Potato Salad

This can be healthy depending on how much of each ingredient is used. However, if eaten in moderation, there is no problem to indulging in a scoop or two.

-boiled Potatoes (once water boils, continue cooking for about 15 minutes)

-hard boiled Eggs (once water boils, continue cooking for about 7 minutes)

-(Light and Active) Mayo

-(Sweet or Dill) Pickle Relish

-Celery

-Green Olives

-Mustard

-Celery Seed

-Season Salt

-Salt

-Pepper

-Veggies

Mix these ingredients to taste and then decorate the top with your favorite vegetables, such as tomatoes and green and/or red pepper or save a hard boiled egg or two.

Just a Quick Update

It's been a while since I've reached my goal weight and I'm feeling very confident with maintaining my weight. My goal was 135 pounds, which is 50 pounds from the height of chubbiness. My weight has been fluctuating between 133 and 135, which I'm extremely happy with. I may try to lose a few more pounds as time goes on, but I'm happy being in this weight-range for the time being.

I received a bicycle as an Easter present from my parents. This has turned out to be an excellent gift. I ride about 2 miles each time I take the bike out and will eventually increase this amount as my body tones and I build up endurance. When I was younger, I used to have to push the bike up the hills around my home, but since I've gotten the new bike, I haven't had to push the bike since I walked it out of the store! This to me is a great accomplishment.

The weather is warming up around here and I've been using my trampoline. (Only ten minutes of bouncing burns about 100 calories!) I can't wait till hula-hoops are put out in stores for Spring... I can work on my core while watching tv or take it outside and enjoy the fresh air. I've been thinking of getting my old jump rope out too. Amazing how the toys of one's youth can be great workout devices later in life. This summer, I'll be working at a scout camp and hopefully I will be able to take my toys with me and also incorporate some swimming as I'll have access to the lake.

As Spring and Summer approach, I plan on adding more recipes and tips to the blog. If you are just starting your weight-loss adventures, Summer is a great time to incorporate activity into your lifestyle and daily routine. If anyone has suggestions for a blog post, please comment and I will try to put my spin on things!

Regrets

Once you start eating healthy and are eating healthy consistently, your body will let you know when you aren't being true to your new diet.

You may be tempted to eat like you did before your diet... but after 6 months of not cheating yourself, your body will let you know that those extra sweets and/or carbs you ate are sitting in your stomach. It makes you uncomfortable and let's you know that it's not worth it. It might taste good passing your lips, but your body doesn't need it and let's you know it doesn't want it.

I made this mistake a few times and thought it was important to include in my blog as a reminder to myself. The discomfort is not worth the taste. Moderation is key. If you only feel like eating half of something, don't force yourself to eat the whole thing! Only eat what you feel comfortable eating and don't let others affect your decision making. You know what's right for your body and you've worked so hard that those few extra calories are jeopardizing your personal goals/maintenance.

Don't live your life with regrets... enjoy yourself... but don't over indulge!

I did it!

Today marks a momentous occasion! I've finally reached my goal weight...

It's important to set a goal for yourself. It helps to keep you focused and motivated.

Before (September):

Halfway (November):

Goal (April):

Spicy Sloppy Joes

From Family Circle May 2009

Servings: 6

Approximately 270 calories per serving

-1 pound lean Ground Beef (or Turkey)

-1/2 small finely chopped Onion

-1/2 small finely chapped Green Pepper

-1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

-2 Tbsp Ketchup

-1 Tbsp Vinegar

-1 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

-2 tsp Sugar

-1/2 tsp Hot Sauce

-6 whole-wheat English Muffins

Spray a large nonstick skillet with non-stick cooking spray. Crumble in ground meat, add onion and green pepper. Cook over medium heat for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add tomato sauce, ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire, sugar, and hot sauce. Mix well, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon. Simmer on medium-low, uncovered, for 10 minutes stirring occasionally. Spoon equal portions of meat mixture onto toasted English muffins. Serve with pickles and cole slaw on the side if desired.

Breakfast Ideas

From Family Circle May 2009

(although I generalized a few ideas)

"Rise & Dine"

Skipping breakfast can slow your metabolism and cause your body to store excess fat as well as lead you to eat more calories later in the day. Maximize weight loss by starting your day with a substantial meal that contains whole grains and a lean protein. Strive for at least one serving of fruit. Take your pick from any of these:

-1 1/2 cups fruit salad

-2 Tbsp walnuts

-1/2 cup 2% cottage cheese

-2 whole-grain frozen waffles

-2 Tbsp maple syrup

-1/2 cup orange juice

-1/4 cup steal cut oatmeal made with water

-1 Tbsp brown sugar

-1/2 cup blueberries

-1/2 cup low-fat milk

-2 slices toasted wheat bread

-1 Tbsp almond butter (or flavored spread)

-1 sliced banana

-3 egg whites scrambles

-1 oz grated reduced-fat cheese

-1 sliced scallion

-1 slice whole-grain toast

-1/2 cup orange juice

-3/4 cup cereal

-1 cup low-fat milk

-2 cups cut melon or 1 cup berries

-1 light English muffin

-1 veggie or turkey sausage patty

-1 slice reduced-fat cheese

Lunch Ideas

From Family Circle May 2009

"Eat More, Weigh Less"

