Organizer...........be one

Do you have this skill?....do you want to have this skill? Well, today a customer came into to our shop. She wanted to look at our work area here.(it is no where near perfect) She told me wow you have great organizational skills. "Thank-you" was my confused response. Then she handed me her card......holy crap! What a compliment! If you know me at all....you know I could die now....happy and full filled! My life is complete! OK maybe not. But wow I am thrilled!
Do you posses these skills in weight loss?

Have you noticed that when things are in order at home it’s easier to stay on a healthy diet track? You’re not alone.

Setting a gradual plan for progress can make any big project — cleaning an attic or losing 50 pounds — seem manageable. What does a healthy life look like to you? Make a list of the diet and exercise changes you would like to make. They could include limiting soda intake to no more than three 12-ounce servings per week, working out for 30 minutes three times a week and sticking to 1,600 calories a day. Trying everything at once might be too overwhelming — miss one goal and you might want to throw the whole plan out the window. Instead, tackle just one goal at a time. Limit your soda intake for one to two weeks and then add the next lifestyle change to your actions. Soon, you’ll have implemented all the changes on your list!

Simply being mindful about what you’re about to put into your mouth will help you cut back on extra food and slim down. Craving an ice cream cone while you’re out running errands? Reconsider the choice by thinking through what other treats you have had lately. If you can’t restrain yourself, think about splitting a cup or cone with your shopping partner to reduce your serving size, burning some extra calories later in the day (an extra walk with the dog, perhaps?) or having smaller helpings at dinner.

Reconsider, reduce and restrain” If you’re about to pick up a set of discounted coffee mugs at Target, stop first and think about the purchase. Do you really need them, or do you just want them? Can you do without them? If not, what will you get rid of at home to make room for the mugs? “I say, ‘Let’s start with anything incoming’ — whether it’s food or appointments on their calendar. If you add something, something else has to go.” Want the cupcake? Do you have to have it? What choices can you make later to make up for the splurge: walking an hour in the afternoon or forgoing the bread basket at dinner? Deliberately reconsidering, reducing and restraining takes the impulsivity out of your choices, which generally makes them healthier.

Create a detailed plan of attack to help keep you on course. Organize your home so that everything has a place, and plan your life so that you can give time to the most important things (like healthy eating and exercise). Take the time to think through, plan and prep your meals for a week. Knowing how you’re going to fit in your workouts keeps you from making lame excuses to get out of them. Now you’re organized for success. P.S....pack work out clothes the night before!

Succeeding at organizing and weight loss is about being very purposeful and having a plan and place for everything. Use baskets for items that need an easy-to-access home — like receipts to be logged in a checkbook or school papers to be signed and returned — and calendars to plan for everything from picking up the dry cleaning to working out. Writing down everything that has to be done (not just formal appointments with other people) helps you keep better track of incorporating into your life the tasks that you value (like a workout) but would likely let slide when things get busy. love you all.....el

Brown Soda Bread

With St. Patrick's Day right around the corner, I thought I would try this brown soda bread. This bread is easy to make and pretty much irresistible to eat!
makes 16 slices ( 3 points+)
2-½ c. white whole wheat flour
½ c. all-purpose flour
½ c. old-fashioned rolled oats
2 T. brown sugar
1 T. wheat germ
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
2 c. low-fat buttermilk
1 egg, lightly beaten



Preheat oven to 325 and spray a 9x5 inch loaf pan with nonstick spray.
Combine the first 8 ingredients in a large bowl ( through salt).
Combine buttermilk with egg. Stir into dry mixture until just blended. Spoon into prepared pan.
Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Invert bread onto a wire rack and cool completely.



pointlessmeals

just a few thoughts......

"Perceive lapses as isolated events and view healthy eating as a permanent lifestyle versus a temporary measure.........once the weight has been lost and you get to goal, it's a matter of taking a step back and understanding that healthy eating needs to be a part of your lifestyle forever."

Exercise boosts your energy levels, relieves stress, and helps keep your body chemicals in balance. Take a moment to stop and analyze how a new workout or healthy recipe affected your body. Did you sleep better? How was your mood? Remind yourself of these positive changes if you start losing motivation.

Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Filled with delicious veggies, and ham, and topped with Swiss cheese, this tasty breakfast casserole is a real treat. At just 5 Points + per serving, it’s a healthy breakfast idea that everyone can enjoy. Great for large parties or brunches too!

