I'm pretty pleased with my work this week. I exercised every day and cooked dinner for 3 nights in a row. Yay me!! Yesterday morning I did P90X with Julie at 5:30, so I had a lot of free time in the morning before Aaron woke up. I spent the time going through my Light and Tasty 2007 cookbook pulling recipes to create a menu and shopping list for the next however long. This has been on my to-do list for MONTHS now. I still need to sort through the ingredient list and organize and post it, but at least I have one :)
I put in my notice that I'm not walking anymore. I'm really liking the workout videos I'm using from Netflix. They are the SELF bikini ready and SELF sleek slim fast. The bikini one is mostly strength training with a tiny bit of plyo and the other is mostly cardio with a little bit of strength training. It has a lot of ballet moves in it and my calves were really sore this week. I can feel my arms getting stronger too. I was practicing the piano the other morning and found I had some power in my playing that wasn't there before. I love the feeling of being strong. There's just something about feeling muscles contract that makes me happy and wonder why or how I could have ever quit exercising to begin with.
I've done a lot better with my eating overall this week. I really believe that Kashi cereal in the morning is making a huge difference. I can go longer periods between needing to eat. Plus I've completely stocked the fridge with fruit (which is a free food for WW), so I'm using those to get me through my snackie times. Last week I'm pretty sure I depleted all of my weeklies and activity points, but this week I'm going to have quite a few left in the end. YAY for progress!!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Spaghetti Pie
Spaghetti Pie, 7 points/8 servings
Spaghetti Pie published in Light & Tasty February/March 2006, p31
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
1 cup canned Hunt’s® Original Diced Tomatoes, undrained
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon pepper
6 ounces spaghetti, cooked and drained
1 tablespoon butter, melted
2 egg whites, lightly beaten
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup (8 ounces) fat-free cottage cheese
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Directions
In a nonstick skillet, cook the beef, onion and green pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, salt, garlic powder, sugar and pepper; set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the spaghetti, butter, egg whites and Parmesan cheese. Press onto the bottom and up the sides of a 9-in. deep-dish pie plate coated with cooking spray. Top with cottage cheese and beef mixture.
Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted and filling is heated through. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting. Yield: 6 servings.
Nutritional Analysis: 1 piece equals 348 calories, 10 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 52 mg cholesterol, 690 mg sodium, 33 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 29 g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
***********
Made Feb 25, 2011. This was a pretty quick and easy dish to put together. Everyone really enjoyed it - even Aaron. Matthew said he wasn't too sure about it when he came home and smelled it (probably the bell peppers), but really liked it in the end.
I substituted ground turkey for the beef, put only a TB of bell peppers, and added basil to the seasoning mix. I didn't put the cottage cheese or meat all the way to the end of the "crust", so the exposed spaghetti was hard. I didn't mind it, but someone who would care should make sure to spread the topping over all the spaghetti instead of leaving it like a pizza crust.
This ia a hefty meal at 7 points for 8 pie slices.
Spaghetti Pie published in Light & Tasty February/March 2006, p31
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
1 cup canned Hunt’s® Original Diced Tomatoes, undrained
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon pepper
6 ounces spaghetti, cooked and drained
1 tablespoon butter, melted
2 egg whites, lightly beaten
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup (8 ounces) fat-free cottage cheese
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Directions
In a nonstick skillet, cook the beef, onion and green pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, salt, garlic powder, sugar and pepper; set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the spaghetti, butter, egg whites and Parmesan cheese. Press onto the bottom and up the sides of a 9-in. deep-dish pie plate coated with cooking spray. Top with cottage cheese and beef mixture.
Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted and filling is heated through. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting. Yield: 6 servings.
Nutritional Analysis: 1 piece equals 348 calories, 10 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 52 mg cholesterol, 690 mg sodium, 33 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 29 g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
***********
Made Feb 25, 2011. This was a pretty quick and easy dish to put together. Everyone really enjoyed it - even Aaron. Matthew said he wasn't too sure about it when he came home and smelled it (probably the bell peppers), but really liked it in the end.
I substituted ground turkey for the beef, put only a TB of bell peppers, and added basil to the seasoning mix. I didn't put the cottage cheese or meat all the way to the end of the "crust", so the exposed spaghetti was hard. I didn't mind it, but someone who would care should make sure to spread the topping over all the spaghetti instead of leaving it like a pizza crust.
This ia a hefty meal at 7 points for 8 pie slices.
