Getting Back in the Habit

So for the last couple of months I have been going back and forth between having some bad days, some good days, and a few great days.. I have managed to not really gain any weight back, just going back and forth between the same couple of pounds. I knew it would be harder as I got closer to my goal, but it was alot easier in the beginning when you are seeing the weight fall off every week. Prior to this past week I had only lost about 5 pounds in the last 3 months.. Yeah I'm sure your reaction is about as exciting as mine is..ehh! Still the right direction.. but it could have been WAAYY better.

So as a 27th Birthday present to myself I completely recommited to myself and my health.. I passed on the huge Oreo cake I was going to make for myself.. and had a great week.. although I was tempted to cheat.. I didn't..and I was really happy with the results this morning.. I now weigh..133.5!

Wow is all I can say.. Although the last few weeks hasn't led to much.. I really can't get over how different things really are.. How many woman can say that they are in better health at 27 they they were at 17? I have a hard time believing it myself.

Creamy Asparagus soup

I love the flavor of fresh asparagus.  If I could buy the tips and eat the a whole bowl full I would. But the thing is I am not crazy about the stringy ends.. With this soup though I didn't have to worry about it.. I could use the entire thing and still get that yummy flavor. This a great dipping soup for bread.. all kinds of flavor!

Creamy Asparagus Soup (79 Calories/.5 grams Fat/1.5 grams fiber/6 servings)

• 1 bunch fresh asparagus ( about 1 lb), cut up into about 1 inch pieces
• dried garlic, thyme, and pepper to taste
• 2 T FF sour cream
• 1 can FF Evaporated milk
• 1 T lemon juice
• 2.5 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 cups water

Put stock, water, asparagus, and spices into a pot and bring to a boil, reduce heat and lets simmer for about 20 minutes. Add milk, sour cream, and lemon juice and heat through. Let cool slightly, and either  puree in blender or use immersion blender until creamy and smooth.

Thanksgiving Burger

 Who says Thanksgiving only comes once a year? NOT me! This was so much better than I thought it would be! I was a bit sceptical at first because of the cranberry sauce, but it was really good! Do not put as much sauce on the burger as in the picture.. a little goes a long way, and if you put to much it will overwhelm the other flavors. Spread it on more like a thin layer of jelly.

Thanksgiving Burgers (335 Calories/11 grams fat/5 grams fiber/6 servings)

• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 lbs 93% ground beef (OK so I was suppose to use ground Turkey(DUH) but forgot to buy it.. so beef it was!)
• 3 oz Stuffing mix ( like Stove top)
• 1 egg
• 6 Sandwich Thins
• lettuce
• 6 T whipped Cream cheese
• 1/6th can of cranberry sauce

Saute celery and onion in cooking spray. Combine with ground beef, along with stuffing mix and egg. Form into 6 patties. Cook burgers on grill.. Top with lettuce, thin layer of cranberry sauce, and whipped cream cheese.

Kale chips

Ever get a bag of potato chip and just want eat the entire thing? I know I have, and if you haven't I want your will power! well now you can eat them all with no guilt after! Kale is so very good for you..

Low in saturated fat

No cholesterol

No sugar

Very high in calcium

High in dietary fiber

High in iron

Very high in manganese

High in magnesium

High in phosphorus

Very high in potassium

High in riboflavin

High in thiamin

Very high in vitamin A

Very high in vitamin B6

Very high in vitamin

So go ahead and make them and get your salty craving in the good way!

Kale Chips (1 cup raw is 38 Calories/.5 grams fat/1.3 grams fiber)

• bunch of kale,  washed with stems removed
• salt or garlic salt to taste
• cooking spray

Spray kale with cooking ,( or you could coat with olive oil) sprinkle with salt, and spread out on a non stick baking pan. Bake for 10-15 minutes at 375F.. keep a very close eye on it because it will go from wilted to chalk very quickly.

Quick Chicken Jambalaya

Really easy and simple yummy food.. Great with a salad! Original Recipe here.

Chicken Jambalaya (388 Calories/8 grams fat/3.5 grams fiber/4 servings)

• 3/4 lb Chicken breast, cut into pieces and cooked
• 7 oz turkey sausage, cook and cut into chunks
• 1 can french onion soup
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup dry brown rice
• small can mushrooms
• 1-2 t of creole seasoning ( I didn't measure this.. use what you like)

Pour everything into a baking dish, cover with foil and bake at 375F for 60-75 minutes. Stirring occasionally.

making it official

So for  about the last month I have been going back and forth between the same 2 pounds..Not great.. But at the very least if I wanted to stop right here I would have a good idea how to maintain it. Thats a plus.. but hey..I really don't want to stop!

