Roni’s Weight Watchen Page(s) - Take 2 (the rebuild)

Labels: journal

Tomorrow is the big trip! I fly out with my two closest friends in world. I am so ready to relax with the girls. I hope you don’t take this personally but no more posts, updates or rebuilding efforts for the next 5 days. I need a BREAK! ;~) I’ve bee working non-stop on rebuilding. I haven’t even packed yet! It’s my own fault, I’m a bit obsessed but hey, we all need hobby right?

I don’t have a menu tonight. I didn’t do particularly bad or good, I just didn’t journal. Well… I should confess my little Triscuit incident. I grabbed the box while working on the site and mindlessly munched about half the box. At least it wasn’t the Doritos my husband bought yesterday! That would have been DISASTEROUS!

So as you can see I got my updates back up. It was the easiest to do in the short time frame I had. My plan is to rebuild the majority of recipes (at least the popular ones) and repost my journal from the first years (when I lost the weight) and the more popular entries from the past year.

My inbox is overflowing! Over 100 message from the last 2 days. I have read them all but haven’t replied to any. I will catch up when I get back and I promise I will start posting daily menus again on Sunday. I’m sure I will want to after my vacation!

Thanks again for the support. One more thing, someone asked if I would rebuild the blog community. I have to admit I’m a bit hesitant, I’m not sure I’m ready to handle the responsibility of hosting all your hard work again. I will definitely recreate the message boards and I plan to get them up and running by the end of next week. I know some of you have started blogs else where and I think that's GREAT! It's all about staying accountable. With the message boards at least you can always put your address into your profile. I can also create a user page that will link to everyone’s blogs no matter where you decide to create them. How does that sound? This way it will be a little less responsibility for me and we can still all stay in touch and support each other.

I’d love to here your feedback and again, I can’t thank you enough.

Labels: journal

I made this recipe the day I found out I lost the site. I’ve been spending so much time recovering old posts I thought it would be important to get something new out there.

All right, on to the food…

This came out SO GOOD! It’s my “fanciest” dish yet AND the Husband actually like it! I got him to eat spinach again and that’s 2 dinners now with fruit he has enjoyed. The other being Grilled Tilapia with Fruit salsa (I’ll post as soon as I can). The picture does not really do it justice. It tasted better then it looks.

• 4-6 3-4 oz boneless pork chops pounded thin
• 2 cups of baby spinach chopped
• ½ cup bing cherries cut in half and de-pitted.
• 1 large Portobello mushroom cap diced
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 mini corn muffins or 1 regular corn muffin crumpled
• Fresh thyme and rosemary (or about ½-1 tsp of each dried)
• Non-stick cooking spray

Mix the spinach, cherries, mushrooms, crumpled corn muffins, vinegar, rosemary and thyme in a medium bowl and let it sit for a bit for the flavors to merge. (I made the stuffing ahead and stored in the fridge for a few hours)

Scoop the stuffing mixture on top of the pounded pork and roll. Use a toothpick to hold together if necessary. Place the pork in a baking dish sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. I had more then enough stuffing for 5 chops (that’s why I said 4-6). I sprinkled the extra in the baking dish on top of the chops.

Bake covered in a preheated 375-degree oven for 25-30 minutes until the pork in finished.

I haven’t had time to do the nutritional info yet. I’ll try to get to it when I get back from vacation.

Labels: DinnerIdeas

Labels: journal

First thing I want to say is thank you SO much for all the supportive emails! You guys really are the BEST!

On to moving on, first, of course, the day the site goes down I have like a million things to tell you. I made a great new recipe (Portobello cherry stuffed pork) my “fanciest” yet! I will post it as soon as I get my new system down, which leaves me to my agenda… updates.

1.) My first task is to get some of my site rebuilt. I have all of the pictures and recipes on my hard drive and I was able to pull many of my pages from Google cache. Bear with me it will probably be a slow process. If there is a recipe you need, email me and let me know, I’ll move it to the top of my list.

