A Dieters Plate

Great week. Lots of  progress – which I’m thankful for. I really hate feeling like I’m at a standstill. And that’s a general statement! So imagine me watching my weight loss chart going in the wrong direction. No bueno! I got MAD and went on the treadmill 3 days in a row plus a 15 minute walking routine by Leslie Sansone. I actually have her DVD that came with Nutrisystem back in 2008. It was pretty awesome. If I could just place my hands on it… Anyway, so far I don’t feel terribly sore. I didn’t pass out or become bedridden so I think I’m okay to proceed!

On a trip to a favourite store recently, I found a plate that perhaps could have best benefited me at the start of my journey, however occasionally a  subtle reminder is good.

 

Roasted Zucchini, Minced Turkey, Butternut Squash

 

 

Tasty Bite!

I’ve been wanting to have fish other than Salmon. I’ve had so much Tilapia in my life that I’ve lost the taste for it. I tried Haddock and seasoned it very lightly, then pan seared for the first go. It was quite nice. Although a very soft fish once cooked, I still enjoyed it. I can start looking for Haddock recipes now 🙂 As for the baby potatoes, this was my first time having it. I needed a break from Sweet Potato. To see these little darlings prepared this way actually put a smile on my face.  I boiled them, allowed them to cool slightly. Then I smashed them with a saucepan! Ha! So much fun! Then I brushed them with Olive Oil and a sprinkle of salt and popped them in the oven for 20 minutes or so until the skin was crispy. I saw it on The Food Network ~ my favourite television station ❤

 

Haddock, Baby Potatoes, Green Beans

Have a great week! Stay motivated!

Ciao

A Romantic Meal And Little Treats

I use the word “romantic” very lightly because on Valentines Day, all my loved ones were under the weather.  I made a lovely meal that I thought would have been nice for everybody but… no one was well enough to enjoy it. (Except me – it was flipping fabulous!) Thankfully my pain does not affect my taste buds. So here was my first attempt at Tarragon Chicken, Pan Seared Zucchini, Pan Seared Fennel, and Carrots in Butter and Brown Sugar [with a side of Basmati Rice for the husband]. Dessert was supposed to be on the same night but happened a few days later ~ Lemon Madeleines, a french dessert (petite cakes). This was my first try at everything and it was great, but I’m going to do it all over again with some minor adjustments. Stay tuned 🙂

I never had Tarragon anything before. It’s an herb and the leaves have a licorice scent. The flavour of the chicken was awesome – like nothing I had prepared in the past. This will definitely be on the menu for a dinner gathering at my home in the future. Zucchini wasn’t really a favourite of mine. But when I made it myself? Perfection! I liked Fennel but this was the first time I had it cooked. I like the crisp licorice taste. Its milder once cooked but still tasty. Another veggie victory! Now that I think about it… the rice looked like it didn’t belong on this menu.

 

Tarragon Chicken, Pan Seared Zucchini and Fennel, Carrots, Basmati Rice

 

The white wine was actually used in the chicken recipe to make the sauce. I felt quite sophisticated cooking with a glass of wine in hand! A nice French wine to go with the French themed meal. Terrific!

 

French Cross Dry White Wine

 

I need to check to see if these are still called Madeleines if I used a square-shaped muffin tin. Ah well! I used what I had and they were very nice. They are supposed to be served with a fruit so I will do that next time.

Lemon Madeleines

 

And these little mini cupcakes were for my little bundles of joy whom I love so much. I wanted to cheer them up since they were under the weather and decided to spend time with them instead of being in the kitchen. I won’t think about the ingredients. I know I make everything much healthier. But it’s just this one time.

 

Chocolate Valentine Mini Cupcake

Take good care of you.

Ciao

A great healthy find!

As I continue on my journey, I sometimes get annoyed with minor setbacks. The main one is my inability to exercise at this time. If I can’t move, I can’t see any results and that in itself is frustrating. I keep watching infomercials (especially the Beachbody products) and I wonder if I will ever be able to take on such rigorous exercise. Aside from the fact that its HARD, it seems like a pretty tough challenge for someone who suffers from chronic pain. Is there any program out there for someone like me? I can only keep looking and hopefully I’ll find something suitable. Ah well. I still gotta eat 🙂

Last weeks meals were pretty darn awesome! I made a fruit bowl,  and an oldie but goodie, got a mood lifter for lunch from my husband, and then a brand new recipe that I simple adore ~ its another keeper! I like when I take traditional recipes and put my own spin on it – sometimes on purpose, sometimes because I use what I have and hope that it turns out well. I like when I come across other people online who make adjustments too. Recipes are guidelines, not rules.