Light and Tasty 2007 Menu
• Anytime Turkey Chili
• Apricot Orange Chicken
• Black Bean Quesadillas
• Black Bean Tortilla Pie
• Blushing Penne Pasta
• Broccoli Tortellini Alfredo
• Burrito Pita Pockets
• Butternut Squash Apple Bake
• Chicken Lettuce Wraps
• Chicken Orzo Skillet
• Chicken Rice Casserole
• Chicken Turnovers
• Chili Potpies
• Chili-Topped Sweet Potatoes
• Crab Rangoon
• Cranberry Chicken Salad Sandwiches
• Creamy Chicken 'n' Wild Rice Soup
• Crispy Caribbean Veggie Wraps
• Crunchy Yam Bake
• Easy Chicken Potpie
• Easy Hamburger Soup
• Four-Cheese Baked Ziti
• Greek Pizzas
• Ground Beef Potpie
• Hearty Cheese Soup
• Hearty Lentil Spaghetti
• Herb Quick Bread
• Italian Hot Dish
• Kiwi Smoothies
• Lemon Anise Biscotti
• Makeover Hot Chicken Salad
• Makeover Pineapple Casserole
• Makeover Summer Squash Casserole
• Maple-Orange Pot Roast
• Mexican Turkey Skillet
• Mixed Berry French Toast Bake
• Orange Beef Stir-Fry
• Orange Couscous
• Orange Ginger Carrots
• Orange Strawberry Smoothies
• Pineapple-Tuna Salad Sandwiches
• Pumpkin Pancakes
• Rice with Summer Squash
• Simple Chicken Soup
• Skillet Pork Chops
• Spaghetti Pie
• Strawberry Banana Smoothies
• Sweet Potato Bean Soup
• Sweet Potato Scones
• Sweet-Sour Spinach Salad
• Taco Oven-Fried Chicken
• Tamale Veggie Pie
• Tofu Manicotti
• Tuna Artichoke Melts
• Tuna-Stuffed Potatoes
• Turkey Alfredo Pizza
• Turkey Fettuccine Skillet
• Turkey Quesadillas with Cranberry Salsa
• Turkey Wild Rice Casserole
• Turkey Wonton Cups
• Two-Cheese Turkey Enchiladas
• Weekday Lasagna
• Whole Wheat Blueberry Scones
• Wild Rice Turkey Salad
• Yummy Pizza Bake
• Zippy Chicken Soup
• Apricot Orange Chicken
• Black Bean Quesadillas
• Black Bean Tortilla Pie
• Blushing Penne Pasta
• Broccoli Tortellini Alfredo
• Burrito Pita Pockets
• Butternut Squash Apple Bake
• Chicken Lettuce Wraps
• Chicken Orzo Skillet
• Chicken Rice Casserole
• Chicken Turnovers
• Chili Potpies
• Chili-Topped Sweet Potatoes
• Crab Rangoon
• Cranberry Chicken Salad Sandwiches
• Creamy Chicken 'n' Wild Rice Soup
• Crispy Caribbean Veggie Wraps
• Crunchy Yam Bake
• Easy Chicken Potpie
• Easy Hamburger Soup
• Four-Cheese Baked Ziti
• Greek Pizzas
• Ground Beef Potpie
• Hearty Cheese Soup
• Hearty Lentil Spaghetti
• Herb Quick Bread
• Italian Hot Dish
• Kiwi Smoothies
• Lemon Anise Biscotti
• Makeover Hot Chicken Salad
• Makeover Pineapple Casserole
• Makeover Summer Squash Casserole
• Maple-Orange Pot Roast
• Mexican Turkey Skillet
• Mixed Berry French Toast Bake
• Orange Beef Stir-Fry
• Orange Couscous
• Orange Ginger Carrots
• Orange Strawberry Smoothies
• Pineapple-Tuna Salad Sandwiches
• Pumpkin Pancakes
• Rice with Summer Squash
• Simple Chicken Soup
• Skillet Pork Chops
• Spaghetti Pie
• Strawberry Banana Smoothies
• Sweet Potato Bean Soup
• Sweet Potato Scones
• Sweet-Sour Spinach Salad
• Taco Oven-Fried Chicken
• Tamale Veggie Pie
• Tofu Manicotti
• Tuna Artichoke Melts
• Tuna-Stuffed Potatoes
• Turkey Alfredo Pizza
• Turkey Fettuccine Skillet
• Turkey Quesadillas with Cranberry Salsa
• Turkey Wild Rice Casserole
• Turkey Wonton Cups
• Two-Cheese Turkey Enchiladas
• Weekday Lasagna
• Whole Wheat Blueberry Scones
• Wild Rice Turkey Salad
• Yummy Pizza Bake
• Zippy Chicken Soup
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Tamale Veggie Pie
Tamale Veggie Pie
Tamale Veggie Pie published in Light & Tasty December/January 2007, p59
Ingredients
1 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon canola oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Mexican diced tomatoes
1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon chili powder
TOPPING:
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/2 cup plain yogurt
2 teaspoons butter, melted
Directions
In a small nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, cook onion in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Transfer to a large bowl. Drain tomatoes, reserving 2 tablespoons juice; add tomatoes and juice to onion mixture.
Stir in the beans, cheese, chilies, jalapeno, cumin and chili powder. Transfer to an 8-in. square baking dish coated with cooking spray.
For topping, in a small bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Whisk together the egg, yogurt and butter; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Spoon over filling; gently spread to cover top.
Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until filling is bubbly and a toothpick inserted into topping comes out clean. Yield: 6 servings.
Editor's Note: When cutting hot peppers, disposable gloves are recommended. Avoid touching your face.
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece equals 280 calories, 8 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 55 mg cholesterol, 746 mg sodium, 39 g carbohydrate, 6 g fiber, 13 g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
Tamale Veggie Pie published in Light & Tasty December/January 2007, p59
Ingredients
1 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon canola oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Mexican diced tomatoes
1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon chili powder
TOPPING:
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/2 cup plain yogurt
2 teaspoons butter, melted
Directions
In a small nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, cook onion in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Transfer to a large bowl. Drain tomatoes, reserving 2 tablespoons juice; add tomatoes and juice to onion mixture.
Stir in the beans, cheese, chilies, jalapeno, cumin and chili powder. Transfer to an 8-in. square baking dish coated with cooking spray.
For topping, in a small bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Whisk together the egg, yogurt and butter; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Spoon over filling; gently spread to cover top.
Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until filling is bubbly and a toothpick inserted into topping comes out clean. Yield: 6 servings.
Editor's Note: When cutting hot peppers, disposable gloves are recommended. Avoid touching your face.
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece equals 280 calories, 8 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 55 mg cholesterol, 746 mg sodium, 39 g carbohydrate, 6 g fiber, 13 g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Apple-Spice Acorn Squash LT06
Apple-Spice Acorn Squash LT 06, 5 points
1 medium acorn squash
1 medium tart apple, chopped
1/4 cup golden raisins
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons butter
Cut squash in half; discard seeds. Place squash cut side down in a microwave-safe baking dish. Add 1/2 in. of water. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 10-13 minutes or until almost tender; drain.
Combine the apple, raisins, cinnamon and nutmeg; spoon into squash cavities. Dot with butter. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 6-8 minutes or until squash and apples are tender. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Yield: 2 servings.
Editor's Note: This recipe was tested in a 1,100-watt microwave.
Nutritional Analysis: 1 filled squash half equals 207 calories, 4 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 10 mg cholesterol, 47 mg sodium, 45 g carbohydrate, 5 g fiber, 2 g protein.
Ingredients
1 medium tart apple, chopped
1/4 cup golden raisins
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons butter
Directions
Cut squash in half; discard seeds. Place squash cut side down in a microwave-safe baking dish. Add 1/2 in. of water. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 10-13 minutes or until almost tender; drain.
Combine the apple, raisins, cinnamon and nutmeg; spoon into squash cavities. Dot with butter. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 6-8 minutes or until squash and apples are tender. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Yield: 2 servings.
