Please come see the Indigo Girls on Saturday, April 24, 2010, at the Buskirk-Chumley in Bloomington, IN.

http://www.indigogirls.com/

I have created another blog.  http://www.losingdaweight.blogspot.com/.  I will continue to post here occasionally, but the other is to chronicle my journey to release da weight I have gained back!

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope that 2010, a new decade, brings you the best of what you could possibly desire or dream.  May this be the year, the decade, that you lose decades on the scale and achieve your weight loss successes and learn the lessons to maintain those successes and see many more.  May you find yourself in the process and become a much bigger you than you ever thought possible.

Here's a zero point cheers to you in 2010!

Chipotle BBQ Tofu and Sesame Stirfry

I made this recipe for dinner tonight.  Mine doesn't have quite the delicious look that's on this website.  But it was pretty yummy.  A little too vinegarey for me, but pretty good.  Oh and it has some kick!

As a side, I made a "stirfry" of onion, garlic, carrot, cabbage, and broccoli with a 1/2T sesame oil and the juice of a small and somwhat dry orange. That was yummy and very much hit the spot!

And I served it on a 1/2 C brown rice.

Very yummy dinner and it felt good to cook something special for myself.

Baked oatmeal!

This is a yummy way to have oatmeal!  And not too bad on cals.  I made this in an eight loaf mini pan.  I baked for 20 minutes, could have gone a minute or two longer.

http://www.recipezaar.com/Baked-Oatmeal-Wisconsin-Style-321993

7 Foods the Health Experts Won't Eat

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/the-7-foods-experts-wont-eat-547963/

Happy Hanukkah!

I have received requests in the past for a way to lighten traditional Jewish foods.  Here is an idea to lighten your latkes!  : )

http://blog.healthyeats.com/blog/2008/12/22/lighter-latkes/?nl=EATS_120909_13

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Scenes from my Halloween

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here is the belated birthday cake that my friend got to celebrate our October birthdays and the pumpkins we carved before the trick or treaters and the cake. A nice night and we were matching witches too!

Isn't that birthday cake just the most truthful you have ever seen?  Some days I am glad to grow old.  Others, not!

I hope you had a ghoulishly good evening!

Halloween candy info from Hungry Girl

No stats on the back of your bite-sized Halloween goodies? Don't stress! Check out our new HUGE guide to the calorie counts and fat contents of your favorite candies, and then forward this to all your hungry pals!


Guilt-Free Classics!



Tootsie Caramel Apple Pop - 60 calories, 0.5g fat (POINTS® value 1*)



Charms Blow Pop - 60 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 1*)



Dum Dum Pop - 25 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 1*)



Lik-m-aid Fun Dip 0.5-oz. Pouch - 50 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 1*)



Jolly Rancher Hard Candy (3 Pieces), Original - 50 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 1*)



Jolly Rancher Lollipop - 60 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 1*)



Laffy Taffy Miniature - 32 calories, 0.4g fat (POINTS® value 1*)



Pixy Stix (7 Straws) - 60 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 1*)



Smarties Candy Roll - 25 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 1*)



Tootsie Pop Miniature (3 Pops) - 50 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 1*)



Tootsie Pop - 60 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 1*)



Tootsie Roll Midgee (About 1-Inch Long) - 23 calories, 0.5g fat (POINTS® value 1*)



Tootsie Roll Snack Bar (0.5 oz., About 3-Inches Long) - 50 calories, 1.25g fat (POINTS® value 1*)



Twizzlers Strawberry Twists, Snack Size (3 Minis) or Individually Wrapped Twist - 30 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 1*)



Chocolate 101: Size Matters!



Before you chew, know the difference between Snack Size, Fun Size, and Miniatures...



Miniatures/Minis are the square-shaped morsels -- those babies are each about a quarter-ounce in weight.



A Snack Size or Fun Size chocolate treat weighs in at a little more than a half-ounce and is usually about 2 inches long.


