can always be worse. So here is a list of what I am thankful for, what about you?

* I may not love my job or the 2 hour (each way) commute that I have every day, but I am thankful that I have a job, and one that pays pretty decent.

* I may not have the best house to live in, or be where I want to be. But I have a roof over my head and a place to call home.

* I may try to find every excuse in the book for not exercising, but I am thankful that I have two legs that are in perfect working condition so that I can get up and move.

* I may not have the body that I would like to have, but I am thankful that I am healthy. And with hard work I can change the way it looks, while using those two good legs and feet.

*I would love to be able to be a mom in the very near future, but if that isn't whats in store for me, then I am still thankful for the loving family that I already have.

Lastly but not least, I am thankful for all my wonderful friends!

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Cream Cheese Crockpot Chicken
Points+ 7

1 ½ lbs uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts
15 oz can black beans, drained
15 oz can yellow corn, drained
16 oz salsa
8 oz Fat Free Cream Cheese*


Put frozen chicken in crockpot, cover with can of drained beans, and corn and jar of salsa. Cook on high 4-5 hours or until chicken is cooked. Place block of cream cheese on top and cook for an additional half hour. Makes six servings.

*If regular cream cheese is used points are 8 per serving
 Light cream cheese points are 7 per serving.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Crockpot Chicken Chili
Points Plus+ 4 Per Serving

Ingredients:

Non-stick cooking spray
(12 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 (1.5 oz) envelope chili seasoning
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes with liquid
1 (15.25 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (15.25 oz) can kidney or red beans, drained
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1/2 cup salsa
1 cup water
Directions:

1. In a skillet cook chicken just until seared.

2. Spray crock pot with non-stick cooking spray.
Add chicken and all other ingredients to crock pot and mix well.

3. Cover and cook on LOW 6 to 8 hours.

Yield: 8 servings
Serving Size: 1-1/2 cups per serving.

Weight Watchers PointsPlus+ = 4 per serving.

Nutrition Information:
Calories 160.4, Carbs 23.6 g, Fat 1.9 g, Fiber 5.6 g, Protein 14.3

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Crockpot Meatloaf
Points Plus+ 4 Per Serving

Ingredients:

24 ounces extra lean ground turkey or beef
1 cup finely chopped onion
4 slices reduced-calorie white bread,
torn into small pieces
2 teaspoons prepared yellow mustard
1 tablespoon pourable Splenda or Sugar Twin
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1 cup (one 8-ounce can) Hunt's Tomato Sauce

Directions:

Spray crockpot with butter-flavored cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine meat, onion, bread pieces, mustard, and 1/2 cup tomato sauce. Mix well to combine. Form into a large ball. Place in prepared crockpot. Stir Splenda and parsley flakes into remaining 1/2 cup tomato sauce and spoon mixture evenly over meat loaf. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours. Divide into 8 servings. When serving, evenly spoon sauce over top.

Makes 8 Equal Servings
Mini Cherry Cheescakes

Points Plus+3

¾ cup graham cracker crumbs
2 Tbsp light butter, melted
8 oz light cream cheese
3 Tbsp lemon juice
2 large egg whites
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup sugar ( I used Splenda)
¾ cup light fruit pie filling, cherry

Preheat oven to 375 and place 12 cupcake liners in cupcake pan.

In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter; mix well. Spoon 1 tablespoon of crumb mixture into bottom of each liner and press down gently; refrigerate until ready to use.

In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add lemon juice, egg whites, vanilla extract, and sugar. Beat until smooth.

Spoon cream cheese mixture evenly into muffin liners; bake until set, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool.

Top each cheesecake with 1 tablespoon of cherry pie filling. Yields one cheesecake per serving.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Crescent Sloppy Joes

Serves 8
Points Plus+ 4



½ lb very lean beef
½ cup onion, chopped
1/3 cup ketchup
1 tsp mustard
¾ tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
8 oz reduced fat crescent rolls
1 whole egg, slightly beaten

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large saucepan, cook beef and onion until beef is no longer pink. Add ketchup, mustard, salt and black pepper. Mix well. Separate rolls into four rectangles; firmly press perforations to seal. Roll each rectangle into a 8x4 rectangle. Cut each in half crosswise to form eight squares. Place about two tablespoons of beef mixture on center of each square, fold dough over filling forming triangle. Press edges with a fork to seal. Cut small holes on top. Brush each triangle with beaten egg. Bake for 12 minutes or until brown on top.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Recipe: Skillet Chicken Parmesan


Skillet Chicken Parmesan



1/3 C Breadcrumbs

1/3 C Grated Parmesan Cheese

½ tsp Dried Oregano

¼ tsp Garlic Salt

1 Large Egg

4 Bonless Skinless Chicken Breasts (about 1 pound)

1 Tbsp Olive Oil

¾ C Marinara Sauce

¾ C Shredded Part Skim Mozzarella Cheese



In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano and garlic salt. In another shallow bowl, beat the egg until frothy.