Editor's Note: This recipe was tested in a 1,100-watt microwave.
Nutritional Analysis: 1 filled squash half equals 207 calories, 4 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 10 mg cholesterol, 47 mg sodium, 45 g carbohydrate, 5 g fiber, 2 g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fruit, 1 fat.
Work it, baby!
Feb 18, 2011
I'm back in business!! YAY!
Tuesday I felt well enough that I tried a workout video. I think I did the SELF bikini ready one. I did it towards the beginning of the month and was sore for days. I didn't think I'd attempt it again, but I found myself missing it. It was a lot easier this time around.
Wed I decided to try a 10 minute toning solutions video. I did the abs, buns, and stretch (twice) because my quads were sore from the video the day before. Oh my heck my stomach hurt!!! It still does a little. I could not do all the ab work because it was so hard and painful! It's a good thing it was only a 10 minute workout :p
Yesterday I didn't do a formal exercise, but I did put the house back in order - which is just as important to me. It's amazing what being sick for a week can do to a house :p
Today I did the SELF slim fast workout. Oh man that was a good cardio workout. I was sweating before we were done warming up!! I used actual weights with it, You're supposed to use weights with the bikini one too, but the first time I used water bottles and this week I used nothing. I'll use the weights from now on though(my arms can certainly use the toning help).
I really like the routine that's been created this week with all the illness. I think I may give up walking in the mornings. I like being able to stay home, keep Aaron asleep, and workout with netflix. It's nice having that 'me' time.
I weigh myself every day, but it only counts on my weigh in days. The other times are just a general gauge. Well, my 5 lb weight loss was definitely temporary :( I don't suppose my daily dose of 5 cookies is helping my cause :p lol
I'm back in business!! YAY!
Tuesday I felt well enough that I tried a workout video. I think I did the SELF bikini ready one. I did it towards the beginning of the month and was sore for days. I didn't think I'd attempt it again, but I found myself missing it. It was a lot easier this time around.
Wed I decided to try a 10 minute toning solutions video. I did the abs, buns, and stretch (twice) because my quads were sore from the video the day before. Oh my heck my stomach hurt!!! It still does a little. I could not do all the ab work because it was so hard and painful! It's a good thing it was only a 10 minute workout :p
Yesterday I didn't do a formal exercise, but I did put the house back in order - which is just as important to me. It's amazing what being sick for a week can do to a house :p
Today I did the SELF slim fast workout. Oh man that was a good cardio workout. I was sweating before we were done warming up!! I used actual weights with it, You're supposed to use weights with the bikini one too, but the first time I used water bottles and this week I used nothing. I'll use the weights from now on though(my arms can certainly use the toning help).
I really like the routine that's been created this week with all the illness. I think I may give up walking in the mornings. I like being able to stay home, keep Aaron asleep, and workout with netflix. It's nice having that 'me' time.
I weigh myself every day, but it only counts on my weigh in days. The other times are just a general gauge. Well, my 5 lb weight loss was definitely temporary :( I don't suppose my daily dose of 5 cookies is helping my cause :p lol
Sunday, February 13, 2011
A bunch of sickos
Weigh-in: 155.4. Weight watchers is not happy with my almost 5 pound loss this week, and I don't blame it. I've been so sick off and on all week. Today I felt pretty good, but every time I think I'm getting better the next day I'm down again. Yesterday was REALLY bad - seriously non functioning. I'm so grateful to my mom who came and rescued us.
In the past when I've been sick, I still exercise and just keep on going with life. I decided this time to not do that. So, I exercised Monday and that was it. I think I'm heading into another non-exercise week, unfortunately. I made cookies tonight because I've been hungry for them, and despite the fact that they make me feel nauseous, I had to keep trying to see if a different batch would have the same effect. It did. lol So, I'm not sure I'll be able to keep that 5 pound loss, but that's ok if it means I'm not sick anymore.
*****
This illness started Tuesday, well, really Monday night. I layed down with Jared and woke up with a sore throat and stuffy nose. Then Tues morning I had a fever, chills, and body aches. I spent most of the day sleeping off and on. Then that night when I laid down with Jared again, I woke up feeling like my fever broke and the aches were gone. I was feeling grateful that the bug seemed to pass so quickly. Wed I was feeling a bit better, but not 100%, then Thurs I was feeling yuck again. By the evening I was down to a stuffy nose and cough. Friday was really good. Then yesterday I was BAD BAD BAD. By Friday evening Aaron was running a fever and not doing so well.
I was worried about the boys - especially Aaron- staying hydrated. Aaron wouldn't drink his water, so I tried adding some lime juice, but he still refused. The other days I was sick I was at least functioning, but Saturday I could barely move. I was so grateful that Jared was home so he could help us as much as his little 6 yr old self could. I finally texted Mom about 11:30 to come by after work and bring some pop-ices and chicken noodle soup. She arrived sometime between 3:30 and 4 pm. She didn't get the message until then. I was feeling bad for the boys because all Jared had eaten was cereal and grapes in the morning and Aaron and I had shared some grapes at some point too. Once Mom got here and got some more liquids and a tylenol in me I started functioning a little better. I had 102 fever. She took the boys to the store and got the popsicles, soup, dinner for them and some other snacks. By the time Matthew got home about 6:30 I was feeling a lot better - at least the level that I had been the rest of the week. I'm so grateful for Mom's help. She really did rescue us. While here she also did my dishes, picked up the floor and washed Jared's sheets. Such a blessing to me. She is one of the best examples of service I know.
This morning I didn't have a fever at all - which is a first since Tues. I've felt really pretty good, but my stomach has been a little queasy. I'm hoping this is the tail end of the bug, but we'll see. Aaron's fever hasn't been so bad today, but he would not drink or eat anything until almost 4 pm. I'm just waiting for Jared to start showing signs. He went to sleep really quickly tonight, but I'm hoping that's just because he stayed up so late last night. I really don't want him to get sick. I've cancelled piano for the week already in hopes of kicking this thing to the curb and not passing it on.
In the past when I've been sick, I still exercise and just keep on going with life. I decided this time to not do that. So, I exercised Monday and that was it. I think I'm heading into another non-exercise week, unfortunately. I made cookies tonight because I've been hungry for them, and despite the fact that they make me feel nauseous, I had to keep trying to see if a different batch would have the same effect. It did. lol So, I'm not sure I'll be able to keep that 5 pound loss, but that's ok if it means I'm not sick anymore.
