Thursday, September 24, 2009

Lucky in Life


Once in a while, I simply blog feelings & thoughts. I sometimes apologize because it's not "weight loss" related, but the reality is... it's VERY "weight loss" related.

We all know that eating is often a way to deal with stress or even happiness. We eat when we're upset, sad, in pain, simply down. But we also eat to celebrate life. Birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, birth of a newborn, and so much more tend to bring us all together around tables of our favorite foods, gathered with those we want to share these exciting & happy moments with. THAT is probably one of the biggest reasons weight loss can be so extremely hard... our world does and probably always will, revolve around food. I've finally learned how to celebrate or sulk, without that crutch MOST of the time and I feel very lucky for that.

A lot of you know that I recently met a guy, Rich, that just simply knocked my socks off. (If he reads this he is gonna pee himself at that line *grin*) (The picture to the right is of me, Rich & one of his drummer idols Joe Travers) It's the first time, ever, in my life I've allowed any other person (with the exception of my children) to truly crawl into my heart & soul. I won't lie, it's scary as hell.... yet the most comforting thing I've ever experienced. It's so out of character for me and anyone who knows me at all knows this. It's probably one of the biggest reasons I've had so much opposition to my suddenly "changing" and so quickly allowing this stranger to take such a hold of both my heart & soul immediately. I also realize now that this is probably why it's been so "scary" for my kids too. They've never dealt with this side of me. Hell, I've never dealt with this side of me. But I know one thing... there are very few people in this world I would take a bullet for... my kids have always been on that list since the day they were inside me and now, Rich is too. I would die for this man to save his life. He means that much to me. And THAT says it all. NEVER have I felt that for anyone other than my own flesh & blood.

Rich's entrance into my life seems to be the "Icing On My Cake" so to speak. My life truly has been so blessed. I've had cancer 5x, only to survive it and become stronger. I've lost my job & income, only to have so many other opportunities coming into line (one of which is reading for a "job"... one of my biggest passions in life is reading and I get paid to do it). I got smacked with MS, only to learn how to look adversity straight in it's face and say "sorry, you're not going to take over my life". I look around me and I see my life coming around into this beautiful blossom of a flower and the world is my vase to hold me and nourish me as I bloom. Funny, I used to think by the age of 46 I'd be in a wheelchair and diapers! LOL Now I realize my life is just beginning. I've learned how to accept myself, accept my life and what God has given me in it and most of all accept that someone else can truly love me with all their heart and soul back. Never have I had that, again, with the exception of my children.

I have so much ahead of me, business opportunities that I would have never had the courage to try to achieve before I battled cancer. Now any battle I have is so small in perspective to the battles I've already conquered! Perhaps THAT is my answer to "Why?", when I asked God that question during my hardships.

I've been blessed with 3 beautiful kids that are growing into such wonderful young adults. My twins (pic on the left), turning 18 in November, are seeing that they need to make decisions and these decisions are going to make a difference in their entire future. They're seeing "right" and "wrong" and making decisions based upon what I've hoped I taught them.. and now am seeing they truly did learn. They're realizing that they too are worth the love that is out there for them... from friends, family, and romantic adventures to come. And they're growing into these amazing people that are making such an impact upon this world as they too blossom into their own.

My oldest (pic on the right - her St. Patty's day pose LOL) (21) is reaching the point in her life where she has a "career", in a field that she dreamed of being in since she was literally 2 years old. Hopefully she sees how she can grow with this career and make it whatever she dreams it to be and more so, I hope that she will look at what I've become and realize she too can achieve her goals... just let it happen. I think she's been the one that inherited my "guarded heart", more so than the other two and this bothers me because she is beautiful ... from the inside out... and deserves to ALLOW others to love her too. I hope she sees that mom took that plunge and survived... although it took me so many years to get there... but it was worth the wait, and will realize that it's ok to open up your heart and let someone in, completely. You cannot find love without heart ache, otherwise you'll never know it's truly love.

I'm hoping I have a life of growing old with someone that seems to accept me for everything I am, in spite of or because of it.. either way... accepting me for me. While there's no guarantees with "love", I can honestly say I'm not afraid this time. That's something I've never said before. I've always been guarded and never allowed a complete entry into this jaded heart. I won't lie, I've loved before.. but I've never felt so much IN love. There is a difference and I'm finally seeing it. I never knew it existed before this.

