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

You know what I mean, right? It. The big “IT” The, I know I should be doing it, it but I hate it, it. The, right now I avoid it like the plague, it. You know, IT!

Where is your mind going? Somewhere it shouldn’t be? Ohhh shame on you ;~)

I’m talking about EXERCISE. Man I just can’t bring myself to do it! Yeah I go for walks and I’ve had some workouts along the way but I really feel like I’m slacking in the big “E” department. Now I’m not talking working outs to lose weight loss here I’m just talking overall fitness. I actually reached (surpassed) my goals without working out vigorously. I stayed active, went for walks, yada yada. But as I get older I can’t help but think I should be at least getting some weight training in and a little aerobic activity wouldn’t hurt, would it? I think I would feel a bit better about myself as well.

So I went for the big tour today. A new local YMCA open up just a few miles away. They have free childcare, aerobic classes and a HUGE workout area with tons of equipment. The coolest part, and the thing that will probably keep this geek motivated, is the fact they have FitLinxx. As I understand it, FitLinxx will keep track of my workouts for me, reps, weight, time, etc. All I have to do is punch in my code and use the machine. I will even be able to pull progress reports online! You know this is right up my alley. I mean for god’s sake I’ve been keeping a weight chart for over 2 years now. I’m a bit into tracking progress, aren’t I? :~)

So like I said, I’m *thinking* about it. I’m worried that my work schedule will prevent me from going or at the very least give me just the excuse I need not to go. We’ll see, I’ll keep you posted.

Any gym rats out there? Advice, words of wisdom, words of WARNING? Anything?

Labels: journal

This recipe has been update, check out Make Ahead Mexican Pie

I’m calling this “Take 1” because after making it I think I can do better and already have some ideas. The pie didn’t really stay together, which is ok, nothing beats sloppy comfort food but I think by using fat free refried beans we can accomplish the whole pie effect a bit better.

Let me just say I LOVED it! Honestly, I could have eaten the whole thing. The husband, on the other hand, could take it or leave it. The funny thing is I was going for a whole contrast of the sweet corn muffin with the Mexican flavors thing and he says “I don’t really like the corn muffin taste with the Mexican stuff”. LOL I was like, that’s the POINT! UGH sometimes I don’t even know why I try. :~)

Anyway, here’s what I did

• Non-stick cooking spray
• 3 Golden Corn VitaTops
• 1 egg white
• Dash of chili powder
• 8 oz extra lean ground turkey (99%)
• Small sweet onion chopped
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ green bell pepper chopped
• ½ red bell pepper chopped
• 1 jalapeño seeded and diced (keep seeds in if you want it spicier, I’m dealing with a toddler so no go for me)
• 1 medium tomato seeded and chopped
• Can of pinto beans drained and rinsed (this is what I want to replace with refried beans next time)
• ½ cup salsa
• 1oz fancy shredded Mexican cheese blend

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

First is the “crust”. I took 3 vita tops and heated each one for about 20 seconds in the microwave. Let it cool a bit and then press to the bottom of a pie pan sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. When you start to press the muffin, it will start to become doughy. Just keep pressing and spreading it along the bottom of the pan. When finished brush with a bit of egg white, sprinkle with a bit of chili powder and bake for about 20 minutes until the crust is firm and crisp to the touch.

In a large non-stick skillet, brown the ground turkey and onion over medium heat. Once the turkey is cooked (all white), add the chili powder and cumin. Stir in the chopped peppers, jalapeno and tomatoes. Continue cooking over medium heat for a few minutes allowing all flavors to combine. Stir in beans. Combine all ingredients well.

Pour the skillet mixture in to the pie pan with the “crust”. Pack it down and smear the salsa on top then sprinkle with cheese.

Now I made this ahead and stored in the fridge for a few hours. I then baked it for 20 minutes in a 350 degree oven. You could pop it in the oven right away to melt the cheese and serve.

Now onto the best part! The pie makes 4 very nice size serving. I’m calculating just about 300 calories, 5 g of fat and 12 g of fiber each!

Labels: DinnerIdeas

This is an old food find that I would like to resurface. I realized today how much I use Laughing Cow but I always do the same two things with it. Use it either as a dip for crackers or as the cheese on a sandwich. I know there has to be other interesting applications so I thought I would throw the question out there.

How do you use Laughing Cow cheese?

Labels: FoodFinds

My day started and ended with the best cherries today. I got the biggest, plumpest, most delectable cherries ever! They are to die for! The funny thing is the only reason I bought them was to try out the Cherry Pitter the husband got me for my birthday.