So this past week I worked really hard on my diet and watched everything I ate..My workouts weren't that great due to some knee pain, but I did my best..So today the scale read 135! This week my goal is to drink more water... I have been really slacking in that department! Lets see what happens!

Chicken Avocado Stir-fry

Good tasting and and good for you stir fry!  Original Recipe here

Chicken Avocado Stir-fry (333 Calories/17 grams fat/10 grams fiber)

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup soy sauce

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 clove garlic, minced 

1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces

8 oz snow peas

8 oz sliced portabello mushrooms

2 bunches green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces

2 large ripe but firm avocados - peeled, pitted, and cut into large chunks

In a bowl, stir together the chicken broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, and garlic until the cornstarch is smooth, and set aside.

Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, and cook and stir the chicken until cooked through and no longer pink in the center, about 5 minutes. Remove from the wok and set aside. Place the snow peas into the hot wok, and cook and stir until bright green and still crisp, about 3 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms and green onions, and toss with the snow peas in the hot oil until the mushrooms are tender and have given up their juice, about 5 minutes. Pour off excess juices, if any.

Return the chicken to the wok, and stir briefly over medium heat to combine with the cooked vegetables. Stir the reserved sauce ingredients to recombine, if needed, and add to the wok. Gently stir in the avocado, and let the mixture bubble until the sauce thickens, about 3 minutes. Stir gently to coat everything in sauce, and serve.

Banana Peanut Butter Pancakes w/ PB Syrup

So. Good. My life is now complete. At least when it comes to breakfast.. or one of my favorite things in the world, Brinner! I still rarely eat more than a bagel or yogurt for breakfast..but give me a pancake for dinner and I will tear it up!

Banana Peanut Butter Pancakes w/ PB Syrup

Peanut Butter Syrup (390 Calories/11 grams fat/ entire portion)

• 2 T Peanut Butter
• 1/4 cup  Light Pancake syrup

Put both in a bowl and heat in the microwave for 30- 60 seconds..stir..drizzle over pancakes.

Peanut Butter Pancakes (195 Calories/3 grams fat/2 grams fiber/7 HUGE pancakes)

• 2 cups wheat blends pancake mix
• 2 eggs
• 1 and 1/4 cups milk (I used almond)
• 1 banana, mashed
• 2 T Peanut butter
• banana and strawberries on top (optional)

Mix first 5 ingredients together. Pour batter into a heated and greased pan and cook until bubbles begin to form on top. flip and cook other side.

Taco Pizza

Do you like my award winning photography? how about my designer plates? I thought so! Do not be fooled by the common photo..this is a perfect combination of pizza and taco..its like to two of them got together and fell in love.. and them wanted you to have dinner! Original recipe by Kraft.

Taco Pizza (353 Calories/11 grams fat/1.5 grams fiber/ 6 servings)

• Thin and crispy pre-made crust
• 1 lb 93% lean ground beef
• 1 packet Taco seasoning ( you could buy one of the taco kits..since you will also need sauces and shells)
• 1 cup cheese
• 4 hard taco shells
• taco sauce
• 1 chopped tomato
• 1 cup chopped lettuce

Brown ground beef and add taco seasoning,  pour in a little Taco sauce to make it a little "saucy" Spread beef over pizza crust and top with cheese. Bake for about 10 Minutes at 400F. Top with lettuce, tomato, and crushed shells.

Sloppy Janes

Super kid friendly and fun! My boys gobbled these up! Original Recipe here

Sloppy Janes (298 Calories/9.5 grams fat/2.5 grams fiber/12 servings)

• package 8 hot dogs, sliced ( I would have used the lower fat/ lower calorie hot dogs.. but I am the only one that likes them so full fat it is!)
• 28 oz can baked beans
• 1 can hot dog style chili
• hot dog buns

Put everything but bread in crock pot on low  for 2-3 hours. Serve on buns.

Nutella Rice Krispies

It's about the portion contol right? not diet in any way.. but still better than a brownie.. chocolate fix included! I just heart Nutella!

Nutella Rice Krispies (156 Calories/ 18 servings) (picture thanks to  my 4 year old! )

• 6 cups rice krispies cereal
• 10 oz bag mini marshmellows
• 1/2 cup nutella
• 4 T butter

Melt butter in large non stick pot. Add marshmellows and melt. Take off heat and stir in nutella until melted. Stir in rice krispies. Press into greased dish and allow to cool.

