What Do I Do Now?

I’m feeling a bit of a letdown from the whole race scene.  I’ve been thinking to myself all day… now what?  It’s been a long time leading up to doing this race and I had so many emotions about it all.  But, I made it through and now, I can’t help thinking about what I can challenge myself with next!  Is this weird?  I’ve never been this tough with myself, so it’s a very strange feeling for me.  I embraced slackerdom with arms wide open in the past.  But, now I feel the need for challenge;  the need to spur myself on to see what else I could do.  Maybe it’s not too weird;  seems Carolina Girl was going through the exact same thing!  We both did our first 5K races this Saturday, so maybe it’s a first timer response!  I left her a comment that we are thrill-seeking adrenaline junkies now!  I agree with her that it is time for some new goals.  I think I have pushed one to the wayside while “trying a new way of eating”, but it looms in the back of my mind often…GOAL WEIGHT.  I have lots to tell you all about my experience with intuitive eating.  I know I haven’t mentioned much about it and honestly, I’m kinda saving it up for a big post.  But, along with intuitive eating, I need to find the right way to get myself to reach my goal weight like I initially intended.  So, my focus…my challenge for myself will be to get there.  Hopefully, soon :)

I was excited to get back to the gym today.  My body is a little sore, so I decided to take it easy.  I did a 30 minute stint on The Arc Trainer , but at a slower pace then I normally do.  Still worked up a good sweat though!

This time I remembered to grab breakfast before I left…

I have to say that I have been spoiled by greek yogurt!  I bought this Stonyfield fat free yogurt that was on sale at the supermarket to try out and I did not care for it at all.  The texture was all wrong, but I think it’s because I have become accustomed to the thickness and creaminess of greek yogurt.  It’s much more filling than regular yogurt, too!

After errand running and blogging, I finally got around to lunch.  I went with a Health is Wealth Chicken Free Patty on an Ezekiel Sesame Hamburger Bun (my new fave!) topped with my new go-to condiment – Trader Joe’s Roasted Red Pepper and Artichoke Tapenade.  It tastes good on everything!  I’m thinking of using it as a pizza topping next!  Alongside, I had a beautiful red pear…

I felt a little munchie this afternoon, but not exactly hungry.  The Cheez-Its were calling, so I put a small amount in a bowl along with a string cheese for snacking…

And I kept it at that.  Mainly because I had a reminder staring at me…

I decided to hang my bib number from the race in my pantry (right next to the deadly Cheez-Its) to remind me of what I can do if I put my mind to it…

Gotta take inspiration to conquer munchies wherever you can get it!!!

I had a nice, healthy dinner planned – Apricot Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin, roasted butternut squash and something new… kale chips!

I have been seeing kale chips all over the blogworld for a long time, but was always hesitant to try them.  Something about “crunchy leaves” did not appeal to me.  But, kale was dirt cheap at the produce store (1.50 for 2 huge bunches), so I thought I would give it a try.  They were…interesting.  Crunchy, but melt in your mouth and salty like a chip.  I wasn’t completely sold, though.  I couldn’t get the ‘raked leaves’ thought out of my head!  The daughters weren’t sold either.  Big daughter even tried dipping them in ranch dressing and still ended up spitting it out!  Now, here’s the kicker.  THE HUSBAND came home a bit later due to meeting up with a friend from out of town.  I had saved him dinner and gave him a heaping pile of the kale chips on his plate.  I went about cleaning up and he called out to me to ask what they were.  I started laughing, knowing full well that he was going to hate these, but to my surprise , here’s how it went down…

The husband:  “These are great!  They taste like a potato chip!”

Me:  “Are you serious?”

The husband:  “Yeah, really!  I think they are really good!”

Me:  *moving closer to smell his breath*  “Are you drunk?” I knew this wasn’t a possibility since he doesn’t drink, but I was just checking :)

The husband:  “No, really!  I like them! I don’t like the butternut squash though.”

Me:  “Oh no, girls!!!!  Daddy has swine flu and is hallucinating with a high fever!!!!”

Who knew??!!!

I enjoyed most of my plate…

Maybe, I’ll give kale chips another try… :)

I ended the night with some dark chocolate…

Good stuff!

