tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29887626414672522642024-03-13T13:25:24.824-07:00A Future Success StoryUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger285125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988762641467252264.post-40197728599220223662011-04-24T17:46:00.000-07:002011-04-24T17:46:57.961-07:00April 24: The Day That Got AwayToday kind of took on a life of it's own. I got a lot of things accomplished around the house, but food prep was NOT one of those things.<br />
<br />
The plan is to just wing it with what I have. So with no further ado and as little effort as humanly possible:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/Decorated%20images/myretropics9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" i8="true" src="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/Decorated%20images/myretropics9.jpg" /></a></div><br />
~ Monday ~ Spaghetti bolognese for the girls and marinara for me<br />
~ Tuesday ~ Broccoli Pizza<br />
~ Wednesday ~ Pierogies with veggies<br />
~ Thursday ~ Ummm..........<br />
~ Friday ~ Burgers (veggie for me) and oven fries<br />
<br />
Hopefully I come up with Thursday's dinner before Thursday!<br />
<br />
I did make a delicious pot of veggie chili today and eats were far under my calorie range! All in all, a wonderful day, even if I could have used about 6 more hours in it!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988762641467252264.post-28468723335395617912011-04-23T18:38:00.000-07:002011-04-23T18:38:00.299-07:00April 23: Yoga and Yumminess<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr184/Char2152/Easter/AntiqueEasterGreetingsEgg_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" i8="true" src="http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr184/Char2152/Easter/AntiqueEasterGreetingsEgg_03.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How Do You Like Your Eggs? Chocolate please!<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This morning I got up and made a breakfast that was positively decadent! I recreated some pancakes that I had a while back at IHOP. Here is the recipe.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <em>"Cinnamon Roll Pancakes".</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Filling:</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>1/3 cup of softened butter</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>1/2 cup of brown sugar</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>3 tbsp of cinnamon</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Mix together with a fork until the combination is crumbly. Because you aren't using as much butter as most recipes, you may find that the ingredients don't mix well enough. If this happens, sprinkle a few drops of water to help with the mixing.</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Cream Cheese Drizzle:</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>1/2 a block of light cream cheese</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>1/2 cup of icing sugar</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>1 tsp of vanilla extract</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Beat this mixture until smooth. Pour into a Ziplock bag and snip off the corner when ready to use.</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Make the pancakes with your favorite lighter recipe. Between each pancake, sprinkle the filling (about a teaspoon). We used three pancake per serving. The heat and moisture from the pancakes melts the filling a little. On the top, drizzle the cream cheese icing and sprinkle a little of the filling as a garnish.</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>This rich delicious breakfast is way less fattening than cinnamon rolls, our usual holiday morning breakfast. A 3 pancake serving is around 400 calories, depending what type of pancake recipe you use. No additional butter or syrup is necessary!</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Make pancakes with the recipe of your choice.</em></div><br />
Eats went well today, even though I was out and about all day. I got a falafel pita for lunch and a Caramel Light Frappacino from Starbucks for a snack. I did some shopping for Easter and didn't even feel tempted after my yummy breakfast satisfied my sweet tooth. I got a new lunch pail which always makes me a little happier to pack my lunches!<br />
<br />
The girls are gone to their grandparents for the rest of the weekend, so I'm on my own. Tomorrow I will do my cooking for the week and attempt to be very organized!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/flowerchild_joy/Easter/5easter17.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" i8="true" src="http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/flowerchild_joy/Easter/5easter17.gif" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988762641467252264.post-90386372022697666292011-04-22T15:49:00.000-07:002011-04-22T15:49:44.727-07:00April 22: VERY Good Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss323/Euler5853/Day/sunfriday3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" i8="true" src="http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss323/Euler5853/Day/sunfriday3.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Why was today such a GOOD Friday?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Besides the usual religious reasons, and the fact that it is <span style="background-color: white; color: #6aa84f;">Earth Day<span style="color: black;">, I had a really good weigh in. <span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">I lost 3 pounds this week</span> and am under the dreaded "deuce" again.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yesterday and today were pretty much write-offs. I had a great plan yesterday and then I got into the cookies that a co-worker brought to share. (I think she secretly hates me.) Cookies and ice cream are my dietary nemises. They also tagged in their friend "Barbecue Fritos." It was a WTH kind of day. Today hasn't been quite as bad but it was far from stellar. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u101/tunisianswife/PictureorVideo035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" i8="true" src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u101/tunisianswife/PictureorVideo035.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So deliciously addictive!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We went to the movies and saw "Hop" - it was a very cute movie. I was saved from a total pig out on popcorn when the little kid next to me hurled all over the floor partway through the movie. Popcorn lost it's charm after I saw it partially digested.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Something very nice has been a day of getting along. My girls and I had a day without arguing and I didn't even have the urge to sell any children to the first passing gypsy caravan. I've managed to cap my eats at 1700 not-so-nutritious calories so I am not going to beat myself up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The keys for me this week were:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">~ Planning my eats the night before, including weighing portions and calculating calories.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">~ Allowing some room for ice cream or crunchy salties throughout the day</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">~ Drinking mostly water - soda pop really seems to trigger me to eat more junk. Doritos just aren't as tasty with a glass of water instead of a Diet Coke.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">~ Taking extra servings of fruit with me to work to help offset the munchies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tomorrow the kiddos are going to visit their grandparents for a couple of days. I plan to do some big batch cooking for healthy meals throughout the week. Organization is KEY!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988762641467252264.post-57676080586179112482011-04-19T16:57:00.000-07:002011-04-19T16:57:39.558-07:00April 19th: One of These Days is Not Like the Others<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f165/SCJZ/Emb%20cuts%20for%20sale/181595_10150146132629739_548499738_7994189_6698622_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f165/SCJZ/Emb%20cuts%20for%20sale/181595_10150146132629739_548499738_7994189_6698622_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Today was a little good, a little bad.<br />
<br />
I got totally off-track but I figured out why.<br />
<br />
If I don't take a lunch I'm happy about, I simply won't eat it. I didn't have a very good breakfast and I was very short on protein today. <br />
<br />
I ended up eating way too much junk today and ended up with 2159 calories. Less than stellar.<br />
<br />
My goal for tomorrow is to up the protein - A LOT!<br />
<br />
I need to start off by having protein at breakfast - I am going to boil some eggs. I also need to plan my eats the day ahead so that I stay in my realm of calories. (I'm shooting for anywhere between 1200-1600 in a day.)<br />
<br />
Today I had:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l143/Jorchet/Smilies/blushing.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" i8="true" src="http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l143/Jorchet/Smilies/blushing.gif" /></a></div><br />
<br />
~ humongous muffin, glass of skim milk<br />
~ yogurt (ff)<br />
~ bean burrito and nacho chips<br />
~ bag of microwave popcorn<br />
~ mini bag of Crispers<br />
~ baby carrots<br />
~ leftover eggplant parmesan on whole wheat bread, a handful of chips<br />
<br />
I'd really like some ice cream, but I'll do without it for this evening. Did I mention that my freezer holds a delectable creation called Drumstick Ice Cream. Little bits of chocolate dipped cone...vanilla.....oops....*shakes head to get rid of the image*<br />
<br />
Tonight I'm going to boil a big pot of eggs for a quickie breakfast that I can eat at my desk, and I'm going to add more fruit to my days.<br />
<br />