Not all size-categorized treats are created equal. We've found seemingly identical Fun Size bars on shelves -- same brand, same flavor -- with varying weights and calorie counts. If you want to be extra-careful, we recommend going by the higher set of stats listed below.

Choc-O-Licious



3 Musketeers Mini Bar - 24 calories, 0.7g fat (POINTS® value 1*)



3 Musketeers Fun Size Bar - 63 - 70 calories, 2 - 2.25g fat (POINTS® value 1 - 2*)



Almond Joy Snack Size Bar - 80 - 85 calories, 4.5g fat (POINTS® value 2*)



Butterfinger Miniature - 45 calories, 1.75g fat (POINTS® value 1*)



Butterfinger Fun Size Bar - 100 calories, 4g fat (POINTS® value 2*)



Hershey's Kiss, Milk Chocolate - 25 calories, 1.4g fat (POINTS® value 1*)



Hershey's Kiss, Pumpkin Spice or Candy Corn Flavor - 23 calories, 1.3g fat (POINTS® value 1*)



Hershey's Miniature Bar, Any Flavor - 42 calories, 2.5g fat (POINTS® value 1*)



Hershey's Milk Chocolate Snack Size Bar - 67 calories, 4g fat (POINTS® value 2*)



Milky Way Mini - 40 calories, 1.5g fat (POINTS® value 1*)



Milky Way Fun Size Snack Bar - 75 - 80 calories, 3g fat (POINTS® value 2*)



Nestle Crunch Miniature - 30 calories, 1.5g fat (POINTS® value 1*)



Nestle Crunch Fun Size Bar - 60 - 70 calories, 3 - 3.3g fat (POINTS® value 1 - 2*)



Reese's Miniature Peanut Butter Cup - 44 calories, 2.6g fat (POINTS® value 1*)



Reese's Snack Size Peanut Butter Cup - 90 - 110 calories, 5 - 6.5g fat (POINTS® value 2 - 3*)



SHOCKER! Reese's Peanut Butter Pumpkin - 170 calories, 10g fat (POINTS® value 4*)



Snickers Miniature - 45 calories, 2g fat (POINTS® value 1*)



Snickers Fun Size Bar - 80 calories, 4g fat (POINTS® value 2*)



Twix Mini Caramel Cookie Bar - 50 calories, 2.6g fat (POINTS® value 1*)



Twix Fun Size Peanut Butter Cookie or Caramel Cookie Bar - 80 calories, 4 - 5g fat (POINTS® value 2*)



York Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Pattie Pumpkin - 60 calories, 1.25g fat (POINTS® value 1*)


Goodie Bag (or Box)!



Dots Mini Box - 75 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 2*)



Junior Mints Snack Size Box - 80 calories, 1.5g fat (POINTS® value 2*)



Life-Savers Gummies Pouch - 70 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 1*)



M&M's Fun Size Bag - 63 - 83 calories, 2.6 - 4g fat (POINTS® value 1 - 2*)



Peanut M&M's Fun Size Bag - 67 - 90 calories, 3.3 - 5g fat (POINTS® value 2*)



Mike and Ike Snack Size Pack - 50 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 1*)



Milk Duds Snack Size Box - 53 calories, 2g fat (POINTS® value 1*)



Nerds Mini Box - 50 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 1*)



Runts Mini Package - 70 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 1*)



Skittles Fun Size Pack, Original - 53 - 80 calories, 0.5g - 1g fat (POINTS® value 1 - 2*)



Sour Patch Kids Treat Size Package - 55 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 1*)



Starburst Original Fruit Chews Fun Size Package (2 Chews) - 40 calories, 0.8g fat (POINTS® value 1*)



Swedish Fish Treat Size Package - 55 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 1*)



Sweetarts Pouch - 50 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 1*)

I finally partook in a CSA!

Sorry for the image quality.

I had heard about Sandy P. from a customer at the health food store I worked at this year.  I wanted to join the CSA but didn't need a full share for myself and never found someone to split a share.  Thus, I never joined.