ONE GOOD THING:  I was able to control the munchies this afternoon.  The box of Cheez-Its is still intact – lol!!!

Question of the Day?  Have you ever tried kale chips?

Eat, Repeat

Today, I tried to recreate the eating day I had yesterday. Since all went well, I repeated some of those meals today. I started off with some gardening early this morning, then came in for another cereal bowl: 3/4 c. TJ's High Fiber O's, 1/2 c. unsweetened vanilla Almond Breeze and 2 chopped apricots for 3 POINTS...



A little later, I made up a strawberry crackshake for 1 POINT...

I spent the rest of the morning prepping for our bbq tomorrow, then stopped to make another delish tofu sammie. I used the bbq baked tofu for this one on 2 slices of TJ's spelt bread with lettuce, tomato and a squirt of Kraft Light Three Cheese Ranch. So good! It almost tasted like a BLT but it was a BTLT (bbq tofu lettuce tomato) - heheh! Riding alongside again, some carrots and 3 apriums. Love this 5 POINT lunch...

More prepping for the party, then came snack time. I had to keep reminding myself the definition of "snack" - small portion of food! I went with a fruit and nut bite for 1 POINT...

but, still wanted something more, so I had a lite string cheese (1 POINT)...

I recognized that I wasn't hungry, but I still felt like eating more. I tried to talk myself out of it. It worked for a while, then I succumbed to some Cheez-its and about 10 M&M's. Not so bad, I'm guessing about 5 POINTS.

Before dinner, I decided to get in a run. My hip soreness is getting better with just doing the walking this past week, so I thought I could try a run again. I went to the trail and started to run, but it was so difficult today! Not sure if it was the weather (hot and humid) or that I took that break. I didn't push it, though. I did a mix of walk/run for 35 min. and that seemed good enough for today.

I picked up pizza on the way home for the husband, daughters and our nephews that were visiting. I stayed away from that and made myself some TJ's Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons with a side of sweet fresh pineapple for 4 POINTS...

I ended the night with a mango and cream bar for 1 POINT...

I'm ready to relax a little tonight and get a good night's rest for the bbq tomorrow. I'm looking forward to some yummy eats at the bbq. I'll be back to show you tomorrow night, if it doesn't get too late. If so, I'll be back Mon. morning for a recap! Hope you're having a fun weekend :]

Go Away With A Giveaway!

Rain, rain go away! It has been miserable outside today! I was trapped in the house all day. I hate going out in the rain, especially cold rain. Not that I'm afraid of melting or anything ;P Wicked witchiness won't be coming until next week -lol! Since, I didn't want to couldn't go out, I decided to scrub every floor in my house for 5 hours. Oh joy! It all looks fab which I'm sure will last all of 3 minutes and I got a great workout at the same time:)

I woke up starving this morning. I normally wait to eat breakfast until after I take the daughters to school, but I couldn't make it today. I made a bacon, egg and cheese sammie using 2 egg whites, 1 slice center cut bacon, slice of 2 % cheese on an Arnold Sandwich Thin for 3 POINTS...

Then it was scrub, scrub, scrub. I tried to make sure to alternate scrubbing between right and left arm to get the appropriate workout on each side. What??? Who thinks of this while they are cleaning? I really need to get out more. Many squats later, I decided to break for lunch. As soon as I thought about lunch, I was instantly starving and a bit shaky, too. I went for the first thing I saw which was turkey and a wrap. I made a turkey and cheese wrap using 2 oz. turkey, 1 Laughing Cow Light Wedge and a handful of baby spinach wrapped in a La Tortilla Factory Tortilla Wrap. Some soy crisps and grapes were a go-to side. A quick 6 POINT lunch...

After lunch, I finished my Cinderella-style cleaning with a hand polishing of the wood floors. Everything is shiny and clean. No one is allowed to come home, now. I am changing the locks ;)


Nice fairy tale, but I finished up just in time to pick up the daughters. Again, I was starving. What is up with that??? I had 1 oz. pretzels and a lite string cheese for a good 3 POINT snack...