Here's to a learning experience and a successful tomorrow!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn63/Mezundastud/Color%20Splash/aeebbf2d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn63/Mezundastud/Color%20Splash/aeebbf2d.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988762641467252264.post-47678571590924260122011-04-18T17:45:00.000-07:002011-04-18T17:45:55.950-07:00April 18: Ick<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac164/fulbourn_mill/fulbourn_health_centre/upset_stomach_png.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac164/fulbourn_mill/fulbourn_health_centre/upset_stomach_png.png" width="296" /></a></div><br />
Nothing keeps one's caloric intake on track like the stomach flu! Today I was only around 1100 calories. I'm sure <span style="color: red;">(TMI ALERT)</span> I expended at least half of that in the rest room in one way or the other.<br />
<br />
I'd post eats but they consisted of most crackers and other dry crunchy items. Boooooring.<br />
<br />
Back tomorrow with a more interesting post!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988762641467252264.post-71403629772864423922011-04-17T06:37:00.000-07:002011-04-17T06:37:59.591-07:00Square One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/ww91/pq7z4t/trees/back_to_square_one.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" r6="true" src="http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/ww91/pq7z4t/trees/back_to_square_one.gif" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, here I am, nearly a year later, almost back at Square One. I'm just over 200 pounds. I seem to be great at losing weight and horrible at maintaining the loss.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Set backs don't just knock me back a step or two - it seems like they hit things out of the park for me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last October, we lost our home and our car. No real harm, in the grand scheme of things. We don't live in a cardboard box and we have a different car (one almost as old as my teenage daughter, but wheels and a working motor.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When we moved out of the house, I hurt my back. Badly. I herniated two discs, which completely eradicated my exercise program. More than six months later, I'm still struggling with the injury. I'm working hard to find a program that doesn't worsen the pain.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm back at work, full time, thank the Lord. I have a job I love, but it's high stress and that triggers me to shovel in the food that is abundantly present.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Biggest of all, and the worst of the stressors, has been the death of my children's father. We did not get along. There was not a lot of love lost between us. However, it was somewhat sudden, my girls found his dead body and were subsequently traumatized. They are devastated and their lives have changed forever. My oldest has moved back in with me. My heart just breaks for them and home life can be very tense. As always, food is the "blankie" of choice for me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Obviously, I've lost these 35 pounds before. I know how to get rid of them. I know the lifestyle I need and want to live. I know how I want to feel and how I want to look. I know that accountability is necessary for me. I know that it is TIME.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So today marks the day that I am back at it. I am eating vegetarian now, so the foods are a bit different than before. The budget is very tight, so things will look a little different than the last time around.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I will be planning my meals for the week, cooking ahead of time, and eating clean. I'm counting calories and staying accountable. I can't tell you how many times I have considered starting up the blog again because I really missed writing it. But the timing was wrong.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Please forgive me for disappearing on you all. I hope you will stick with me as I backtrack through this journey again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/sliderfive/tinyoyo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/sliderfive/tinyoyo.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: red;">^ I think this must be a photo of ME ^</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988762641467252264.post-85897441167898895152011-01-25T15:47:00.000-08:002011-01-25T15:47:57.257-08:00Jan. 25: Still vegging out!Sorry - I missed the big weigh-in post on Sunday. <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">I'm now down to 189</span>. That is 3 pounds in the week and a bit that I have been a vegetarian.<br />
<br />
This, of course, makes me ecstatically happy. I've caved a few times and had some junk food, but none with meat. I think just removing the meat and replacing it with other protein sources has been enough to allow me a little leeway on the salty-crunchies.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/Decorated%20images/myretropics9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" s5="true" src="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/Decorated%20images/myretropics9.jpg" /></a></div>This week, I had a meal plan but it's shot to heck because my baked beans were gross. So, I've recreated my meal plan and I'm including a recipe.<br />
<br />
Tuesday: Baked mac and cheese<br />
Wednesday: Bean burritos with green chilies and tomato salsa<br />
Thursday: Leftover mac and cheese, steamed broccoli<br />
Friday: Broccoli pizza<br />
<br />
I had to work late tonight so we had leftover baked mac and cheese. Here is my high protein recipe for it:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
1 bag of pasta, cooked (we used wide egg noodles)<br />
1 can of cream of whatever soup (we used c of mushroom)<br />
1 tub of low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese<br />
1 handful of shredded sharp cheddar cheese<br />
2 eggs (optional)<br />
Seasoning salt to taste<br />
<br />
~ Mix all ingredients except the pasta in an oven proof container. Preheat oven to 350*F<br />
~ Gently stir in pasta and bake at 350 for 35 minutes.<br />
~ Let it sit for 10 minutes to thicken.<br />
<br />
Makes 6 generous servings.<br />
<br />
<em>You can add meat and veggies to this if you'd like and turn it into more of a casserole - we usually just have it plain with a veggie on the side. My daughters absolutely LOVE this mac and cheese and go back for seconds and thirds. </em><br />
<br />
So, I'm loving the veggie thing and as I read more and more about it, I'm really glad I've made the change for so many reasons.<br />
<br />
One thing I noticed that is sort of funny is this:<br />
<br />
Sometimes my 10 year old comes home from school and says, "Mom, the kids made fun of my lunch because I had a blood orange - they said it was disgusting and called me a vampire" or "Mom, the boy sitting next to me said my stir-fry looked gross."<br />
<br />
I work with a bunch of guys. I didn't make a big deal out of going vegetarian but they've noticed. You should hear all the stories they tell me about :<br />
~ vegetarians they know who dropped dead of a heart attack<br />
~ it's God's plan for us to eat meat<br />
~ don't you want a big juicy steak?<br />
~ did you know that plants die too, just like animals - your broccoli screamed when they picked it<br />
<br />
The list could go on and on, but it makes me laugh to realize I work with a bunch of 40 year old 5th graders!<br />
<br />
I hope you are all having a wonderful and productive week!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988762641467252264.post-42502018861481337702011-01-22T04:34:00.000-08:002011-01-22T04:34:54.771-08:00Jan. 22: How long before it's official?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f364/GreenShamrock05/Random%20Pics/Broccoli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" s5="true" src="http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f364/GreenShamrock05/Random%20Pics/Broccoli.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tomorrow it will be one week since I stopped eating meat. I've noticed a few differences during this week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1.) It seems easier to say "no thanks" to food if I choose to now. I feel like I have willpower again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2.) I don't feel guilty when I say "yes" to food. I went to a party yesterday and had cake and enjoyed every bite without guilt because the rest of my day was moderate in calories.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3.) It's way easier to keep my calories lower when I don't eat meat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4.) It makes it way tougher to find a drive-thru to hit. The only thing I can think of that I could eat in the car would be a bean burrito from Taco Bell, which, when compared to an Angus Bacon Burger with Cheddar and fries, seems like a pretty reasonable choice. In fact, I ate at home all week except for work functions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wonder how long before I can officially call myself a vegetarian? Two weeks? A month? It seems sort of premature to do it right now. I can tell you though, I have no craving whatsoever for meat, which, while it really surprises me, makes life much easier.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tomorrow is weigh-in day - wish me luck!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988762641467252264.post-75369950362953985172011-01-18T17:10:00.000-08:002011-01-18T17:10:33.452-08:00Jan. 18: Another Day in Paradise...And yet another day on the veggie wagon - woohoo! <br />
<br />
I really hope this helps the weight loss battle. I am feeling better <em>digestively</em> today, thank goodness! My gosh - that was pretty rough.<br />
<br />
