Mix It Up

I love pasta. My kids love pasta.

One of my favorite pasta dishes I learned from my mother-in-law. An easy version of chicken cordon bleu. It has baked chicken, wrapped in sliced ham and swiss cheese, covered in marinara sauce and served over noodles. I haven't made it in months.

While shopping this week I bought Dreamfield's pasta in attempts to eat as normal (you know, not cutting out an entire food group) and yet healthy as possible and we made the penne tonight.

I made hamburger meat sauce for the kiddos - their fave.

But then I mixed it up (my current dinner and favorite recipe, that is). In a small bowl, I mixed some sliced deli ham (only 45 cals. a serving) into classic sauce (70 cals) and served with a proper portion of noodles. It was delicious.

And, honestly, I feel inspired to try to mimic some of my old faves, but with a new lighter twist.

What's your favorite lightly twisted recipe?

Balance

These past two week have been crazy.

A new quarter started at school - after our 3 week break and an inservice day complete with awesome speaker. While on break my head was swimming with things that I needed to change or improve upon during Q3. My time and efforts have no been consumed with making these improvements (rearranging the room, reorganizing books, making more interactive bulletin boards, etc.).

During break I had gotten into a routine healthy eating and exercise. Although there was no real schedule. I am proud to say that I have been able to maintain the healthy eating. I have packed lunches daily and planned better meals.

Unfortantely, I haven't mastered an exercise routine. During break it was often in the morning, but after breakfast when the kids were settled playing. Now our mornings are rushed. I tried to set the alarm extra early to get up and workout. It didn't work. At night my time has been filled with my children (homework/baths/time together), dinners, packing lunches, and preparing for the next day of school (lesson planning or grading).

I need to find balance! I know that I need to exercise, and honestly I want to (it's the getting started that is the hardest part for me).

What helps you keep commited to exercise? What is your routine? How do you stay balanced?

Thanks for sharing - I really need your help, friends!

Wordless (Weigh In) Wednesday

(-5.6 lbs.)

C is for Cookie

Weigh-in Wednesday 187.2 (-5lbs.)

I know that it is said that you shouldn't deprive yourself while on the weight loss journey. Just have a little bit to satisfy the craving and be done. Only one problem with that - I am not good at having a little bit. So, until I have more control (which I'm working on), I just don't want to temp myself.

But, I have been really (I mean REALLY) wanting chocolate sweets for the past few days. Maybe it's the brownies and cookies that my students bring for snack each day, but darn, I couldn't get it out of my mind. I knew I needed to do something to clear my head. But what?

Then I remembered a vegan cook book that I own (yup, I was vegan for about a year...for fun) had some cookie recipes. I tweaked one to better suit my craving and my family's tastebuds, and they are delicious. I had one. I consider that a victory for today.

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies with Peanut Butter

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In one bowl mix 1 cup white flour, 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.

In another bowl combine 2/3 cup granulated sugar, 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter. Stir until all ingredients are incorporated.

Add in the dry ingredients. Stir. Mix in 1/2 cup chocolate chips (karob or dairy free chips, or nuts or dried fruit would be yummy too).

Bake for 12-14 minutes.

Makes roughly 2 dozen cookies.

Ramblings

How many of you can say you've done frozen turkey bowling? Well, after driving 300 miles, my kids can. We spent the weekend visiting my in-laws. It was a nice trip, but it was filled with eating out, lots of time sitting in the car, and very chilly weather (-33 F on Sunday morning).

The PFG event was this weekend. I really wanted to go! Honestly, as I read blogs on Friday speaking about the upcoming weekend event, I felt like that girl in high school who couldn't go to the popular kid's party because she had to be with family. Don't get me wrong, I loved my weekend with my husband, children, and parents, but I was still bummed to miss such a cool event. Next time. Definitely next time.

I was very conscientious about my food choices this weekend. I know that I didn't eat as healthy as I would at home, but part of that was due to what was available. I did my best, and next time I know what to bring to help me be more successful. Oh, and did I mention that I did the Shred DVD? Yes, I brought it with (much to my husband's dismay) and actually did it. I didn't even stop when people came into the room. That is HUGE!

Well, tomorrow I go back to work. I have my breakfast ready (a protein bar and banana), lunch (chicken breast, lettuce, yogurt) and snack (apple) packed, and water bottles filled. I am ready for a successful day. How about you?

Weigh-In Wednesday

That's an overall total of -3.6. I'll take it! Happy Wednesday everyone!

Little Eyes

It finally dawned on me this weekend, while baking with my daughter, that indeed her and her brother's eyes are watching me.

Sunday Sophie was helping me make popcorn cake. When we had all the gooey popcorn mixture in the pan she said to, "Mom, you can't have any."

"Why?" I asked, honestly thinking she would comment about it not being healthy.

"Because, Mom, the last time you made this with Greatsie, you picked out the green gumdrops. We aren't supposed to pick at our food like that, so you can have any," was what she replied, in an oh so matter-of-fact manner.

She was right. In December, when my grandmother (her Greatsie) and I made it for Christmas, I picked out the gumdrops I didn't like. I didn't think that Soph noticed. And if she had, I didn't really think that it mattered.

And then it hit me. This girl isn't just paying attention to me in regards to large things (not swearing, buckling my seatbelt, etc.), she is watching me. Every. Single. Thing. She is absorbing. Processing. Learning.

So, after our family function, when I really just wanted to relax with the family and watch a movie, I changed into workout clothes. I put in a workout DVD and I shredded.

While I exercised, she would walk in the room, do a move or two and then go back to the livingroom for the movie. She didn't say anything, but I know that her eyes were watching. She was absorbing. And, hopefully she is learning - just like me.

Soph, exercising with me on Friday, being my "Helper Girl."