Cream Cheese Chicken

So what if it is loaded with sodium..drink lots of water.. you will be fine.. and it will be OK.. Because well you will want to lick your plate..because this is so basic.. yet so good you will want to go back for more... (but if you are being good you won't.. :) Original recipe here

Cream Cheese Chicken (306 calories/16 grams fat/4 servings)

• 1  99% FF can cream-of-mushroom soup
• --1/2 cup chicken broth
• --1 lb Chicken breasts
• --packet of Italian salad dressing mix
• --2 cloves minced garlic
• -- 1/3 less fat block of cream cheese (to add later)

  Add Everything to the crock pot except cream cheese.. Cook on low about 6 hours.  Stir in cream cheese and switch to high for 30 minutes until cream cheese is melted.. serve with rice or pasta.

Lemon Butter Tilapia

Even though the main source of calories in this dish comes from the butter.. it still tastes incredibly light and almost refreshing.  My hubby was very happy and said it was a home run! Original Recipe here.

Tilapia w/ Lemon Butter Sauce (340 Calories/ 15.5 grams fat/4 servings)

• 2 lbs Tilapia fish fillets ( this is about 2 fish per person..if you want to make less.. you could easily cut the recipe in half and do 1 lb)
• 5 T unsalted butter
• 2 T flour
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup stock ( I used vegetable.. chicken would be good too)
• 4 t lemon juice
• 1 medium diced tomato
• salt and pepper to taste

Season fish with salt and pepper. Heat 3 T butter in a large pan ( I did 2 batches of fish with 1.5 T butter each) and sear on medium to high heat for 3-4 minutes on each side.

While fish is cooking, melt remaining 2T butter in a sauce pan, add garlic, cook additional minute. add flour and stir another minute. Slowly stir in stock and lemon juice. cook a couple addtional minutes until sauce thickens a bit. Pour over cooked fish and top with tomatoes.

Taco Meat loaf muffins

Mhh..If you like tacos..or if you like meatloaf..or if you live on the planet earth.. you will like these! Original recipes here, here , and  here!

Taco Meatloaf muffins (158 Calories/8.5 grams fat/ .5 grams fiber/ 12 servings)

• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1 egg
• 1.25 pounds 93% ground turkey or beef
• 1/2 packet Taco seasoning
• 1 can rotel
• 2 oz crushed Doritos ( or you could use any corn chip)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2-3 T taco sauce
• 2-3 T salsa
• 4 oz Velveeta ( or you could use pre-made queso dip instead of the Velveeta and salsa)

Mix first 7 ingredients together and distribute evenly into 12 greased muffin tins. Baste top with taco sauce. Bake at 400 F for about 30-35 minutes. meanwhile heat Velveeta and salsa in microwave and spoon over meat loafs when finished.

Chicken and Cornbread Pie

I really liked this. Original Recipe here.
Chicken and Cornbread Pie (328 Calories/8 grams fat/3 .5 grams fiber/6 servings)

• 1 lb cooked and shredded chicken ( or turkey)
• 1 can Rotel, drained
• 1t chili powder
• 10 oz can enchilada sauce
• 15 oz can corn, drained
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar
• 1 box corn bread mix (jiffy)
• 1/3 cup milk
•  egg

Heat first 6 ingredients in a deep skillet. Preheat oven to 375F. mix last 3 ingredients in a bowl. Pour chicken mixture in an oven safe casserole dish and spread corn bread mixture over the top of the chicken. bake for about 30 minutes.

Super Simple Fire Raosted Tomato and Black Bean Soup

I don't even know if this can count as a recipe...easiest thing to make in the world..I served mine with Turkey and avocado on ciabatta..soooo good!

Black Bean and Fire Roasted Tomato Soup (106 Calories/.5 grams fat/11 grams fiber/4servings)

• 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes w/ garlic
• 1 15 oz can black beans, undrained

dump both cans in a blender, pulse 'til smooth. heat and serve.

someone smack me around..

This week has been horrible.. Its almost like I am sabotaging myself.. I can't stop eating junk and exercise has been minimal.. (today has been good so far!) I have not got this far to start ruining myself now.. and its not so much a fear of not losing that 10 lbs I still want to lose.. its a total fear of gaining it all back..for the first time in my life my body isn't my biggest  insecurity anymore.. while I am far from perfect I don't want to cry every time I look in the mirror like I did before I started all this...Some prayers and a few swift kicks in the rear-end are needed.. and someone needs to come into my house late at night and tape my mouth shut.. that is all.

Vegan Chickpea and Carrot Soup

A great soup to serve with a sandwich! Original recipe here.