Today's Eats:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">~ WW English muffin, natural pb ~</div><div style="text-align: center;">~ FF yogurt, protein powder, blueberries, granola ~</div><div style="text-align: center;">~ baked veggie rotini w/ spinach and mushrooms, tomato sauce ~</div><div style="text-align: center;">~ quiche w/ spinach, cheddar and mushrooms ~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">No soda pop and no excess sugar today! I'm especially pleased with that because two people brought in donuts and one brought in cookies. All I had was one donut hole and felt perfectly content with that. BIG CHANGE! Being broke and having no money for junk food helps, but I realized by eating vegetarian, it rules out a lot of things - trips through McDonald's drive thru for example. Unless I feel like french fries are a reasonable lunch, there just aren't too many "eat-in-the-car" options.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm staying off the scale for a week - not easy since I tend to be a daily weigher-inner!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy Tuesday - one day closer to the weekend~</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988762641467252264.post-87360876449397589962011-01-17T17:16:00.000-08:002011-01-17T17:16:19.001-08:00Jan. 17: Day 2 in Veggieworld<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af199/Kenzie_Cullen912/Quotes%20i%20like/61982.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af199/Kenzie_Cullen912/Quotes%20i%20like/61982.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A successful day 2 today!!! Even with the company buying dinner I stuck to a plan - hooray!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've had so much trouble getting on the wagon of <em>any</em> kind of food plan that I'm thrilled to get through day 2. I know, 2 days isn't long to stick with something but for the way things have been going for me lately, it is a cause worthy of celebration!</div><br />
<br />
Today's Eats:<br />
<br />
~ whole wheat English muffin w/ natural pb, skim milk<br />
~ fat free yogurt w/ protein powder, blueberries, granola<br />
~ egg salad sandwich on whole wheat, baked potato chips<br />
~ eggplant Parmesan (no pasta), half a roll<br />
<br />
When I look at this, I see that I need to up the actual fruits and veggies. My original lunch was a veggie pasta dish but when I learned dinner was Italian food, I wasn't dying for it twice in one day.<br />
<br />
My tummy is rebelling a little bit, however. I spent a bit more time, ahem, (tmi alert) in the bathroom than usual today. I hope this part goes away soon - or perhaps it is my key to weight loss success!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988762641467252264.post-91126981892010336812011-01-16T11:45:00.000-08:002011-01-16T11:45:09.959-08:00Jan. 16: New Plan...AgainYet again, I have a new plan of action.<br />
<br />
First of all, I'm sorry that I'm sucking so much at blogging. While I realize that blogging has been a key to success for me up until now, I've had a lot on my plate lately and it's been hard to put my personal stuff aside and concentrate on this.<br />
<br />
Years ago (15 to be exact) I had been a vegetarian for 5 years. I was at my all-time healthiest and most fit with very little effort whatsoever. I'm sure that maintaining at age 41 vs. maintaining at age 25 will not be quite as carefree, but I'm ready to try anything.<br />
<br />
For many reasons, I've been toying with becoming a vegetarian again.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">~ The Environment ~</div><div style="text-align: center;">~ Health ~</div><div style="text-align: center;">~ Animal Welfare ~</div><div style="text-align: center;">~ Weight Loss ~</div><div style="text-align: center;">~ Economic Reasons ~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Not necessarily in that order.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So this week's meal plan is a little different and I have photographic evidence of it. Because my 10 year old daughter is an athlete and not a vegetarian, I did some prep for her including meat. We'll see how things go - we as a family will have several vegetarian days a week, but I'm not going to insist she follow my lead.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Oh, by the way, before we get into the week's meal plan, I didn't lose this week but I didn't gain either. Considering Thursday's (or should I call it Cookieday's?) fiasco, I'm content with that.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/Decorated%20images/myretropics9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/Decorated%20images/myretropics9.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Our nicely prepped eats for the week:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/food/newyearseve2011006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/food/newyearseve2011006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I bought a package of tart shells at the grocery store today to make life easier - I'm going to work on making my own for next time. With the shells, I made wee little spinach quiches for me and beef pot pies from leftover beef stew for the little one.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/food/newyearseve2011006-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" n4="true" src="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/food/newyearseve2011006-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">I made a big batch of baked rigatoni (vegetarian) which we enjoyed today with garlic bread. <em>(recipe below)</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">For quick sandwiches I made devilled egg salad<em> (recipe for this as well).</em> I haven't made it yet, but I'm going to finish off this evening by making a broccoli cauliflower salad. I have some chicken breast made for my daughter and she can eat the other stuff as side dishes. I have to limit the eggs for my daughter, as she is mildly allergic.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Baked Rigatoni</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/food/newyearseve2011006-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/food/newyearseve2011006-3.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">2 cups of cooked whole wheat pasta</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 a container of low fat cottage cheese</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 package of chopped spinach (thawed)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Finely chopped mushroom, onion and garlic to taste</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 can of pasta sauce</div><div style="text-align: center;">Shredded cheese of choice</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 egg (optional)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Olive oil</div><div style="text-align: center;">Parmesan or Romano cheese</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In a large baking dish, coat the sides lightly with olive oil for an easier clean up.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Meanwhile, heat the oven to 375*F</div><div style="text-align: left;">On the stove top, saute all the veggies until lightly browned and fragrant.</div><div style="text-align: left;">In a large bowl, mix cottage cheese, shredded cheese, and egg, if using.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">After all is prepared, mix everything but the Parmesan in the baking dish. Bake at 375* for 45 minutes. Top with the grated Parmesan or Romano and return to the oven, heat turned off, for 10 more minutes. Serve while hot and delicious.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Devilled Egg Salad</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/food/newyearseve2011006-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" n4="true" src="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/food/newyearseve2011006-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">6 eggs, hard boiled</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tsp honey</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tbsp yellow mustard</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tbsp light mayo</div><div style="text-align: center;">seasoning salt to taste</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Chop the hard boiled eggs and add the other ingredients. Stir lightly with a fork to mix. Spread on bakery fresh buns or bread and top with lettuce and tomato.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988762641467252264.post-7608480382235192262011-01-09T16:15:00.000-08:002011-01-09T16:15:56.745-08:00Jan. 9: Drumroll....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g286/slideshow_05/two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g286/slideshow_05/two.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Finally, the scale is moving downward.<br />
<br />
I can't believe how quickly I gained back 22 pounds. Apparently, the physics law of weight goes like this:<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><em><span style="font-size: large;">Weight goes on twice as fast as it comes off.</span></em></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="left">So finally, at long last, I've actually lost two pounds.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">How, you ask?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Simply by not eating anything that did not come from my own kitchen. I didn't eat any takeout all week, which nearly killed me. Also, I'm eating fruit for an afternoon snack. So far, so good! Another change I made? I only had a half of a Diet Coke all week - otherwise I've been sticking to water.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This weekend was tough - I had a wedding shower to go to. Social stuff makes me very anxious, so a stuffed in a few handfuls of cinnamon hearts to bolster my courage. I have to confess, I ate with some reckless abandon when I got there, too. I ate cake and dammit, it was delicious.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Back in the saddle now for supper tonight, though - something simple from my kitchen!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Meal planning for this week is off to a rough start, however. I had to work all day Saturday, I finished making my gift for the bride (a recipe and meal planning book, done scrapbook style) Saturday night and Sunday morning, and then went to the shower all afternoon. I'm way to much of a homebody to consider this a weekend, gotta tell you. My house is less than tidy since I had no spare time and I got absolutely NO cooking done. I feel pretty stressed about this. I did 3 rounds of Flylady cleaning when I got home, and that helped a little. I'm going to do one more round during commercials in DD10's <strike>disaster</strike> room.