I woke up on Wednesday morning (day 3) two pounds lighter than I was -- total weight loss is 4 lbs.
Breakfast: Lettuce wrap with turkey, american cheese, and 1 teaspoon miracle whip. Yum!
Snack: 7 cheese cubes and a pepperoni stick (seeing a trend??)
Lunch: Leftover Mexican Jumping Beans and Mexi-Baked Chicken (missed those recipes? Find them here.)
Snack: 1 oz whole natural almonds
Dinner: -- Here's where the day gets fun... I decided to have pulled pork bbq for dinner with grilled cajun vegetables. Sounds simple enough, right? Yea -- it totally is, unless you're one of the unfortunate souls who has a restricted esophagus and gets food lodged in your throat on the regular. I mean... really??? See Day 4 for the whole run-down of this fabulous disaster.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Day 2: Fiesta!
I'm recapping multiple days this morning -- so this one will be short, sweet, and to the point!
I woke up Tuesday morning (Day 2) two pounds lighter than I was on Monday! Yippeeee!!
The best part of Tuesday was my dinner, for sure (recipes below!)
I woke up Tuesday morning (Day 2) two pounds lighter than I was on Monday! Yippeeee!!
The best part of Tuesday was my dinner, for sure (recipes below!)
- Breakfast: 2 egg muffins (egg beaters, spinach, feta cheese, cheddar cheese, green peppers)
- Snack: 7 cheddar cheese cubes and a pepperoni stick (meet my most favorite snack ever!!)
- Lunch: Salad (lettuce, roma tomato, feta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and olive oil as dressing), sugar free jello
- Snack: 1 oz whole natural almonds
- Dinner: Here's the good stuff! I had a "mexican inspired" dinner and it was awesome!
Mexican Jumping Beans
Ingredients
2 small onions, chopped
(note: original recipe calls for one onion)
1 green pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 (15 oz) cans red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup water
half packet of taco seasoning
(note: original recipe calls for 2 tablespoons)
low-fat Mexican cheese blend, for topping
Mexi-Baked Chicken
Ingredients
(note: see original recipe for ingredients prior to my manipulation.)
Chicken Tenderloin Strips
4 teaspoons taco seasoning
1 teaspoon salsa (any heat) per strip
1/2 cup shredded low-fat Mexi-blend cheese
Directions
Ingredients
2 small onions, chopped
(note: original recipe calls for one onion)
1 green pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 (15 oz) cans red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup water
half packet of taco seasoning
(note: original recipe calls for 2 tablespoons)
low-fat Mexican cheese blend, for topping
Directions
1. In a medium saucepan, saute the pepper, onions, and garlic in olive oil until crisp-tender.
2. Add beans, water, and seasoning; simmer on low to medium heat until thickened (about 10 minutes).
3. Top with cheese upon serving.
2. Add beans, water, and seasoning; simmer on low to medium heat until thickened (about 10 minutes).
3. Top with cheese upon serving.
Mexi-Baked Chicken
Ingredients
(note: see original recipe for ingredients prior to my manipulation.)
Chicken Tenderloin Strips
4 teaspoons taco seasoning
1 teaspoon salsa (any heat) per strip
1/2 cup shredded low-fat Mexi-blend cheese
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Spray a shallow, small baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Coat chicken lightly with taco seasoning, on both sides; spoon salsa over top of breast.
- Bake, uncovered, approximately 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle cheese on strips evenly; bake for another 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Enjoy!
Monday, March 26, 2012
Day 1: No Sugar - Everyone's Alive
Why no sugar? I've decided that Weight Watchers requires far too much attention to "counting" than I prefer. Between my job as a Budget Analyst and my obsession over my personal finances -- I'm pretty over counting. I've opted for a "diet" that seems like a more manageable lifestyle. I've never been the "skinny girl" -- nor do I want to be. I want to be healthy -- and in order to do that -- I need to drop some pounds, change my eating habits, and get a little more active. I went from being athletic in college to a sedentary desk job... uhhh... not working out so well at all.
I took time to read the South Beach Diet book and realized I was sorely mistaken when I thought this diet was 'low carb'. In fact, this diet isn't low carb or low fat. The whole purpose of the South Beach diet is to learn the difference between good carbs and bad carbs/good fat and bad fat. I've also vowed to myself to not get in the routine of eating the same thing every day simply out of convenience... I need to venture out.
During Phase 1, which lasts 2 weeks, I can only have food from this list. I've also had to cut out all sugar.
Here I am - Day 1 of Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet. Lord Help!
It's a true story - I've gone an entire day without one gram of sugar, and everyone around me has managed to survive it. Now, that's not to say in five days I won't be a creature from the pits of hades... only time will tell.
I'm hoping to share this "South Beach Diet" journey -- be that a success or a failure -- and to use my blog to help keep myself accountable. (And to share the good recipes I find!) Not to mention -- it helps that I'm not going at this alone.. My mom is doing something similar, and Joe's on the South Beach wagon with me. Accountability and support.... check.