Vegan Chickpea and Carrot Soup (162 Calories/1 gram fat/7.5 grams fiber/4servings)

• 15 oz can Garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
• 9 oz fresh carrots, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup orange juice ( I used pulp free)
• cumin to taste (about a tsp)
• chili powder (about a tsp)
• salt and pepper
• garnish of cilantro and almonds (optional.. not included in calories)

Saute garlic, carrots, and onion in a large stock pot until soft, about 10 minutes. Add broth, water, chickpeas, and spices, bring to a boil and simmer for about 15 minutes. Add orange juice at the end. Eat rustic style, or pureee in blender for a smooth soup.

Spicy Turkey Meatballs w/ Creamy Avocado Dip

Tasty.. yummy.. Dip is a must! Original Recipe here.

Spicy Turkey Meatballs w/ Creamy Avocado Dip (353 Calories/19 grams fat/3.5 grams fiber/4 servings)

~Meatballs

• 1.25 pounds 93% ground Turkey
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1.5 chilies in adobo sauce, chopped
• Salt and pepper
• 1/4 cup Cilantro chopped

~ dipping sauce

• 1/4 cup FF sour cream
• 1 avocado
• 2 T lime juice
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Blend all  meatball ingredient together and form into about 16 balls. Bake at 400F for about 15 minutes.
put all dipping sauce ingredients in food processor and blend!

Pizza Casserole

I made this quite a few times growing up, It was one of those go to meals my mom had me make many times..Its almost exactly the same.. Except I tried to cut down on the calories.. and it was still delicious! This makes 8 big servings, so you could always make more or less depending on what your family eats. This easily made two meals for my family..throw in a side salad and you have lunch and dinner :)

Pizza Casserole (423 Calories/13 grams fat/7 grams fiber/8 servings)

• 1 lb 93% ground beef
• 13 oz box whole grain pasta, any shape
• 6 oz package turkey pepperoni
• 8 oz sliced mushrooms
• 24 oz jar favorite pasta sauce (I used 4 cheese)
• 1 cup reduced fat cheese
• sat and pepper to taste

Brown ground beef and cook pasta according to package directions. Saute mushrooms. drain pasta and then dump all the ingredients, except cheese, in the pot and mix to combine. Dump everything into a oven safe baking dish and sprinkle cheese over the top. Broil in the oven at 350F until cheese is brown and the casserole is heated through.

The Breakfast Burger

I personally do not have a Carls Jr. in my area.. but if you do.. I am sure you have heard of their breakfast burger..personally I love breakfast.. and the idea of putting it on a burger..well it took all of 2 seconds before I knew instantly I would make one for myself. This sandwhich most likley isn't the best for you.. but when you compare it to its fast food brother (780 Calories/41 grams of fat), I would venture to says its not that bad.  The yolk from the egg makes a fabulous sauce on the burger. I ate my with a pancake.. what else?

The Breakfast Burger (384 Calories/13.5 grams fat/4 grams fiber/ 1 serving)

• 100 Calories English muffin, toasted
• 1 slice turkey bacon, cooked
• 1 slice FF american cheese
• 1/5th pound ground beef, seasoned and cooked into a patty
• 1/4 cup baked shreded hashbrown
• 1 egg, over easy ( or as I call it, dippy egg)

Put it together! Enjoy.. yum!

Salt and Pepper Baked Potato Chips

Super easy side.. Hopefully you have better knife skills than I do, as some where just right and others were a little on the thick side.. but still good.

Salt and Pepper Baked Potato Chips (80 Calories/1.5 grams fiber/4 servings)

• 3 medium potatoes, washed and sliced thin
• cooking spray
• salt and  fresh cracked black pepper

Coat potatoes in cooking spray (or if you don't have cooking spray you could use olive oil), sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake at 450F for 20-25 minutes on a cookie sheet.

I think next time I am going to try a little garlic powder or parm cheese.. yum!

time to get back to blogging!

It have been a couple of weeks since I have written a blog post.. I know, I know.. bad me. Between sickness, traveling, and hubby throwing away my nutrition info that I had a on a couple of un-posted recipes, I kind of gave up for a short time..Now its back to workouts and watching what I eat.. Luckily I have maintained my weight.. so no worries there. So anyway, get out your grocery lists and look forward to some new recipes in the coming days!

13 is a lucky number! :)

Everyone associates 13 as being an unlucky number..and most of the time I suppose I believe them. (whoever they are!) But today, 13 is 100% a good thing.. Because for the first time ever in my adult life I saw a 13 on the scale.. In the form of 139.5 ( just made it! I know!)..and am thrilled to say I am no longer overweight according to BMI.. normal never felt so good!

