Loser Monday and Back to Feeling Miserable

Well, my reprieve from the stones was brief and I was back to hurting Saturday evening. I am still waiting to hear how my test report turns out, but I suspect I already know. It is good for Loser Monday. At least I haven't gained anything. Although you'd think I would lose...except for that night I sent my husband out after cookie dough. Oh yes I did! Didn't you know that cookie dough helps kidney stones? Well, maybe it only helps the cranky wife.

Thanks for all of the travel tips and advice. I am taking it all in. We are planning a late June trip. I am looking forward to it.

Loser Monday Report

I will keep this one short. I went in for my yearly physical and my doctor congratulated me on my weight loss, which felt nice. :) I hope to be back to walking tomorrow.

Loser Monday Lack of a Report plus a Giveaway you should check out

Well, I feel bad. I really haven't been trying too hard on the diet challenge. First I jumped the diet. Now I jumped the exercise. Although I did give up chocolate...but only because I had acid reflux. LOL. I gave it up because it hurt. My friend and I have conflicting schedules this week, but hopefully next week we can get back to working...that would be something.

Here is a waist friendly soup recipe by Rachel Ray that is delicious. I made it last week and it was a hit at my house:
Tomato Potato Soup (not the real name, but I am too lazy to go check)

Saute in a large soup pot:
Dice a large sweet onion
3 tbs grated garlic

Add 2 liters of chicken broth, bring to a boil

Peel and thinly slice 3 lbs. of Idaho potatoes and add to the boil. Cook for 20 minutes. Potatoes will break up as they cook.

Chop a bag of fresh baby spinach removing long stems. Add to the soup after the 20 minutes. It will take 3-4 minutes for the spinach to "wilt" into the soup. Add salt, pepper, and a big pinch of nutmeg.

Stir in a 28 ounce can of crushed tomatoes, and heat until warm.

Serve with a little bit of Parmesan cheese.

Makes a large part...easily 6 LARGE bowls.

Onto something more positive. . . .Vickie E. is having a great giveaway over at MidOhioQuilter. Plus she has a really cute tutorial for a table runner over at the Moda Bake Shop. You should check it out.

I enjoyed all of the stories from the rock post. They made me laugh. You are all great. I loved hearing from you. I had hoped to email back each of the 16 of you that left me comments, but I was dealing with a loss last week. I must say though that your stories definitely brightened my week though.

Loser Monday-- and a couple of thank yous

Well, Monday is here again and I have not been good. Perhaps that is an understatement. It all started when my husband felt sorry for a Girl Scout and purchased a can of chocolate covered almonds. I have been on a personal mission to see her dream of 'every last almond enjoyed and gone' is fulfilled. Then there is the whole 'I'm sick of cooking and thinking about cooking' problem. Does anyone else ever go through these phases, where for the life of you, you cannot think of what to cook? Seriously. I am open to any suggestions. I am also on break. HOORAY for that. I will get my whole self off break next week....and pay the piper probably.

Moving on. . .

I have been very blessed with winning a couple of very nice giveaways recently. They truly have blessed me and lifted my spirits. My husband's job in the grocery warehouse has been very much effected by the Michigan economy (Big 3). People are moving out of our state and other's are buying less groceries. He has been laid off since before Christmas, but is still on call. We were very lucky that he was called in almost all of February and we still feel fortunate when he gets called in now 1 day a week. I have a very stable job and a good salary, and we do realize we are blessed in this way. The big question looming ahead of us is how is this all going to play out? He is vested 12 years in his job. He has a great pension, and we do not want to willingly throw that out. So, for the time being, we are fine but know we will be needing to make some decisions ahead. We are dangling in anticipation of summer. Buddy has also had this 'swollen tonsils, clearing his throat, and cough' thing going on. Despite many trips to the doctors it is hanging on. They now think it allergies, but nothing is really ending it. It causes me to worry. So, for the past month....I have been a bit down (not too down mind you because I know how fortunate we really are and that we really are in a pretty good position for this type of thing). It was quite the pick-me-up to win a couple of really nice giveaways from some really nice people.



First off, I want to thank Carol for these great fat quarters. I have really enjoyed leaving them out and thinking of a fun project to make with them. I think I have changed my mind at least 6 times now!