All of this leads me to my final blessing in life, my ability to change. I've watched myself transform into something I love. Yes, you read that right... I love me. I truly do. I know I'm not perfect, but I also know that those imperfections make me who I am. I also know that I am not only worthy, but deserving of having someone love me back... whether it be my own family, children, parents, animals, or Rich. Before this point in my life I never felt worthy. I abused my own body, allowed excuses to keep me from becoming the healthy person I am becoming now. I didn't love ME enough to take care of me. I took care of everyone around me and ignored myself... because I simply wasn't willing to accept my own worth. Again, I'm not perfect. I'm never going to be a svelte 110 pound "barbie doll" figured woman. I don't ever want to be that. I want to be a healthy, happy, beautiful from the inside out woman. Oddly enough, I've found that inner beauty to be so intense that it just makes me feel beautiful on the outside anymore. I might be the homeliest thing to walk this earth but I don't feel that way anymore! And feeling that beauty from deep within allows me to believe it when someone looks at me and tells me "You are beautiful honey" or "You are amazing". Before this point in my life, I felt those words were lies because I couldn't believe it myself.

I've been so very lucky in life.... even when I've thought just the opposite. I've learned from the hardships and hope to always learn from them. I've been given the opportunity to love with every ounce of my being, not only to my children, my family, my pets, my friends, but finally to another human being that completes me.

I hope that no matter what YOU do in life, you realize that you too are lucky. The hardships you go through are there to prepare you for the wonderful times. To make you appreciate them. No matter how hard it gets, never stop believing in yourself. I promise you, you are worth it. And once you realize this; once you admit to yourself and the world around you that YOU are worth the time, the effort, the money, the work... you are going to be the best you can be. You are going to be "Lucky In Life" too. Or perhaps a better term is truly "blessed".


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Check out my Daily Menu Food Log for a quick glance at what I'm eating to get where I'm at, which is a healthier & therefore thinner ME!


Don't forget to check out my newest Book Blog, where I give book reviews on recent books I've read. If you're a reader you'll want to check this out!


WE CAN DO THIS, TOGETHER
ONE DAY AT A TIME!



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Who Else Helps me get healthy?
These are just a few of the people online that inspire me....


1. Weight Loss With The Fabulous Fatties
Check out the Fab Fatties

2. Joe Gigantino - Fitness Trainer
This is the guy that really set me on the path to physical fitness
Joe Gigantino


3. HK Weighs In

4. BWJEN
BKJen


5.Get Fit After 40

5.Green Lite Bites

6.Sean Anderson the formerly 500lb man!
Diary of A Winning Loser
Sean Anderson

*Note I am not affiliated nor endorsed by Weight Watchers® at all, in any way. I highly recommend their program and cannot say enough GOOD about it, but I also have decided that they were my "stepping stone" to making a change in my lifestyle. Any mention of Weight Watchers®, their program or their term of "points®" does not mean they have approved, seen, or endorsed anything on my blogs.

Also, if at any time Points® are mentioned it is always with the assumption that you will analyze the recipes, foods, ingredients and figure the points out specifically for your consumption of any product, as ingredients may vary by brand, size, etc.

Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie Soup (6)


Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie Soup (6)
Serves 4

Ingredients


1 pound uncooked boneless, skinless FROZEN chicken breasts, cut up in small chunks*

1 lb package frozen mixed vegetables,*I substitute frozen carrots only, because I don't like the other veggies (corn & peas) in my soup but you can change up however you like!

1 small onion(s), chopped/diced
1/2 cup fat free chicken broth

24 oz Heinz Fat-Free Chicken Gravy, 2 jars (12 oz. each)

1 1/2 Cups dry mix Fiber One Pancakes

3/4 cup(s) fat-free chicken broth

Directions

Place chicken, 1/2 cup chicken broth, veggies and gravy in crockpot.
Cook on LOW all day or (if using thawed breasts) on HIGH for 2 hours.
In separate bowl, mix pancake mix and chicken broth.
Spread mixture on top of chicken and cook for 30-40 minutes longer on LOW in crock pot


Note: This is NOT my original recipe. It was shared with me a while back by a friend, who got it from a friend, etc. I have NO clue where the original recipe came from but the points values were calculated by my friend using her WW Access to the recipe builder; however, brand names/products can change the points® values! I am sharing the recipe as one that I LOVE to create & my family loves to eat!