Let me tell you that cherry pitter is awesome! Normally, I sit there forever cutting them in half and popping out the seeds. I have to pit them for the toddler and normally I can’t keep up with the little guy. He eats one and says “more mamma… more”. It’s super cute. Well this morning I took the lead on cherry pitting and I was finished before he was.

This evening I was craving something sweet, chocolaty and filling. I was a bit hungry, so instead of just having a sugar free pudding I decided to dump it over a bowl of cherries (now that they are pitted this was easy). It was an awesome sweet treat for 2 points. If you remember, I also enjoy dipping fresh strawberries in pudding too. It’s my light version of chocolate covered berries and my cure for the chocolate fix that is super low calories.

Day 3 back on track and I’m feeling good. I’m actually looking forward to weigh in on Wednesday even though I know I will be up. I feel like I’m back in the Weight Watchers groove coming up with new recipes and snack ideas. This is exactly what I needed to do to counteract my crazy summer and small weight gains.

Labels: journal

I can’t remember who mentioned this to me but I had to try it. It seemed like such a neat idea. I've never had grilled cabbage before.

I had some left over cabbage from the Turkey Orzo Cabbage Rolls that I had NO idea what to do with.

• 1 head of cabbage
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• Salt & Pepper

Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage. Cut in half on the core. Cut the halves in half then cut the quarters in half. You should end up with 8 wedges each being held together with a bit of the core.

In a large bowl add the remaining ingredients and wish. Add the cabbage quarters and coat with the mixture.

Grill for about 30 minutes flipping once. I did them right on the stovetop in a non-stick griddle about 10 minutes a side. It was still nice and crunchy.

Each wedge is only about 50 calories, 2 g of fat and 3 g of fiber. It was super filling and bulk up your BBQ dinners. I plan to have some leftovers with supper tonight.

Please share your grilled cabbage ideas, I've never had it before so I'm not sure if my marinade is "normal". Just looking for more ideas.

Update:Even better reheated on the grill!

Labels: SaladIdeas

I told you I would go Orzo happy when I found some a couple of days ago. I can’t help it! Its so easy to cook and the whole family loves it!

• 4 oz whole wheat Orzo
• Small can of Tomato Juice
• Thick slice of sweet onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• Medium zucchini chopped
• About ¼ cup of roasted bell peppers diced (I used the jar kind - make sure it’s not packed in oil which adds more fat) (save a bit of the “juice”)
• Non-stick cooking spray

Cook the pasta according to package. Add the tomato juice to the water for added flavor.

Spray a large non-stick skillet with cooking spray and cook the onion and garlic for a few minutes over medium heat. Add the zucchini and roasted peppers. Splash with a bit of the roasted pepper “juice”.

Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet. Lower the heat to simmer and let the flavors merge for a few minutes until you are ready to serve.

This dish can be used as a meal or a side. I did both, side did for dinner and then lunch the next day. You can get about 6 servings as pictured so I thought I’d no the nutritional information for that (120 calories, 1g fat 5 g of fiber). Just double up for a meal!

Labels: DinnerIdeas

Seriously, the scale dropped almost 5 pounds overnight! You would think it wasn’t possible but it is. That’s why I get so frustrated when people are upset after a weekly weigh-in and they see a gain or even a small loss. I know it can be disappointing but if you only weigh yourself once a week and happen to have a salty meal the night before, the scale can be WAY off.

I’m cutting it short tonight (again). I spent the last few hours rebuilding the good old food photos section. I’ve been getting a few requests and I wanted it back up.

I did forget to tell you I never officially weighed in yesterday. I thought the family hike was more important. Today I could have gotten off my butt and gone but I was just too lazy. I think I may hold off until Wed so I can see my favorite leader.

I’ll close with my oath to the Barbie Brigade. Thanks to swizzlepop for my prefect Barbie representation. Seriously, this is what I look like everyday. That’s right I’m the geek in my kitchen on the laptop typing up what I just made for dinner. If you have NO IDEA what I’m talking about check out the Original Barbie. Our “little community” is getting SO BIG (and super supportive).

Labels: journal

What a way to use some leftovers! This simple 5 ingredient salad hit the spot for lunch today.

I just love using salsa as a dressing for Mexican inspired salads. It's really all you need.

• Pile of baby spinach leaves
• About ½ cucumber sliced
• Leftover Spiced Vita Corn Breaded Chicken Tender
• 1 oz fancy shredded Mexican cheese blend
• Salsa

Warm the chicken in the microwave, slice it up and pile it on top of this simple salad.