Wrap the chicken breasts in plastic wrap and place on a cutting board. Gently pound each breast with a mallet to an even thickness (about ½ inch). Dip each breast into the beaten egg to coat and then roll in the breadcrumb mixture.



Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is well browned and just cooked through.



Spoon the marinara sauce evenly on top of the chicken, and sprinkle mozzarella on top. Cover the pan, reduce heat to low, and cook for 3 more minutes until the cheese melts.



Serves 4

Source: Diabetes & You Magazine

Recipe: Quicker Than Take Out Orange Chicken

Quicker Than Take Out Orange Chicken
Points Plus+ 8


Sauce:

½ C Water

1/3 C Light Orange Juice

½ C Splenda Granulated Sweetener

2 Tbsp Brown Sugar

3 Tbsp Rice Vinegar

2 Tbsp Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce

3 Tbsp Lemon Juice

¼ tsp Ground Ginger

1/8 tsp Red Pepper Flakes

2 Tbsp Cornstarch



Chicken:

1 ¼ Pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast, Chopped

1 Large Egg, Beaten

¼ Cup All Purpose Flour

2 Tbsp Canola Oil

1 Small Red Pepper, Chopped

1 Small Onion, Chopped



*To make the sauce, in a medium saucepan, whisk together the first nine ingredients (water through pepper flakes). Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring to a slow simmer.



*In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of water and the cornstarch to create a slurry and whisk into the sauce. Bring the sauce to a low boil and cook for 1 minute or until the sauce thickens and clears. Reduce the heat to low and allow to simmer.



*Roll the chicken pieces in the egg and toss with flour to coat. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add half of the chicken and cook 4-5 minutes or until well browned on all sides and chicken is cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a bowl and cover. Heat the remaining oil and cook the remaining chicken pieces. Add the chicken to the bowl and set aside.



*Add the red pepper and onion to the pan and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until slightly softened. Add the chicken to the pan and then the orange sauce. Stir to coat and serve.



Serves 4

Source:Diabetes and You



Notes: This dish was so delicious, I don’t think I will want take out Chinese again! We LOVED it!!!






Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Weight In Wednesday

Its that time of the week again, time to hop on the scale and see what kind of progress I've made in the past week. Something was different today, than the past several weeks  months.. I  wasn't dreading the results I would see! I've been struggling on an emotional level with this whole weight loss thing, but decided that I am in control and I'm not going to let it control me anymore! Since changing my way of thinking, the other needed changes will soon follow.

Previous Weight 210.5
Current Weight 208.0

Loss this week 2.5
Total Loss 4

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Weight Loss Prescription---

After being in a rut for several months, I have delved into reading weight loss and fitness magazines to aid in keeping me from crawling back into said rut.  I will be posting what I am reading/learning, in hopes someone else can also get something from it.

The prescription for weight loss has been said to be: eat less, exercise more and get enough sleep.. Making a habit of not getting all the zzz's you need at night could cause you to end up toting around extra pounds. Sleep levels are associated with other unhealthy habits, such as lack of physical activity. Lack of sleep can also decrease hormone levels that hepl regulate your feeling of satiety or fullness, and can increase the hormome that stimulates appetite. Some studies have also found that people who lacked in sleep, also had lower levels of glucose tolerance and higher levels of stress hormones. If you are sleeping less than six hours a night you are at risk for obesity.

While the amount of sleep one needs varies from person to person, the average adult requires 7 to 9 hours of slumber per night.

After reading this article, I think I have found a huge factor in this game of losing weight.  Making sleep a higher priority is a must.  If you are struggling to lose weight  try hitting the sack a little bit earlier, it just may be the missing link in your equation.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

I Lost It...

Somewhere along the way my motiviation, desire and drive for working out and trying to live a healthy lifestyle was derailed.  My mojo was gone. For several months now I have been struggling to find my way back. Every day, I had an excuse. There was always a reason why I didn't have time or there was always something else more important that needed done. Days turned into weeks and weeks have now turned into  months. I started the Burst Into Summer Challenge over at the shrinkingjeans, hoping to regain my mojo. After no contact other than the first "hello's" from my team mates, I let that derail me even further. I shouldn't have and realize that now. I feel horrible for letting that be just another excuse, for letting myself and my team down.