*I have also substituted leftover turkey after the holidays for a delicious Turkey Pot Pie Soup! YUMMY!

As with all "points®" please consider figuring out your OWN points® according to the ingredients you use.

Help me win this great recognition!
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Check out my Daily Menu Food Log for a quick glance at what I'm eating to get where I'm at, which is a healthier & therefore thinner ME!


Don't forget to check out my newest Book Blog, where I give book reviews on recent books I've read. If you're a reader you'll want to check this out!


WE CAN DO THIS, TOGETHER
ONE DAY AT A TIME!



TwitThis
Like this article? Twit it to your followers!


Who Else Helps me get healthy?
These are just a few of the people online that inspire me....


1. Weight Loss With The Fabulous Fatties
Check out the Fab Fatties

2. Joe Gigantino - Fitness Trainer
This is the guy that really set me on the path to physical fitness
Joe Gigantino


3. HK Weighs In

4. BWJEN
BKJen


5.Get Fit After 40

5.Green Lite Bites

6.Sean Anderson the formerly 500lb man!
Diary of A Winning Loser
Sean Anderson

*Note I am not affiliated nor endorsed by Weight Watchers® at all, in any way. I highly recommend their program and cannot say enough GOOD about it, but I also have decided that they were my "stepping stone" to making a change in my lifestyle. Any mention of Weight Watchers®, their program or their term of "points®" does not mean they have approved, seen, or endorsed anything on my blogs.

Also, if at any time Points® are mentioned it is always with the assumption that you will analyze the recipes, foods, ingredients and figure the points out specifically for your consumption of any product, as ingredients may vary by brand, size, etc.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Taco Soup (4)

Crockpot Taco Soup (4)
(serves 8)

Ingredients:

1 pound ground 95% Fat Free Ground Beef
1 cup finely chopped onion
1 can 16 oz. pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can 15 oz. red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can 11 oz. corn kernels
1 can 8 oz. tomato sauce
2 cans 14.5 oz. each diced tomatoes
2 1/2 cups water
1 can 4 oz. diced green chilies *optional if you do not like "spicy" you can omit
1 Packet taco seasoning mix
***************************************
1 cup shredded, fat free cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
1/2 cup fat-free sour cream

Instructions:

Brown & drain fat from ground beef. Place meat with all remaining ingredients EXCEPT the cheddar & sour cream into crockpot. Stir to blend ingredients thoroughly. Cook on LOW for 8-10 hours.

Ladle into bowls. Top each bowl with 1/8 cup shredded cheese and a tablespoon of fat-free sour cream.

Approximate Nutritional Information:
Per serving: 219 calories, 5 g fat, 10 g fiber


Help me win this great recognition!
Vote now if you like my blog! Thanks!






Check out my Daily Menu Food Log for a quick glance at what I'm eating to get where I'm at, which is a healthier & therefore thinner ME!


Don't forget to check out my newest Book Blog, where I give book reviews on recent books I've read. If you're a reader you'll want to check this out!


WE CAN DO THIS, TOGETHER
ONE DAY AT A TIME!



TwitThis
Like this article? Twit it to your followers!


Who Else Helps me get healthy?
These are just a few of the people online that inspire me....


1. Weight Loss With The Fabulous Fatties
Check out the Fab Fatties

2. Joe Gigantino - Fitness Trainer
This is the guy that really set me on the path to physical fitness
Joe Gigantino


3. HK Weighs In

4. BWJEN
BKJen


5.Get Fit After 40

5.Green Lite Bites

6.Sean Anderson the formerly 500lb man!
Diary of A Winning Loser
Sean Anderson

*Note I am not affiliated nor endorsed by Weight Watchers® at all, in any way. I highly recommend their program and cannot say enough GOOD about it, but I also have decided that they were my "stepping stone" to making a change in my lifestyle. Any mention of Weight Watchers®, their program or their term of "points®" does not mean they have approved, seen, or endorsed anything on my blogs.