2.) Rebuild the Boards. It will be the fastest thing I can to do to start rebuilding the community. It’s not as labor intensive as the blogs and I should be able to get them up fairly quickly. **biting my nails** I THINK!

3.) The last thing on the list is the blogs. This, by far, has been the hardest for me to swallow. We had over 400 AMAZING blogs! I’m not sure I have it in me to rebuild and have the responsibility of hosting them all for you again. Let’s see how things pan out.

There you have it. My loose rebuild plan. Of course the next three weeks are my busiest personally. First, I’m going to Vegas this week with “the girls”, next week I will be watching my niece (another toddler) and the week after that is our family outing to the beach. Where does the time go?

I did manage to journal today, although I nibbled a bit. I don’t have it in me to count points right now but here’s the morning weigh in and food list.

Morning Weigh In: 141.5

• Berry VitaMuffin Cake (recipe will be resposted) and an orange
• Fruit cup
• 2 ears of corn
• 2 mini corn muffins (recipe will be resposted)
• Leftover big pot o’ stuff (recipe will be resposted)
• 8 oz light yogurt
• 100 cal pack
• Portobello cherry stuffed pork (recipe to come) with a side of sugar snap peas
• A handful of Doritos (total mindless splurge)

There you have it. I’m off to figure out the new system and start moving stuff.

Labels: journal

I am writing this with tears in my eyes.

What I thought was just some temporary downtime on the server has resulted in permanent database failure. I’m still waiting on the official response from the hosting company but I’ve been told by tech support that all data has been lost. ALL DATA!! I was in shock for about an hour. I cried so hard my husband thought someone died. I never realized how emotionally attached I was to the site and all of you. I think I went through my own accelerated mourning process. First I was in shock then disbelief, “no way, there has to be a back up”, then I felt broken as if all hope was lost. I actually said to my husband “It’s over”. You all trusted me and signed up for the blogs and the boards. All of that is gone! Our community is GONE! I’m actually still nodding my head in disbelief. I’m really not sure what to do right now. When I think about it, all your blogs, and our great support on the message boards, I actually get physically sick.

Now I have hope. I’m coming up with the best and safest way to rebuild. It will be tough but I need to do it!

As soon as I hear anything from the hosting company I will let you know. I don’t even know where to begin apologizing for all of the hard work on your blogs and the support you provided me.

-Roni roni@weightwatchen.com

Labels: journal

As we could have guessed, my trip to the Japanese restaurant last night resulted in more water weight today, 143. But that’s cool, I feel good about yesterday and today.

So today… ummmm…. I have so much to tell you I don’t know where to start.

First, I went through a little baking spell this morning. I just felt like being in the kitchen. The result was a new pancake recipe and a healthy muffin cake. I fell in love with both recipes today.
After breakfast, I ran and got my hair colored and trimmed for my trip. Did I tell you all that I’m going to Vegas next week? That’s right VEGAS!! Not only Vegas, but Vegas with no toddler and no husband. :~) Do you see me smiling? No really, I’m smiling. I’m going to miss them but MAN I am ready to have some fun! - More on that in the next few days.

When I got home, I took care of some chores, to help ward off the urge to eat. MAN I just wanted to eat but I knew I’d be making a nice big healthy dinner so I wanted to hold out. I played T-ball with the toddler and then cooked a great meal on the grill.

After Dinner, I felt down for some reason. I guess just coming off the high of the busy day. So I decided to create a new mix on my iPod and hit the pavement. The husband put the toddler to bed and off I went. I was in the zone! I walked for 40 minutes and felt FABULOUS! Still do!

So I thought I’d share my new walking mix. Some of these songs I chose for beat, some for meaning. Either way the mix kept me going! If you have any walking mix recommendation I’d love to hear them. I’m always looking for some new tunes.