*****
This illness started Tuesday, well, really Monday night. I layed down with Jared and woke up with a sore throat and stuffy nose. Then Tues morning I had a fever, chills, and body aches. I spent most of the day sleeping off and on. Then that night when I laid down with Jared again, I woke up feeling like my fever broke and the aches were gone. I was feeling grateful that the bug seemed to pass so quickly. Wed I was feeling a bit better, but not 100%, then Thurs I was feeling yuck again. By the evening I was down to a stuffy nose and cough. Friday was really good. Then yesterday I was BAD BAD BAD. By Friday evening Aaron was running a fever and not doing so well.
I was worried about the boys - especially Aaron- staying hydrated. Aaron wouldn't drink his water, so I tried adding some lime juice, but he still refused. The other days I was sick I was at least functioning, but Saturday I could barely move. I was so grateful that Jared was home so he could help us as much as his little 6 yr old self could. I finally texted Mom about 11:30 to come by after work and bring some pop-ices and chicken noodle soup. She arrived sometime between 3:30 and 4 pm. She didn't get the message until then. I was feeling bad for the boys because all Jared had eaten was cereal and grapes in the morning and Aaron and I had shared some grapes at some point too. Once Mom got here and got some more liquids and a tylenol in me I started functioning a little better. I had 102 fever. She took the boys to the store and got the popsicles, soup, dinner for them and some other snacks. By the time Matthew got home about 6:30 I was feeling a lot better - at least the level that I had been the rest of the week. I'm so grateful for Mom's help. She really did rescue us. While here she also did my dishes, picked up the floor and washed Jared's sheets. Such a blessing to me. She is one of the best examples of service I know.
This morning I didn't have a fever at all - which is a first since Tues. I've felt really pretty good, but my stomach has been a little queasy. I'm hoping this is the tail end of the bug, but we'll see. Aaron's fever hasn't been so bad today, but he would not drink or eat anything until almost 4 pm. I'm just waiting for Jared to start showing signs. He went to sleep really quickly tonight, but I'm hoping that's just because he stayed up so late last night. I really don't want him to get sick. I've cancelled piano for the week already in hopes of kicking this thing to the curb and not passing it on.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Lettuce Eat Cake 2 Update
Feb 1, 2011
And so it begins...
My weigh in on Sunday was 162.0.
My exercise plans for the week:
Monday - P90X Cardio X (5:30 am at Julie's - check! YAY!)
Tuesday - 30 minute strength training/cardio video - check! YAY!)
Wednesday - JustDance (check)
Thursday - P90X (5:30 am) (check)
Friday - Just Dance (snow day)
Feb 8, 2011
I may change my format back to most-recent first. I'm not sure I like having to scroll down to find out if an update has been made....
Well, I'd say last week was largely successful. Thursday I spent cleaning my bedroom because a pipe had frozen and I needed to move all the furniture away from the walls and put a heater there (which worked perfectly for the job!) But in the process it must have sucked all the moisture out of the air because I dropped 5 pounds the next morning. I didn't believe it when I saw my bathroom scale, so I double checked the Wii. Sure enough. I am quite convinced it was all water-weight and knew that was not healhty. So, I began loading up on water to counter-act it. By Sunday's weigh-in I'd gotten back up to 159.8 I was not disappointed because I knew I'd gain some of it back. I am happy it seems to have stablized there.
I've decided I really like doing the P90X at 5:30 am. I feel so good the rest of the day, but by the end of last week I was seriously dragging. I was so tired Saturday and Sunday night that I even went to bed early (10 pm). Apparently my body was trying to fight off illness because it caught up with me last night. It's absolutely amazing how I could lay down to snuggle with my son for 30 minutes and wake up feeling absolutely awful. So, today I'm taking it easy and I'm eating whatever I feel like - potato soup for breakfast and an egg sandwich for lunch (and it's barely noon) - and trying to drink lots of water.
On another note, one of the reasons I've felt exercise has needed to take a back butner before the contest started was that I felt like my house was a disaster and I wanted to spend my time cleaning instead of exercising - which takes up a good 2 hours of my morning. I teach piano lessons pretty much full-time at this point and the bare BARE minimum is what has been getting done. I had a group lesson two weeks ago which meant all of my students come at once and the rest of the week I'm 'off'. It was really refreshing and I began tackling my home. So far I've tackled the kitchen, laundry room, our bedroom, the floors, and my son did the bathroom Saturday. Every morning my youngest has been helping me make beds too. I feel like the house is slowly getting under control again and it feels great! The 5:30 am workout has been really beneficial in this regard because I'm able to exercise, come home and shower, get my 6 yr old to school and be ready for the rest of the day by 7:30 am instead of starting it closer to 10 am.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
oh my liver!
Well, more like my legs. Yesterday I went to Julie's at 5:30 am for CardioX. I was a little nervous about how the day would go, but it went really well!! I loved being able to get in the shower when I got home and still be in the timeframe/routine for getting Jared to school. Aaron was able to sleep in and I didn't have to take time out of my productive hours to shower. I was able to work on a project in the house most of the morning. I thought I'd crash - especially during piano lessons when I'd be sitting, but no! I was mentally alert and attentive the whole and still felt great later in the evening.
I must have done a pretty good job with the workout because I started feeling sore by the evening though I wasn't so sore that I couldn't move. I felt so good all day that I thought about getting up again this morning, but I decided I ought to sleep in and get the rest. I felt like running on the treadmill this morning, but decided to try out one of the exercise videos I found on Netflix. I chose the shortest one: Self: Bikini body fast (30min) It's a strength training/cardio workout. The first half uses weights and the second half has plyo moves. Despite using light weights for all the arm exercises, it is my legs that are so sore. I'm not sure I'll be able to move tomorrow! The video went really quickly which was nice. I found myself missing some of the P90x stretches though. I think I will be tired by the end of today like I expected would happen yesterday. I have to sit a lot longer for piano which may be my downfall because I can't keep moving and workout the muscles. We'll see though.
Tomorrow's exercise plan is Just Dance.