Add water-rich foods to your diet and you'll feel fuller while consuming fewer calories. Almost all veggies fir the bill, so be sure to include them in your noontime meal every day. Try one of the tasty choices:

-1 cup cooked high fiber pasta

-1/3 cup tomato sauce

-3 Tbsp part-skim ricotta cheese

-1 cup steamed broccoli

-6 oz chopped cooked chicken breast tossed

-1/4 cup avocado

-1/2 cup cherry tomatoes

-1 cup romaine lettuce

-2 tablespoons fat-free dressing

-3 oz canned light tuna

-2 Tbsp light mayo

-1 tsp pickle relish

-2 slices of reduced calorie bread

-lettuce and tomato

-1/2 banana

-6 pieces California Roll

-1 apple

-2 cups baby spinach

-2/3 cup chickpeas

-3 oz light tuna

-2 sliced scallions

-6 halved cherry tomatoes

-2 Tbsp fat-free vinaigrette

-2 hard cooked eggs (chopped)

-2 Tbsp light mayo

-1 tsp Dijon mustard

-1/2 tsp pickle relish

-served over 2 cups of romaine lettuce

-1 whole-grain roll

-1 six-inch pita

-1/4 cup hummus

-1/4 cup romaine lettuce

-1/3 chopped cucumber

-1 small chopped tomato

-1 teaspoon Greek seasoning

-2 Tbsp parmesan cheese

(I altered this one a bit... instead of the cheese, they suggest yogurt)

Snack Ideas

From Family Circle May 2009

"Healthy Interruptions"

It's okay, even beneficial, to snack throughout the day. Just don't supersize your between meal treats. Keep them under 150 calories!

Here's our favorite satisfying options:

-1 oz Pop Chips

-8 oz Fat Free Yogurt

-1/2 ripe pear and 1/2 oz Kraft Low-fat Cheese

-1 apple and 1/2 oz Kraft Low-fat Cheese

-1/2 oz baked tortilla chips with 1/2 cup salsa

-1 cup vegetable juice with Special K 90-Calorie crackers

Desserts:

-Ciao Bella Sorbet

-Hostess 100 Calorie Pack

-Vitatops Muffin

Here's some of my favorites:

-16 Stauffer's Animal Crackers

-1 Breyer's Fruit Swirl Bar (Lemon Lime tastes a lot like Italian Ice!)

-1 Breyer's Pomegranate Blends Pure Fruit (Mixed Berry and Mango are my favorites!)

-1 Edy's Fruit Bar (Tangerine and Raspberry are my favorites!)

-6 Andes Creme de Menthe Thins

-1/4 cup dried Apricots

-1/4 cup Raisons

-2 Tbsp Low-Fat Peanut Butter on sticks of celery

-2 sticks "Super Pretzel" Pretzel Fils - Filled Soft Pretzel Sticks (Pepper Jack)

-Jell-o Sugar Free Jell-o Snack Cup

-Jell-o Sugar Free Pudding Snack Cup

I will try to add more as I think of them.

Enjoy your snacks, but be sure to keep it under 150 calories!

Chicken Alfredo Potatoes

From Family Circle May 2009

Servings: 4

Approximately 350 calories per serving

Ingredients:

-4 small Potatoes (about 4 oz each)

-14 oz or 2 cups (frozen or fresh) Broccoli florets

-1 cup cooked, shredded Chicken

-1 cup light Alfredo sauce

Pierce potatoes a few times with a fork and place in microwave. Microwave on high for 8 minutes. Cook broccoli following package directions or steam until fork tender. Place shredded chicken in Alfredo sauce in a small sauce pan and heat gently for about 4-5 minutes. To serve, cut each potato in half length wise. Place 1/4 of the broccoli over each potato

Red Bean Vegetable Jambalaya

From Family Cirlce May 2009

Servings: 6

Approximately 265 calories per serving

Ingredients:

-1 Tbsp Vegetable Oil

-1 large Onion (sliced)

-4 large Carrots (sliced into 1/2 in coins)

-6 cups Cauliflower (cut into florets)

-1 large Green Pepper (cut into 1 inch pieces)

-2 cloves Garlic (peeled and chopped)

-2 cans (about 28 oz) no salt added diced Tomatoes

-1 Tbsp salt-free Cajun/Creole seasoning (such as Spice Hunter)

-1/2 tsp salt

-1 can (about 15 oz) Red Kidney Beans (drained and rinsed)

-1 pkg (about 8oz) whole-grain Couscous

Heat oil in a stockpot over medium heat. Add the onion and carrots; cook for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add cauliflower and pepper; cook for another 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in garlic, tomatoes, and seasonings. Simmer with lid ajar for 25 minutes, stir occasionally. Add beans and simmer for 3 minutes until beans are heated through and vegetables are fork tender. While cooking, prepare couscous following package directions. Serve jumbalaya over couscous.