Chinese Spaghetti

Not sure what to say about this dish other than it was yummy.. I say a lot of things are yummy though, anyone want to pitch in some descriptive words for tasty dishes?.. I'm all ears. its a nice change from the traditional Italian version... and less calories... because your not dumping tons of sauce on it. (or cheese.. you can't have spaghetti without cheese!) original recipe here.

Chinese Spaghetti (328 calories/5.25 grams fat/4 grams fiber/4 servings)

• 1/2 lb ground beef (93% lean)
• 8 oz sliced mushrooms
• 4 scallions, chopped and divided
• 8 oz spaghetti or angel hair pasta
• 2 cups bean sprouts
• 1 t chili paste w/ garlic ( I left this out for the little ones.. but mama likes it spicy!)
• 1 T reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1 T fish sauce ( or oyster)

Cook pasta until almost finished, drain. Brown ground beef. Add mushrooms, half of the scallions, and the bean sprouts, and cook until sprouts are tender, and mushrooms are brown. Stir in soy, chili paste, and fish sauce, and pasta, toss lightly and garnish with fresh scallions.

Ginger Lime Rib-eye

My FIL always makes these soy marinated beef ribs at pretty much any party he has.. they are really good.. I would imagine this concoction  is pretty similar  to what he makes.. except i think he uses lemon.. I think..he has never given me his "secret" recipe. Hubby thought it was a little to limey.. But I liked the extra kick it gave.. you could easily reduce the amount of lime for your taste. you could also use any steak, but we prefer the taste of rib-eye!

Ginger Lime Rib-eye (55 Calories per ounce with fat removed/95 Calories per ounce with fat)

• 1.3 lbs rib-eye steak ( that how much was in my package, you get what you will eat!)
• 3T lime juice
• 3T low sodium soy sauce
• 3 T vinegar (I used cane, white or apple cider would work)
• 1/2 inch to an inch grated ginger root
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste ( a few grinds not sure how much)

Marinate all ingrediants in refrigerator for 6-8 hours, ( or overnight even) Grill!

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

OK.. So I Am going to be extremely lazy when in comes to this post..I didn't change one thing about this recipe ( except i didn't peel the potatoes so add  6 total grams of fiber).. So why reinvent the wheel when Gina did such a great job already? I will give you my picture tho.. and mention that I added a Pillsbury Grands Jr biscuit so it was more pot pieish. (hint hint.. Click on Gina to get the recipe!)

National Nutella Day.. Super Simple Nutella Brownies

Today is National Nutella Day, and while I can't justify eating an entire brownie I had one bite and They are so tasty for being SOOO simple..The recipe only made 4 brownies though, so if you do make them.. it wouldn't cause to much damage as you would run out!  Hubby ate 2 in a matter of a couple minutes and told me I was a tease. Original recipe here

Super Simple Nutella Brownies (224 Calories/12 grams fat/1 gram fiber/4 servings)

• 1/2 cup Nutella Spread
• 1 egg
• 5 T flour.

Mix and put in greased muffin tins.. Bake at 350F for 15 minutes.

Portuguese Green Soup

This is an Americanized version of a soup that was popular for Portuguese fisherman back in the day.. pretty tasty stuff.. Original recipe here

Portuguese Green Soup (192 Calories/5.5 grams fat/3 grams fiber/4 servings)

• cooking spray
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 3 medium potatoes, chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 oz chopped frozen spinach, thawed ( you could add more, but that's all I had)
• 3.5 cups chicken broth
• 1-2 cups water
• 7 oz smoked turkey sausage or Kielbasa, sliced
• salt and pepper to taste

Saute garlic and onions in cooking spray until soft, about 5 minutes. add water, broth, and potatoes and cook until potatoes are soft, 20-30 minutes. Add turkey, spinach, salt, and pepper and simmer 5 minutes until warm.

Dark Chocolate Oat Muffins

These hit the spot.. mhh just enough chocolate to satisfy the craving while still being good for you! :) Total win! Original Recipe here

Dark Chocolate Oat Muffins (167 Calories/6.5 grams fat/2.5 grams fiber/12 servings)

• 6 T melted Light margarine (or butter..mmhhh butter)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 t baking powder
• 1/3 t baking soda
• 1/4 t salt
• 3/4 cup no sugar added apple sauce
• 1 cup old fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350F. Mix first 8 ingredients in a bowl. Stir in oats and chocolate chips. Bake in greased muffin tin for 20 minutes.

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Wraps

Easy Peasy to put together.. I love my crock pot. Original recipe here.