• The Story by Brandi Carlile
  
• Sly by The Cat Empire
  
• The Sound of Settling by Death Cab For Cutie
  
• Last Cigarette by Dramarama
  
• Anything, Anything by Dramarama
  
• No Such Thing by John Mayer
  
• SexyBack by Justin Timberlake
  
• When You Were Young by The Killers
  
• Debaser by Pixies
  
• Steady As She Goes by The Raconteurs

Labels: journal

My third idea with Vitalicious VitaMixes! First, there was Surprise Chocolate Cherry Muffins, then Chocolate Raspberry Brownies now we have Berry VitaMuffin Cake! Let me first warn you that it really isn’t a “cake” per say, it’s a large muffin shaped like a cake. I only say that because I don’t want you to be disappointed. If you like BlueBran VitaMuffin you will like this. I thought it would make a nice addition to a summer brunch, maybe even for 4th of July?

• 1 package of BlueBran VitaMix (Blueberry Bran Muffin Mix) (Click here to purchase)
• 2 egg whites
• 1 1/2 cup of water
• About ¾ cup fat free whipped topping
• About 4-5 large strawberries cleaned and cut up
• About ½ cup fresh blueberries

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Mix the VitaMix, egg whites and water according to package. Pour batter into a non-stick 8 inch square cake pan (you may want to spray with non-stick cooking spray to guarantee no sticking). Bake for about 30-35 minutes. The center should be firm to the touch and the edges may just start getting slightly browner.

Let the cake cool completely. Top with whipped topping and create stripes with the berries.

The whipped toping and berries only add about 20 calories a serving. The cake mix makes 12 servings so with the additional toppings we are looking at about 120 calories, no fat and 6 g of fiber! Not too shabby!

Labels: BreakfastIdeas, DessertIdeas

I just can’t leave a good thing alone. My first version of Whole Grain Pancakes was delish but I knew I could do better! I replaced the oil and splenda with “healthier” alternatives. The came out just as good and this time I actually got 12 cakes!

I love making these and freezing the leftovers. During the week, I throw one in the microwave for about 20-25 seconds. It’s a great quick breakfast! The toddler absolutely loves dipping his in applesauce. I prefer berries. ;~)

• ½ cup quick oats
• 1 cup skim milk
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• ¾ whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tbsp honey

In a medium bowl combine oatmeal, milk and lemon juice.  Let sit while mixing the dry ingredients (at least 2 minutes).

In a small bowl combine all the dry ingredients, whole wheat flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder and baking soda.

Beat or wisk the egg, vanilla, applesauce and honey into the milk/oatmeal mixture.  It will be very liquidly.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix with a spoon until combined.

Pour batter in a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat to make pancakes. Cook about 1-2 minutes a side, small bubbles will form but not as many as traditional pancakes. I just peaked underneath for a light brown color, then flipped.

Should make about 10-12 cakes! Each cake is about 65 calories, 1 g of fat and 1 g of fiber.

Labels: BreakfastIdeas

Today I was down 2 pounds from yesterday. It was my first day back on plan without snacking and I ate good healthy foods. Can I really lose 2 lbs that fast? Let’s see, I’ll do the Math…

There are 3,500 calories in one pound of body fat.
Estimating a point at about 50 calories (it’s only an average I know a point doesn’t always equal 50 calories) I consumed approximately 1400 calories.

(3500 x 2) + 1400 = 8400

8,400 - that’s how many calories I needed to burn yesterday to actually lose 2 pounds of fat. Now, I did work soooo, maybe??? ;~)

In all seriousness, this is exactly why I weigh myself every day! I know I didn’t “lose” that weight but it sure does give me a boost! By hopping on that scale I can see how eating good healthy food makes my body react and, of course, the opposite. Just as I cannot lose 2 pounds in one day, I can’t gain it either. Therefore, by getting in tune with body and understating how the scale responds to what I eat it helps me not FREAK OUT when I see a jump. Now I still do a little bit but I would freak out even more if I saw a jump on my once a week weigh not seeing my daily ups and downs.