I counted this as 4 points. Not bad considering it took me like 20 minutes to eat because it was so big!

Labels: SaladIdeas

It’s late, I’m tired and ready for bed. I just wanted to post the results of my day 1 back on track.

The day started with a fabulous hike with family. I love starting my day like this, out, about and active. I felt great afterwards and still do.

You will also notice a flurry of activity in the kitchen. I’m always motivated when I get to create experiment. I just have too much darn fun!

So here it is…

Have a great night, until tomorrow. :~)

Labels: journal

I was starring at defrosted chicken tenders and on my counter and had no idea what to do with them. I glance over and see the Golden Corn VitaTops

Light bulb goes on!

Why not use the corn muffin to create a beading for the chicken? Add a few spices and TADA, dinner!

• 1 Golden Corn VitaTop
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp dried cilantro
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp ground cumin

Crumple the Corn VitaTop, add spices and mix well!

I used it to bake 6 chicken breast tenders as you can see...

Dip the tenders in egg whites, roll in breading and place in a baking dish sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.

Bake 15-20 minutes in a preheated 425 degree oven until chicken is done.

Serve with your favorite veggies like zucchini, asparagus, or like me, both!

Using the Corn VitaTop and spices as your breading only adds 130 calories, 2 g of fat and 7 g of fiber to the chicken recipe. Each tender (as pictured) is about 95 calories, 1 g of fat and 1 g of fiber. Not bad, not bad at all and TASTY! The husband and the toddler both enjoyed it.

Labels: DinnerIdeas

I wanted a spicy bulked up variation of the old veggie burger for lunch today.

• Whole wheat English muffin
• Veggie patty (I used a Boca Burger)
• Baby Spinach Leaves
• A large slice of a red bell pepper
• 3-4 cucumber slices
• 1 tbsp spicy black bean dip (I used Trader Joes)

Toast the muffin.

Cook the veggie patty according to package.

Stack everything up, smear the patty with bean dip, and enjoy!

Depending on your English muffin and veggie patty, nutritional value will vary. I counted mine as 3 points.

Labels: SandwichIdeas

All right so I’m showing my North East PA roots with this one. My mom gave me the idea when I told her I had a zucchini the size of a baseball bat.

When I was a kid hitting the church bazaars, potato pancakes where always a favorite. Shredded potatoes a bit of onion and batter, deep-fried. Nothing like a heart attack on a plate drenched in oil and smothered in salt.

Ahhh the good old days. ;~)

• About 1 and 1/3 cup grated zucchini (I used the large side of my cheese grader and about 1/3 of the baseball sized zucchini)
• ¼ cup whole-wheat flour
• 2 egg whites
• About ¼ of a large sweet onion diced small
• Salt and Pepper
• Non-stick cooking spray

First we need to remove some moisture from the zucchini. I laid down a few paper towels, spread out the grated zucchini and pressed down with a few more towels. Like a paper towel and zucchini sandwich. It took 2-3 times but I was pretty successful.

Wisk the flour and egg whites together for form the batter.

Add the zucchini and onion. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

Heat a non-stick frying pan or griddle over medium high heat. Spray with non-stick cooking spray.

Form the zucchini batter into patties. Depending on how successful you were removing the water you may have a very moist batter. That’s ok, form it in a patty and plop it in the griddle and press it down a bit, it will hold once it starts to cook. Before you flip generously sprinkle with salt (and pepper if you like) Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until cake becomes a nice brown, flip sprinkle a bit more salt and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes.

This was my first shot at it and they came out delish. I will be experimenting with water removal techniques for the shredded zucchini and I may add a bit more onion but over all I’m super happy with the way they came out. Even the toddler had a few bites!

The best part is the WHOLE recipe is only about 240 calories, 2 g of fat and 9 g of fiber. I made 4 larger cakes (1 is missing from the picture – I ate it. ;~)

Next Day Update:I made them again today, this time after I grated the zucchini I seasoned it with a bit of salt to help draw out the water. Then I put it in the Potato Ricer I got for my birthday. Squished with just enough pressure to get the water out. It worked like a charm! I knew that ricer would come in handy. ;~)

Another Update:I've been making them a lot recently and discovered the extra moisture is not that big of a deal. They still hold together nicely. I just do one run through the papertowels and that's it.

Labels: BreakfastIdeas, DinnerIdeas

I’m HOME!! When I walked through the door I said, “That’s it! I’m not going anywhere for 6 months!” Then my husband turned around and responded, “don’t forget next weekend we have a wedding out of state.” Geesh! WHEN will it END?