I mentioned in my previous post that I’ve been struggling with snacking. Now that I’ve more or less removed myself from the kitchen table, I’ve been trying to make additional corrections as needed. I realized I’ve never made a fruit salad… until now! Navel Orange, Gapes, Cherries, Asian Pear, Blueberries, Kiwi and Strawberries. Awesome!

 

Mixed Fruit Bowl

I remember when I used to make this dish all the time. It was a real crowd pleaser. Its my version of Shepherds Pie – using lean ground turkey with mixed vegetables, and of course… my favourite… sweet potato instead of regular potato for the topping. A little cheese on top is great. Just a little 😉

 

Sweet Potato Shepherds Pie with Spinach

 

One afternoon, I was feeling pretty down from my pain, and my husband surprised me with lunch. Callalloo with Dumpling and Yellow Yam! It was a nice little reminder of home 🙂 Tasted good too. I checked – one dumpling, one piece of yam. Totally acceptable.

 

Callalloo, Yam, Dumpling

 

I typically get bored with eating the same dinner over and over again. Which is quite strange since I can have the same breakfast all week and be fine. Hmmm. So anyway, I was thinking about a comfort dish for the family that the kids especially would enjoy. I then came across a recipe for a low-calorie, low everything (per serving) version of macaroni and cheese and I decided to give it a try. This Sweet Potato & Spinach Macaroni and Cheese dish was really REALLY good. I was supposed to use squash but thats not really something I have readily available. The sweet potato was basically boiled and pureed [my immersion blender is earning its keep!] and that is what gave the dish body, as would cheese and milk in a traditional mac and cheese recipe. My great healthy find! ❤

 

Sweet Potato Spinach Mac and Cheese

 

I realize the need for recipes on my blog. The meals that I’ve been eating are great family meals and are figure friendly. I think my next project should be a healthy living/food blog [with recipes] as opposed to a weight loss focused blog. What do you think?

Have a super week! (whats left of it :-). Take good care of you.

Ciao

 

Temporary Challenges

Last week, a turn of events had me searching for solutions. Generally, I spend much of my time thinking about what to prepare over the next few days while at home with my family. When I got a phone call to start a temporary assignment the next day… I was thinking about what I was going to do about food! I suppose, in days gone by, typically I would have been thinking about my wardrobe. But my primary goal has me thinking way beyond what I wear. Besides, I already had what I needed to step back into the work place comfortably and confidently.

This weekend, I had to take a few shortcuts since I had no time to prepare meals ahead of my employment start date. I picked up some granola bars, nuts, fruits – healthy food items to keep on hand. I got some items for my freezer too. Dinner might get tricky until I get myself sorted out. What’s funny to me is, I will probably get into the swing of things just before my contract ends in approximately 6 weeks. Due to the nature of the assignment, it may end before or after the estimated end date. We’ll see what happens.

The great thing about this opportunity, is that I get a chance to see what its like as a working mother of two! What a welcome change and challenge! I have to adjust some things in terms of the family schedule. The major thing is –  I need to be in bed a lot earlier than what I’ve been used to over the past year. My body is already reacting to the change in routine. All weekend – pain from head to toe! And this is after only 2 days at work! Damn you, Chronic Pain! I will remain positive and pray that the pain subsides to allow me to function and take care of myself and my family. After all, I am the CEO of my household 🙂

Here are some meals from last week. I found use of my Wok that I forgot I had! Wow! I used it twice and I think it’s absolutely fabulous. I just love to see food cooking in it! First up – Honey Chicken Stir Fry.

 

Honey Chicken Stir Fry

 

Voila!

 

Honey Chicken Stir Fry with Basmati Rice

 

I’ve been wanting to try this recipe for a while now and it was well worth the wait! Zesty Chicken Meatballs served with Spinach Pesto Linguine. The original pesto recipe that I looked at was made with Collard Greens, olives and pecans. I didn’t have any at hand but I didn’t let that stop me (plus I don’t care for olives). I used Spinach and Pumpkin Seeds. I’m no pesto fanatic but it was pretty good!

 

Zesty Chicken Meatballs With Spinach Pesto Linguine

 

Have a wonderful week!

Ciao