Ingredients

• 1 cup liquid egg substitute
• 4 large egg whites
• 6 slices low calorie, high fiber bread (I used Sara Lee Delightful), cut into small, bite sized cubes
• 1 cup diced lean ham
• 1/2 cup tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup shredded light Swiss cheese
• 5 cups chopped spinach, wilted
• 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 cup fat free buttermilk
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Spray a 7-by-11-inch glass baking dish or a 2-quart casserole with non-fat cooking spray.
3. In a large bowl, egg substitute, egg whites and buttermilk. Add mustard, paprika, salt and pepper; whisk to combine.
4. In another large bowl, toss tomatoes, spinach, bread, ham, parsley, green onions and roasted red peppers.
5. Add the egg mixture and toss well to coat.
6. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and push down to compact. Cover with foil.
7. Bake until the casserole has set, 40 to 45 minutes.
8. Uncover, sprinkle with cheese and continue baking until the casserole is puffed and golden on top, 15 to 20 minutes more.
9. Remove from oven and cool for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Cut into 6 equally sized pieces.

Preparation time: 20 minute(s)

Cooking time: 1 hour(s) 20 minute(s)

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate, High protein

Number of servings (yield): 6

Culinary tradition: USA (General)

Entire recipe makes 6 servings
Serving size is 1/6 of casserole
Each serving = 5 Points +

PER SERVING: 146 calories; 4 g fat; 21 g carbohydrates; 28 g protein; 6 g fiber

Read more: http://www.laaloosh.com/2011/11/08/ham-and-cheese-breakfast-casserole-recipe/#ixzz1nV0H6Ayg

Flax.....

So you want to lose weight, yet you've tried every diet in the book. You've resigned yourself to the fact that your body is in a perpetual state of self sabotage. I mean, why else would you weigh more now than when you began to diet in the first place? The fact is, your body is not in a state of self sabotage, but self preservation. You see, when you begin to restrict calories your body is programed to believe that you are entering a period of famine. This instinct is ingrained in our genes dating back to distant times when our food supply wasn't as easy to catch as the corner grocery store. Metabolism, the burning of calories to create energy, is slowed with caloric restriction. When coming out of a famine, or in modern day terms, a diet - the body begins to hoard calories as body fat in anticipation of the next famine (diet). The result?

Worse, the fad toward no-fat, low-fat foods has resulted in Americans becoming heavier. "Despite a glut of diet foods and health clubs, Americans are growing plumper." The elimination of fat from foods creates the absolute opposite reaction in the body than what is implied or perceived. When we eat no-fat, low-fat foods we don't expect for these foods to create weight gain, but that's exactly what they do. The majority of no-fat, low-fat foods are heavily refined, caloricly dense carbohydrates. These foods, if not used in the production of energy, such as vigorous activity or exercise, will be converted to unsightly adipose tissue.

Flax Fat Facts
An unlikely hero in the battle of the bulge is in fact classified as a fat. Flaxseed oil is quickly gaining acclaim as a sensible approach along with a fiber-rich, whole foods diet to weight loss and vibrant optimal health. Two of the nations top nutritionists are particularly outspoken proponents of the value of flaxseed oil. One espouses flaxseed oil as an "essential element of a healthy diet," the other, "any dietary or weight loss program undertaken without the addition of the essential nutrients in flaxseed oil is destined to fail."

Flaxseed Oil - The Non-Fat Fat
What about the fat phobic in the crowd? After all, flaxseed oil is a form of fat. While technically classified as a fat, flaxseed oil is actually an anti-fat. In fact, it is the exact antitheses to the much maligned saturated fat. While saturated fat contributes to obesity, cardiovascular disease, stroke and other degenerative diseases, flaxseed oil prevents and may even reverse these afflictions. For all intents and purposes we can think of flaxseed oil as the non-fat fat. Instead of trying to fool the body such as with caloric restriction or no-fat, low-fat foods, flaxseed works with the metabolic and physiologic processes of the body resulting in natural weight loss and maintenance. The fatty acids in flaxseed oil have been identified as essential nutrients. This is to say that the body cannot convert other food sources into the essential fatty acids in flaxseed oil. As a result, your body actually craves and looks for these essential nutrients in the foods you eat. If they are not there, your body detects a nutritional deficiency and you continue to crave fatty foods and sweets. Currently, we are getting less than 0.1% of the primary fatty acid in flaxseed oil in our diet.