So I have a confession. After I posted last night I did hit the Hershey kisses again, then I made popcorn and THEN I ate about 6 chocolate chip cookies. I’m not kidding. I was out of control! That’s what I meant about my post yesterday. I know my food journal (at that point) wasn’t horrendous it was more the feeling of wanting to eat constantly. I kept it in check most of the day by turning to melon but I just couldn’t shake it. Honestly, I don’t think it would have mattered if I was at Mom’s or not it was one of “those” days. Today was just as bad. Why does this happen to some of us? I know I can’t be the only one.

You know I have to analyze this, right?

Did I post about it being too hard at my Mom’s and then made it true by splurging on the available snacks? I sure wasn’t hungry. Could I have controlled myself or did I, in some way, give my self permission to overeat by saying it was too hard with all the temptations?

Then I started to think about self-fulfilling prophecies and allowing negative messages to invade your mind that slow down your progress and turn success into failure. Don’t we all do this? I know I did it for years. I’m still doing it after reaching and maintaining my goal weight for over a year. The only way I know how to stop it is to accept yourself, what you did and move on.

Back to basics, that’s what I say. Tomorrow I will be starting a fresh week. I will be going to a meeting and weighing in. Facing the music, being accountable and doing what I do best. Expect some new recipes, ideas and updates. I’m hitting it hard core this week! ;~)

Labels: journal

Does it happen to you? Do you go home to your parent’s house and eat differently? Maybe it’s a Grandparent thing?

Whatever it is it’s hard for me to stay on plan when I’m “home”. It’s not my parent’s fault. Well, maybe it is, they do have a lot of temptation around. ;~)

It’s more like I regress to my high school days or I know I’m only here for few days so I might as well live it up. Actually, this time, I think it’s just being out my routine. Wait, what am I saying? WHAT ROUTINE? My summer so far has been HECTIC. First, my web site blew up, then it was the Vegas trip, then I watched my niece, then the beach and now I’m at my Mom’s. I just want a week, a normal, on plan, plain old week at HOME. At this rate I can’t wait until the semester starts and I go back to work! At least I’ll have a schedule. I always do better on plan when I’m working.

I am really not feeling up to looking at my points. I just really don’t even want to know. I feel like I’ve been eating all day. And you know what it’s taking every fiber of my being not to grab another one of those friggin’ Hershey kisses!

So here is my running food journal. This is what jotted down during the day. I know I missed one thing. Note to self: Write it down IMMEDIATELY you will not remember.

• Leftover veggie chili from frozen
• Melon
• Grape tomatoes
• Triscuits
• Watermelon
• Sandwich on a whole wheat roll with 1 slice of ham, 1 slice of turkey, 1/2 slice of cheese, lettuce, tomato, roasted peppers.
• More melon Slice of sugar free pound cake
• Even more melon (ok so I have a problem - it could be worse ;~)
• 1/2 cheese stick and more Triscuits (The toddlers snack leftovers - bad habit)
• 1 Hershey kiss (yes really just one)
• Tilapia fillet with some zucchini6 more Hershey kisses (MAN I gave in – I just wanted something sweet)

What sucks is this is after my vacation disaster. I need to get back on track.

Labels: journal

First things first, THANK YOU SO MUCH for the birthday wishes. I don't think I have ever had so many people wish me happy bithday! I know there are some questions mixed in the comments, I will respond to those tomorrow. I'm just way to tired now.

Why am I so tired? Well I decided to visit my mom 3 hours away in PA (I only have a few weeks left of my summer break so Im squishing everything in). Then we went out tonight, splurged a bit (kicking myself for that!), and now I'm looking at a clock that reads 1:09AM. All of you with toddlers know it will NOT be a fun morning. ;~) At least I wasn't drinking!

So I'm cutting this short. I still journaled all my food today. Even though I'm over points I feel good about being acountable. I'm a little worried about the rest of the week now that I'm staying here until friday. I'll keep you posted.

Thank you again. You guys really put a smile on my face tonight. :)

Labels: journal

You guys know how I feel about the Vitalicious folks. I’ve reviewed the Vitalicious VitaMixes and used them in a few Dessert Ideas including Surprise Chocolate Cherry Muffins, Chocolate Raspberry Brownies, and the Berry VitaMuffin Cake. Well, they shipped me some of their new corn muffin tops and they are delicious!