Also, if at any time Points® are mentioned it is always with the assumption that you will analyze the recipes, foods, ingredients and figure the points out specifically for your consumption of any product, as ingredients may vary by brand, size, etc.

Soup's On!



FALL: It's SOUP TIME
I never used to be a huge fan of soups. I wouldn't say I "hated" them by any means but I rarely found them to be something that was so filling and delicious I had to have them constantly. Of course, there was the exception of my childhood, where I ate Campbell's® cream of tomato soup ever day of my life at lunch. I do not exaggerate! My mother would get so mad because (back then we came HOME for lunch.. imagine that? LOL) every time I'd leave in the morning she'd ask "What do you want for lunch honey?" and my OBVIOUS answer was "Um, tomato soup mom! NOT anything else PLEASE?!"

This undoubtedly led to her every once in a while making "chicken noodle" because my friend, Sheila, (who's mom WORKED! and wasn't home to make her hot lunches *gasp*) liked chicken noodle better. I would get so upset & even sometimes cry when I smelled the chicken noodle soup coming up the stairs. LOL Yes, I had issues... spoiled brat that I was! My mom finally gave in and always made ME my tomato soup & my friend her chicken noodle. The only "variations" were what went with the cream of tomato soup... slices of freshly baked Italian bread from the bakery up the road, toasted cheese sandwiches or crackers (and those varied from plain ol' saltines to the very 'gourmet' Ritz® LOL) Life was good from then on!

As I "aged" though, I never was a huge fan of soups for dinners. I know, lots of people loved it when I made soup for dinner & I did make it often (the family loved it) but rarely would I enjoy it like everyone else seemed to be doing. My cream of potato soup, taught to me by my ex-husband's aunt, was the one exception to that rule but as you can imagine there is no lack of calories or fat involved in this delicious pot of goodness so, especially now, it's not on the stove all too often. I have managed to bring the calories & fat down to about 1/2 using skim milk & turkey bacon & topping with fat free cheddar but it's never going to be a super "point® friendly" soup.

Oddly enough I am slowly coming back around to "soups". Perhaps it's true we digress back into our childhood as we "age"? Or maybe I just never grew up (I think that's the stronger possibility). I also think that a lot of this change in taste for soups comes with the demand of the consumer wanting better tasting, more filling, simply better soups from a can. As always, Campbell's® seems to be the leader of the soup industry in coming out with better tasting & now even better for you brands & styles of soups!

A recent email from the company led me to purchasing a few of their "new" brands/styles of Chunky Soups. These soups were created to be a healthier option to the same styles of soups they offered previously only now made with lean meats, more veggies & simply lower in calories & fat. Many even boast 3 or more grams of fiber per 1 cup serving also! That's a real plus! I picked up a few different types of soups and have attempted to try out a few here and there. With fall weather upon us here in Erie, PA I'm quick to enjoy a warm cup of soup now but especially if I can have that cup of filling soup for 3 to 4 points®! Add a toasted Weight Watcher® brand bagel or Arnolds® Sandwich Thin for a point® or two more and you have a truly hearty & filling lunch!

Check out the newest information on Campbell's® Soups here. It shows some of their "lean meat" and "full serving" styles of soups that have just come out, including the one I most recently devoured: Campbell's® Chunky Beef Rib Roast with Potatoes & Herbs. 1 Cup of this awesome, flavorful soup comes in at 2 points®! Boasting Nutritional Information like 110 Calories, 1g Fat & 3g of Fiber you can afford 2 servings at lunch, without cringing (1 cup = 1 serving)!

If you're looking for an amazing, filling, flavorful, easy, & inexpensive lunch this fall & winter I highly suggest checking out the newest products available from Campbell's®. Unlike the Progresso® Soups that have been "authorized" by Weight Watchers® to boast 1 or 0 point® values... these soups are hearty, stick to you styles that don't all taste the same. I'm sorry but the Progresso® Soups all taste like the same boring chicken broth with different unflavored ingredients tossed in. Most of the ingredients being bland veggies to make it "low in points". I'll give up a point® or two for some flavor and some content thank you! With the Campbell's new line you get something that sticks with you the rest of the day and has tons of flavor! They all don't taste the same either! Each broth seems to be unique, with a lot of use of herbs & spices to give it a little something extra with each bite! The lean meats make a huge difference in the nutritional information also, and as far as I'm concerned it was about time Campbell's® decided to put up some of their awesome flavors in a more nutritionally respectable style!

