The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

I woke up this morning and reflected on what I ate yesterday.  Seriously, not the best food day for me.  Yesterday morning, I had seen a VERY small number on the scale for me.  I have a feeling if I weigh today, I will not see that same number.  

Thanks, Ang, for sharing this fun image!

Here's a glimpse of my eating yesterday.  Not the best... I'm so much better when I have a plan!!!


THE GOOD
I started by day with my usual breakfast these days, which is an English Muffin with a Garlic and Herb Laughing Cow Light Cheese Wedge.  Mmmmm.  To kick it up a notch, I sprinkled it with about a teaspoon of Chia Seeds.  I don't know if you guys read Run Eat Repeat, but she's one of my new favorite bloggers.  She featured chia seeds yesterday on her blog, so I decided to try them on my muffin since they've been in my cupboard for months.  DELISH!

Chia seeds are a great source of Omega 3s and fiber and just add a little crunch, no extra flavor.  Try them!


THE BAD
This is where it started to get kind of crazy.  I went to work at Starbucks yesterday.  When I have reporting to do, I often go to Starbucks because I can jam out a lot of work with little interruption.  Oh, and this is where the Salted Caramel Mochas are made so, it makes me love it even more!

The cutest cups EVER help too!

Anywho, I got all caffeinated off an SCM and worked there for hours sucking down FOUR Venti ice waters... and I forgot about eating.  


Now, I don't mean this in the "I'm-a-waif-food-doesn't-interest-me-kind-of-way."  I mean that I was chairdancing listening to my playlist and working hard and sorta forgot about lunch.  Caffeine tends to affect me in this way.  Hmmm.... maybe I should drink more coffee!


As I wrapped up my sales visits for the day, I realized I was FAMISHED.  It was 5pm, and very close to dinner time.... but, I had a date last night so it wasn't like I could go home and have dinner.  SHOOT!


So, I went home and hit my freezer and found this guy.

Jenny Craig Meatball Stuffed Sandwich

Keep in mind, this image is NOT my own.  There was no salad, nor a lovely glass of lemon water.  No plate either.  It was pretty much inhaled, with no scraps left behind.  It's sort of like a Hot Pocket, but I think MUCH better.  It's my go-to fast JC lunch because it only takes 90 seconds in the microwave and plates are optional. 


THE UGLY
So... I casually mentioned above that I had a date last night.  Yes, this is a follow-up date to date #1 that I told you about a few weeks back.  My crazy schedule sometimes gets in the way of my personal life, as evident here but just the same, I was excited to be seeing him again.  


Note:  As I start dating more (which hopefully will happen), I'll probably make little mentions here and there of date-like activity.  Know that while I would LOVE to tell you all about all the details, I may be a little vague just in case I ever decide to tell any of the boys about this site.  Which obviously, when he's the right one he'll have to know about my secret blogging life (or else he'll think I'm just really strangely food obsessed and take pics of everything I eat.)


Ok... so, let's start with the NOT ugly.   How about a peek at my date outfit?

I loved this look and picked it up at the BCBG Outlet at Colorado Mills.  The top was on CLEARANCE for $9, and I paired that with a BARELY visible thick black belt.  It's sort of a Judy Jetson sleeve with tiny shoulder pads and little wings (?)  The shirt fit sort of long so it might be a good pairing with skinny jeans, which always make me feel less than skinny.  Either way, this look was CUTE.


So, I let the guy pick where we were going to dinner and what did he come up with?

MEXICAN

OH, THE HORROR.  We all know I have "issues" with Mexican food and chips. 

And, to be going there on a practically empty stomach.... I probably ate 15 chips and ordered from their "healthier selections" menu... getting the Spinach Quesadilla.  Now, for the record, I call bullshit on this restaurant.  There is NO WAY that Spinach Quesadilla is on the healthier side.  I would call it "meatless", sure, but NEVER healthy.  I love spinach enchiladas or spinach anything... so I knowingly took the splurge despite the false advertisement.


I also had a glass of wine.  MyFitnessPal said it wasn't the worst day ever, but gosh... Mexican late in the evening was not at all what I had in mind.  


The great news is that I'll be hitting the gym this afternoon to burn those calories off and then some.  I can't wait to get there!


Have a great day, my dears! 

New Recipe: Our Favorite Taco Salad

And, just like that.... Christmas was GONE!

After all that shopping, all that wrapping, and all that anticipation, it vanishes so quickly!