Adding flaxseed oil to foods, or taken with a meal, creates a feeling of satiation (feeling of fullness and satisfaction following a meal). The essential fats in flaxseed oil cause the stomach to retain food for a longer period of time as compared to no-fat or low-fat foods. The addition of flax oil to food also results in a gradual release of this combination into the small intestine. The physiological effect is a slow, sustained rise in blood sugar, then a prolonged plateau of blood sugar. Ultimately, the blood sugar undergoes a slow and gradual drop. You will experience a corresponding feeling of prolonged energy, stamina and satisfaction with no immediate hunger pangs following the meal. The net result is that you feel fuller, longer, and actually eat fewer calories in the long run than if you would have chosen a no-fat, low-fat diet.

Furthermore, flaxseed oil is converted to compounds that stoke the metabolic processes in our cells. Much like a furnace, once stoked, the cells generate more heat and burn more fuel, in this case, calories. The essential nutrients in flaxseed oil also increase oxygen consumption at the cellular level resulting in increased energy and stamina, and feeling of well-being.

General Recommendations
The American population has been found to be deficient in a key essential nutrient critical to ideal health and optimal weight. The most common food source of these essential nutrients is fresh flaxseed oil. Most Americans would benefit from consuming 1-2 tablespoons a day of flaxseed oil. The ideal method of taking flaxseed oil for purposes of weight loss or maintenance is in divided doses taken with each meal.

Slow Cooker, Apple Cinnamon Steel-Cut Oatmeal
7 (3/4-cup) servings
Make this the night before and wake up to the wonderful aroma of this nutritious, delicious, ready-to-eat breakfast. The oats, flax seed, apples, and cinnamon make this a healthy power house that will help you beat the hungries all morning.


Ingredients
•2 apples, peeled, cored, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (2-1/2 to 3 cups chopped)
•1-1/2 cups fat-free milk
•1-1/2 cups water
•1 cup uncooked steel-cut oats
•2 tablespoons brown sugar
•1-1/2 tablespoons butter, cut into 5-6 pieces
•1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
•1 tablespoon ground flax seed
•1/4 teaspoon salt
•Optional garnishes: chopped nuts, raisins, maple syrup, additional milk or butter


Directions
Coat inside of 3-1/2 quart (or larger) slow cooker with cooking spray. Add all ingredients (except optional toppings) to slow cooker. Stir, cover, and cook on low for 7 hours. Spoon oatmeal into bowls; add optional toppings, if desired. Store leftovers in refrigerator. Freezes well.

To reheat single servings: Put 1-cup cooked oatmeal in microwave proof bowl. Add 1/3 cup fat-free milk. Microwave on high for 1 minute; stir. Continue cooking for another minute, or until hot.

Recipe can be doubled in 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Increase cooking time 1 hour.

Timing is everything

Timing is everything, especially when you are trying to stay on a healthy lifestyle. It’s smart to always have a watch to glance down at now and then to remind yourself of priorities.



*Always maintain a healthy bedtime to keep you energized, and to control your appetite.



*Always eat within a hour after waking up to kick your metabolism into full speed.



*Always eat little meals every two hours to prevent overeating.



*Prevent caffeine or unhealthy snacks after 6pm to get a better sleep.



*Work out at least Twenty minutes a day.



*Wait fifteen minutes after a meal before deciding on seconds.



*Time your meals around your schedule to prevent over eating later in the day.



*There are tons of reasons why a watch is always great to have on hand and it doesn’t hurt to make it a stylish one!!!





Stay Happy Stay Healthy!! xxoo

Be "your" best Valentine

Being kind to YOU....... do something for you today too!

Trying to lose weight can often feel like a lost cause. Fad diets, bland pre-packaged meals, and chemical-laden shakes only add confusion to the already difficult task. Thankfully, the top three weight loss tips are simple enough to use long term, as well as highly effective.

The first tip is so obvious, yet is one of the most overlooked aspects of a successful diet. To get the most from your weight loss, experts recommend drinking eight to twelve glasses of water each day. While this may seem like old news, most people do not realize that the body often mistakes thirst for hunger. When hunger pangs strike, drink a tall glass of ice water instead. Wait approximately fifteen minutes after consuming the water before reassessing your needs. If you are still hungry, follow up with a light snack or sensible meal. However, the majority of the time, you will find that your hunger signals have been satisfied with the zero calorie drink, rather than a calorie-laden snack. The amount of calories you will save with this method will depend on how many snacks you eat in a day, but this is a simple switch that requires very little effort.