Then I had more and more pretzels. Ugh. I think I've learned my lesson with the pretzels. Can't eat them because they cause me to want more snacks. I'm not looking at this as a set back today. I have 35 Weekly Allowance POINTS to use, so although I didn't calculate what I oversnacked on, I will cross off my WAP and continue on without using any more this week. So, it's all good :)

Dinner was one of the cook -ahead meals that I made yesterday - Ham, Lentil and Kale Stew. Very healthy and filling. I added some pasta to the husband's and daughters' bowls, but I ate mine straight up. A serving is 1 1/4 c. and 5 POINTS...

To go with it, I made cornbread muffins (2 POINTS) and Easy Rolls ( 1 POINT). I had one of each...

For dessert, I chose these...

I really like these cookies; they are chewy, full of chocolate chips and only 1 POINT. They are individually wrapped, too which is a very good thing...

Would you like to try them???? Well, my Weight Watchers pal, Lyndsay noticed that many of you said you would like to try the Banana Walnut Muffins when I reviewed them this day, so she has kindly offered to send 3 winners a coupon for a free package of a Weight Watchers Sweet Baked Good (max. value $4.99) which includes cakes, muffins, cookies or brownies! Isn't that cool??? So, if there is a Weight Watchers goodie that you have wanted to try, now's your chance! Just leave me a comment and consider yourself entered! Unfortunately, I can only offer this to USA residents. ( I know, I know - sorry to my Canada/oversees peeps!) I'll pick 3 winners which I will announce tomorrow night, so hurry and leave a comment!!!

Have a great night =)

Making It Through Day 2

I woke up to another nice morning. I was tempted to go for an outdoor run, but my ankle has been bothering me a little, so I opted for the elliptical instead. I did a weighted 35 minutes and 20 tricep dips. The weighted vest makes a big difference. I don't realize how heavy it is until I take it off! And it's only got 18 lbs. in it right now!


After the workout, I made a quick bowl of cereal: Kashi Go Lean Crunch, Fiber One, strawberries and 1/2 c. skim milk for 3 POINTS...

I was in the kitchen after that doing some "cook ahead" meals. I was in the mood for some coffee, but after I made it, I decided I would rather have something cold. I dug out the blender and made a "frappucino". I used 1/2 c. skim milk, 1 c. brewed coffee, 1 tsp. instant espresso powder, 1 tbsp. sugar free caramel syrup and lot of ice. This was definitely a big serving - like a "venti" ;) All for only 1 POINT...

Lunch was al fresco since it was so nice. I had a hummus sammie made with 2 tbsp. hummus, baby spinach, tomato and pickles on an Arnold Sandwich Thin. A sweet fuji apple and barbeque soy crisps were great sides for a 6 POINT lunch...

After lunch, we headed to the movies. The daughters each wanted to see something different, so the husband and I decided to divide and conquer. The husband and little daughter went to see Monsters vs. Aliens and big daughter and I saw The Hannah Montana Movie. I enjoyed the movie, although her "twang" seriously gets on my nerves. And once again, thanks to Disney for making yet another movie where the mother is dead! Sheesh! Anyway, there was no out of control popcorn shoveling thanks to the fact that big daughter wanted Twizzlers instead of popcorn. I'm safe with Twizzlers, so it was all good :) By the time we got home, I was ready for a snack. I went with 1 oz. Penny Sticks honey wheat pretzels and a lite string cheese for 3 POINTS...

An hour later, my stomach was growling! Seriously growling, not just "hmmm... I feel like eating something". I drank a bucket of water, but that didn't help with the growling, although it did help me stay out of the kitchen because I was spending loads of time in the bathroom!

I got dinner going before any crazy snacking could occur. I made garlic thyme chicken thighs on the grill (technically, the husband is grill master!) and sauteed kale and white beans with hearty Italian bread for the family and a slice of Trader Joe's Sprouted Flourless Wheatberry bread for me. What a delicious 7 POINT dinner...

I wasn't in the mood for a big dessert, but I still wanted a little sweet. I decided on these...