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/Decorated%20images/myretropics9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/Decorated%20images/myretropics9.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><em>Monday</em></div><div style="text-align: center;">Crock Pot roast beef, mashed potatoes, green beans</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Tuesday</em></div><div style="text-align: center;">Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Wednesday</em></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mexican Pizza</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Thursday</em></div><div style="text-align: center;">Salad with Roasted Chicken</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Friday</em></div><div style="text-align: center;">Enchiladas (I have the day off!)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So the week hinges on getting that roast in the crock pot in the morning! Everything else on the menu is from items I already have in the cupboards or freezer. Wish me luck, my friends!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988762641467252264.post-65693871689648672532011-01-02T12:14:00.000-08:002011-01-02T12:14:02.455-08:00Jan. 2: I've been thinking....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae268/m3llow2010/Thinker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae268/m3llow2010/Thinker.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I didn't post New Year's Resolutions yesterday.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have more changes than a blog post could hold that I am hoping for this year. I've been trying to cull it down to a few simple items so I don't overwhelm myself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So here they are, in no particular order.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1.) I plan to reduce my "stuff" by 50% this year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2.) I plan to lose 20 pounds by my birthday, April 5.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3.) I plan to get control of my finances, once and for all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Really, all of these boil down to the same thing: <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">self control</span>. I need to stop buying things just because they are on sale and stop saving things in case I need them. I need to limit dessert and other treats to an occasional indulgence and stop using them as Zanax. I need to stop the hemorrhage of money from my bank account so I can live without the overwhelming, sickening stress of wondering how rent will be paid and how food will be purchased.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I am feeling stressed, which has been a lot lately, all sense of control flies out the window. Then I become fat, broke and messy. This is obviously pretty counter-productive. Spending money on junk food because I'm broke? No logic there. This is my pep talk to myself, and possibly to some of you who struggle with the same issues.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/Decorated%20images/myretropics9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/Decorated%20images/myretropics9.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We are still relying heavily on turkey this week. The kids are off from school and we will be eating three meals a day from home all week. This meal plan will encompass two of those meals.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;">Sunday:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Turkey Sandwiches, baked chips</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes and garlic green beans, whole wheat rolls</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;">Monday:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Personal Pizza, Salad</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Turkey Fried Rice, steamed veggies</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;">Tuesday:</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mexican Pizza</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Broccoli Cheese Soup, Garlic Bread</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;">Wednesday:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cheese and Crackers, veggies</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Garlic Roast Beef, Potatoes, and Carrots</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;">Thursday:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Turkey Noodle Soup</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Leftover Buffet</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;">Friday: </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Leftovers</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Turkey Burgers and Sweet Potato Fries</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After this, the rest of the turkey is just going to have to stay frozen for a while. It could be a mighty battle to get the kids to eat the turkey-filled menu from above! The good news this week? My grocery bill was only $40!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i740.photobucket.com/albums/xx45/Sercia19/Glitter/new_year_glitter_graphics_17.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://i740.photobucket.com/albums/xx45/Sercia19/Glitter/new_year_glitter_graphics_17.gif" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988762641467252264.post-28909543506905110122011-01-01T06:21:00.000-08:002011-01-01T06:21:04.120-08:00Jan. 1: Meal Planning 101The key to eating properly is preparation. I find that most of us fall off the wagon when we aren't prepared. Hunger is a powerful motivator to grab something at Taco Bell's drive-thru. I find that if I make a bunch of basics all at once then there is always something to grab quicker than you can say "Happy Meal"!<br />
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<br />
This is a revamp of a post I wrote almost exactly a year ago - Jan. 2, 2010. Clearly, this plan has worked for over a year for us!<br />
Once a week I do a big food prep and usually there is a little more cooking once or twice a week. I like to have certain basics on hand so that I can put a meal on the table (or in the cooler) in a snap.<br />
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I always have the following items prepared because I can change up the flavors and have many different types of meals according to how the day is going:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/food/foodprep013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/food/foodprep013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://afuturesuccessstory.blogspot.com/2009/12/dec-27-flu.html">soup stock</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">baked brown rice (recipe below)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">cooked chicken breasts</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">veggie steamer bags (instructions below)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">ground meat (usually turkey or chicken, sometimes beef) (recipe below)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">some type of salad</div><br />
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<br />
I always have these staples on hand:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><em>canned beans </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>salsa</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>whole wheat pita bread</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>frozen corn </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>cilantro</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>yogurt</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>whole wheat pasta</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>canned spaghetti sauce</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>tomato juice and tomato paste</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>baby spinach</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>eggs</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>raisins<br />
nuts</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>natural peanut butter</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>crackers</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>frozen fruits and vegetables</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>a nice organic granola</em><br />
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<br />
This is the stuff that works best for my family and our particular tastes. You have to balance this out with your own family's favorites. For example, f you detest yogurt, clearly that isn't a good option.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Steamer Bags of Veggies:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
My kitchen would not be complete without steamer bags full of veggies. As soon as I get home from the grocery store, all veggies that are to be cooked over the week get washed and prepped for cooking (cut up, peeled, etc.) Then the veggies are placed in steamer bags with a sprinkling of Mrs. Dash or other seasonings. I always have several in the fridge to choose from. Right now in my fridge I have bags of : cabbage, broccoli, broccoli and cauliflower, cauliflower and carrots, asparagus, and green beans and carrots. They get nuked for 4-6 minutes and then are all set. <span style="color: red;">(Note: in the winter when produce is very pricey and not so fresh, I substitute frozen veggies for fresh - you can still use the steamer bag method, or you can just nuke them in a covered dish.)</span><br />
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If I am in a hurry ( which is most of the time) I steam the veggies before adding them to the stir fry skillet - it really speeds things along!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Mexican Ground Meat</span></div><br />