Sandy included me in her weekly emails and this week she stated that there were some veggies remaining for purchase.  I spent $15.40 and got:

2 bunches beets

2 pounds sweet potatoes

2 bunches turnips

2 pounds winter radish

and a head each of romaine and red leaf lettuce.

 

It didn't seem like a lot when I ordered it, but my oh my was it a nice hull.  I can't wait to roast the beets and the turnips.  I have no clue what to do with the winter radish (daikon).  And I will have some yummy salads the next few days with organic lettuces.

 

And I could get more in the next couple weeks.

 

The greens on the turnips were full of little bug holes.  I wouldn't use them and made a comment that I wouldn't.  Sandy said if I wasn't she would take them for her guinea pig.  I removed them almost immediately for her little "piggy."  The guinea pigs need to feel the love too.

 

I had taken a lot of Sandy's time with emails when I was inquiring about joining.  So today I stayed for a little over an hour helping her sort the delivery for the shareholders.  I should clarify that I was there for a little over an hour, but a lot of that was meeting the shareholders and waiting to do work when Sandy was free.  I alphabetized her invoices and put away the storage bins.  I took a half day at worktoday.  I ran my necessary errands before going to Sandy's.  I was in a very relaxed and giving of myself state when I arrived.  Her big hug greeting me helped too.  I was so grateful for her help to me this year and thus it felt right to help her and I am glad I was able to give her my time.

 

If you would like her contact info, email me at meggysue90@hotmail.com.

Salad turnips, just for salads????????

Tonight I tried cooking the salad turnips I bought at the Farmers Market 9 days ago.  I wasn't sure how long they would last.  But, I figured I'd give it a go.  The greens were pretty wilted, so I didn't saute those.  I was told that they were great sliced in salads, not even peeled. 

I wasn't in the mood for a cold salad, so I decided to slice and saute them.

They got a little soft, but they were yummy.  Raw, they have a mild radish taste.  Cooked, that is much more mild.  I liked the flavor of the raw turnips, but I was also pleased with the mild flavor.

I sliced about 7 salad turnips and sauteed them in 2 t canola oil.  I added crushed black pepper, minced garlic, and a little salt.  I cooked on high heat until it started to brown and then cut the heat.

Yum!

Homemade Veggie Chili - and a huge revelation as a side!

At the local produce stand yesterday, along with the 11 ears of corn for $1, I got all this for $3 more. So, I decided to use the slightly bruised green peppers and 2 onions to make some veggie chili. A few pieces and slivers of green pepper had to be removed and not used, but the majority was still beautiful and ripe. The tangerines are back in the fridge for eating this week.

I sauteed the onion and green peppers in 4 teaspoons canola oil.  The onions went in a few minutes first.  The spices were added in next.  Cumin, cayenne, garlic, freshly ground pepper, and chili powder.  Lots and lots of cumin and chili powder!  I then added in canned tomatoes, canned tomato sauce, drained & rinsed canned black beans, and corn.  If I had homemade tomato sauce and corn I would have used those.  I am trying to get away from so many canned items. 

It needed a little more liquid to it, so I made up some veggie bouillon and added 2 C of that.

As I was cutting up the green peppers, I thought of how the bruised peppers are a metaphor for me and my continuing weight loss journey.  I have gained it all back.  It happened when I didn't even know it.  Sure I am to blame for most of it.  But the pain in my body and lack of exercise have something to do with it too.  When I bought the peppers on the dollar table, I didn't remove each to see if I should buy them.  I trusted that I would have enough to use for chili.  I don't know how they became bruised, if by nature or man, but do the bruises make them any less valuable?  In a food sales world, yes.  To me, no!  I have picked up some emotional bruises along the way and I have to ask myself, does that make me any less valuable?  No!  So, there are a few pieces of me that I need to discard (weight), but, I am still valuable and worthy like those peppers.

And given that today is my 33rd birthday, I think this is a great revelation and start to a healthy and bountiful year!