I love these little chocolate chip cookies! What I think is neat about them is that they are very crispy, but yet have not been baked! They have not been heated to more than 75 degrees which helps keep the nutrients intact. I think because of that, they can be considered a "raw food". They are made with soy protein and fruit and vegetable concentrates made up of apple, broccoli, carrot, cranberry, orange and tomato.. All I taste is sweet yumminess! A serving is 5 little cookies for 130 cal., 4 gr. fat and 3 gr. fiber which is 2 POINTS...

Perfect with a cup of tea which I did not feel like making! Just as perfect on their own :)

Well, I made it through Day 2 of my "fresh start"! My stomach is having the nerve to growl right now! I guess it got used to having tons of crappy snacks shoved into it, so now it's complaining. But, *fingers in my ears* la la la la la, I can't hear you!!!!!!!!

Going to bed to dream of ..... six pack abs =)

Short And Sweets!!

I'm gonna try to make this a quick post tonight; I promised the husband I would cut out early and so we can spend some time together. I am really tired, too. I can't believe how the time change has thrown me off; I mean, it's only an HOUR, what's the deal??!!! Anyway, here I am already rambling!! I have some new food finds to tell you about, so let's get to it!

The weather was beautiful today, so I decided, in addition to my strength training today, I wanted to go for an outdoor run. I normally don't eat breakfast before I work out, but I was hungry this morning, so I grabbed what I thought wouldn't be too heavy in my stomach: turkey slices and a lite string cheese. A nice protein start to the day for 2 POINTS...


I enjoyed my 30 min. run, then headed straight to the supermarket. I had an apple with me, too just in case I got hungry, but my little protein breakfast lasted all the way to lunch!

I was looking forward to tofu for lunch again! I decided to make a tofu scramble burrito. I crumbled and "browned" 1/2 block Nasoya Lite Tofu ,added a bit of chopped red and green peppers, a few tbsp. leftover bruschetta and a slice of 2% cheese. Isn't it purty...

When it was heated through, I rolled it up in a La Tortilla Factory Smart and Delicious Tortilla. I had a side of carrots and a serving of TJ's Sour Cream and Onion Rice Chips. A filling 6 POINT lunch...

Now for some goodies!!! I picked these up at the supermarket today...

They caught my eye and when I looked at the nutrition label, I knew they were coming home with me! These Manischewitz Chocolate Macaroons may be a seasonal item. They were on an end cap with other Passover/kosher foods. I have never noticed them otherwise, but I haven't really looked for Kosher foods in a long time- little daughter used to have a severe milk protein allergy and could not eat any dairy foods, so during that time, Kosher foods were my saving grace (and hers)!! Anyway, 2 macaroons are 90 cal., 4 gr. fat and 4 gr. fiber which comes to 1 POINT!! I couldn't wait to dig into these! They are really moist and delicious. They are little guys, but are flavorful and satisfying. I had 2 macaroons with a warm Yerba Mate Latte...

This tea was another find today! It was on the clearance aisle in my supermarket, so I'm not sure if it will be a discontinued item. I have had this brand of Yerba Mate before but not this flavor. I know they still sell the original flavor at Trader Joe's. I have to say that this Chai Spice Mate had a nice flavor to it. The neat thing about Yerba Mate is you can make lattes with it; it actually enhances the flavor. I made my Yerba Mate Latte with unsweetened Vanilla Almond Breeze and a bit of Splenda. Fantastic and free......

Dinner was an Asian pork tenderloin. I marinated the pork in teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic and green onion, then baked it all in the oven. To go with it, I made fried brown rice. I tried a new way of making brown rice and it came out amazing!!! Instead of using the traditional 2 to 1 ratio of making rice, I boiled it like pasta!!! Sounds strange, but it works like a charm! My brown rice has always come out kind of mushy or weird texture-wise, so I researched and came up with this method. I took 2 cups of brown rice, rinsed it and then added it to a large pot of boiling water and stirred. I boiled the rice(no lid) for 30 minutes then drained it and placed it back in the pot(off the heat) and put a lid on to steam it for 10 more minutes. It was perfectly fluffy and delicious! I mixed some of the cooked rice with green onion, peas, 2 scrambled eggs, soy sauce and "fried" it in a bit of oil. Delish!