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<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/food/foodprep007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/food/foodprep007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 pound of ground meat ( lean beef, chicken breast or turkey breast)</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 cup diced onion</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 cloves of minced garlic</div><div style="text-align: center;">chili powder to taste</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 can of tomato paste (or a squirt of ketchup)</div><br />
Saute veggies in a bit of olive oil. Add meat and cook until browned. Add chili powder and stir in tomato paste. Thin with water if necessary. Cook for a couple of minutes until blended. This mixture is good for a quick taco filling, spaghetti sauce, or chili. It is also good stirred into rice and topped with salsa for an all in one dish.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Baked Brown Rice</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkeLov_yc5IgxB5rQaCrgcGkIrdAuiTMz9CwlnXhnod0ofWAeUAiqNa7ao7j9vEauPpgzOHQnszdnGc4BvUIHlImXe1B0oU2O3OABUH7J1RCJZbrrIFbxuUAgL81TI9Vp0HSYiUXGopPY/s1600/New+Year%2527s+Eve+2010+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkeLov_yc5IgxB5rQaCrgcGkIrdAuiTMz9CwlnXhnod0ofWAeUAiqNa7ao7j9vEauPpgzOHQnszdnGc4BvUIHlImXe1B0oU2O3OABUH7J1RCJZbrrIFbxuUAgL81TI9Vp0HSYiUXGopPY/s320/New+Year%2527s+Eve+2010+004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This recipe is a modified version of Alton Brown's Baked Brown Rice - you can check out Alton's version at <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/baked-brown-rice-recipe/index.html">this link.</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">1 1/2 cups of brown/wild rice mixture<br />
2 1/2 cups of homemade stock (you can use an organic canned chicken broth - you don't want MSG!)</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 cup of baby spinach</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup carrots</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 cloves garlic</div><div style="text-align: center;">sea salt and black pepper to taste</div><br />
Preheat oven to 375F. Bring stock to a boil on the stove. I use a pot that can go in the oven to make things easier. While boiling stock, put spinach, carrots and garlic into the food processor and pulse until it is coarsely ground. Add the veggie mixture and the rice to the pot and immediately put the lid on it to seal it tightly. Place this in the oven for exactly one hour and you will have a big pot of perfect fluffy rice.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I usually have my chicken breasts baking on the other rack in the oven at the same time.<br />
With the rice you have a side that goes with any meal: Mexican, Chinese, Greek - it is very versatile. It's also delicious in a soup.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Here is a list of meals that can be quickly put together using the above foods:</span></div><span style="color: red;"><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> ~ chicken and broccoli stir fry over rice ~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">~ rice and chicken skillet with salsa ~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">~ pita sloppy joes with ground meat ~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">~ spaghetti with meat sauce ~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">~ Mexican meat and rice ~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">~ chicken soft tacos ~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">~ ground meat soft tacos ~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">~ chili ~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">~ chicken vegetable soup with rice or noodles ~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">~ chicken cacciatore with pasta ~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">~ pita pizza with chicken and veggies ~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">~ chicken pita w/ tzatzki and veggies ~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">~ Mexican pita pizza ~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">~ garden salad with chicken ~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I hope this gives you a few ideas for meal planning and food prep. This system is working really well for us. It's family friendly and best of all, there is constantly good food ready and available.<br />
<br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988762641467252264.post-12023882689255082122010-12-29T16:17:00.000-08:002010-12-29T16:17:53.718-08:00Dec. 29: And more things to do with turkey.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa438/ibsunburnt/Turkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa438/ibsunburnt/Turkey.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">BBQ Pulled Turkey</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">1 serving per person of turkey breast</div><div align="center">BBQ sauce of choice - I like the spicy/sweet ones</div><div align="center">finely chopped onion, peppers, jalapenos (to taste)</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">In a microwave safe bowl, take two forks and shred the turkey breast until it's stringy. Stir in your chopped veggies and BBQ sauce - I like to use enough sauce to cover the top layer of turkey. Stir well and put the turkey in the microwave - heat for about two minutes per serving.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">You can serve this on a bun, in a wrap or just on a plate with some salad on the side. It's some yummy stuff and bears a strong taste similarity to something you've simmered all day long!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Tomorrow's recipe is going to be turkey noodle soup - stick around for it - so YUMMY!!!!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The holiday pounds are gathering and rejoicing on my tummy, giving me a really awesome muffin top in my work clothes. You can imagine my delight.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The back issue is getting worse. I've been to the doctor, who says she is as certain as can be that I have one or more herniated discs. I declined the MRI because she said she would not be treating me any differently if I stuffed myself into that tiny claustrophobic tube. I hate the helplessness of this - I'm starting to feel like a cripple - I hobbled around all day today and bear a rather strong resemblance to Quasimodo. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I have some physical therapy exercises I can do to help, which is great - makes me feel like I'm actually accomplishing something. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm using heat almost constantly, which relieves some of the pain. The other options offered were heavy duty painkillers, epidural painkillers and a bunch of stuff I can't afford (massages, etc.) I've chose to stick with ibuprofen because it dulls the pain to a tolerable level and I can still function. No way are they shoving needles in my spine. Just, ew. Not gonna happen. This isn't much of an update because there is simply nothing new to tell.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I hope all is well and you are enjoying your turkey!</div><div align="left"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988762641467252264.post-74111437279922691902010-12-27T15:23:00.000-08:002010-12-27T15:23:49.682-08:00Dec. 27: On the Second Day of Turkey my True Love Made for Me....Okay, no true love - I made it for myself. But I have two yummy turkey leftover dishes for you!<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Turkey Caesar Salad</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/food/turkeyrecipes1001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/food/turkeyrecipes1001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
You will need:<br />
<br />
~ A huge bowl of baby spinach<br />
~ A serving of turkey breast, chopped into bite-sized pieces<br />
~ A handful of croutons of choice<br />
~ Bacon (I use the Kirkland's bacon crumbles - kind of fattening but not as artificial as some stuff)<br />
~ Freshly chopped minced garlic<br />
~ Light Caesar dressing<br />
<br />
Mix your salad dressing with the fresh garlic - this will give you a decadent, restaurant-style salad dressing (and very stinky breath). Build your salad and stir well. This is a super quick dinner!<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Turkey "Fried" Rice</span></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/food/turkeyrecipes1002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/food/turkeyrecipes1002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
You will need:<br />
<br />
A pot of <a href="http://afuturesuccessstory.blogspot.com/2010/01/jan-2-2010-meal-planning.html">baked brown rice</a><br />
2 servings of turkey breast, chopped<br />
minced garlic to taste<br />
soy sauce<br />
ginger<br />
olive oil<br />
<br />
I use my cast iron skillet for this and I always make enough so I have leftovers for lunch the next day.<br />
<br />
In your skillet, saute minced garlic in the olive oil until golden and fragrant. Stir in your turkey and turn the heat up to high. When things are really sizzling add some powdered ginger and soy sauce and stir well. Then stir in 2 servings (based on your personal intake) of brown rice and mix well, cooking on high for about 2 minutes until the soy sauce is nicely caramelized on the mixture.<br />
<br />
I serve this with steamed veggies and I top it with some spicy red pepper jelly that I got from Costco (so spicy/sweet and delicious!)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><strong>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</strong></span></div><br />
Today I got so much accomplished. I tackled my 10 year old's bedroom (shudder). I took 4 garbage bags of stuff to the car to be donated tomorrow and 3 garbage bags full of, well, garbage, out of that room. It's unbelievable what a disaster it is. <br />
<br />
I'm really trying to declutter and downsize - my car is loaded to the hilt with donations of bedding, towels, toys and kitchen items - this is all stuff I moved here in October that remained packed so I figure if I haven't needed it yet, I can live without it.<br />
<br />