Trampoline Fun

We had a great time here in Virginia.  My niece and nephew proved themselves to be EVEN cuter than last year at Christmas time.

Before opening presents...

Our little Hugh Hefner in his Star Wars pajamas

But, now, it's time to get serious... and to get back on track.  I've got one more day until I travel home.  Once I get home, the Y and I will be friends once again.  Working to burn all the extra calories from a midnight snack of mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy... and all the cocktail weinies I ate at a friend's Christmas party.


Until then, I offer you one of my family's FAVORITE recipes. We ate it on Christmas Eve; we ate it on the Cape this summer.  We always eat it!


It's simple.  It's easy.  It's a crowd-pleaser.  You'll love it!

PAULA DEEN'S TACO SALAD

Hey Y'all, This is the ONLY known butter-free Paula Deen recipe in existence.

I heard you gasp.  I know, I know.  When you think of Paula, you think of decadent, Southern, butter-dripping delights... but this one is COMPLETELY butter-free and can be made healthy!  I promise, you're safe!


If you're feeling slug-like and glued to the couch, this is an easy recipe to help you feed your remaining guests and feel like you're still indulging (even though you're not.)


Below you'll find our very own healthified adaptation of this tasty salad.

PAULA DEEN'S TACO SALAD

Adapted from Food Network

INGREDIENTS

• 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 8 oz. reduced fat cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 heads romaine lettuce, washed, drained and torn
• 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey, browned, crumbled, drained, and rinsed
• 1 cup light Catalina salad dressing
• 1 can kidney beans, drained (optional)
• 1 (7-ounce) bag Baked Doritos
• 1 cup salsa

INSTRUCTIONS
Combine the tomatoes, cheese, onion, lettuce, and ground beef in a large bowl. Add the salad dressing and mix well. Just before serving, add the Baked Doritos, tossing to combine with other ingredients. Top each serving with salsa and kidney beans. Serve in bowls.

New Recipe: JC Chicken Fajita Quesadillas

HOLY MEXICAN DELICIOUSNESS!

I truly have NO IDEA why I don't eat the JC Fajitas more often.  Every time I do, I'm amazed by how good they are. I modify them differently each time (i.e. my previously posted JC Enchilada creation), but this one.... this one might be my ABSOLUTE favorite!

Close-Up

One of the fabulous ladies on the JC Forums mentioned that she makes the JC Fajitas into Quesadillas, and I couldn't resist trying it out.  

JC Chicken Fajita Quesadilla

Serves 1

1 bag of Jenny Craig Chicken Fajitas

1 Wedge of Laughing Cow Cheese - Light Queso Fresco and Chipotle Flavor

1-2 Tbsp. Kraft Fat Free Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Penzey's Fajita Seasoning (optional)

Cook the fajitas in a skillet per the package directions until the chicken and veggies have browned.  

Remove to a separate bowl and toss with the Penzey's Fajita Seasoning.  (Note:  You can also use the seasoning packet that JC provides, but I prefer Penzey's seasoning because it's a little tastier!)

Thaw the tortillas per the package directions (I did mine in the skillet I used to cook the chicken.)  Take one DELICIOUS wedge of the Laughing Cow Cheese and split it in half lengthwise.  Spread half on each one of the tortillas.  

I felt like I needed some meltable cheese on the quesadilla too, so I added about 1-2 Tbsp of Fat Free Cheddar Cheese (split between the two tortillas.)  Assemble the quesadilla by piling the fajita mixture onto each tortilla, and then fold each tortilla in half.  Coat the pan with cooking spray and add the quesadilla.  Turn after a few minutes and cook on the other side.

It's done when you peek at the insides and it's fabulously gooey and melted... MMMMMmmmm.

Put it on a plate and cut it into triangles with a pizza cutter.  ENJOY!

I can't even begin to tell you how good this is.  The Laughing Cow Cheese melts up really well, and tastes amazing.  It's also really filling!  I dare you to eat this just once.  I'm totally having it tomorrow night again!

Let me know what you think when you try it out!

New Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas

After my vacation, I knew I was going to need something more than the regular JC food.  All the treats in the desert had me spoiled by bold flavors and yummy food.


I decided I would try to the JC Chicken Fajitas that I NEVER eat.  I had two packages in my freezer, and decided it was time.  
As I was cooking the fajitas in a saute pan, I decided to mix it up a little!  If you're looking for a different way to eat the fajitas, TRY THIS! I grabbed the following to add to my fajitas:

• 505 Green Chile
• Kraft Fat Free Cheddar Cheese
• Penzey's Bold Taco Seasoning
• Penzey's Adobo Seasoning

I mixed the chicken /veggie mixture with a little bit of Bold Taco and some Adobo seasoning.  I also used a tiny bit of the JC flavor mix.  I'm not a huge fan of JC's fajita seasoning, because I like a kick.  Thank goodness for Penzey's!