Today is the official start of the Lettuce Eat Cake contest. Matthew has decided to do it with me. YAY!
I must have done a pretty good job with the workout because I started feeling sore by the evening though I wasn't so sore that I couldn't move. I felt so good all day that I thought about getting up again this morning, but I decided I ought to sleep in and get the rest. I felt like running on the treadmill this morning, but decided to try out one of the exercise videos I found on Netflix. I chose the shortest one: Self: Bikini body fast (30min) It's a strength training/cardio workout. The first half uses weights and the second half has plyo moves. Despite using light weights for all the arm exercises, it is my legs that are so sore. I'm not sure I'll be able to move tomorrow! The video went really quickly which was nice. I found myself missing some of the P90x stretches though. I think I will be tired by the end of today like I expected would happen yesterday. I have to sit a lot longer for piano which may be my downfall because I can't keep moving and workout the muscles. We'll see though.
Tomorrow's exercise plan is Just Dance.
Today is the official start of the Lettuce Eat Cake contest. Matthew has decided to do it with me. YAY!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
oh the cravings!
It's amazing how quick we acclimatize (sp?) to change. Today's weigh in was 162.0 for the Wii and 160.6 on the bathroom scale. Ahh the water weight release.
For the most part it has been pretty easy to revert back to a WW diet, but yesterday and today the cravings have been bad. We ate at the Guenther Mill House downtown and enjoyed a hearty lunch. Despite all that I ate, I could have eaten even more. I still felt hunger pains. After we left and continued on in our outing I started feeling more full, but the pangs were still there.
Today I am trying to resist the temptation to eat a bunch of junk. I think I'm going to have to really stock the fridge with fruit and yogurt to make smoothies until I can tame this craving beast. I am so tempted to go in the kitchen and bake some brownies or a cake or cookies - something! but to do so would be a devastation to my sensabilities. There will be a baptism this evening and I'm expecting refreshments will be served. I'm trying to assuage the cravings with the hope that I can have a treat at that time.
For the most part it has been pretty easy to revert back to a WW diet, but yesterday and today the cravings have been bad. We ate at the Guenther Mill House downtown and enjoyed a hearty lunch. Despite all that I ate, I could have eaten even more. I still felt hunger pains. After we left and continued on in our outing I started feeling more full, but the pangs were still there.
Today I am trying to resist the temptation to eat a bunch of junk. I think I'm going to have to really stock the fridge with fruit and yogurt to make smoothies until I can tame this craving beast. I am so tempted to go in the kitchen and bake some brownies or a cake or cookies - something! but to do so would be a devastation to my sensabilities. There will be a baptism this evening and I'm expecting refreshments will be served. I'm trying to assuage the cravings with the hope that I can have a treat at that time.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
It's official
I re-joined Weight Watchers yesterday. I'd planned on only signing up for 1 month, but they were tricky and offered an additional savings to do the 3 month sign up. So, that's what I did. It'll work out nicely since the Lettuce Eat Cake contest will last 10/12 weeks.
Here's my basic thoughts about the new program (copied from a facebook post):
"I think the new program makes sense, but the other one was a lot simpler. Maybe it wouldn't be such a big deal if I had a smart phone or an IPhone and had the apps for it because my scale and calculator are for the old program. I was really looking forward to already 'being in the element' when I got back in to WW, but I'm going to have to relearn all the points. boo. One of the draws was that it had all of my recipes and foods stored from last year, but everything will have to be re-entered or recalculated with the new information. What a hassle, but I'm sure it will allow for a healthier diet. I would avoid some healthy foods before b/c of the points attached to it, but maybe this time the new system will be better suited for a healthier choice.
I'll have a better feel for it I"m sure by the end of the week or two."
It has been relatively easy to step back into the program. Today I stayed really busy and wasn't in the kitchen munching all day which really helped. I think it is also good that I've been mentally preparing for the change over the last few weeks. It was just a matter of deciding to do it.
Here's my basic thoughts about the new program (copied from a facebook post):
"I think the new program makes sense, but the other one was a lot simpler. Maybe it wouldn't be such a big deal if I had a smart phone or an IPhone and had the apps for it because my scale and calculator are for the old program. I was really looking forward to already 'being in the element' when I got back in to WW, but I'm going to have to relearn all the points. boo. One of the draws was that it had all of my recipes and foods stored from last year, but everything will have to be re-entered or recalculated with the new information. What a hassle, but I'm sure it will allow for a healthier diet. I would avoid some healthy foods before b/c of the points attached to it, but maybe this time the new system will be better suited for a healthier choice.
I'll have a better feel for it I"m sure by the end of the week or two."
It has been relatively easy to step back into the program. Today I stayed really busy and wasn't in the kitchen munching all day which really helped. I think it is also good that I've been mentally preparing for the change over the last few weeks. It was just a matter of deciding to do it.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Diaper Pins? Who needs diapers?
I'd like to say that we are officially out of diapers, but I can't really say that. Not officially because I still put one on Aaron at night. However, we are diaper free (and almost completely accident free) during the day. Even Jared made his goal to not wear diapers at night anymore. YAY! Aaron usually stays dry all night long too, but just in case we still put one on him. There's been a few times when I'm really glad I did!
At this stage in the game we are working towards Aaron going potty all on his own. We discovered this week that he is now tall enough to turn all the lights on and off by himself. YAY! We won't need to leave a light on in the bathroom anymore because he can reach the switch. Up until this week he's 'needed' help getting his pants down because he couldn't do it. I was tired of hearing him say, "I can't!" when he can get dressed forwards and backwards just fine, so I told him he was an 'I can kid' - just do it like you are putting your pajamas on. I walked him through it and all of a sudden he wasn't saying he couldn't anymore. YAY! Sometimes he still needs a little bit of help, but for the most part I can send him to go potty and he'll come back out completely done - including hands washed and pants on. woohoo!!
It is really weird to walk by the baby section and know that we don't need to buy diapers.