Hopefully decluttering my house will help me declutter my body. I ate well today and felt much more energetic for it. I'm back to work tomorrow and really have my fingers crossed that I will be able to stay on track.<br />
<br />
Have a great week!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l171/txazgirl/we8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l171/txazgirl/we8.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988762641467252264.post-11556235963600420972010-12-26T10:59:00.000-08:002010-12-26T13:58:28.969-08:00Dec. 26: Tons of Turkey!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/food/totallyturkey001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/food/totallyturkey001.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Today my kitchen has been a turkey processing plant. (Not in the yucky chemical way, of course!)<br />
<br />
First, I sliced the remaining turkey breast and bagged up meal sized portions for the freezer. I took the remaining dark meat and carcass and portioned it out between my two stockpots and my crock pot. In each pot I added fresh whole cloves of garlic, a whole onion, a handful of carrots and a handful of spinach, as well as sea salt. Then I covered the contents with water and simmered for 8 hours. I was left with enough flavorful stock for 3 large pots of soup and 4 one-cup servings for cooking rice. Then I removed the dark meat from the bones (an easy task after simmering for that long) and bagged up three 1.5 cup servings of the meat to add when I make soup.<br />
<br />
I don't usually make a whole turkey but this has been a learning experience. Leftover queen that I am, it thrills me to have such a full freezer! I got the 17 pound turkey from my workplace. <br />
<br />
So what am I going to do with all that turkey? <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Top 10 things to do with Turkey</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">~ turkey noodle soup ~</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">~ turkey sandwiches ~ </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">~ turkey Caesar salad ~</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">~ BBQ pulled turkey ~</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">~ smoked turkey and bean soup ~</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">~ turkey salad sandwiches ~</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">~ turkey fajitas ~</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">~ turkey stroganoff ~</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">~ turkey "fried" rice ~</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">~ turkey tetrazzini ~</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I bet you can guess the basis for this week's meal plan!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/Decorated%20images/myretropics9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/Decorated%20images/myretropics9.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Sunday: Turkey Caesar Salad<br />
Monday: Turkey "Fried" Rice with Steamed Broccoli<br />
Tuesday: Broccoli Soup (I might need a break from all that turkey!)<br />
Wednesday: Leftovers<br />
Thursday: Grilled chicken pizza with the kiddos<br />
Friday: New Year's Eve party<br />
<br />
I'm kidless today and tomorrow - the girls have gone to their grandparent's house until Thursday. I got up and went to the early church service and then did what little grocery shopping was needed this week. I then packaged up all that turkey and managed to shove it into my thoroughly stuffed freezer and fridge, and the rest of the day will be spent purging and organizing. (God bless the Flylady!)<br />
<br />
I started a new blog today chronicling my financial issues. Don't worry, it won't be as dismal as it sounds! There may be some cross-over, but anyone that is having, or has had, financial problems may be able to relate as I try to dig myself out of the hole and hide out from bill collection terrorists. Check me out at <a href="http://lifeinapinch.blogspot.com/">Life in a Pinch</a>.<br />
<br />
I hope everyone continues to have a wonderful holiday weekend.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i0006.photobucket.com/albums/0006/findstuff22/Best%20Images/Photography/candycanes2cp-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://i0006.photobucket.com/albums/0006/findstuff22/Best%20Images/Photography/candycanes2cp-1.jpg" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988762641467252264.post-19824247712447936082010-12-25T11:16:00.000-08:002010-12-25T11:16:13.438-08:00Dec. 25: Merry Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gi81.photobucket.com/groups/j222/B6CXMU24DS/1298__M2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://gi81.photobucket.com/groups/j222/B6CXMU24DS/1298__M2.gif" width="245" /></a></div><br />
I hope everyone is having a happy holiday ~ and that you are too busy with festivities to read this until tomorrow!<br />
<br />
I was so excited that I woke my kids up this morning - I'm always like that on Christmas morning. We (ahem...<em>I</em>) got up at 6:30 to open presents.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/Christmas%202010/Christmas2010018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" n4="true" src="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/Christmas%202010/Christmas2010018.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/Christmas%202010/Christmas2010006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/Christmas%202010/Christmas2010006.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I got a ruffled shower cap, among other things, from my wonderful girlie girls.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/Christmas%202010/Christmas2010022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/Christmas%202010/Christmas2010022.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My wonderful, award-winning 15 year old artist gave me a framed sketch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/Christmas%202010/Christmas2010030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/Christmas%202010/Christmas2010030.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">My lovely daughters</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/Christmas%202010/Christmas2010020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" n4="true" src="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/Christmas%202010/Christmas2010020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/Christmas%202010/Christmas2010025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/Christmas%202010/Christmas2010025.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">We had a decadent breakfast of fresh-baked croissants, fruit, chocolate dip and honey butter.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/Christmas%202010/Christmas2010031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/Christmas%202010/Christmas2010031.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I didn't get any pictures of the turkey, but it was lovely and delicious - I now have three pots of broth simmering away for any lean days ahead. We will have some lovely turkey soup this week!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Lunch was roasted turkey, garlic green beans, and sweet potatoes - quite healthy until we got to the cookies and creme mousse cake for dessert.</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj271/rice-sushi/Seasons/Winter/dd-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj271/rice-sushi/Seasons/Winter/dd-1.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988762641467252264.post-20975396940867035602010-12-24T18:40:00.000-08:002010-12-24T18:40:37.572-08:00Dec. 24: Holiday Guilt Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a208/love4basketball14/iconguiltt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a208/love4basketball14/iconguiltt.jpg" /></a></div>This year, what I want for Christmas is for women to let go of the holiday guilt. Everywhere I turn, another great woman is running around like a maniac, stressing herself out to make cookies, buy presents, clean the house, prep dinner for 20 people, including 3 with different food allergies, all while holding down a full-time job.<br />
<br />
Here is my little holiday list of things NOT to feel guilty about this year:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">1.) Don't feel guilty about eating during the holidays.</span> It's a holiday. You aren't going to eat hors dourves and a huge meal and dessert every day. Let go and enjoy it. You truly cannot eat enough during that one day to undo more than a week of progress - and that is a stretch.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">2.) Don't worry about having a perfectly spotless house.</span> In the aftermath of the present-unwrapping frenzy, any vacuuming and carpet-deep-cleaning you have done will all be for naught anyway. Try to content yourself with sanitary and generally tidy.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">3.) Don't freak out about buying the "perfect" gift for everyone.</span> My kids, even at 10 and 15, are just happy to have stuff under the tree to unwrap. If there is something they truly, desperately want, I try to make it happen. If their wishes are general, they seem to be happy with just about anything. The same goes for extended family as well. Unless you have a snobby, ungrateful jerk in your family, they will be touched by the effort that you made. And if you do have a snobby, ungrateful jerk in your family, don't worry about their opinion - it's tainted.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">4.) Every bite from your kitchen doesn't have to be "from scratch".</span> Gasp. The heresy!!! Well, here it is - I have frozen green beans for tomorrows meal and bought premade cheesecake for dessert. Take that, Martha Stewart! To top things off, my appetizers for Christmas Eve came straight from the freezer section of Costco. Everyone loved the food and I only had to stick it in the oven and take it out on time.<br />
<br />
And since this is a weight loss blog, I want to reiterate one point: let's talk food.<br />
<br />