Here's a quick run-down of today's menu:
Surprisingly, I've felt alot better today than I anticipated. I figured I'd be sluggish and starving. I've been neither. I've been happily satisfied all day -- and I'm actually looking forward to the repeat tomorrow.
Keep up the good work, Me.....
Only 13 more days go without sugar. EEK!
I took time to read the South Beach Diet book and realized I was sorely mistaken when I thought this diet was 'low carb'. In fact, this diet isn't low carb or low fat. The whole purpose of the South Beach diet is to learn the difference between good carbs and bad carbs/good fat and bad fat. I've also vowed to myself to not get in the routine of eating the same thing every day simply out of convenience... I need to venture out.
During Phase 1, which lasts 2 weeks, I can only have food from this list. I've also had to cut out all sugar.
Here I am - Day 1 of Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet. Lord Help!
It's a true story - I've gone an entire day without one gram of sugar, and everyone around me has managed to survive it. Now, that's not to say in five days I won't be a creature from the pits of hades... only time will tell.
I'm hoping to share this "South Beach Diet" journey -- be that a success or a failure -- and to use my blog to help keep myself accountable. (And to share the good recipes I find!) Not to mention -- it helps that I'm not going at this alone.. My mom is doing something similar, and Joe's on the South Beach wagon with me. Accountability and support.... check.
Here's a quick run-down of today's menu:
- Breakfast consisted of two egg muffins (egg beaters, green peppers, feta cheese, cheddar cheese, spinach, salt, and pepper... YUM!) and a large unsweet tea with extra lemon from Sonic!
- Snack #1 consisted of a pepperoni stick and 6 cheddar cheese cubes. hellooooo to my new favorite snack
- Lunch was a large lettuce leaf filled with shredded cheddar cheese and thin sliced deli turkey, homemade cheese crisps, unsweet tea, and sugar free jello.
- Snack #1 was a 1 oz back of whole natural almonds. I must admit the first two were
sort ofreally bland -- but after a while, they grew on me. No complaints!
- Dinner -- by far the best -- I had a grilled round steak seasoned with Paula Deen steak seasoning paired with grilled zucchini and onions (made with 4 tsp olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning)... OMG... YES! Please. I'm pretty certain I'll be indulging in this again this week!
Surprisingly, I've felt alot better today than I anticipated. I figured I'd be sluggish and starving. I've been neither. I've been happily satisfied all day -- and I'm actually looking forward to the repeat tomorrow.
Keep up the good work, Me.....
Only 13 more days go without sugar. EEK!
Friday, February 17, 2012
Italian Burgers and Zucchini Fries (Weight Watchers!)
Who doesn't love a burger and fries? Seriously. But who loves 2,000 calorie burgers and fries [which is what you're inhaling at most major chain restaurants -- don't believe me, look up the nutritional information... It'll probably scare you to death.] Here's the solution!!
This recipe is also compliments of EMeals -- If you've read any of my other EMeals inspired posts, you're already aware of how much I adore their product! If you're not familiar -- I'll provide you with the readers digest version -- It's a menu/shopping list planning program. They provide seven meal recipes per week with their corresponding shopping lists. You can select specific grocery stores or specific diets. I chose the portion control (read: Weight Watchers) -- and it's awesome! All for $1.25 a week! (Even cheaper if you're lucky enough to catch a promotion or perhaps a Groupon!)
Focus, T. Focus. So -- the Recipes --
Italian Burgers
Yields 2 Burgers @ 9 WWPP each
Ingredients:
3T diced onions
2 T FF Italian Dressing
1/2 lb ground round
2 light English Muffins, split and toasted
Combine burger ingredients and form into 2 patties. Grill or broil 4-6 minutes on each side or until done to your taste. Serve on muffins.
Zucchini Fries
Yields 2 Servings @ 2 WWPP per serving
Ingredients:
2 Small Zucchini, cut into 1/2 inch sticks
2t Light Mayonnaise (I used Miracle Whip)
2T Italian Bread Crumbs
Coat zucchini sticks with mayo and toss with bread crumbs. Place on a sprayed baking sheet and broil 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. (I broiled mine a little longer... I prefer extra crispy!)
Burger On!
--T
Pin It
This recipe is also compliments of EMeals -- If you've read any of my other EMeals inspired posts, you're already aware of how much I adore their product! If you're not familiar -- I'll provide you with the readers digest version -- It's a menu/shopping list planning program. They provide seven meal recipes per week with their corresponding shopping lists. You can select specific grocery stores or specific diets. I chose the portion control (read: Weight Watchers) -- and it's awesome! All for $1.25 a week! (Even cheaper if you're lucky enough to catch a promotion or perhaps a Groupon!)
Focus, T. Focus. So -- the Recipes --
Italian Burgers
Yields 2 Burgers @ 9 WWPP each
Ingredients:
3T diced onions
2 T FF Italian Dressing
1/2 lb ground round
2 light English Muffins, split and toasted
Combine burger ingredients and form into 2 patties. Grill or broil 4-6 minutes on each side or until done to your taste. Serve on muffins.