My second win was from the Fat Quarter Shop.
I won one of their new Sewline Mechanical Fabric Pencils. I used it this weekend while making my purse. You all need to get one, and I am not kidding. They are the most precise, smooth writing fabric pencil I have ever used. I hope in days ahead to be able to purchase several of the colors. A big thank you to FQS. I love that place.

Loser Monday- we like to move it

So exercise is the topic this week. I have nothing exciting to offer except that I have been walking. In fact, I walked tonight after work. I am thinking about getting an MP3 player for my birthday...for walking. What songs would your recommend I download to keep me moving? Suggestions anyone?

I will close with a reminder. It is that time of year, people. The time of year when the Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs are everywhere. Just because they are there, you don't need to eat them every time you see them. I'm just saying....just in case this applies to any or you...or me.

Loser Monday

Well, I can't believe another Monday is here. I have lost nothing, but it is purely because of the walking that I haven't gained anything. SO I still feel that it is a win.

Sharon asked for something with fruit....

Strawberry Pudding Parfaits

Prepare instant sugar free pudding (I use vanilla) according to the directions.

Clean and chop strawberries.

Layer pudding and strawberries in a goblet.

Top with a scoop of sugar free cool whip.

Refrigerate!

Thanks!

I have been meaning to post this nice giftie Sharon sent me. I won this loot in a Diet Challenge contest. Check out that cute fabric! Isn't it great? That chocolate was simply delicious...perhaps not too good for the challenge though! LOL Luckily, Buddy helped me enjoy it.

Loser Monday is tomorrow!

Loser Monday

Well, I haven't lost any weight. But, I did walk 3 times last week and I can feel it around my trouble area...my ribs/belly. I really haven't been dieting more like reigning myself in a bit and trying to get some exercise. I feel good. I wish I would have taken some measurements.

SO, I would call this last week a success. More next week!

Loser Monday

Well, I did get my walking in last week. I felt that was a positive change. I haven't been watching so much what I put in my mouth, but adding some exercise I think will help balance life a bit.

So, Sharon asked us to post a soup recipe. Drum roll please. . .

New England Clam Chowder (low fat style)

In your crockpot add,

11 ounces shredded hashbrowns
2 cans 98% ff cream of mushroom soup
1 can 98% ff cream of celery soup
1 pint of ff half and half
pepper
2 TBSP real bacon pieces
2 cans of minced clams (with juices)

My crockpot seems to cook a bit high, so I cook this on low for about 4 hours. You'll know it is ready when the hashbrowns are tender.

This is a delicious soup anytime. All of my friends I have shared this recipe with over the years like it. Enjoy.

What positive changes have you made recently?

Loser Monday

Find your happy weight. I read this article about how to determine your goal weight. Perhaps you'd like to read it too.

As far as weight loss goes, I have not been making good choices. Could I help it that my husband goes to a sausage making party and comes home with 13 pounds of brats? Could I make this stuff up? NO, I could not. Just doing my part to help it all fit in the freezer, that is all I am saying. Did I mention it had cheese in it? Delicious. Oh, and so were the chips and dip I had on the side. I see you rolling your eyes over there....seriously my husband piled them on my plate. Okay, maybe he didn't. I need to climb back on this thing and commit. On a positive note, I have made arrangements to start walking after work with a co-worker.

Loser Monday- What's on Your Plate?

Still no movement on scales to report, but I am busy trying to be good. I will say that 2 skirts that didn't fit at the beginning of the year, do now. So that is good news. Here's a couple of recipes that we enjoyed this week. I hope you do too...

Toasty Roast Beef Sandwiches (pictured)
WW- 5 points
Servings- 2

2 - Hamburger buns
1/4 lb Lean Shaved Deli Roast Beef
Sliced Sweet Onion (Medium)
Mushrooms (optional)
Reduced Fat Sliced Provolone Cheese
Mustard or FF Italian Dressing

In a small skillet, saute onions and mushrooms for 3 minutes. Add RB and continue to saute until lightly brown. On a cookie sheet, open the buns and put the beef, onions, and mushrooms on top of the bottom bun, top with one slice of cheese. Place under broiler on low for 1 minute or until cheese is melted and bun slightly toasted.

Goes great with Greek Confetti Salad (picture).

Kris's Favorite Hamburger
WW- 6 points (includes bun)
Serves- 4

1 lb extra lean burger
2 TBSP Sweet Baby Ray's Sweet Honey BBQ sauce or Kraft Hickory BBQ sauce
1 tsp montreal steak seasoning
4 buns

Mix all but buns. Patty them up. Place on George Foreman Grill for 5 minutes.