At this stage in the game we are working towards Aaron going potty all on his own. We discovered this week that he is now tall enough to turn all the lights on and off by himself. YAY! We won't need to leave a light on in the bathroom anymore because he can reach the switch. Up until this week he's 'needed' help getting his pants down because he couldn't do it. I was tired of hearing him say, "I can't!" when he can get dressed forwards and backwards just fine, so I told him he was an 'I can kid' - just do it like you are putting your pajamas on. I walked him through it and all of a sudden he wasn't saying he couldn't anymore. YAY! Sometimes he still needs a little bit of help, but for the most part I can send him to go potty and he'll come back out completely done - including hands washed and pants on. woohoo!!
It is really weird to walk by the baby section and know that we don't need to buy diapers.
Let's Begin Again
I knew my weight gain was bad, yet I could not stop eating. The cookie exchange created an eating addiction. A literal addiction where I would shake if I thought about not having something sugary to stuff in my mouth. As the weeks have passed, I've tried cutting back and have been somewhat successful. I've also been thinking about going back on Weight Watchers. I've been having these mental conversations with myself about whether or not I could do it and how I was able to do it last time, etc. Last year I started on Jan 1st whether I was ready or not and it gradually got easier. One of the mental roadblocks I realized was that I kept thinking about where I ended, not where I began. One day as I was having one of those mental conversations, it hit me that I would have 35 weekly points as my disposal, not just my daily. By the end of my WW time I had cut out the weeklies, but I certainly didn't start that way and I wouldn't have to now. I NEED those points to help wean myself off the extras. When I realized this, for the first time I thought, "I could do it!!"
I woke up Jan 1st feeling like I could take the WW challenge again, but I didn't sign up. This last week I finally decided I was ready and then it ended up being a week full of get-togethers and hormones causing a lot more caloric intake than a person should have at a time. So, I thought "Next week will be better. I'll start next week." The other side of the conversation said, "There will always be something. I can't get putting it off; I need to learn to be healthy despite the challenge of the types of food available to me."
So, begin again I must. This morning I weighed in on the Wii for the first time since November. I've been weighing myself on the bathroom scale for the last month so I've had an idea of the numbers. For the record, today there was a 1 pound difference between scales.
So, my starting weight: 163.4 (exactly 10.5 pounds higher than my last weigh in in Nov)
Lettuce Eat Cake 2 starts Feb 5th. I have 10 weeks to stay accountable to someone other than the voice in my head :p I will also be officially joining WW this week.
Matthew is also working on shedding some pounds, so hopefully with our combined efforts we can both be successful.
I woke up Jan 1st feeling like I could take the WW challenge again, but I didn't sign up. This last week I finally decided I was ready and then it ended up being a week full of get-togethers and hormones causing a lot more caloric intake than a person should have at a time. So, I thought "Next week will be better. I'll start next week." The other side of the conversation said, "There will always be something. I can't get putting it off; I need to learn to be healthy despite the challenge of the types of food available to me."
So, begin again I must. This morning I weighed in on the Wii for the first time since November. I've been weighing myself on the bathroom scale for the last month so I've had an idea of the numbers. For the record, today there was a 1 pound difference between scales.
So, my starting weight: 163.4 (exactly 10.5 pounds higher than my last weigh in in Nov)
Lettuce Eat Cake 2 starts Feb 5th. I have 10 weeks to stay accountable to someone other than the voice in my head :p I will also be officially joining WW this week.
Matthew is also working on shedding some pounds, so hopefully with our combined efforts we can both be successful.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Cookie Fat
I don't think I'll participate in a cookie exchange ever again - especially when it involves 13 dozen cookies. The idea is that you pass them out to neighbors, etc but mine only got passed to my thighs. It has become absolutely ridiculous. There've been a few days this week where ALL I ate were cookies. I have mental reprimands throughout the day as I try to battle the urge to eat one. Usually I lose and eat one or two. Or five. It's bad.
I did P90X twice this week. YAY!
I did P90X twice this week. YAY!
Friday, November 26, 2010
On the couch with Dr. B ~
Confession Time.
A few months ago, I attended a Primary Leadership meeting and received a small goodie bag as a token of appreciation for my service in the organization. Contained in this bag were 2 or three cookies and some brownies. I had the cookies after the meeting, then that night I ate all the rest of the goodies. I did not want them. I wanted them gone so they'd no longer be a temptation. I told myself I didn't need them and that if I don't eat them now they will still be there when I do want them. By the end of the night though, they were all gone and I felt so sick and disgusted with myself I seriously considered making myself throw up. This surprised even myself and sent red flags all over my brain. I did not do it. But, I realized that I had a problem and needed to do something about it. I was out of control. I joined sparkpeople - a free website that has food, weight, and exercise tracking tools. I was good about keeping it updated for about 3 days before it felt time consuming and overwhelming. So, I quit. And as the days go on, my eating habits have not changed.
I just finished a 9 week Biggest Loser contest, so each week I have watched my weight go up by degrees, but still somewhat consistently at 153 pounds. I did not weigh in last week, but I weighed on my mom's scale last night. 160 pounds. This morning I weighed on my bathroom scale that is a few pounds below what the Wii is measuring. 155 pounds. I must accept the fact that I am going to be back where I was last January if I don't stop. I MUST exercise some discipline and self-control. Walking each morning has been enough to barely hold on, but everyday the walk has been getting harder. It should be getting easier!! My baggy clothes are starting to fit better and my others are getting tighter.
I want to start doing P90X again b/c I know that will help target the areas that the fat is collecting, plus it is a more vigorous exercise. I just don't want to do it alone. And I am dreading the sore muscles that will come as my body gets used to it again. I also want to get back on Weight Watchers. I think I am ready. It is familiar. With sparkpeople I had to worry about calories and re-do everything. WW will have saved my profile and contain all the foods I had before. My brain is used to thinking in terms of points. My big set-back is the monthly fee. We -I - just do not have the money to maintain the program. Right now they are having the no sign up fee special. It costs $54 for the 3 months. I usually get $50 for Christmas from my parents, so that is what I plan on spending it on. I just don't know if I can afford to wait that long - physically.