Zucchini Fries
Yields 2 Servings @ 2 WWPP per serving
Ingredients:
2 Small Zucchini, cut into 1/2 inch sticks
2t Light Mayonnaise (I used Miracle Whip)
2T Italian Bread Crumbs
Coat zucchini sticks with mayo and toss with bread crumbs. Place on a sprayed baking sheet and broil 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. (I broiled mine a little longer... I prefer extra crispy!)
Burger On!
--T
Pin It
Crunchy Onion BBQ Chicken [with photos!]
But... I thought you already gave us this recipe?? I did, indeed. However, on the original post (here), I promised that the next time I whipped up this beautiful creation pictures would be included.
If you missed the original post, I found this recipe compliments of Emeals -- If you've never contemplated signing up for Emeals -- or you're unsure of what I'm even talking about -- you're seriously missing out! I mean -- who doesn't enjoy having seven days of meals planned for them with a shopping list included for $1.25 a week?! I just match my coupons up with what's on the list -- most of which comes from the weekly grocery store ads -- and BOOM! Sanity preserved, money saved. Win/Win? Abso-freakin-lutely! [As if the win/win isn't enough -- add one more win... Emeals is endorsed by Dave Ramsey! Now, let's try it -- Win/Win/Win... has a nice ring to it, don't you think?!]
Back to the topic at hand, this chicken. It's absolutely one of my "go-to" dinner options now, and quite possibly forever! It's so quick, easy, and De-lish.
Here's the recipe again (but this time with pictures, as promised!)
Crunchy Onion BBQ Chicken (@ 7 Weight Watchers Points Plus)
I also paired this little ditty with some fresh squash, zucchini, and sweet onions sprinkled with a little Mrs. Dash original blend.
Here's the final product -- feel free to thank me later! ;)
Happy Crunching!
-T
Pin It
If you missed the original post, I found this recipe compliments of Emeals -- If you've never contemplated signing up for Emeals -- or you're unsure of what I'm even talking about -- you're seriously missing out! I mean -- who doesn't enjoy having seven days of meals planned for them with a shopping list included for $1.25 a week?! I just match my coupons up with what's on the list -- most of which comes from the weekly grocery store ads -- and BOOM! Sanity preserved, money saved. Win/Win? Abso-freakin-lutely! [As if the win/win isn't enough -- add one more win... Emeals is endorsed by Dave Ramsey! Now, let's try it -- Win/Win/Win... has a nice ring to it, don't you think?!]
Back to the topic at hand, this chicken. It's absolutely one of my "go-to" dinner options now, and quite possibly forever! It's so quick, easy, and De-lish.
Here's the recipe again (but this time with pictures, as promised!)
Crunchy Onion BBQ Chicken (@ 7 Weight Watchers Points Plus)
Ingredients:
1/4 c BBQ Sauce
1/4 t pepper
2/3 c Crushed French Fried Onions
2 T shredded Parmesan cheese
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
Instructions:
Place BBQ Sauce in shallow bowl. Mix pepper, crushed fried onions, and cheese in another bowl. Dip chicken into BBQ sauce; then dip only one side of chicken into crushed onions. Place chicken crumb side up on a sprayed baking pan. Bake 20-25 minutes at 400.
I also paired this little ditty with some fresh squash, zucchini, and sweet onions sprinkled with a little Mrs. Dash original blend.
Here's the final product -- feel free to thank me later! ;)
Happy Crunching!
-T
Pin It
Valentine's Day
Just a little low-grade bragging --
This is what I had the pleasure ofreceiving.. err... devouring for Valentine's Day!
Yummy!
This is what I had the pleasure of
Yummy!
OO Ranch Potatoes!
Apologies for the major hiatus from blogging -- I seem to have blog "commitment" issues -- forgive me. I'm workin' on it.
But let's look on the bright side -- a short hiatus means a lot of new recipes all in one day! Yes? Awesome.
This recipe is incredibly simple, but one of my ultimate favorites. I can't take credit for it, unfortunately. About four years ago, at a summer cookout, my cousin brought these potatoes -- I'veloved obsessed over them ever since!
The recipe is simple! (This yielded 3-4 servings, depending on the eater! ha!)
3 T Extra Virgin Olive Oil
One Packet of Dry Ranch Dressing Dip Mix
3 Large Russet Potatoes
But let's look on the bright side -- a short hiatus means a lot of new recipes all in one day! Yes? Awesome.
This recipe is incredibly simple, but one of my ultimate favorites. I can't take credit for it, unfortunately. About four years ago, at a summer cookout, my cousin brought these potatoes -- I've
The recipe is simple! (This yielded 3-4 servings, depending on the eater! ha!)
3 T Extra Virgin Olive Oil
One Packet of Dry Ranch Dressing Dip Mix
3 Large Russet Potatoes
- Preheat the oven to 350 Degrees.
- Slice Potatoes and cover with olive oil and Ranch Dip Mix.
- Cover with aluminum foil and place in the oven.
- The cook time will vary depending on the thickness of your potato slices. This particular dish cooked for approximately 45 minutes. Just periodically stick a fork in 'em and when they're soft -- they're done! and Ohhhhh so yummy!
Enjoy!
Pin It
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