Another great tip is to graze on healthy foods throughout the day. Snacking was once thought to be a diet downfall. Researchers have now realized that the body responds better to eating smaller quantities several times a day, rather than three large meals. By using the grazing method, your body will be able to regulate the digestive process easier and keeps your metabolism running at top speed. Eating smaller meals tricks your body into using those calories as energy, rather than storing them as fat, since it knows that more food will be coming shortly. Your blood sugar will also be stabilized better with smaller routine meals, which will improve your energy levels. To best incorporate this method into your daily life, take the foods that your normally eat during the day and divide them into smaller portions. For example, if you normally have a sandwich, carrots, and yogurt for lunch, divide it so you are only eating one item every hour. Your normal lunch should then last approximately three hours, instead of being consumed in less than thirty minutes. Remember the first tip and follow up with a large glass of water as well.

Finally, the last tip is as easy as taking a trip to the grocery store. Stocking your home with healthy foods will cause you to choose a low calorie option automatically. It is nearly impossible to resist a kitchen filled with processed snack cakes or sugary soft drinks. By refusing to purchase these items in the first place, you are not testing your willpower each time you enter the room. Do not fall into the trap of buying junk food for the non-dieters in your family. No one has to have food that offers little to no nutritional value, plus you will be teaching them about healthy eating habits. It is also wise to load your freezer with pre-cut vegetables and marinated lean meats so you can quickly throw a meal together. This will keep you from ordering take-out at the last minute because you do not know what to make for dinner. Continue this easy-to-use method by keeping baby carrots, bell pepper strips, and cherry tomatoes in the fridge for quick and healthy snacks. These are easy for children to grab before sports practices and play dates, as well. With these quick weight loss tips, you will be on your way to better health in no time.




Weight Watchers Shepherd’s Pie recipe

Ingredients
2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 lb uncooked ground turkey breast
1 tablespoon reduced-calorie margarine
1/4 cup nonfat sour cream
2 teaspoons olive oil
1?8 teaspoon table salt
2 medium carrots (diced)
1 cup onion (chopped)
2 medium celery ribs, diced
2 cups canned chicken broth or 2 cups beef broth
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary, chopped
1/2 teaspoon table salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and pour in enough water to cover them.
3. Set the pan over high heat and bring to a boil; reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 10 minutes (until the potatoes are fork-tender).
4. Drain the potatoes, transfer them to a large bowl and add the margarine and sour cream.
5. Mash the potatoes until smooth, season with salt to taste and set aside.
6. Meanwhile, in a large skillet heat the oil over medium-high heat.
7. Add the carrots, onion and celery; cook for about 3 minutes (until soft).
8. Add the turkey and cook for about 5 minutes (until browned), breaking up the meat as it cooks.
9. Add the thyme, rosemary, flour, salt and pepper; stir to coat.
10. Add the broth and bring to a simmer; simmer for about 3 minutes (until the mixture starts to thicken).
11. Transfer the turkey mixture to a 9-inch, deep-dish pie plate. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top and make decorative swirls using the back of a spoon.
12. Bake for about 30 minutes, until the potatoes are golden.
13. Slice into 6 pieces and serve.

Servings: 6

Nutritional information for one serving:
WW points: 5
WW points plus: 7
Calories: 274
Total fat: 4.4 g
Cholesterol: 50.3 mg
Sodium: 856.2 mg
Total carbs: 31.7 g
Dietary fiber: 4.1 g
Protein: 26.3 g

A bad day doesn't mean you are a bad dieter!

You know how it goes. You're cruising along, following your eating plan, working out -- in general, doing everything right. The next thing you know, one slice of pizza turns into six, one scoop of ice cream turns into a pint, and you're banging your head against the wall asking yourself where you went wrong.
The answer is, you didn't.
Having a dieting relapse isn't a matter of if, it's a matter of when
I constantly encourage people~not to go on a diet, but to live a diet," "You need to focus your life on the development of your 'wholeness' -- in terms of your physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual selves."

Since falling off the diet wagon is almost a given, what's important, is knowing what to do when it happens. "When it comes to maintaining weight loss, people who have developed good relapse skills during the weight-loss process are much more likely to keep the weight off."

Be Prepared

There are two different kinds of relapses. The first -- and the easier one to deal with -- is the acute relapse. You're going along fine and then, "you just lose it."

The reasons for it are as unique as the individual. One of the more common ones, though, is being too strict with yourself and putting yourself into a mindset of deprivation. "When you just can't take it anymore, you break out."