Best wishes for a good week to all of you losers!!

BAD LOSER, BUT GOOD BUDDY

I am sorry to say that I have not been a good loser this last week. I have no excuses. I just felt like eating. Husband was trying to quit smoking. He was eating everything, so I guess I did too! Oh dear. Anyway, this is a new week. I have stocked up on good foods and I am ready to return to some good habits.

We even had some sunshine today. Perhaps spring will follow soon and I can get some walking in.

On a fun note, I had the day off today that allowed me to go with Buddy on his field trip to Gym Jesters. He had a lot of fun on the trampoline and in the foam pit.

Loser Monday Update

Diet Update:
This week: I lost 1 pound
Total since the challenge stared: 4 pounds
Total since dieting in the fall: 22 pounds
Remaining pounds to lose: at least 16 pounds

I don't have a lot to share this week. I haven't tried any new or great recipes. Just hanging in there, I guess. What's new with you Losers?

I have been making some really pretty fruit salads to eat. Even my husband has said that tossing it all together makes it more appealing. I have been trying to get in more water by slicing up a lime and keeping it in the fridge for a splash of flavor.

Loser Monday

Last week Judy suggested the losers post a salad recipe (dinner). I updated the Pita Salad, because I love it, to have meat and cheese, too.


Updated Pita Salad

Serving Size: (I refigured everything so this would make one large salad for me, but would easily serve 2 side salads.) 1
WW: 9 points

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a cookie sheet.

Mix in a small prep bowl:
1 pinch dried cilantro
1 pinch cumin
1 pinch dried red pepper flakes
1 pinch paprika
1 pinch oregano

1/2 PITA: spray both sides with PAM and rub with the above mixture

Bake for 10 minutes and allow to cool slightly. Rip into pieces to toss into salad.

Rough Chop (I like big chunks) for salad and place in medium bowl:
1/2 c fresh mint
1/2 c fresh parsley
1/2 c red pepper
1/2 c green pepper
1/2 c tomatoes
1/4 c sweet onion
2 ounces of deli roast beef
1/4 c mozerella cheese

Add pieces of Pita.

Dressing:
1 TBSP lemon juice
1 TBSP EVOO
1 tsp fresh garlic chopped
1 pinch of splenda

Good luck this week!

Loser Monday Post

Sharon asked that we all post a diet friendly dessert this week. So I will start with dessert first. . .

Strawberry Shortcake
Serves: 4
WW: 4

1 pint of strawberries, cleaned and slice
1/4 c sugar (you could make this even more figure friendly by using Splenda)
1 cup Bisquick Heart Smart mix
2 TBSP sugar
1/3 c fat free milk
Fat free whipped topping

Stir strawberries and 1/4 c sugar. Let sit and get good and juicy.
Heat oven to 425 degrees. Stir Bisquick mix, 2 tbsp sugar and milk just until soft dough forms. Drop by 4 spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Split warm shortcakes; place on a plate. Top with berries and whipped topping.

Are you sick of lettuce? Here is a nice twist on salad minus the lettuce:
Confetti Greek Salad
Serves 2
WW: 2

Chop:
1/2 c cucumber (I prefer the crunch of English Cucumbers)
a handful of baby carrots
1/2 stalk of celery
1/2 red pepper
1/4 small sweet onion
1/2 c tomato

Put in a bowl, toss to mix.
Add:
1/4 c feta
3-4 tbsp Kraft Low Fat Extra Virgin Olive Oil Greek Dressing
Sprinkle of black pepper


Have you tried the new dressings put out by Kraft made with EVOO? They are delicious and I am addicted to the Greek dressing. I love Greek dressing and could never find a WW friendly version! Well, hold on my friends because this is only 1 WW point for 2 TBSP!


Diet Update:
This week: I lost 1 pound
Total since the challenge stared: 3 pounds
Total since dieting in the fall: 21 pounds
Remaining pounds to lose: at least 17 pounds

Biggest Loser Monday

Diet Challenge Update:

Loss to date: 2 pounds
Remaining pounds to lose: at least 18

Today's Feature Menu Item:

"Everything but the Kitchen Sink" Chicken Soup

I titled this homemade soup because you could put lots of different vegetables in it, if you wanted variety or depending what you had. I used all fresh vegetables, but you could use frozen or canned.