I popped mine in the toaster for a few minutes and had it as a snack yesterday. They reminded me of a product my Mom would buy us as kids. For the life of my I can’t remember what there are called but the were like flat round corn muffin tops (duh) that we would put the toaster. Sweet and just enough of that corn muffin texture.

So for all the folks looking for a light corn muffin for your corn muffin fix you are in luck! They are only 100 calories, 1 g of fat and 6 g of fiber! Translation, 1 teeny tiny point!

I’m planning a couple of dinner ideas using them, so keep an eye out! ;~)

To check them out or buy them online, click here to visit the Vitalicious site.

Labels: FoodFinds

I'm not sure if I told you but today is my birthday! Not just my birthday but my 3rd-29th birthday! I actually don't have a problem getting older but the whole 29 thing sounds better then 30-whatever. ;~)

The husband asked where I wanted to eat and I immediately said APPLEBEES! He looked at me as if I was crazy. We never go because it's totally out of the way for us and he doesn't really like it. But I'm trying to "be good" this week to counter my vacation gain and they have the whole Weight Watcher meals. It just makes it so easy to order without fear even if you aren't on Weight Watchers. They have the calories, fat and fiber listed for those WW entrees. Wouldn't it be great if all restaurants did that? Then I thought about it and realized they could never because most people would stop ordering things!

So I had some soup, a salad and a small piece of cake. Of course, my husband ordered mozzarella sticks for him and the toddler. I tried so hard to resist but gave in and had one. They are truly one of my weaknesses right alongside of pizza.

I would post my menu but I can't find it! I think I accidentally deleted it when I was cleaning some files out today. Sounds like an excuse but it's the truth. Now I'm just too lazy to remember what I ate so you get the abbreviated version.

Morning Scale Reading: 144.5 (- .5 from yesterday)
Approximates points eaten: 24
Daily Activity: none

Oh! One more thing, the husband hopped on the cooking theme for my birthday presents. I got lots of new gadgets like a potatoes ricer and a cherry pitter. My favorite gift was I'm Just Here For More Food by Alton Brown, my absolute Food Network Star! So expect some more baking experiments!

Labels: journal

The water weight is dripping away. Just one good day of eating some healthy home cooked meals and the scale dropped 3 pounds. Just 5 more to go to get to my comfort zone.

I’m going to keep it short tonight. Just wanted to let you know and post my menu for the day.

Labels: journal

When I was a kid my mom would make “pigs in a blanket”. To most people that means sausage in a pancake or a hot dog wrapped in pastry. To me it is a cabbage leaf wrapped around a beef rice mixture and stewed in a tomato base. Of course, as a kid I didn’t eat the cabbage (much like my husband tonight) but I always LOVED the filling. This is my spin on the old dish.

• 15 ounce can of petite diced tomatoes (separated in half, drained with the liquid saved on the side)
• 6 ounces (about a cup) of whole wheat orzo (I used RiceSelect Whole Wheat Orzo)
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Small sweet onion or a large slice diced
• 2-3 cloves of garlic diced
• ½ pound lean ground turkey (97%)
• 1 medium red pepper diced
• Small can of tomato juice (I used a 5.5 oz V8)
• 8 large cabbage leaves

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Prepare the orzo pasta according to the package using the drained liquid from the tomatoes. You will need to use additional water (or chicken stock if it’s handy).

While the pasta is cooking, spray a non-stick frying pan with the cooking spray and cook the onion and garlic over medium heat. Add the turkey, continue cooking it over medium heat until brown. Stir in half of the diced tomatoes and diced peppers.

Drain the orzo pasta saving the liquid. Pour the liquid in a casserole dish. Stir the drained pasta to the turkey mixture.

Spoon the orzo turkey mixture into the center of the cabbage leaves and roll up like a burrito. If you need to pinch closed use a tooth pick. Place the cabbage rolls in the casserole dish. Pour the remaining diced tomatoes and tomato juice on top of the rolls. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes until cabbage is of a desired texture.

I have to admit I totally undercooked mine. I only cooked for about 25 minutes and the cabbage wasn’t done but I liked it that way. Keeping the foil on the casserole dish for the whle 45 minutes should steam them enough. If you like a the cabbage cooked all the way you can boil it before hand and make the wraps with cooked cabbage leaves.

The filling was AWESOME! Everyone liked it, toddler included. Simple yet tasty. The best part, each “piggie” is only approximately 150 calories, 3 g of fat and 5 g of fiber. For a family of 4 that’s 2 a piece for only about 300 cals and a healthy dose of fiber.

Labels: DinnerIdeas