Crock pot Buffalo Chicken Wraps (243 Calories/5 grams fat/8 grams fiber/ 6 servings)

• 1.5 pounds chicken breast
• 1/2 cup Franks hot sauce
• 1/2 cup FF blue cheese or ranch dressing
• 6  100 calorie wraps (I used FLAT OUT multi grain)
• lettuce
• blue cheese crumbles (optional and not included in calories)
• salt and pepper

Put chicken, salt, and pepper in crock on low for 6 hours. Take chicken out and shred, add dressing and hot sauce, and return to crock for 30 minutes

Artichoke and Feta Turkey Burgers

I Really enjoyed the flavors of this burger.. it went really well together! The original recipe calls for stuffing the burger and about a dozen othere steps that I didnt bother with.. If I can simplify..I am all for it! Original Recipe here.

Artichoke and Feta Turkey Burgers (271 Calories/9 grams Fat/1 gram fiber/5 servings)

• 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey, (seasoned to you liking..ie..salt, pepper, onion, garlic)
• 2 artichoke hearts, sauted in salt and pepper and cooking spray.
• 6 T FF Fetta cheese crumbles
• buns
• lettuce
• tomato

Fold feta cheese into ground turkey and form into 5 patties. Grill. Top with sauted artichokes, lettuce and tomato.

its been awhile since my last weigh in..

its been slow going but.. it is still going! and its 142! I have also in the last week started weight training.. so in the next few weeks I am going to try to not focus as much on what the scale says and attempt to build some muscle! wish me luck!
178..Starting weight
156.. (Smallest since having children) New nail polish152..(smallest since becoming pregnant w/ Fhillip)..New shirt
148..(30 pounds)..Healthy cookbook
142..(wedding weight)..new hair cut and foils
current weight... 142
138..(40 pounds gone!).. Family portraits
130.. (just a big deal!)..new swim suit!

Guiltless Alfredo Sauce

Have you ever ordered a dish of Chicken Alfredo from Olive Garden? Or their Alfredo Pizza? or even just the dipping sauce for the bread sticks? All super yummy! But if you are on a diet.. Alfredo is just plain out of reach.. Because the dipping sauce alone has 380 Calories and 35 grams of fat.. add some pasta and chicken to make it the meal? and you have 1440 Calories and 88 grams of fat.. yeah.. I can feel myself gaining weight just thinking about it.. This sauce hits the spot without hitting your thighs.. It makes quite a bit, I had enough for sauce on a pizza and to cover pasta and broccoli. original recipe here.

Guiltless Alfredo Sauce ( 530 Calories/ 55 grams Fat/2 grams fiber/ no servings.. but it makes tons and you could get many individual meals out of it!)

• 2 Cups almond milk ( or just low fat milk)
• 3 oz 1/3 less fat cream cheese,
• 2 T Flour
• 1 t salt
• 1 T butter
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 cup grated parm cheese

Toss milk, salt, flour, and cream cheese into a blender and pulse till smooth. Set aside. Saute butter and garlic until garlic is brown and fragrant. add milk mixture and stir constantly for about 3-4 minutes until it starts simmer, keep cooking a few more minutes until sauce becomes thicker. Stir in cheese until melted. take off heat, cover, and let stand for about 10 minutes.

Breakfast Ranch Stars

These were really good, but salty.. I think its due to the fact that I thought I had more sour cream in the house but didn't.. so I just used what I had. I will make this again.. but either with less of the seasoning packet, or more sour cream in the mixture, or both. Original recipe here

Breakfast Ranch Stars (80 Calories/2.5 grams fat/ 24 servings)

• 1 c and 1/4 cup FF Sour cream (I will add more next time)
• 1 packet dry Ranch dressing mix
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 lb turkey Breakfast sausage, crumbled and browned
• 1 cup reduced fat cheese
• 24 won ton wrappers

Mix all ingredients in a bowl except for won ton wrappers and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. While mixture is being chilled, press won ton wrappers into greased muffin tins and bake for 5-7 minutes at 350F. Remove from oven and cool for a minute or two. add filling to each wrapper and bake additional 5-7 minutes.

De-light-ful Blueberry Pie

This was light and refreshing. Really easy with no baking required! How can you go wrong?? This would be great with any berry.. but blueberries have been a good price at the store.. so blueberries it is! My 2 year old.. kept saying over and over... "mhhh blueberry pie...mmmhhhh yummy!"  Therefore this gets 2 thumbs up! The calories and fat could be lower if you use FF cool whip..but I really don't like the flavor of it..so regular is used.
Original recipe here.

De-light-ful Blueberry Pie (229 Calories/ 9 grams fat/2 grams fiber/ 8 servings)

• one graham cracker crust
• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• 2 light (6 oz each) FF yogurt ( blueberry flavor)
• 1 container cool whip

Blend ingredients and pour into crust..refrigerate!