Saute in soup pot:

EVOO
2 tsp grated garlic
3/4 c carrot chopped
3/4 c celery chopped
1/2 c sweet onion chopped
2 medium Idaho potatoes chopped

Add:
12 c FF chicken stock, bring to a boil

Add:
4 ounces mini-penne pasta and cook following the box directions

At about 2 minutes prior to pasta being done, toss in 6 ounces cooked chicken breast (chopped) and 1 cup chopped mushrooms.

Season with 1 TBSP dried parsley (fresh would be delicious, too) and pepper and salt to taste.

Servings: 5 large bowls
WW: 4 points each

Strawberry Smoothies

1 individual FF strawberry yogurt container
1/2 c light cranberry juice
3/4 c chopped strawberries
1/2 c ice

Servings: (2) 8-ounce glasses
WW: 2 points each

Chicken Strawberry Salad Wraps

1 Wrap Up (I use La Tortilla Factory Smart & Healthy Wrap Ups, Traditional made with EVOO)

MIX-
3 ounces of precooked chopped chicken breast (I used the precooked bag you find in deli section)
1/4 c chopped celery
3 ripe strawberries chopped
1 TBSP sliced almonds
3 TBSP miracle whip light
1 pinch of splenda

Wrap in wrap.

Serves 1
WW 5

The wraps I mentioned I find at Meijers in the Mexican foods section. They are a bit pricey, but are well worth it. They are delicious and loaded with fiber. They are only 1 point a piece (8 inches, too). I use them for fajitas as well as wraps.

Loser Monday Update

Greetings! Just a reminder that every Monday I am going to leave a weight loss report for the Diet Challenge I am participating in. I am hanging in there and hoping to see some loss sometime this week when I weigh in. I usually don't weigh myself until the second week of dieting, so that I don't get that dissappointed 2nd week (which I usually don't lose so much on). I will see in the morning, if I weigh in or not. You'll be the first to know!

Would you like to make yourself a delicious, homemade, comfort food kind of meal?
Then I am going to give you the world's best meatloaf recipe. If you have kids or a fussy husband (who didn't like his mother's meatloaf), they will really like them.

Since I started this diet back in September, I searched through my files for a before picture. Something to remember how much heavier 40 pounds made me look, well I came up empty handed. But, I did find something from late October, so this is me a 30 pounds over my goal weight. It's not a great picture, but my problem areas stand out to me. . .my round face, my thick thighs, my large gut, and trust me a rather large behind hiding back there!


Mini Meatloaves

1lb lean hamburger
1 box of stovetop stuffing
1 tsp garlic powder
1 cup of water

Preheat your oven to 375. Spray 12 cupcake pan with Pam very lightly. In a bowl mix lean hamburger, 1 box of stove top stuffing, 1 cup of water, and a tsp of garlic powder. Evenly place the mixture into the 12 cupcake tins. Take your knuckle and indent each meatloaf. Squirt about a tsp of BBQ sauce on top of each. Bake for 30 minutes.

Servings: 12
WW: 2.5 each (I usually eat 2 depending on how many points I have left for the day.)

Homefries

6 medium to large potatoes (Idaho, Red, or Gold work well)
1/8 cup of EVOO (approximate it)
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley or 1 TBSP dried parsley
1 tsp garlic powder
pinch of black pepper

Spray a baking sheet with PAM. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Chop the cleaned potatoes in half the long way. Then take each half and quarter it four times. Try to keep the wedges the same width for even baking. Place them in a bowl. Mix the EVOO and spices in a measuring cup and poor over fries. Toss with hands. Lay out on the baking sheet. Bake for 30 -40 minutes or until they are starting to turn golden.

Serving Size: 4 ounces
WW: 3 points


This is so good, you will love it. I altered it a bit from Rachel Ray's original "For Pita's Sake" for diet purposes.

Pita Salad

Serving Size: (I refigured everything so this would make one large salad for me, but would easily serve 2 side salads.) 1
WW: 5 points

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a cookie sheet.

Mix in a small prep bowl:
1 pinch dried cilantro
1 pinch cumin
1 pinch dried red pepper flakes
1 pinch paprika
1 pinch oregano

1/2 PITA: spray both sides with PAM and rub with the above mixture

Bake for 10 minutes and allow to cool slightly. Rip into pieces to toss into salad.