All right, enough about my weigh in philosophy and onto the day. We hit a Japanese place for dinner tonight. I have NO idea how many points. I split my meal with the toddler and stuck with scallops and chicken. We’ll see how it affect my weight tomorrow.

Labels: journal

My points seem a bit high but I feel really good about today. I tracked when I ate in addition to what. I don’t think I’m going to keep that up, it’s a bit labor intensive, but I wanted to give it a try.

I ate today like I did for the majority of my weight loss, small smacks all day with a nice healthy dinner. I really like splitting my points this way.

Thanks so much for all the comments I appreciate the feedback, encouragement and ideas!

I’m cutting it short, I’ve done a lot of posting today and I’m off to do my workout.

Labels: journal

I was lucky enough to come home for lunch today and have a minute while the toddler was napping.

Inspired by a sandwich my friend had yesterday while shopping this came out better then I ever expected! And so pretty although my picture doesn’t’ do it justice. Just imagine the red tomato, white cheese and bright green pesto!

• About 1 cup of spinach
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 clove of garlic
• Fresh basil or about 1-2 tsp dry basil
• 1 large 2 point pita ( I used Damascus Whole Wheat Pita)
• 1-2 medium ripe tomato sliced
• 1 oz shredded mozzarella

Put the spinach, olive oil, vinegar, garlic and basil in the blender or small food processor. Blend until smooth. You will have a nice bright green sauce.

Cut the pita in half and layer the tomato slices, cheese and presto inside. Eat it cold or warm it as I did using the pot of water trick].

It depends on the pita, but I’m getting approximately 250 calories, 11 g of fat and 9 g of fiber.

Labels: SandwichIdeas

Originally posted on June 20th, 2007 10:24 pm

That was the number on the scale this morning. This is getting out of hand.  I don’t want to insult those trying to lose weight, I know that’s a low number BUT it’s almost 10 pounds from where I’ve been and I feel as if I’m losing control.

So how do I do it? How do I get it back?

First, let me tell you what has been happening. Every morning I wake up ready to go.  I’ve been skipping breakfast because I don’t feel hungry (bad idea).  Then I will eat a great light lunch, have a few low point snacks, make a great healthy dinner and then SNACK LIKE CRAZY!! It’s REALLY bad.

So here are my commitments, writing them out on the web has helped before so why not go with what works.

Weigh in every morning and record it.

I know not everyone agrees with this but while I was losing the 70 lbs I weighed in every day.  It helped me stay accountable and taught me a lot about how my body reacts to certain foods.

Plan and Journal EVERYTHING I put into my mouth.

I’m pretty good at this but my skills have been slipping. I want to do it until I’m back in my comfort zone for at least 3-4 weeks. Then I will ease up a bit.  The bad thing is I’ll be on vacation next week so this will be tough. I may just count total points those days and record them in my phone or something.

Get some form of activity in DAILY

Even if it’s just a stroll with the family.  I must make an effort to get up and MOVE!

There you have it, my new working goals. I’m making a commitment right now! No looking back.

Labels: journal

Yet another experiment with Vitalicious VitaMixes that came out ‘delish’! Let me warn you now, either invite 11 friends over to eat the whole batch at once or freeze the leftovers immediately. I’m not kidding when I tell you I ate 3! That’s how good they came out even the toddler had to be cut off!

• 1 package of VitaBrownie Mix (Chocolate Brownie Mix) (Click here to purchase)
• 2 egg whites
• 1 1/4 cup of water
• 1 tbsp raspberry extract
• 1/3 cup sugarfree raspberry preserves
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Fresh raspberries (optional)
• 1 tsp powdered sugar (optional)

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees

Prepare the muffin mix according to the package mixing in the raspberry extract.

Pour about 1/2 of the brownie batter into an 8 inch cake pan lightly sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Place in the freezer for about 15 minutes. This will thicken up the batter allowing you to spread the preserves.