With my bulimia incident, I realized that my perceptions about weight - and the reasons for weightloss - had changed over time. Up to that point, I was still trying to 'be good'. But I think to counter my obsession, I let go of all concern about weight and food intake. As a result the climb began a little more steadily. I have been analyzing and evaluating some experiences that shape the thought processes and have encouraged some of my new weight gain. To the whys:
It still throws me off when I hear people - strangers, or people not in my closer circle of friends - call me or refer to me as thin or skinny. One night with one such reference, in jest a person said, 'You're thin so that means we don't like you.' I realized how awful the prejudice is that overweight people can have against thinner people. I have felt those same feelings of jealousy and intimidation that can come from being around thinner people, but I realized they are unfair. Thin people are people with feelings too. It was a little bit shocking and hurt my feelings to be told that someone wouldn't like me because of my stature.
Now that I'm writing this, I can't remember the specifics of another chink to my motivation. I know it has to do with jokes/comments that are made regarding my weight loss from people closer to me. The end result is that I feel like I have to eat more to feel accepted.
I am a people pleaser. I want others to be happy, so I will do what it takes to make sure that happens - even at my own expense (or even my family's). Helping ensure the happiness of others is not a bad thing. However, I think in this case I need to not worry so much about what others think and just be happy myself. This is a very hard thing for me to do.
Another big contribution is stress - stress over finances. Money is more than tight and as a result I've got a two edged sword going. I am constantly thinking of ways to save money and make the food stretch, and I'm making a lot more of my own food: bread, tortillas, milk, beans, cottage cheese is my latest - and so I feel like it is more expenable. MMM homemade bread and tortillas are the best!! Very yummy - very not good to eat a lot of. I've made a lot of cookies lately too. Again, yummy but not good for the smaller tummy.
In the past it has helped me to be able to identify the causes behind the not-for-nourishment food intake. Once I know the reasons, I can stop the eating. Hopefully having penned this will do the same.
A few months ago, I attended a Primary Leadership meeting and received a small goodie bag as a token of appreciation for my service in the organization. Contained in this bag were 2 or three cookies and some brownies. I had the cookies after the meeting, then that night I ate all the rest of the goodies. I did not want them. I wanted them gone so they'd no longer be a temptation. I told myself I didn't need them and that if I don't eat them now they will still be there when I do want them. By the end of the night though, they were all gone and I felt so sick and disgusted with myself I seriously considered making myself throw up. This surprised even myself and sent red flags all over my brain. I did not do it. But, I realized that I had a problem and needed to do something about it. I was out of control. I joined sparkpeople - a free website that has food, weight, and exercise tracking tools. I was good about keeping it updated for about 3 days before it felt time consuming and overwhelming. So, I quit. And as the days go on, my eating habits have not changed.
I just finished a 9 week Biggest Loser contest, so each week I have watched my weight go up by degrees, but still somewhat consistently at 153 pounds. I did not weigh in last week, but I weighed on my mom's scale last night. 160 pounds. This morning I weighed on my bathroom scale that is a few pounds below what the Wii is measuring. 155 pounds. I must accept the fact that I am going to be back where I was last January if I don't stop. I MUST exercise some discipline and self-control. Walking each morning has been enough to barely hold on, but everyday the walk has been getting harder. It should be getting easier!! My baggy clothes are starting to fit better and my others are getting tighter.
I want to start doing P90X again b/c I know that will help target the areas that the fat is collecting, plus it is a more vigorous exercise. I just don't want to do it alone. And I am dreading the sore muscles that will come as my body gets used to it again. I also want to get back on Weight Watchers. I think I am ready. It is familiar. With sparkpeople I had to worry about calories and re-do everything. WW will have saved my profile and contain all the foods I had before. My brain is used to thinking in terms of points. My big set-back is the monthly fee. We -I - just do not have the money to maintain the program. Right now they are having the no sign up fee special. It costs $54 for the 3 months. I usually get $50 for Christmas from my parents, so that is what I plan on spending it on. I just don't know if I can afford to wait that long - physically.
With my bulimia incident, I realized that my perceptions about weight - and the reasons for weightloss - had changed over time. Up to that point, I was still trying to 'be good'. But I think to counter my obsession, I let go of all concern about weight and food intake. As a result the climb began a little more steadily. I have been analyzing and evaluating some experiences that shape the thought processes and have encouraged some of my new weight gain. To the whys:
It still throws me off when I hear people - strangers, or people not in my closer circle of friends - call me or refer to me as thin or skinny. One night with one such reference, in jest a person said, 'You're thin so that means we don't like you.' I realized how awful the prejudice is that overweight people can have against thinner people. I have felt those same feelings of jealousy and intimidation that can come from being around thinner people, but I realized they are unfair. Thin people are people with feelings too. It was a little bit shocking and hurt my feelings to be told that someone wouldn't like me because of my stature.
Now that I'm writing this, I can't remember the specifics of another chink to my motivation. I know it has to do with jokes/comments that are made regarding my weight loss from people closer to me. The end result is that I feel like I have to eat more to feel accepted.
I am a people pleaser. I want others to be happy, so I will do what it takes to make sure that happens - even at my own expense (or even my family's). Helping ensure the happiness of others is not a bad thing. However, I think in this case I need to not worry so much about what others think and just be happy myself. This is a very hard thing for me to do.
Another big contribution is stress - stress over finances. Money is more than tight and as a result I've got a two edged sword going. I am constantly thinking of ways to save money and make the food stretch, and I'm making a lot more of my own food: bread, tortillas, milk, beans, cottage cheese is my latest - and so I feel like it is more expenable. MMM homemade bread and tortillas are the best!! Very yummy - very not good to eat a lot of. I've made a lot of cookies lately too. Again, yummy but not good for the smaller tummy.
In the past it has helped me to be able to identify the causes behind the not-for-nourishment food intake. Once I know the reasons, I can stop the eating. Hopefully having penned this will do the same.
Red Alert!
*deep breath*
.....Exhale.....
Don't panic. Don't cry.
Look down.
*deep breath*
.....Exhale.....
Don't panic. Don't cry.
You are better than that.
You are stronger than this.
*deep breath*
.....Exhale.....
Don't panic. Don't cry.
Turn around and walk away.
*deep breath*
.....Exhale.....
Don't panic. Don't cry.
Keep walking.
.....Exhale.....
Don't panic. Don't cry.
Look down.
*deep breath*
.....Exhale.....
Don't panic. Don't cry.
You are better than that.
You are stronger than this.
*deep breath*
.....Exhale.....
Don't panic. Don't cry.
Turn around and walk away.