Chicken Adobo

Adobo is the national dish of the Philippines..and funny enough even though every household makes it,  almost no one makes it the same.. its always left up to a persons taste.. adobo is a stew or a simmer of meat or vegetables cooked with vinegar, and pretty much always flavored with garlic and soy.. so here is my take on it!

Chicken Adobo (248 Calories/ 9.5 grams fat/5 servings)

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 4-5 cloves garlic, smashed
• 3 T soy sauce
• 1/4 cup vinegar ( I used cane)
• 4 peppercorns crushed
• 1/4 cup onions,  chopped

Marinate all ingredients except onions for a few hours. dump marinade and chicken in a deep pan with 1/2 cup water ( more or less depending on how it takes to evaporate) and add onions. simmer  for 45 minutes to an hour until chicken is soft and tender.

Buffalo Turkey (Chicken) Bites

I love buffalo flavors.. one of my faves, so glad a I made these.. with more leftover turkey! ( but Chicken would be great in this too!) Original Recipe here.

Buffalo Turkey Cheese Bites (292 Calories/18 grams fat/.5 grams fiber/ 4 servings)

• 4 oz 1/3rd less fat cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 pound cooked, shredded turkey ( or chicken)
• 1/4 cup Franks Hot sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped scallions
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

breading

• 1 egg
• 2 T flour
• 3T bread crumbs

Mix first 5 ingredients together in a bowl..refrigerate 30 minutes to firm up. Roll into balls and coat in flour, then egg,  then the bread crumbs. Placed on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes at 350! yum!

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Turkey Tetrazzini

What happens when you cook a whole turkey? turkey leftovers of course! This meal comes together in minutes.. I like that on days I'm not really in a cooking mood..but at the same time.. my family feels they need to eat everyday.. so I get to do it either way.. lucky me! :) Original recipe here.

Turkey Tetrazzini (240 Calories/11 grams fat/2 grams fiber/4 servings)

• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1.5 cup dry egg noodles, cooked
• 1/2 pound cooked, shredded turkey
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 4 oz 1/3 less fat cream cheese
• pepper to taste

Spray non stick pan with cooking spray, Saute frozen peas 2-3 minutes until soft. Toss in turkey, stock, and cream cheese..heat until melted through and sauce thickens. Stir in noodles. That quick and easy.

"Smoked" Turkey

Turkey shouldn't just be for holidays.. If you don't mind eating it for 4 days straight it really is a cheap way to eat.. and it tastes so yummy! This had a mild smokey flavor that made me want to keep eating! Original recipe here

"Smoked" Turkey (170 Calories/ 8 grams fat/ 4 oz)

• one turkey, thawed
• 1 cup kosher salt
• one small bottle liquid smoke

Mix salt and smoke with 1 gal. water in a 5 gal. bucket or stock pot. Insert turkey and fill w/ water until covered. Marinate in fridge for 12-24 hours. Remove from water and pat dry.. Coat in cooking spray and bake as usual.

Pizza Bubble Ring

What a fun way to change up pizza! and It's a hit for little and big kids alike.. I could have eaten the entire ring.. but that probably would not have been a good idea.. so I ate 2.. I was a good girl! Original (very fattening) recipe here.

Pizza Bubble Ring (160 Calories/ 10 grams fat/10 servings)

• 1 package Golden layers Grands Jrs (12oz)
• 4 sticks low fat string cheese
• 30 slices pepperoni
• butter flavored cooking spray

Separate can of dough into 10 biscuits; press or roll each into 3-inch round. Place 3 pepperoni slices in center of each biscuit round. Top each with piece of string cheese. Fold dough around filling. Place in greased rounded pan..Spray top with cooking spray..Bake at 350 for about 15 minutes.

Blueberry Coconut cake

This is yummy :) and it great warm with a little ice cream! you can really taste the lemon zest.. and that is a good thing. Original Recipe here

Blueberry Coconut cake (195 Calories/3 grams fat/1.4 grams fiber/10 servings)

1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

zest of one lemon

6 ounces plain Greek yogurt

1 cup sugar

3 large eggs

1  heaping cup blueberries

1/2 cup shredded coconut

 splash of coconut milk (I had it.. thought it would be good.. but I'm sure regular milk would be good too)

Preheat oven to 350F.. Mix all ingredients, mixing the blueberries last, to keep from smashing them. Pour into a  greased bread or bunt pan.. bake 50-60 minutes.