Another reason is stress. You've had a fight with your spouse, or a bad day at the office, and you decide you need a time-out. "Life happens."Period. "If you have a piece of chocolate to deal with that, that doesn't mean you're a bad person -- just that you've had a bad day."

When that happens, it's important to learn from the experience. Ask yourself what happened. If you don't recognize what triggered the relapse, you're more likely to react the same way the next time the situation arises.

The more difficult type of relapse is the chronic variety. Somewhere along the line you loosen up. You can't really pinpoint when, but you realize you haven't been to the gym. You're snacking -- and not on broccoli -- far too much. In short, you've given up, even if only temporarily.

"Usually what this means is that you've lost your motivation and need to renew it."

Sit down and take stock. When you were following your program, how did you feel? What was motivating you then? "If you can recreate those feelings, you can get your desire back."


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"80 to 90% of dealing with a relapse is your reaction to it."

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Whether you're having a bad day or a bad month, the most important thing is not to turn the relapse into a moral issue. "We're all challenged every day." "If you tell yourself you're a bad person, you're just going to drive yourself to despair and reinforce the whole situation."

80 to 90% of dealing with a relapse is your reaction to it. "Just look at it as a way to develop skills, not as a method of self-judgment."

Learn Your Triggers

When you do have a lapse, pick yourself up and return to your maintenance plan.

"Write a list of these situations and then plan an alternative for each risk." For example: You're on a business trip and staying in a hotel. Don't order room service, and don't get the key to the convenience bar. Or: You and your toddler are having lunch. Instead of reaching for the fries, take a drink of water instead.

"Exercise and physical activity relieve stress, raise endorphins, and most important of all, burn calories."
If you learn to make the right choices, you won't feel that you're dieting, and then there will be no need for you to go off your plan in the first place


If you learn to make the right choices, you won't feel that you're dieting, and then there will be no need for you to go off your plan in the first place. That means, don't deprive yourself of a snack at night, if that's what you want. But trade in the high-fat ice cream for low-calorie Popsicle's, or realize that if you do eat the ice cream, you will plan for it appropriately during the day.

Don't ever forbid yourself. As soon as you do, you'll feel deprived, you'll wind up eating what you really wanted, and then you'll feel guilty.

"Never say never!" That only sets yourself up for an all-or-nothing response. No one is perfect.


ITALIAN BURGERS



These are not your ordinary, every-day burger. They are moist and full of flavors reminiscent of Italy.
serves 8 ( 6 points +) add additional points for bun of your choice
2 lbs. extra lean ground beef or ground round ( 93% lean)
½ c. dried bread crumbs
½ c. sun-dried tomatoes ( not packed in oil)
½ c. grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
garlic powder to taste
4 slices part-skim mozzarella cheese ( such as Sargento)



Place sun-dried tomatoes in a bowl Cover with boiling water and let stand for 10 minutes. Drain.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef with bread crumbs, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, egg and garlic powder. Form into 8 patties.
Cook burgers in a large nonstick skillet coated with spray or cook burgers on a grill to desired doneness. Top each burger with ½ slice of mozzarella cheese and let melt.
Posted by Pointless Meals

Walk the walk and talk the talk..

Take your own advise.........do you walk the walk....or talk the talk? OR BOTH???

It is very easy to just tell someone what to do. It is another to actually do it. When I decided to do this blog, I really wanted to do it for me....not thinking anyone would read what I blabber about. I wanted to learn something with every post. Well, I do. I am surprised at the stats of how many actually visit my blog. So that really inspires me.

I do blog about what I know...and what I want to know. I know I do not like to exercise, but I do know it works and is very important. I know "clean eating" is where it is at. Yes, I do eat some processed food. This is a daily process for me...everyday I am making me better! I know I love to help others. I know if I reach just one person, that will be enough! I know we all struggle. I know this weight battle will be a battle forEVER! Losing the weight is hard...very hard. Keeping it off ...well it sometimes sux! So, we are in this together. I will research and grow with you all. We will blossom together. We are Champions! Weight Awareness Champions! xxoo el

Weight Watchers Macaroni and Cheese Cupcakes
Points: 3 weight watchers pointsplus
Servings: 12 servings
Serving Size: 1 cupcake

Ingredients
3 cups of cooked high fiber pasta (I used elbows)
1 cup cooked, drained spinach
1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese*
1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese*
1 cup 1% milk
1 egg
1 egg white
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp flour
1 clove of crushed garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
*any of your favorite cheese would work and you can lower calories with reduced fat versions

Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners or cooking spray. I prefer cupcake liners because they are easier to get out.
2. In a small sauce pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Slowly whisk in the flour to make a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
3. Add in the milk and garlic bring it to just under a boil. Slowly whisk in the cheese and continue to cook until the cheese sauce comes together.
4. Pull the cheese sauce off the stove and mix in one egg and one egg white. Adding eggs will help the cupcakes to stay together.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, spinach, cheese sauce, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture into your cupcake tin evenly.
6. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the macaroni and cheese cupcakes get brown on the top. Enjoy as a great lunch, fun appetizer, and treat!