Remove from the freezer and spread the preserves over the semi-frozen brownie batter. It will be thin. Add the remaining batter and spread to fill the pan. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes before baking. Bake according to package, about 27 minutes in a 400 degree oven.

Serve with fresh raspberries and a very light sprinkle of powdered sugar (I used less then a teaspoon for the whole batch just to make them “pretty”.

Nutritional info of the original brownie is minimally affected with the preserves. I still count it as 1 point a brownie!

Labels: DessertIdeas

Originally Posted on June 19th, 2007 7:58 pm

This was my first attempt at salmon cakes and I already have a few ideas to change it up a bit.  They came out a little dry because I over cooked them in the broiler, can you tell from the picture?

Oh did I tell you the husband liked them! SHHhhhh  I actually got him to eat spinach!

• ½ pound salmon fillets (raw)(I’m sure you can used canned salmon for this but, like usual this is what I had on hand)
• ½ cup finely diced bell pepper (I used a little of a red, yellow and green)
• ¼ cup of sweet onion finely diced
• 2-3 gloves of garlic minced
• ½ cup baby spinach leaved chopped
• Fresh parsley or about 1 tbsp dried
• 2 large egg whites
• ¾ cup bran flakes ( I used Kellogg’s Complete Wheat Bran Flakes (also packaged as All Bran Wheat Flakes)
• Non-stick cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Combine all ingredients except salmon in a bowl, mix well (I used my hands), and let sit for a few minutes.

While the mixture is sitting, mash up the salmon making sure to remove all large chunks (again, I used my hands).  

Spray a cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil.  Form the salmon mixture unto 4 patties and place on the foil.  The patties will be loose, don’t worry, they will hold together once cooked.

Bake for about 10-15 minutes until just about done. I turned the broiler on for a few minute to brown the tops. 

On to the good news! Each cake is approximately 144 calories, 4 g fat and 2 g of fiber.

Labels: DinnerIdeas

Old Habits are like an old pair of fat jeans. They slip right on and feel so comfortable. You know you shouldn’t be wearing them but you do anyway. There is something welcoming and familiar about them. Plus we revert back to them when we feel sad, depressed or tired.

My busy weekend turned into a food frenzy. Three birthday cakes, a wedding cake, pizza and fast food, that is just to give you an idea, there was WAY more. I didn’t even try to stay on plan or even control myself in the least bit. My old habits came right back. Grabbing something just because it was there and seeking out junk because I “wanted something”. Whatever that means! Actually I know what it means. It’s the, ‘I’m more bored then hungry but I’m still going to eat something’ snack.

There really is no excuse. Now I feel like crap and I have no one to blame but myself.

Needless to say, I’ll be back on plan today. It’s going to be hard. I have no good food in the house and I don’t think I’ll have time to grocery shop until dinner time. I’m home all day with 2 little ones watching my friends 2 year old.

My daily goals… 20 points (of good healthy food) and a nice long walk pulling 2 – 30 pounds toddlers! I’ll be back tonight with a fill report!

Labels: journal

I LOVE LOVE LOVE beans and franks. I don’t know, maybe it reminds me of my childhood. It’s fast easy and CAN be light with Hebrew National's 97% Fat Free Kosher Beef Franks. These things are a staple in my freezer during grill season. They are exactly a point a piece, 45 calories and 1.5 g of fat. Oh and did I tell you they fill a hot dog bun perfectly!

Seriously, you are hungry, it’s late, you have a point left what so you do? Throw one of these in the microwave and dip in ketchup. You can’t beat that for a 1 point snack!!

Labels: FoodFinds

I read an article entitled 8 secrets of the naturally slim in last months issue of Prevention that got me thinking. Are there naturally slim people? I mean everyone has to work at it, right? Then I realized the husband is one of “those” people. He’s gaining weight now that he’s a bit older but when I first met him the dude was S-K-I-N-N-Y! I mean super skinny. He stands at just about 6 foot and used to weigh what I weigh now! Honestly, since reaching my goal, it is the first time in our relationship I weigh less them him. Man that feels good!