Christmas and Christmas Eve come but once a year. If you have established healthy eating habits throughout the rest of the year, you won't be able to gorge yourself to the same extent as usual. Furthermore, your taste buds will have changed and you may find the foods you crave are different than the ones you craved before. But if every year, you eat Aunt Mae's homemade pierogies with bacon and sour cream, don't deprive yourself. Eat what you want tomorrow and enjoy it. The day after Christmas is soon enough to get back on plan.<br />
<br />
Treat yourself kindly at Christmas. You've worked hard and you deserve it.<br />
<br />
Thank you for reading my blog - it rambles, it rants, and it sometimes whines but this outlet has helped me in so many ways over the past year.<br />
<br />
My prayer for you all this Christmas is that you may find peace and contentment. Have a wonderful holiday with those you care about.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t243/shgoldcm/1453422_f260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t243/shgoldcm/1453422_f260.jpg" width="194" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988762641467252264.post-13821322349111365682010-12-21T15:28:00.000-08:002010-12-21T15:28:10.682-08:00Dec. 21: (off-topic) The Spaghetti Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i794.photobucket.com/albums/yy228/jade95_2010/Christmas%20Hugs/Xmas%20sweet/mcorn-lvhopejoy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://i794.photobucket.com/albums/yy228/jade95_2010/Christmas%20Hugs/Xmas%20sweet/mcorn-lvhopejoy.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Everyone who knows me in "real life" knows how strongly I feel about giving - not just at Christmas, but all the time. I'm going to veer off-topic for a weight-loss blog and talk about ways you can give without affecting your day to day life or your morning drive-thru coffee. I don't mean to preach, but I do hope to influence. This isn't about "religion" - it's about faith and love.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've spent a few years recently being part of "the less fortunate." As many of you know, I dealt with a horrible bout of depression that left me virtually incapacitated for over a year. I had now choice but to go on welfare to feed my kids and keep a roof over our heads while I was unable to work.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Despite all of that - despite our lack of money - despite the loss of my house and car - I never actually felt "less fortunate." We never went without food - maybe we had ground beef instead of prime rib, but we were certainly not hungry. We had heat. We had a place to live. We had medical care (God bless Canada!). We still had enough that we were able to give, throughout it all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">How did we give when we were so broke? At that time, every single time I went to the grocery store, I bought one package of pasta and one can of spaghetti sauce. It cost $2. There was never a grocery trip where I could not swing $2. It might not provide a gourmet meal, but a package of pasta and a can of sauce could at least put some dinner on the table for a hungry family.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We also gave of our time - we helped elderly neighbors and people at church. We helped by watching the small children of a woman that was ill. My 10 year old pulled her wagon around the neighborhood and collected food donations for our local food bank. My 15 year old unloaded all that food and volunteered at the food bank.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fortunately for us, we have a higher income now. We are able to give on a slightly bigger scale. Now, by no means are we rolling in money. We are still reeling financially from over a year without work. The house is in foreclosure, bill collectors call constantly and I'll be bankrupt but next Christmas. But it is all about how we prioritize the money we have now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We participated in an adopt-a-family program at work. I always tell my kids what the Christmas budget is per person so they can adjust their wish lists accordingly. Not very sentimental, but we are a family of realists. This year the budget for my girls was $100 each. Both girls decided individually to forgo half of their gift budget so that they could buy gifts for the children of the family we adopted. I was so ridiculously proud of them for this. As a family we feel like we really made a happy holiday for another family less fortunate than ours.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think that the key to giving is to feel content and joyful with what you have. Everyday, I count myself thankful that despite the foreclosure and impending bankruptcy, we are warm, sheltered and clothed. We have a fridge full of delicious healthy food. We truly do not lack for anything. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't tell you about this to "toot my horn" - please don't think that! I write this because I hope to inspire others to give, no matter what their situation. I think the Lord works a lot of miracles at Christmas (and of course, the rest of the year) but sometimes He needs some earthly angels to help. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988762641467252264.post-24866993624006045002010-12-19T08:57:00.000-08:002010-12-19T08:57:46.928-08:00Dec. 19: Cleaning Marathon and the Weekly Meal Plan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://i754.photobucket.com/albums/xx188/Yellowon/Cleaning/Cleaningsupplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="http://i754.photobucket.com/albums/xx188/Yellowon/Cleaning/Cleaningsupplies.jpg" width="172" /></a>I can't think of too many things that I like less than cleaning. It would be tough. Perhaps alligators? Snakes in the sewer system? Spiders. I definitely do not like spiders. <em>*Shudder*</em> But cleaning is right up there with all of those creepy crawlies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Of course, applying this information, one might correctly ascertain that my house is a mess. An unmitigated disaster. A step away from being invaded by a film crew and unwillingly featured in <em>Hoarders.</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Okay, I'm exaggerating, but only a little. The mess stresses me right out, too. By chance, I got an email with a link to this page: <a href="http://www.flylady.net/pages/FLYingLessons_CrisisCleaning.asp">Crisis Cleaning</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To put it mildly, the Flylady rocks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've worked a couple of hours this morning and my house is far and away cleaner and tidier than it has been in a long time. I'm taking a lunch break and updating my blog and I plan to do 3 more 45 minute sessions today, which will finish up my disaster zone for the time being. It feels great to be able to open the door without cringing, should someone happen to knock.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/Decorated%20images/myretropics9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/wildpinkpoodles/Decorated%20images/myretropics9.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Sunday: Smoked Turkey Breast, Broccoli, Roasted Potatoes</div><div style="text-align: center;">Monday: Spaghetti with Turkey Meatballs</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tuesday: Spinach Salad with Smoked Turkey, Garlic Bread</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wednesday: Leftover Spaghetti</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thursday: Pizza with Grilled Chicken and Veggies</div><div style="text-align: center;">Friday: ~~~~ Christmas Eve ~~~~~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm only planning through Thursday because I am hoping to fall into a great big puddle of money between now and Christmas - that will help me pick the weekend menu - it's all based on budget this year!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Today I am experimenting with a turkey breast I bought on sale. My goal is to make an oven-smoked turkey for Christmas day - I can only imagine savoring the lovely leftovers and soups I can make from that. I was lucky enough to get a whole turkey as a holiday bonus from my employer! I'll photograph the results tonight and if it turns out as good as I hope, I'll post the recipe.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Well, alas, back to cleaning!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g10/mattje23/Happy%20sunday/733545691_l.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g10/mattje23/Happy%20sunday/733545691_l.gif" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988762641467252264.post-32905097233939024342010-12-18T08:54:00.000-08:002010-12-18T08:54:12.358-08:00Dec. 18: Saturday Morning Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/hello-kitty41/vintage%20stuff/goodcoffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/hello-kitty41/vintage%20stuff/goodcoffee.jpg" width="188" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Do you have any idea how much I love my morning coffee? My favorite, most luxurious weekend mornings are spent with my entire pot of iced coffee, puttering around the house and getting small, non-strenuous things accomplished.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today was just such a day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Saturday Morning Perfection:</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>The kids slept in.</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>I had an entire pot of coffee.</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>I cooked brunch of BBQ chicken pizzas.</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>I had an entire pot of coffee.</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>I cleaned the kitchen from top to bottom and now it sparkles and shines.</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>I had an entire pot of coffee.</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>I watched 4 hours of decorating shows without listening to anyone whine, "Can I pick the next show?"</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Oh, yeah - I had an entire pot of coffee.</em></div><br />