Bean and Cheese Burger

This is what I would like to call a lighter dish..neither option is really that great for you.. but when you compare it to the possible calories count you would get from using full fat ingredients this is still a better option. An why wouldn't you you want that? Original Recipe here

Bean and Cheese Burger (410 Calories/11 grams of Fat/4 grams Fiber/5 servings)

• 1 lb 93% lean ground beef
• 1/4 cup Salsa
• 4 oz 2% Velveeta cheese
• 1 cup FF re fried beans
• 6 corn tortillas (cut in triangles and baked at 400F for about 10 minutes)
• buns

Form ground beef into 5 patties ans season and cook to your liking. melt cheese ans salsa together. Warm beans. Layer Beans, burger, cheese then chips.. enjoy!

First step on the scale: 2011!

And the verdict is in..145! (and three pounds away from my wedding weight.. almost 7.5 years ago!) I can't believe its been that long.. Oh and on Saturday on a whim I tried on a pair of size 8 pants at Old Navy just to see how they fit (I also know that Old Navy can be a little more forgiving than some other brands) and while it was still a little tight. I didn't have a problem zipping it up! (  I didn't have to do that lay down trick.. If you are a woman you so know what I mean!) So here is my virtual happy dance!

Twice Baked potatoes

A tasty way to eat your potatoes!

Twice Baked Potatoes ( 154 Calories/ 3.7 grams fat/2 grams fiber/5 servings)

• 5 mediums sized potatoes
• 2/3 cup shredded cheese
• 1/4 cup stock or broth ( I used chicken)
• 3 T FF sour cream
• season salt
• pepper

Wash and prick potatoes and bake in oven for about an hour at 400F. While they are still hot, take a spoon and scoop the whites out of the potatoes and put it in a bowl. mash whites with broth, sour cream, salt, and pepper. put mixture back into skins and top with cheese. Bake until heated and cheese is melted.

Slow cooker Chicken and Wild rice

This is very very yummy.. and VERY VERY easy! Even if you are the worst cook in the history of the word this will come out tasting great! :) I didn't even change the recipe in the slightest from the recipe here.

Slow cooker Chicken and Wild rice (257 Calories/5.5 grams fat/1.5 grams fiber/4 servings)

• 1 lb Chicken Breast
• 1 can 98% FF crm of mushroom
• 1 T dried onion flakes
• 1 bag Uncle Bens Ready Rice ( I used Long grain and wild)

Put first 3 ingredients in a crock pot..cook on high for 3-4 hours.  Heat rice in microwave for 90 Seconds. dump in crock and stir. Eat!

New year, New Start.

Every year it seems I always make the resolution to lose weight.. well... This year isn't any different, but it already feels better :).. all because I've already seen what I can do and I'm not starting at the beginning! I kind of took some time off from counting calories (and exercise for that matter..(eep!) the last couple of weeks to enjoy the holiday season.. and when I weighed myself yesterday was pleasantly surprised that I had only gained a pound .. that I can live with.. now to get back on track to a smaller fun sized me.. As it stands today I am six pounds away for being at the  very top of a healthy weight range.. (and my wedding weight ironically enough!) ..Nap time for the kiddos and workout time for me!

Diet Cola Chicken

So during my many searches on the Internet there are countless marinades using soda.. they have always intrigued me.. but here is the thing.. I do not buy soda with sugar in it..The kids don't drink it.. and I don't need the calories..so then I thought.. why have I never seen anyone do this with diet cola? I think its rather tasty and you avoid the calories :) I only marinated this for 4 hours..( just because I forgot) next time I will definatly marinate over night) original recipe here

Diet Cola Chicken (133 Calories/2.5 grams fat/4 servings)

• 1 lb Chicken breast
• 1 cup diet cola made with Splenda ( Splenda holds up to heat.. Aspartame does not)
• 3 T soy sauce
• 1/2 T Balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 T lemon juice
• 1 T minced garlic
• 1 T brown sugar

Put everything in a  large zip lock bag, marinate at least 4 hours ( preferably longer). Grill.

Cheerios Banana Muffins

My 4 year old loved helping me made and eat these little muffins! Then again he loves helping when I bake anything.. he must get this from his mama! :) Original Recipe here

Cheerios Banana Muffins (120 Calories/ 3 grams fat/ 1 gram fiber/ 12 servings)

• 2 cups Multi-grain cheerios, crushed
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup white flour
• 1/2 cup wheat flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 t baking soda
• 3/4 t baking powder
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1 cup mashed bananas (2-3 bananas)

Preheat oven to 400F..Mix all ingredients and divide evenly in greased muffin cups..Bake for 18-20 minutes.