I put half of the chicken/veggie mixture on each tortilla topped with a bit of the FF Cheddar.

Next, I placed the "enchiladas" rolled up in a pie pan sprayed with Pam.  I poured some of the delicious 505 green chile on top and then sprinkled with a little more of the FF cheddar.

I baked the enchiladas at 350 for about 15 minutes.  Soooooooo tasty!

I am definitely going to make this again!  I also read on the JC Forums that they can be made into quesadillas using my favorite Laughing Cow cheese!!!  That may be the next experiment!


Happy Saturday, all!  

Goodbye, Chips and Salsa...

I should be blogging tonight about my fabulous vacation reward in the desert or about the delicious enchiladas I made the other night.

HOWEVER, I feel the need to make another confession....

I seriously can't be trusted when I'm sitting in front of a basket of chips and salsa.  Tragically, I decided to order a side of chips and salsa tonight with my salad that ended up to be enormous. 

I've described chips and salsa/queso/guac before as "crack" and mexican restaurants in general as a "crackhouse."   Like an addict, I told myself that I wouldn't eat it all, and I told myself that I just wanted a few bites.  BUT, it tasted so delicious, and I ate way too many chips.  Now I just feel horrible.

My question:  Do I have to just eliminate Mexican food from my diet completely??  When will I be able to be able to sit down at a Mexican restaurant and not be tempted to devour the whole basket of chips and salsa??

For now, I've eaten my last chips and salsa for a long time.  Good news is the most recent batch of chips and salsa was delicious and not an icky stale chip variety.  i also get to go to the gym in the morning now, and not for one of those lackluster, halfass workouts.

Goodbye, chips and salsa.... hello, elliptical machine.  Sigh...

Week Four's Lessons Learned...

So, I actually haven't weighed in yet this week.  My weighing-in schedule got thrown off a little by a business trip.  So, I decided to weigh-in on Saturday rather than missing a week completely.  Just the same, Week Four is over and I feel like I should "weigh-in" on my week of observations.

I did take a TEENY TINY peek at the scale this morning... and it sorta kinda looks like I may be at 16 lbs lost!  SERIOUSLY!!! :)

What I've learned this week:

• It's getting easier to get around.  I know that I'm only officially 12 lbs down, but seriously, I feel like when I'm schlepping through DIA, it's not that bad.  I figure I'll feel lighter and lighter as the weeks go on, and I love it!
• Fruit Follow-Up:  I tackled fruit successfully this week.  It's all about pre-packed lunch box sized applesauce and fruit cups.  I loooooove how easy it is to grab these and eat them.  Cheers to lunch box treats!

So... I just have to talk about cravings, because they've begun. Last week, it was Quizno's.  This week... it's all about the following:

• Taco Bell... Just a taco.  Now, I think the bigger issue is that I miss mexican food.  I don't need something huge and fattening.  Just some salsa.  I don't like the JC Mexican foods, because they're all beany and cheesy.  No thanks.
• Laughing Cow Cheese and Wheat Thins:  I don't mean the whole box and the whole wheel of cheese, just a little snack of them.  I'm thinking about working them in somehow this week.  Maybe even tomorrow while I'm travelling.  The JC website forums say that the cheese is not so bad for you... need to think through it and make sure I can stay in control. 

So... let's hope that this unofficial 16 lbs becomes a reality on Saturday!!!

Wish me luck! 

Onward to Week Five!

• When I book my hotels for travel, I need to book at the highest end (i.e. Marriott or Hilton), or at a place that has a breakfast service.  Tonight I'm at Hilton Garden Inn, and they don't have either.  Milk is going to be a problem in the morning, as is fruit.  BUT, I'm thinking Starbucks might be in order and might be A-OK.  There's a solution, but to keep things easier, I'm going with the choices listed above.
• Diet Coke is sooooo delish at Happy Hour!!!  Ok, I'm kidding.  BUT, you can drink Diet Coke at dinner and be fine.
• Thanksgiving-Schmanksgiving.... I totally ate the Jenny Craig Turkey and Gravy Dinner and thought it was crazy-delicious! (Picture of actual Thanksgiving dinner below)