Thanksgiving Day Survival Guide – Heck the whole week!

Here’s an article from www.weightwatchers.com about flying and how to stay on track.

http://www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=1&art_id=45761&sc=3030

Here are some easy breakfasts to keep you on track while you are in the kitchen cooking the big meal. Remember, you will consume less at the big meal if you start your day off with breakfast (and lunch if you eat at dinner time). Don’t restrict your calories. It will only lead to overeating, guilt, lots of pernts you don’t want to track, and discomfort.

Baked Blueberry-Peach French Toast

http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/index.aspx?recipeId=121721

Blueberry Streusel Muffins

http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/index.aspx?recipeId=133321

Broccoli Cheddar Quiche – Yes I am suggesting Quiche for breakfast

http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/index.aspx?recipeId=110271

Here’s why. If you have quiche in the morning, you may be less tempted to eat the dessert later. You will already have had the crust. Or maybe you could have the slice of pumpkin pie but only eat the filling. You can spend the 3 pernts for that in your quiche. A slice of quiche will be very satisfying, much more than the pumpkin pie. And you will be plenty satisfied after your T-Day meal that the pie will only make you more satisfied than you may need to be.

Here are some easy lunches you can throw together if you eat at dinner-time.

Lentil One-Pot Casserole

http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/index.aspx?recipeid=54101

Tex-Mex Rice and Bean Casserole (this is highly recommended by some friends of mine)

http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/index.aspx?recipeid=136321

Spinach Salad with Pears, Almonds and Cranberries

http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/index.aspx?recipeId=140441

Hearty Tuscan Vegetable Chowder

http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/index.aspx?recipeid=96381

I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving and truly are able to appreciate the bounty in your life and all that you have to be thankful.  We are in a tough period and many are suffering and struggling.  May you find a way to give to others.  Maybe give to a food bank or donate to Mozel Sanders.  You could even give a bag of animal food to a shelter.  The animals need the love too.  Please remember to give to yourself, the gift of a healthy and on plan meal, as it isn't selfish to take care of yourself.  If you are in good condition, there is more of you to give to others!

Meet Mafalda!

This is Mafalda and she is up for adoption with ARPO.  She is 10 months old today and was born in her foster home.  She had some interest today and I hope that comes to fruition, but if it doesn't you should adopt her.  She is an amazing dog and is so gentle and calm.  I have had a "crush" on her since I met her in August.

If interested, please go to adoptarpo.org.  If not interested in her, there are lots of other pooches and kitties that need their furever homes.

Lentils and Kale - Neither unflavorful or pale!

A couple weeks ago I cooked lentils for the first time.  I wasn't sure what to do, so I glanced at the cooking directions in a recipe.  I didn't exactly follow what they said, but it still turned out yummy.  Here is what I came up with.

Lentils and Kale

1 onion, chopped
lots of cumin
cayenne, to your liking
Garlic powder, to your liking
Fresh ground black pepper
1 C dry lentils, rinsed and picked over
2 C veggie broth
4 C water1 bunch kale, tough stems removed and chopped (I used fresh CSA organic and local kale- yum!)
8 ozs mushrooms sliced (better with portabellas)
salt to taste

Saute the onion on medium high heat in spray.  Saute until somewhat translucent.  Add in spices and stir for about 10 seconds.  Add in lentils and liquids.  Cook at a slight boil until liquid is almost absorbed.  Add in sliced mushroms and cook for a couple minutes.  Add in kale and stir to wilt.  Season with salt.

This is great with brown rice and sour cream.  I like it in corn tortillas too.  I eat this for breakfast and lunch.  well, not in the same day.

One fourth of this recipe is only 173 calories, and that is a LOT!  It is core/Simply Filling, if you are following that food plan.  And the amazing part, it has 0 grams fat and a whopping 13 grams fiber!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!