*deep breath*
.....Exhale.....
Don't panic. Don't cry.
Keep walking.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Plum Crumble
Plum Crumble
Ingredients:
•3 pounds fresh plums, pitted, quartered, about 5 cups
•1/4 cup brown sugar
•1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
•1 cup granulated sugar
•1/2 teaspoon salt
•1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
•1 large egg, beaten
•1/2 cup butter, melted
Preparation:
Combine plums and brown sugar, stirring well to blend. Pour into a buttered 11 1/2x7 1/2 inch baking dish.
Sift together the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add the beaten egg, stirring lightly with fork until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle mixture evenly over the plums then drizzle with the melted butter. Bake plum crumble at 375° for 40 to 45 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Serve warm with whipped topping or ice cream.
*******
Oct 26, 2010 - This is not a light and tasty recipe, but since it was my first time making anything with plums I had to share. I had exactly 3 lbs of plums left from a large co-op produce order, so I figured this was a great way to use them. My guess is that you could substitute any fruit for the plums.
This is a really simple dish and we all loved it. I don't know why, but it surprised me how purple the juices were in the final product.
Overnight Stuffed French Toast
Overnight Stuffed French Toast
Ingredients
20 slices French bread (1 inch thick)
1 package (8 ounces) fat-free cream cheese
3 cups egg substitute
2 cups fat-free milk
1/3 cup plus 1-3/4 cups sugar-free maple-flavored syrup, divided
1 teaspoon Spice Islands®, All Natural, No Corn Syrup Added, Pure Vanilla Extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2-1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
Directions
Arrange 10 slices of bread in a 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Spread each slice with cream cheese. Top with remaining bread. In a large bowl, whisk the egg substitute, milk, 1/3 cup syrup, vanilla and cinnamon; pour over bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until top is lightly browned and a thermometer reads at least 160°. Serve with strawberries and remaining syrup. Yield: 10 servings.
Nutritional Analysis: 1 serving equals 306 calories, 3 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 3 mg cholesterol, 805 mg sodium, 54 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 19 g protein.
********
Oct 24, 2010 - Can we say heavenly?! These were so good! It was sad that there were only enough for each of us to get 1 1/2. The strawberry jam again was a special addition to it, but I think these would be good no matter the topping! We did not add any more syrup to them. It didn't need it. The strawberry jam with powdered sugar was great. Although, by the end we were adding some plain homemade yogurt and that was a really delicious addition. Some of the liquid steamed out and created a cream cheese consistency. YUM!
I did tweak the recipe a bit because I don't have egg substitute and 3 c. of egg substitute is equal to a dozen eggs. There was no way I was going to use a whole package of eggs on this. So, I did some research to find out what other overnight french toast recipes called for. I ended up only using 5 eggs and 1 3/4 c. milk and that was addequate. Also, I only used about 1 TB of cream cheese - not a whole package. The author of the recipe must use 1 TB per french toast sandwich I just didn't see the need for that much.
The bread I used was homemade and it fluffed up really nicely and had a nice texture and taste. It soaked the liquid really quickly. To keep the bread from being soggy on one side and not coat evenly on the other, after pouring the liquid I think flipped every sandwich over and left it so that the other side got to soak in the bread too. This method worked really well, except a few of the smaller slices did kind of crumble. In the end it was fine because it still baked up nicely and made great little pieces for the boys.
I would definitely make this again. In fact, we liked it so much we wished we could eat every Sunday morning! The only setback is that it requires a whole loaf of bread and a lot of eggs. But, the 5 eggs isn't any more than I'd use to feed our family anyway, so I guess it really isn't that bad.
Nutty Whole Wheat Bread (oven, knead)
Nutty Whole Wheat Bread
Ingredients
2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/4 cups whole wheat flour
3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 package (1/4 ounce) quick-rise yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup water
1/3 cup reduced-fat plain yogurt
2 tablespoons butter
Directions
In a bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, walnuts, brown sugar, yeast and salt.
In a saucepan, heat the water, yogurt and butter to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining all-purpose flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 4 minutes (do not let rise).
Shape dough into a ball; place on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Cover and let rest in a warm place for 20 minutes. Bake at 400° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to cool on a wire rack. Yield: 1 loaf (16 slices).
Nutritional Analysis: One slice equals 156 calories, 6 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 4 mg cholesterol, 167 mg sodium, 23 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 4 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
*********
Oct 23, 2010 - Another really yummy bread recipe. I liked the crunch of the walnuts in it. This was a hit with everyone. Even the boys kept asking for more. I'm sure the jam helped with that too. It would have made a really great addition to a soup, but I never did get around to making one.
This was a tricky bread in that I never was sure what "knead until smooth and elastic" meant. I kept kneading it but it never got less sticky and it was always elastic. I finally got it to where I thought it was close enough - though it took a lot longer than the 4 minutes. It was kind of cool to see that it was a round bread.
Slow Cooked Sirloin (crockpot)
Slow Cooked Sirloin
Ingredients
1 beef top sirloin steak (1-1/2 pounds)
1 medium onion, cut into 1-inch chunks
1 medium green pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Progresso ® Beef Broth
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon dill weed
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Dash crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
Directions
In a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, brown beef on both sides. Place onion and green pepper in a 3-qt. slow cooker. Top with beef. Combine the broth, Worcestershire sauce, dill, thyme, pepper and pepper flakes; pour over beef. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or until meat reaches desired doneness and vegetables are crisp-tender.
Remove beef and keep warm. Combine cornstarch and water until smooth; gradually stir into cooking juices. Cover and cook about 30 minutes longer or until slightly thickened. Return beef to the slow cooker; heat through. Yield: 6 servings.
Nutritional Analysis: 1 serving equals 199 calories, 6 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 68 mg cholesterol, 305 mg sodium, 8 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 26 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
*******
October 18, 2010 - The picture does not do this justice. I took it as an afer-thought.
I was really impressed with this dish. The meat was so tender and the flavor was great. Matthew didn't even complain about the bell peppers! I served it with mashed potatoes and green beans. I don't make gravy very often, so I thought the juice would go well with the potatoes. It did. A-1 sauce was a really great addition to the meat too.
I did substitute the sirloin with striploin because that was what I had in my freezer.
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