Anyway, I thought I would look at these 8 secrets and compare me and the husband.

They choose Satisfied over stuffed.

Is this really a secret? I do wonder why some people, me included, eat until stuffed. It is one thing I have always admired about my husband. If he’s full he’s full. It doesn’t matter if there is more on his plate or if it’s his favorite meal. Amazing!

They realize hunger is not an emergency.

I thought this was interesting because sometimes I think I use hunger as an excuse to eat more. “Oh, I’m starving, I haven’t eaten since whenever, I better stuff my face now”. The husband on the other hand needs to be reminded to eat. Again, unbelievable.

They know food doesn’t cure the blues.

DUH?!? But it tastes SOOO good. ;~) But seriously yet another stark contrast between the husband and I. I do not think he has ever grabbed a gallon of ice cream because he of stress.

They eat more fruit.

This one I can say I do now. Since losing the weight and reaching goal I eat on average 2-3 serving of fruit a day. Not a natural thing for the husband I push the fruit on him.

They are creatures of habit.

This is so true. First of all, my husband eats only about 5-6 different things. Now I’m not saying they are healthy things but he sure is a creature of habit. I am now too. Look at my breakfasts for the past few months. I only have a few things I put into rotation.

They have a self-control gene.

Ok, Still working on this but I have it. The guys at work actually bet me I couldn’t eat just one M&M. Ha! I showed them!

They are movers and shakers.

So true! I make it very clear I’m not a traditional exerciser but I keep moving. I’m always out and about on the weekends, taking the toddler here and there. We meet playgroups, go for walks, hey, tomorrow I’m taking the little guy to the zoo! When I’m home I garden, straighten up, dance around like a goof, anything to stop me from watching too much TV.

They sleep well

I am still working on this. I tend to go to bed too late and wake up early with the toddler. The husband on the other hand, can sleep 9-10 hours easily. I’ve seen him go 12 without a stir.

So there you have it. Where they really secrets? I think just good things to strive for. One additional habit I would like add is ‘they know they can’t be perfect’. I was far from perfect this weekend but got right back on plan today!

Labels: insights, journal

Originally Posted on June 14th, 2007 9:49 pm

I made these for the toddler’s 2nd birthday.  They came out better then I expected, moist, yummy and HUGE! Well, huge compared to the normal low point cupcakes I’m used to.  ;~)

I used sprinkles to decorate some instead of frosting.  This way I save points but they still look festive!

• Chocolate Fudge cake mix (I used Betty Crocker Supermoist Cake Mix, Chocolate Fudge, 18.25)
• 1-15oz can of pumpkin
• 2/3 cup of water
• Sprinkles (optional)
• Non-stick cooking spray

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees

Beat the cake mix, pumpkin and water for about 2-3 minutes.  The batter will seem light and airy.

Spray 2 6-cup muffin pans with non-stick cooking spray. Scoop the batter into the muffin pan and top with sprinkles.  Bake for 35-40 minutes.

I made 12 large cupcakes, just about 4 points a piece.  You could make 24 smaller ones for 2 points if you want but I was into the size this time.

Update: We had them this morning for breakfast and I finally figured out what they taste like! If you ever had a devil dog, they taste just like the chocolate cake part of that!

Labels: BreakfastIdeas, DessertIdeas, SnackIdeas

Originally Posted on June 13th, 2007 10:11 pm

I was home for lunch today and craving a salad.  Not just a plain old salad but a spicy buffalo chicken salad! Why? I have no idea!  Well let me warn you this was spicy! I downed about 50oz of water while eating it.