Shortcut: Don’t have time to make the cheese sauce? Instead you can just mix the cheese, milk, garlic, egg, and egg white into the pasta just after it was cooked and it is still warm. The cheese will just begin to melt. Stir in the spinach, salt, and pepper and then bake. The texture will be a little less creamy but they are just as delicious!

Weight Watchers Savory Red Pepper Feta Muffins
Points: 2 Weight Watchers PointsPlus
Servings: 12
Serving Size: 1 muffin
Ingredients
2/3 cup whole wheat flour
2 tsp baking powder
2/3 cup white flour
2/3 cup reduced fat feta cheese
1 small to medium onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 red pepper, finely chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp tomato paste
2/3 cup skim milk
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 egg


Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 4oo degrees and spray a muffin tin with cooking spray.
2.Spray a medium sauce pan with cooking spray and saute the onions, garlic, and red pepper until soft. Remove from the heat and place in a small bowl to let cool.
3.Combine the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, pepper, and oregano and stir together to remove clumps.
4.Beat your egg well and mix together with milk, tomato paste, pepper and onion mixture, and feta cheese.
5.Mix together the dry flour mixture with the wet egg mixture until just mixed.
6.Pour into muffin tin and cook for 14-16 minutes until golden brown on the top.
7.Let cool for 15 minutes and remove from muffin tin. These are great warm or on the go at room temperature
www.slenderkitchen.com

New Beginnings

Are you doing great this year with your weight loss? How is it REALLY going....well, if you are like the majority of people...New Years resolutions do not work. But New Beginnings do. Yep they do, because this on your clock, your time line. YOU ARE IN CHARGE!

Thank goodness for new beginnings. This last week I really gave myself a new start. I set my goals for the year and decided that this year is MY year. I am going to achieve what I deserve this year. It is a new beginning and it will have a new ending for me!

I have started "a new"....yes, there are times when we all need to TWEAK our plan. I was getting a few too many "EXTRAS".....those little things we do not track..salad dressing, Parmesan cheese, Fruits/vegetables(yeah you read that right) ~yes I am a Weight Watcher, those items are supposed to be free....NOTHING is free people! NOTHING! You eat the good health guidelines for these which are for fruits and vegetables 5 servings( leafy 1 cup/other 1/2 cup)....ha....I need more veggie servings..sorry weight watchers. I really do....anywho....ok where was I~ OK all the extra little items that I also refer to as amnesia foods(toppings for salads, creamer,sugar sweetener)....~always forgotten...:)Sooo. I am tracking everything. And just plain simple...have renewed motivation. I am so lucky I can do this and not fall off the wagon and crash.
I am going through menopause....I hate life, me, and everything else some days. I can also jump up 5 to 10 pounds like nothing! ugh!

If you haven’t made your new beginning yet, don’t wait. Start today, start now, just start. Your new beginning is waiting for you!

Homemade Granola Bars-
Ingredients:

■1 cup oat flour* (or 1 cup oats finely ground in food processor or blender)
■1 tsp baking powder
■1/2 tsp baking soda
■1/2 tsp salt
■1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
■2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
■1/2 cup unpacked brown sugar
■1 large egg
■1/4 cup honey
■1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
■1/2 tsp vanilla extract
■2 cups quick oats
■1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
■1/2 cup raisins
■1/2 cup chopped pecans
Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°; Spray a 9 x9 pan with oil. If you have parchment paper, you might want to line the pan with the paper first, and then spray the paper. This just makes it easier to get the bars out of the pan.

In a medium bowl, whisk together oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.

In a large bowl, with a mixer cream together the butter and the sugar on medium speed.

Add the egg followed by the honey, applesauce and vanilla extract.

Working by hand, stir in the flour mixture and the oats until just combined and no streaks of flour remain; stir in the chocolate chips, raisins and nuts.

Spoon oats onto prepared baking dish, flattening to make even. Bake for about 23-25 minutes, or until light brown at the edges. They will seem soft and undercooked, but once they cool they will set completely.