Rough Chop (I like big chunks) for salad and place in medium bowl:
1/2 c fresh mint
1/2 c fresh parsley
1/2 c red pepper
1/2 c green pepper
1/2 c tomatoes
1/4 c sweet onion

Add pieces of Pita.

Dressing:
1 TBSP lemon juice
1 TBSP EVOO
1 tsp fresh garlic chopped
1 pinch of splenda

Tortellini Soup (a family favorite)

Servings: 5 large bowls
WW: 3

1 c chopped celery
1 c chopped carrots
1 c chopped sweet onion
2 cloves chopped garlic

Saute

Add:
10 cups FF chicken broth, bring to a boil

Add:
1 1/3 c dried 3 cheese Barilla tortellini (found in your pasta aisle at grocery store)

Turn heat down a bit and cook for 9 minutes.

Chop about 3 cups of fresh spinach (remove big stems).

Three minutes before tortellini is done, toss in spinach and 10 ounces of cooked, chopped chicken breasts.

At the end of the cook time, add 1/2 tsp- 1 tsp of ground nutmeg (taste test) and salt and pepper.

Loser Monday- Diet Challenge Update

Hey dieters! I am a few days late, I apologize. . .I missed the whole post on Monday concept! Oops. I did start my diet on Sunday though, so that is the good news.

My story:
I am following Weight Watchers points and I have had a lot success with this diet in the past. The first time my weight crept up on me was right after I graduated from college. I was getting ready to get married and decided I wanted to lose the weight. I lost over 30 pounds and became a lifetime WW member. Well, then I had a baby. I gained 60 pounds during my pregnancy. It was awful. I had about 35 left to lose at my 6 week post check up. I lost that and this time I did it all on my own following the program. Well, (does anyone see a trend here?) this time I had the most to lose yet. . .I just don't know why I let it creep up that bad. I was sick of counting. I was sick of dieting. I was sick of a couple of situations related to work and I think I was eating to compensate. So, this fall I decided it was time to regain control. I started dieting in September and lost 20 pounds before Thanksgiving. I was thrilled. I managed to only gain 2 pounds (although showing no dieting or self control) from Thanksgiving until New Years (and I was pleased with this). So, I am back on the wagon. I want to lose at least 21 pounds maybe 25. I know I can do it.

Some easy nutritional changes I have made this week:

• journal what I eat
• I have heard that green tea boosts the metabolism, so I have been drinking 14 ounces each morning. I am not a fan of traditional green tea, but I do like Republic of Tea's Blueberry Green Tea, which has great antioxidants as well.
• I have been getting my milk portions each day. I have found in the past I lose best when I do this. I drink 1/2 percent, because it TASTES so much better than skim and it is the same WW points.
• I have upped my fiber-foods! Are you looking for a tasty treat....try Fiber One bars, they are only 2 WW points....and they have loads of fiber. I like the chocolate ones or the caramel ones best. At Betty Crocker's site, they have a coupon right now.
• I have dug out my favorite cookbook: Jyl Steinback's The Busy Mom's Slow Cooker Cookbook which has more than 320 Low Cal Low Fat dishes. Talk about comfort foods....these are delicious. I love how all the nutritional info is on each dish, so it is fast to point out. I also love how hubby loves the meals in it. This week I made Chicken Tetrazzini. Husband's favorite it the clam chowder though.
• I made the following low point, high fiber soup for my lunches this week. It is only 28 degrees here, so I also like that it warms me up.

Kris's Favorite 3 Bean Soup ( a bit altered from a Family Circle recipe)

In a stock pot, saute 2 cloves of garlic, 1 medium diced sweet onion, 2 TBSP Chili Powder in 1 TBSP EVOO. Meanwhile, chop 2 sweet bell peppers (or sometimes I substitute 1 green pepper) and 1 medium size zucchini. Add to the saute and saute another 5 minutes. Dump in 2 28 cans of petite dice tomatoes, 1/4 cup of ketchup, 1/2 tsp of dried oregano. Cook about 8 minutes. Stir in a 14 ounce can of each: black beans, navy beans, and small red kidney beans and cook for about 3 minutes. 2 points for 2 cups. Makes a huge pot. Portion and freeze leftovers for future.