• Breaded chicken breast (I used Baked Breaded Chicken Breast Cutlets by purdue - link to come)
• 2 tbsp Tabasco sauce
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
• Mound of baby Spinach Leaves
• 3-4 shredded baby carrots
• ½ of Cucumber sliced
• 1 medium tomatoes slices
• ½ oz fancy shredded Mexican cheese blend

Warm the chicken breast in the microwave.  In a small bowl mix the Tabasco and vinegar.  Cut the chicken into chunks and mix into the Tabasco mixture. Let it sit while you prepare the rest of the salad, the chicken should soak up the mixture.

Pile all the veggies on a plate.  Top with the chicken and cheese. Pour a big class of water and enjoy!

I counted 3 points for the chicken breast and 1 for the cheese.  This may have been the most filling 4 point salad EVER!

Labels: SaladIdeas

I actually went on a date tonight! That’s right, a REAL date with my husband, dinner and a movie. It was so nice having dinner out at a restaurant without entertaining a toddler. Don’t get me wrong I love going out the eat the little guy but everyone needs a break.

We went to a nice Italian place and I admit I indulged. We ordered an eggplant appetizer with mozzarella cheese and tomatoes, it was too die for! For dinner I had a house specialty, it was a bunch of veggies over angel hair pasta with a balsamic vinegar sauce. I immediate cut the plate in half and brought the rest home. Before you think, oh she did so good, remember the title of the post is “Indulgence”. Before and during dinner I hit the bread bowl more then a few times. After dinner, we decided to split a little dessert. It was one of those, oh we are having fun let’s extend dinner decisions. I don’t regret it but I do feel awful right now, like I have a lead ball in my gut. YUCK! Too much bread and a piece of rich chocolate cake would do that to you.

Tomorrow I’ll be back posting my menus.

Labels: journal

Originally Posted on June 9th, 2007 2:45 pm

This is my first attempt to modify corn muffins.  I didn’t want to vary the recipe too much from the mix as I was unsure how they would come out.  Now that I tried, I may replace the whole egg with just egg whites and see if water would work instead of the milk.  The pumpkin worked like a charm! I’ll post updates when I try them again. Oh! Did I say they were YUMMY!

• 7.5 ounce whole Grain Cornbread mix (I used Hodgson Mill Whole Grain Cornbread And Muffin Mix)
• 1 egg
• ½ cup canned pumpkin
• ½ cup skim milk
• Non-stick cooking spray

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

In a small bowl mix all ingredients together with a spatula. Spoon into a 24-cup mini muffin pan sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Bake for about 12 minutes, muffins will be firm to the touch.

With the mix I used I’m estimating 2 mini muffins at just over a point.  I think.  I was having a hard time calculating.  If anyone has any insight please comment.  I’m just happy they are whole grain, super YUMMY and the toddler liked them!

Upadate: I froze the letovers. Popped two in the microwave for 20 seconds and they came out perfect!

Labels: BreakfastIdeas, DinnerIdeas, SnackIdeas

Originally Posted on June 9th, 2007 9:40 pm

This is what happens when the toddler is sick of leftover pineapple and I need to use it before it goes bad. It was a hit! The husband loved it, and he doesn’t normally like dinners with fruit in them. ;~)

• ½ cup crushed pineapple or pineapple chunks cut up
• ½ cup fresh diced tomatoes
• ¼ cup diced sweet onion
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• Splash of lemon juice (about ½ tbsp)
• Splash of lime juice (about ½ tbsp)
• Fresh cilantro or about 1 tsp dried
• Fresh parsley or about 1 tsp dried
• Pinch or two of salt
• Tilapia fillets (I used 3)

Mix all the ingredients (except the tilapia of course) in a small bowl to make the salsa.  Lay the tilapia fillets on aluminum foil and top with salsa.  Fold the foil to make packets and refrigerate for at least an hour before cooking. 

I only had 3 fillets so I put them all in on big packet and grilled for 5-6 minutes.  That’s all it took. 

As for the points it really depends on your tilapia fillets. I count them as a point an ounce and the salsa is only a point for the pineapple. Not bad! I served it with grilled zucchini and a baked sweet potato.

Labels: DinnerIdeas