Today I put it out there on Twitter and spoke to Brooke about needing a kick in the pants to get back on track.(Thanks Brooke for being on the other end of that tweet!)  Just doing this and admitting to someone else how off track I have been really made me see.  I keep making excuses, but the bottom line is for whatever reason, I've been in a lazy kinda depressed if you will stupor. All of this is stopping, and stopping now!

I had a heart to heart talk today with myself and realize just how foolish I have been. Wasting the past two months feeling lazy, sorry for myself or what ever mood I was in to have an excuse to not get up and move. I asked myself is this really how you want to live and feel the rest of your life? Of course the answer is no.

I'm over feeling sorry for myself. No one got me to the weight I am in, only myself. Feeling sorry for myself and doing nothing is going to give me nothing in return.  If I want results, then I have to do something to get those results.



Monday, July 4, 2011

Do You Need to "Clean" Your Mind?

We all clean, the kitchen, the bathroom, even our closets, but have you cleaned your mind? How you think and feel is one of the biggest factors in our weight and health, and is usually one of the things we never think about when trying to get healthy or lose weight. You cut back calories and exercise, but  never look at what you are thinking when it comes to weight loss or health issues that may be ailing you.  Its time to put all the other cleaning aside and clean your mind.

Sit down, relax and really think about the reasons behind your health and weight issues or habits. Why does it matter, you ask? Because behind every action is a thought. The thought is were it all began. Changing your thought process can literally change your life.

What is your thought process when it comes to food? Do you think of food in terms of  "good" and "bad"?  The problem with cateorgizing good and bad when it comes to food is that it leads to many diet related errors. Change your thought about food from "good" and "bad" food to all foods can fit into a healthful eating plan. Moderation is the key, watch the portion size, look for ways to add high nutrient foods to your diet, and lower your intake of less nutritious foods.  If you include all food in a healthful diet, you will feel satisfied, healthy and more in control of your eating habits.

You have a bad week on the scale.... Do you think, "I'm not losing weight, what's the point?"  If that is what pops in your mind when you don't see the number you like on the scale, realize that you are eating healthy for your well being. Of course you want to lose weight, but don't make it your sole focus point.  Losing weight can be challenging, but remember, in order to lose 1 to 2 pounds per week you must lower your caloric intake by 500 to 1,000 fewer calories per day. When you are frustrated with the scale, don't let it win. Take a deep breath, realize that you are doing all the right things for your body. Remember what it was that started you on your journey to a healthier you. The weight didn't come on overnight and it will take just as long (if not longer) to take it back off. Do what you know is healthy for you and eventually the scale will reflect your hard work. Don't give up and throw in the towel. Giving up will put you in a place with possibly more health issues and even more weight to lose.


If only there were more hours in a day! Do you feel as if you don't have the time to eat right or exercise?  When you look at leading a healthier lifestyle, don't overload yourself with everything all at once. Take it step by step. The first week maybe take a healthier lunch with you to work, the next week add in a little exercise, even if its 10 minutes here and there. Your body doesn't care when you do it, just do it! Gradually continue to add something each week, and before you know it, it will become something that you are accustomed to doing, and will be second nature.

Do you eat when you're hungry or do you eat to soothe your emotions?   As a society we have learned to use food as a way to distract us from uncomfortable feelings. Stress, bordeom, sadness, or any difficult situation, food is like a friend.  Eating in response to your feelings only makes things worse. The problem doesn't go away and you are left feeling worse for overeating. Over time this is what shows up on the scale.  Find something other than food to soothe your emotions. Take a walk, curl up with a good book, relax in a hot bath, or call a friend, are a few ways to help ease your emotions.

Creating a better way of thinking will put you in control of your life. Food does not have power, you do. Your scale cannot decide that you will eat healthy and exercise, but you can.  Your schedule doesn't dictate your health fate, how your handle your schedule and approach it does. Stress, problems and uncomfortable events don't have to send you in a downward spiral, simply alter how you react to them.

Once you throw out the old thoughts that have held you back and replace them with new thoughts, the healthy lifestyle you've always wanted will begin right infront of your eyes.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Recipe- Chicken Dinner In A Dish

Chicken Dinner In A Dish
Serves 4
9 Points+ Per Serving

2 medium carrots
1 medium onion
4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
½ cup fat free chicken broth
2 medium potatoes
1 tsp bay leave, ground
10 ounces frozen green beans*

Heat oven to 350. Quarter potatoes and cut carrots into 2 inch pieces, cut onion into wedges.

In ungreased 12x8 baking dish, arrange chicken, potatoes, carrots and onion. Pour broth over chicken, add bay leaves.
Cover with foil. Bake for 1 hour. Add beans, cover and continue baking 10 to 15 minutes or until chicken is thoroughly cooked and vegetables are done.