Frozen Corn recipe with a kick!

The local produce stand had 11 ears of corn for $1 on the dollar table. I bought it, husked and cleaned it. I brought water to boil, added in a vegetable bouillon cube, cumin, and ground red pepper. I stirred with a whisk to blend in the spices. Once the water boiled, I added the corn. The water didn't come back up to a boil after the corn was immersed.

This simmered for about 5 minutes, upon which I removed with tongs and let cool on a plate. I cooked the corn in 2 batches. I didn't bring the water back to a boil between batches.

After cooled, I sliced off the kernels and placed in a vacuum freezer bag to store.

I ended up cooking 10.5 ears and it yielded 4 C kernels.

It is a tad spicy and aromatic. It will be quite tasty and won't need any other flavorings, like butter.

Is the label on that food you are eating correct?

According to this article, it may not be.

http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/09/22/use-food-labels-to-know-what-youre-eating-theres-a-1-in-4-cha/

I'm back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is where I was a year ago. I had just visited Mallow Run Winery for the ARPO fundraiser. By the way, it is October 24th.

---------------------------------------

“Have you taken the time for you lately and found something to do that truly is something you love? I can’t say I love going to wineries, but it may be on my list of fun things to do. What I learned, is that others see that I have been giving my time to the animals and not myself. And you know what, they are right. I am still going to be giving my time to the animals, one 5 week old rescued kitten at my house and getting a foster dog tomorrow evening, plus the Indy Feral cat outside and the other neighborhood cats I am trying to get into Indy Feral, and my kitties. But what I realized is that I HAVE to make time for myself. I can’t afford to go out and do a whole lot of stuff, as is the case with many of us these days. But, I can go out and do things. Some ideas include, free times at museums, going to parks for a walk with a friend or by myself, $5 Buck Club movies at Kerasotes theaters, sitting in Border’s reading, playing outside with the neighborhood kiddos, picnic with friends, apple picking at an orchard (I highly recommend Tuttle’s). With Autumn here, I believe I may be going to a park, at least once. I have visions of taking pen and paper and working on a novel I started a year or so ago! The key is to get out and enjoy life. What I discovered is that I have to make myself a priority and that is not selfish. My health and my happiness, and dare I say, my commitment to Weight Watchers depends on it.”

--------------------------------------------

Wow, what a difference a year makes. Unfortunately, I have gained all my weight back. I don’t want to admit that as I know I inspired people to lose weight in my days of Weight Watchers employment. This has been a hard emotional battle for me and I am sure that only fed the scale. I have had a hard year but I am very much approaching the other side. I have had major feet problems and had surgery on the first one in August. 6 weeks of non weight-bearing and one month in a boot. I am graduating to the boot in one week exactly. But I’m not counting the days. When your feet hurt, you don’t want to walk. When you don’t walk (or run), your metabolism slows down. When you have pain, you want to feed it. When you feed a body with slow metabolism and no exercise to burn any of it off, you gain weight. And you get to the point where you just don’t care. Hence, I have gained my weight back.

I am now following Core (Simply Filling) and I am weighing at home right now. I hope to return to meetings. I admit, I may always do Core and refer to SF as Core. I am finding that I am wheat intolerant, maybe gluten intolerant. And the best part, I’m not nearly as hungry nor need to munch like I thought I would! And a veggie Core life isn’t too expensive.

I know I have lost weight the last couple weeks, although I just figured out how to get on the scale this weekend while on crutches. It will be much easier when I can step on the scale from a standing position. I am sure I could have figured this out sooner, I just wasn't ready.

I finally got so fed up with where I was and was headed that I am taking the much needed actions for myself. I will even be walking the canal soon after work. Might as well, it’s right by my office.

I miss you all and hope you are well.

100 Cal packs not as popular!

http://health.msn.com/blogs/daily-dose-post.aspx?post=1127656&Gt1=31036

Good article on freezing foods to help you save $$$ and waste

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/06/dining/06mini.html?_r=1&8dpc