I had 1 c. of fried rice and 3 oz. pork for 9 POINTS...

And last, but not least, I got this yummy treat today, too...

Chocolate Marshmallow Frozen Yogurt!!!!!! How bad can that be??!!! This fat free froyo is only 110 cal, o gr. fat and 1 gr. fiber for 1/2 c. serving which comes to 2 POINTS. It even contains active yogurt cultures and has 20% Calcium and 20% Vitamin D. I knew dessert was good for me ;) Look at the yummy whipped marshmallow...

Those are my "sugar and spice" food finds for you!! Hope you had a sweet Monday =)

Tea With The Ladies

Happy March! So close to spring, but you wouldn't know it with the snow on the ground. More is on the way, too! Yuck! Despite the weather, I was so thrilled this morning knowing that I would NOT have to Shred today!! That is wrong, I know. Jil did fine by me and I should not be dissing her this way. I think I just need some space ;) So instead of Shred, I picked up the 5K Sunday. I was slow on the treadmill, but enjoyed the long run while watching brain numbing TV shows!

I tried not to watch any Food Network shows during my run because I was starving as soon as I got on the treadmill. I had bread on the brain. This bread in particular...


After my workout, I could not get this breakfast together quick enough. I toasted one slice of whole wheat tuscan pane and topped it with a Laughing Cow Light Cheese Wedge. An orange and huge cup of coffee rounded out this perfect 3 POINT breakfast that I couldn't wait to eat (notice the pre-pic bite)...


After breakfast, the daughters and I got ready and headed to my mother-in-law's for her annual Valentine's Tea. Every year, she hosts a girls only tea party for her daughters and granddaughters to celebrate Valentine's Day. She generally likes to have it closer to Valentine's Day, but due to conflicting schedules, this was the first available date. She puts out her fanciest dishes and serveware and makes wonderful tea sandwiches and desserts. I was excited this year that she provided so many healthier options. In some past years, she has made this amazing ham and cheese puff casserole-type dish that is next to impossible to not eat gobs of! Here are some of this year's yumminess...

Cream cheese and French strawberry jam on raisin bread and pink bread (how cute is that?)...

A beautiful veggie tray...

Raisin and plain scones...

Homemade chicken salad (made with chicken breast, celery and light mayo) on snowflake and egg rolls...

Homemade chocolate raisin nut candies...

take home treats (Hershey kisses and chocolate balls)...

My elegant place setting...

cute teapot place cards and perfect handwriting ...

The table was also decked with porcelain china bowls filled with nuts, chocolates, jelly beans, grapes and sliced cucumbers. She also made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on the pink bread specially for the daughters!

Here is my plate consisting of chicken salad on snowflake roll, a small bite of chicken salad only, grapes and veggies. Not sure of the exact count, but I'm guessing it at 7 POINTS...

Then came dessert and tea! Desserts were poor man's cake, prune cake, more chocolates and ice cream! I decided not to indulge in the desserts except for a tiny piece of prune cake (2 POINTS) to go with my green tea...

It was a wonderful time with lots of chatting and laughing! Thanks to my mother-in-law for a terrific time! The "hostess with the mostess"...

We got home right about dinner time and since I lacked a plan, the verdict was breakfast for dinner. I'm so glad the husband and daughters love that! I decided to go with another soup and sammie night for myself. I made a 1 c. serving of Trader Joe's Organic Split Pea Soup and and eggplant meatball sub . For the sub, I used a club roll, 5 Dominex eggplant meatballs topped with a bit of marinara sauce and a lite string cheese melted on top. A delicious and filling 6 POINT dinner...

I still had room for dessert! I went with 1/2 c. Breyers Fat Free Double Churn Caramel Swirl Ice Cream topped with a crumbled Chocolate Brownie Clif Z Bar for 3 POINTS...

It's been a great weekend! Just got a call from school that there will be no school tomorrow due to snow! Yay - a sleep in morning!!!!

Don't forget to leave a comment in the Giveaway post for your chance to win the Exercise Anywhere cards! I'll be announcing the winners tomorrow!!