*Next time I make this I will opt the frozen green beans for canned and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

True Confessions Tuesday

Oh where, oh where do I start? I began the May Your Way Challenge, in some sort of funk, that had lingered from the previous challenge. I thought I had shaken myself free of said funk, but no. This challenge, I have pretty much bit the dust.

I have realized, for the first time, that I am an emotional eater. I knew before that I would turn to food at times if stressed, but what I am realizing now is more than that.

There are things in life, things that I can't change. Things that no one can change, its just life. The biggest thing, and I'm sure all of us at some point go through this, is about getting older, and realizing, I mean REALLY realizing that you are getting older. Ok, I'm not THAT old, but just the thought of being 40 in four years really freaks me out.  On top of that the fact that I want to have kids and need to do that sooner or later.

Taking all of this in and realizing all this has left me somewhat depressed. I know, being depressed isn't going to help matters. I have realized that, I need to get up off my butt, stop feeling sorry for myself.  I've realized that exercising, isn't just for the fitness aspect, but it helps so much mentally.

I know that if I want to have kids and if I'm blessed to be a mother one day, that I need make sure I am healthy so I will be around for my future kids. 

Exercise and healthy eating is the key to a longer, happier life, and I know this. So now that I have come to my senses and stopped throwing myself a pity party, I'm ready to start again. Really start and again and kick some butt!

I have started the Couch to 5K Program, I am walking my first 5k on June 11th and hope to be able to run a 5K the next time one is close enough for me to participate in.  Although this challenge pretty much sucked for me, I'm ready for the new challenge  (rumored to be starting in a few weeks), I will rock it!

Friday, May 27, 2011

Bermuda.. our Final day

Our cruise was rapidly coming to an end. This was our last day, the week went by so fast! I spent the day learning how to make some of those cute towel animals. I made a elephant and a dog.


We enjoyed some shows and hit up the casino one last time. Most of the day was spent relaxing and getting ready to disembark in the morning, All luggage had to be set outside of your room by midnight. Anything else, you were on your own to carry off the ship and to your vehicle.

We had a great time, although 2 1/2 days isn't enough time to see all there is to see in Bermuda. I'm sure we will be back if we have the opportunity.

Bermuda Day by Day Review- Day 6

Today we were only in Bermuda a half a day, then it was back on the ship and headed back to Baltimore. We decided to stay close to the ship and check out the local mall.

The mall was like no other mall. Was very cramped, and no AC. Kind of reminded me of the shops you'd find along the boardwalk at the beach, minus the cheesy Tshirts and all lol.

After spending some time there, we walking through town to see if we missed anything that we wanted and could get in at the last minute.  We only had a few hours though, and the ship will leave without you if you aren't on it.

Back on the ship and people watching as the time kept getting nearer for us to head back to Baltimore, the line was getting longer and longer return to the ship.



The time came, it was time to say goodbye to Bermuda and head back home. Although we were exhausted, we were having an awesome time and wasn't ready for it to be over.



After we were well on our way, we headed down to our cabin to get ready for dinner. Stopping for the last session of picture taking..




After a few shows and some laughs it was time to turn in for the night, and day 6 was over.  This little piggy was waiting for us in our room. My favorite towel animial, cause I love piggys.

Bermuda Day by Day: Day 5- In Bermuda Day #2

Our second day in Bermuda was spent at the Aquarium and Zoo followed by some time at Snorkel Park. It was a bit too chilly to do any swimming, but the beach was so pretty!










Was time to head back to the ship, prepare for dinner and decide what are last minute stops would be before we left Bermuda at noon. We decided to stay close and do some shopping in the local "mall" since we hadn't been there yet.

We avoided the picture taking and went straight to dinner, then off to another Broadway like show and some more comedy.

We were greated again that night with a different towel animal..

Day 5 was done, and our cruise was more than half way over



Bermuda Day by Day Review-Day 4 Bermuda... We Made It

We made it through the "dreadful" Bermuda Triangle that everyone talks about. We were finally in Bermuda, and for two and a half days. We were in our glory! We arrived a bit later than expected, but in doing so we were able to watch and we came into port and docked.  The anticipation of seing how beautiful Bermuda is built as we got closer and closer






Finally we docked here:




As we walked off the ship, this was the view: Beautiful blue water


Exploring Bermuda:













After walking the town of Hamilton taking in the beauty of Bermuda and doing some shopping, we wer exhausted and head back to the ferry.

Once back on the ship is was once again time for dinner, pictures, and some shows that led up to bedtime.




Once the shows were over, we headed back to our cabin to see what towel animal would be waiting for us and decided it was time for some zzzzz's since tomorrow was another full day in Bermuda




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