<br />
Okay, enough of the Saturday morning joy-fest. Let's get down to the nitty gritty now.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i559.photobucket.com/albums/ss33/SexyThicks/diet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://i559.photobucket.com/albums/ss33/SexyThicks/diet.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Weight loss.<br />
<br />
My recent gain has put me at 18 pounds to lose. I'm really terrified of gaining it all back and that is the direction I'm going.<br />
<br />
At 170, I still have boobs and I don't look like a Shar-pei from all of the loose skin. At 165 the opposite is true. So 170 is the new goal.<br />
<br />
Clearly, 1800 calories is too much for me to be losing weight. It shouldn't be making me gain weight, but the fact remains that it is. So 1600 calories a day with an off-plan day of 2200 calories is the goal. <br />
<br />
That means I've gotta cut out my salty crunchies completely. Goodbye, beloved buttery microwave popcorn. I'm also cutting out the Diet Coke and switching to water (after the morning coffee is over, of course). I flatly refuse to give up my coffee. Diet Coke is tough to give up but it can be done.<br />
<br />
Finally, I have to find a way to get some exercise that doesn't aggravate my back. I keep saying this but I'm not coming up with anything. Any suggestions will be welcome.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988762641467252264.post-11037077862600877272010-12-16T17:03:00.000-08:002010-12-16T17:03:23.241-08:00Dec. 16: The Opposite of Success<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j28/sarahgrrrly0115/CrashAndBurn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="77" n4="true" src="http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j28/sarahgrrrly0115/CrashAndBurn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I really seem to be incapable of doing anything except losing weight or gaining weight.<br />
<br />
I had started out with new resolve to love my curves and stop trying to turn myself into some kind of skinny Victoria's Secret model. I really felt like this would be the key to success for me - loving myself.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, I've actually put on three pounds over the past week and a half. Please imagine my delight to discover that I didn't just need to drink water and have a big poop. Three official pounds adhered directly to my belly.<br />
<br />
It seems like if I am not weighing every single bite, saying no to everything but one meager off-plan meal a week, and drinking only water, I'm gaining that weight that was so hard-lost. If I'm not seriously dieting - hardcore, just-say-no dieting, I'm gaining.<br />
<br />
I had gotten to my initial goal weight but as soon as I started trying to maintain, the pounds didn't just come creeping back, they jumped on and held on with the ferocity of an attacking pit bull.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj248/uiboyz2/PITBULL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" n4="true" src="http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj248/uiboyz2/PITBULL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
So, today, I'm whining.<br />
<br />
Accountability, despite my extreme displeasure.<br />
<br />
Calories: 1761<br />
Carbs: 197<br />
Fat: 74<br />
Protein: 77<br />
<br />
Reality tells me that my calories cannot be as low as I think they are, otherwise I would not be gaining weight. You need an excess of 2500 calories per week to gain one pound. <br />
<br />
My mistakes:<br />
<br />
~ I haven't been weighing everything - some of it has been eyeballed<br />
~ I've allowed myself a nibble here and a nibble there of some holiday goodies - likely more nibbles than I thought I was having<br />
~ I am nearly sedentary because of my back injury.<br />
<br />
So yes, today I'm whining, but I'm also getting it all out there and blasting through my excuses. If I truly want to look good and be fit and healthy, clearly, I have to try harder. I can worry about maintenance when I am at a weight that I'd like to maintain. Right now, I need to lose and that is what I must focus on.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988762641467252264.post-28023619882082190282010-12-16T16:30:00.000-08:002010-12-16T16:34:15.087-08:00Dec. 16: An Award!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvSfqvd4PKtTVJ4NBL7uLNk8UrlxaDDbpfWkw8agpVu8-KmODr82Ih2FNOu54ftaVaMkuMOj6gIOW2D7JPENZI-w2hyphenhyphenwd-guV3mTPcsNah31Gv_4YgvLaqxE4GVN2eASjnf_1xlidLAE/s1600/cherryontop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvSfqvd4PKtTVJ4NBL7uLNk8UrlxaDDbpfWkw8agpVu8-KmODr82Ih2FNOu54ftaVaMkuMOj6gIOW2D7JPENZI-w2hyphenhyphenwd-guV3mTPcsNah31Gv_4YgvLaqxE4GVN2eASjnf_1xlidLAE/s1600/cherryontop.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
This made my day - Michelle at <a href="http://chubbygirlintraining.blogspot.com/">Those Last 75 Pounds</a> gave me the Cherry On Top Award. I'm so glad you like my blog and that the meal planning helps you!<br />
<br />
Now I get to pick 5 people to whom I'd like to give this award. Wow - that's tough! There are so many good blogs on so many interesting topics, it's hard to pick. I'm actually going to go with a top three - my absolute, total favorite blogs. Sadly, many of the blogs I loved following haven't been updated in quite some time.<br />
<br />
First has to be Lyn, at <a href="http://escapefromobesity.blogspot.com/">Escape from Obesity</a>. Her persistence in losing weight, lots of stubborn weight, has inspired me from day one. It amazes me how she has deliberately made her way through the landmines of weight loss and how much I have learned from her insights. Lyn, I completely celebrate you, your kind heart, and your determination.<br />
<br />
Sarah, from <a href="http://motheringmultiplejoys.blogspot.com/">Watching Wolves Amidst the Shade and Light</a>, has inspired me in a different way. Her passion for motherhood amazes me. Reading about the schedule she has kept for the first year of her twins' life, I feel guilty complaining about being tired while working and raising a 10 year old. Sarah, you are such a great mom - I love that you settle for nothing but the absolute best for your children<br />
<br />
*, my friend, I love the quirky humor (and the potential multiple personalities displayed) in your blog, <a href="http://whiteknightmeetstarfish.blogspot.com/">White Knight Meet Starfish</a>. I look forward to every new post from you because I know I will learn about another facet of your unbelievably incredible self. Muah!<br />
<br />
You guys all ROCK!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988762641467252264.post-34584285266901571762010-12-14T14:40:00.000-08:002010-12-14T14:40:13.658-08:00Dec. 14: Not-So-Terrible Tuesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s37/ckrossby/Vintage/naughty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s37/ckrossby/Vintage/naughty.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's really sad. It seems that as the holiday gets closer, people get meaner. I work in a service department at a car dealership and as Christmas approaches, many people seem to be less patient, angrier, and more apt to just plain old lose it. What ever happened to "the joy of the holidays"?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Because of our finances, we have been forced to cut way back this year. At work, our department adopted a family instead of doing Secret Santas. At home, I told the kids our budget per person was only $100 this year. But my kids, in a rare angelic moment, donated HALF of their personal Christmas budgets to this family full of kids that might otherwise not be getting anything. I can't tell you how proud I am of them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, because of that, we have cut back further still. I have goodies for stockings and a couple of nice gifts per child, as well as new PJs for everyone. And that is it. I have warned the girls that its going to be nothing like our usual Christmas, with so many gifts surrounding the tree that it takes us an hour to unwrap them all. They tell me they are fine with that (we'll confirm that on Christmas morning!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And, as I've reduced all the frantic gift-buying and wish lists, it seems that my stress level has dropped right along with it. I have had a few days that were not really on-plan but with all the goodies floating around the workplace, I'm amazed at my resistance. I don't have the angry-gotta-get-5-hours-of-shopping-done-in-2-hours feeling. I'm feeling pretty ....calm. And isn't peace a symbol of the season? How far society has strayed from that.</div><br />
Today was not as terrible as yesterday, as far as eats are concerned. In fact, I'm very pleased to past my count for the day.<br />
<br />
Calories: 1464<br />
Carbs: 201<br />
Fat: 29<br />
Protein: 114<br />
<br />
Yay, me!<br />
<br />
Here is one of our favorite family recipes - super quick and easy!<br />
<br />
<div align="center">MEXICAN PIZZA</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">1 Greek Pita</div><div align="center">Mexican-seasoned Ground Turkey</div><div align="center">Salsa</div><div align="center">Refried Beans</div><div align="center">Shredded Cheese</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Preheat your oven to 400. Spread refried beans (I use PC low-fat) on the pita - about 1/3 cup. Top this with a tablespoon of salsa. On top of the salsa, layer cooked ground turkey (I usually make a big batch on the weekends ) about 4 ounces. Sprinkle shredded cheese (I use light cheddar) to top and bake in the oven until warm all the way through. Let it stand for a couple of minutes before slicing and enjoying. You can drizzle some plain non-fat yogurt on the top in lieu of sour cream.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This is a great recipe because it's very flexible. If you don't have ground turkey, you can use leftover sliced chicken or roast beef. The amount of cheese I top with varies based on my current dietary goals. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">All the typing has me hungry! Off to make Mexican Pizzas!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0