Cool completely on a wire rack then refrigerate before cutting. This will help them hold together better. To cut use a long serrated bread knife and cut in a sawing motion.

Makes 16 granola bars at 5 Weight Watchers Points Plus each.

Try them with different ingredients such as M & M’s, coconut, peanut butter chips, etc… Just remember to adjust the Points Plus values accordingly.

from itsuxtobefat

“ Daily movement is the key to maintaining weight loss, but it's no longer my excuse to eat anything I want. ”

“ Daily movement is the key to maintaining weight loss, but it's no longer my excuse to eat anything I want. ”

Mind Over Weight
A lot of women have trouble with weight loss because of the beliefs they have about body, food, and weight. Many of these beliefs were instilled during girlhood and early girlhood at that.
Girls, like all children are like little sponges that absorb EVERYTHING around them. Sometimes they don’t know they are absorbing things or what they are absorbing until much later in life.
It can be as simple as a girl becoming an over eater after being told “There are starving children in China make sure you clean your plate.”
It can also be an adult woman conditioned from childhood that any problem can be solved with a cookie who decides after years of being overweight to give up sugar completely, under the mistaken belief that there is good food and bad food.
Eating cake and other sweets is not something one should do every day, but to look at food as good or bad creates a mentality of deprivation that makes it much harder to lose weight.
Changing this mindset is essential if you are to have weight loss success.

*Write down your entire history of weight gain and look for patterns of behavior that led to the weight gain. “It’s like a relationship, women have relationships with themselves and with their weight. I always ask how long have you been together.”

*Change your concept from weight to measurements that you can use to visualize your new body and add tangible things to your intention. If you want to become a size 10 buy a pair of size 10 non-stretchy jeans and try them on once a month to measure your progress for example.

*Examine your feelings about body, food, weight, and awareness of these 3 things. If you are stressed out it will be harder to lose the weight.

*Build up confidence around awareness of the fact that body and weight do fluctuate and that you are in control of what’s going on.

*Take responsibility for your body and food decisions and remember that acceptance of yourself and the change is a key element to your success.

Healthful Activities

*With a fit mindset you are now ready to get those activities around your goal setting started. Where do you start? The beginning of course!

*Create an non-shifting goal that you clearly define and keep focused on it. A good goal is more result focused. Instead of saying, “I want to lose 85 pounds.” Say. “I want to be a size 10.”

*Design eating plans and food approaches that work with you not against you, remember a diet is food that you eat and not a weight loss method.

*Look for balance with moderation all foods can be good.

*Get support through your plateaus.

*Prepare food ahead of time so that the right food is ready for you at the right time.

*Monitor your Carbohydrates, especially refined ones.

*Eat plenty of protein and high fiber foods.

*Drink plenty of water.

*Keep Your Mindset under control.

*Don’t forget to do some physical activities.

Cheesy Popcorn Recipe
Indulge in a low calorie gourmet snack recipe that has just 2 Points + per serving. Light, but incredibly flavorful, this spicy Parmesan popcorn recipe is a real treat for any Weight Watcher.

Ingredients
1 bag Jolly Time 100 Calorie Healthy Pop Butter Popcorn
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Cayenne pepper, to taste
Instructions
Toss hot popcorn with cheese and cayenne to taste.
Preparation time:0 minutes

Cooking time: 4 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegetarian

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat

Number of servings (yield): 4

Culinary tradition: USA (General)

Entire recipe makes 4 servings
Serving size is 1 ¼ cup
Each serving = 2 Points +

PER SERVING: 82 calories; 3 g fat; 7 g carbohydrates; 5 g protein; 1 g fiber



Read more: http://www.laaloosh.com/2011/07/20/cheesy-popcorn-recipe/#ixzz1lWMbaNpf

A Cut Above: 5 Flavorful Popcorn Recipes

Partial to popcorn? These tasty twists on the classic snack are sure to become new favorites.

Article By: Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough

Busy or not, here we come. Every month “A Cut Above” serves up new recipes, cooking tips and ideas for dishes that are simple enough to prepare and enjoy in a snap.

We're partial to popcorn. It's our go-to, late-night snack. What's a movie without the whir of the popper? And besides, few treats are as low in PointsPlus™ values, high in fiber, and taste so good.

Spiced popcorn — with lots of flavor — is our favorite. The best spice mixtures balance two types of flavors such as piquant and sour or sweet and spicy. To give you a wide range of sweet and savory combinations, we're including five great recipes.

Skip the microwave and haul out the trusty air-popper. It makes a delicious treat without any fuss. Let the popper heat up for at least three minutes before adding the kernels. They should hit the heat head on for the lightest, fluffiest result.

Then, to get your favorite flavors to adhere perfectly to your popcorn, we suggest putting the popped kernels in a large bowl and spraying them two or three times with cooking spray, tossing after each spray. Add your spice mixture, toss again, and your popcorn is ready to enjoy.

A note about un-popped kernels:
Popcorn needs moisture to pop (it's actually the superheated water vapor in the kernels that blows them up), and too many un-popped kernels are a sign of dried-out popcorn. For optimal freshness, store popcorn in an air-tight container at room temperature for no longer than six months. Don't store it in the freezer or refrigerator since the chill can dry out the kernels.

If you find too many unpopped kernels, next time consider dropping the kernels in a jar, adding a tablespoon of water, covering and shaking vigorously for a minute or two. Drain off any excess moisture and drop the kernels into a preheated popper. They will have absorbed some of the moisture and should pop much better.

About Southwestern Spiced Popcorn
Here's a great late-night snack or a nice munchie to set on the coffee table before a Southwestern meal.

Southwestern Spiced Popcorn

Makes 4 servings

PointsPlus value per 2-cup
serving: 2 (note: a 1-cup serving has a PointsPlus value of 1)

Ingredients

• 8 cups air-popped popcorn
• Nonstick spray
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika, preferably smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

• Place popcorn in a large bowl; spray with nonstick spray, tossing well.
• In a small bowl, stir together the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt and garlic powder. Sprinkle over the popcorn, tossing all the while, until well coated.

About Cinnamon-Spice Popcorn
Perfect for a chilly evening, consider serving this treat with warm cider or tea.

Cinnamon-Spice Popcorn

Makes 4 servings

PointsPlus value per 2-cup
serving: 2 (note: a 1-cup serving has a PointsPlus value of 1)

Ingredients

• 8 cups air-popped popcorn
• 2 sprays cooking spray
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground or freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1/4 tsp table salt

Instructions

• Place the popcorn in a large bowl; spray with nonstick spray, tossing well.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and salt. Sprinkle over the popcorn, tossing all the while until well coated.

About Parmesan-Thyme Popcorn
For the best taste, use real Parmesan cheese, stamped Parmigiano-Reggiano on the rind and available in chunks at most supermarkets; grate it with a microplane or through the small holes of a box grater.

Parmesan-Thyme Popcorn

Makes 4 servings

PointsPlus value per 2-cup
serving: 2 (note: a 1-cup serving has a PointsPlus value of 1)

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 8 cups plain air-popped popcorn, kept hot
• 2 sprays cooking spray

Instructions

• In a small bowl, mix together cheese, thyme, garlic powder and salt.
• Place hot popcorn in a serving bowl and coat with cooking spray; sprinkle with cheese mixture, tossing all the while until well coated.

About Greek-Spiced Popcorn
Take an easy trip to the Aegean with this savory popcorn. You might even search out Greek rosé wine, a nice complement and an unusual treat. Look for dried, ground lemon peel in the spice aisle of your market.

Greek-Spiced Popcorn

Makes 4 servings

PointsPlus value per 2-cup
serving: 2 (note: a 1-cup serving has a PointsPlus value of 0)

Ingredients

• 8 cups air-popped popcorn
• Nonstick spray
• 1 Tbsp dried dill
• 1 Tbsp dried ground lemon peel
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp onion powder

Instructions

• Place the popcorn in a large bowl; spray with nonstick spray, tossing well.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the dill, dried ground lemon peel, salt and onion powder. Toss the spice mixture with the popcorn until well coated.

About Ranch Popcorn
Here, the spices of Ranch dressing are turned into a dry mixture for popcorn, a boon to anyone who loves this classic taste. Look for dried buttermilk in the baking aisle of most supermarkets or from suppliers online.

Ranch Popcorn

Makes 4 servings

PointsPlus value per 2-cup
serving: 2 (note: a 1-cup serving has a PointsPlus value of 1)

Ingredients

• 8 cups air-popped popcorn
• Nonstick spray
• 2 Tbsp dry buttermilk
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dry mustard
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper, preferably white pepper

Instructions

• Place the popcorn in a large bowl; spray with nonstick spray, tossing well.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the dry buttermilk, salt, onion powder, dry mustard, garlic powder and pepper. Sprinkle over the popcorn, tossing until well coated.