If you're looking to make up a batch of your own hearty soup that's low in points® but high in taste... stay tuned. I have some amazing recipes coming soon for crockpot & stove top soups! Check out my Taco Soup Recipe.. the first in this "Fall Series" of souper delites! You make this one in the crockpot, simmer all day long and come home to a hearty dinner ready to serve! Don't forget to try the Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie Soup too! It's a definite keeper for hearty fall & winter dinners!

Help me win this great recognition!
Vote now if you like my blog! Thanks!






Check out my Daily Menu Food Log for a quick glance at what I'm eating to get where I'm at, which is a healthier & therefore thinner ME!


Don't forget to check out my newest Book Blog, where I give book reviews on recent books I've read. If you're a reader you'll want to check this out!


WE CAN DO THIS, TOGETHER
ONE DAY AT A TIME!



TwitThis
Like this article? Twit it to your followers!


Who Else Helps me get healthy?
These are just a few of the people online that inspire me....


1. Weight Loss With The Fabulous Fatties
Check out the Fab Fatties

2. Joe Gigantino - Fitness Trainer
This is the guy that really set me on the path to physical fitness
Joe Gigantino


3. HK Weighs In

4. BWJEN
BKJen


5.Get Fit After 40

5.Green Lite Bites

6.Sean Anderson the formerly 500lb man!
Diary of A Winning Loser
Sean Anderson

*Note I am not affiliated nor endorsed by Weight Watchers® at all, in any way. I highly recommend their program and cannot say enough GOOD about it, but I also have decided that they were my "stepping stone" to making a change in my lifestyle. Any mention of Weight Watchers®, their program or their term of "points®" does not mean they have approved, seen, or endorsed anything on my blogs.

Also, if at any time Points® are mentioned it is always with the assumption that you will analyze the recipes, foods, ingredients and figure the points out specifically for your consumption of any product, as ingredients may vary by brand, size, etc.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Keeping Satiated... staying on track



Definition according to Dictionary.Com:
Satiated: n. The condition of being full or gratified beyond the point of satisfaction; surfeit.

One of the key ways to "Stay On Track" when trying to lose weight is by keeping satiated. Feeling satisfied, both mind & body, is a definite way of making sure you keep on track with your eating.

The best way I've found to do this was with the help of my weight loss coach, Yvette. She suggested that, especially now that I was "working out" on a regular basis, I make sure I get something in me every 3 hours or so. At first I thought, "great idea but how realistic is that with a busy schedule?" but then I realized it's not only realistic it's simply common sense! Nutrition or Snack Bars were my answer!

Satiation leads to the body feeling satisfied, full & denies it the need to "cravings". This plays a part in may areas of our life, as well as eating. If you feel satisfied in your love life, you don't stray (I'm not talking only sex here, but truly in "love"); hence, why people with full relationships in every avenue - not just sexual - seem to have happy & long lasting relationships. Feeling satisfied in your life choices in general, makes each of those areas complete. If you're satisfied in your mind, your body follows. Again, it's common sense.. but how often do we seem to ignore simple common sense? For me, it's often!

My latest "mission" in my weight loss travels has been to make certain I'm feeling "satiated". This occurs when I make sure I have some intake every 3 hours or so. This can lead to overeating if you don't take heed to what is being put in your mouth, so making smart choices is a must. It can also lead to choosing "too little", leading to the satiety not sticking with you long enough & causing a sudden onset of "need"... meaning a real good chance you're going to turn into that quick fix "drive thru" place & making a wrong choice! I found that in the beginning, my choices often fell in the latter category of "too little", basically because I was concerned about the "Weight Watcher" side of my eating and leaning towards "fewer points". That was something I had to learn to change & it was not easy, I will tell you that up front. We WW'ers are quick to get excited over 1 and 2 point choices, while shying away from anything much higher for fear of "running out of points". Take it from me, if you are choosing right 3 and 4 point choices for snacks will leave you feeling much fuller & satisfied, leaving a lot less chance of 2 hours later rushing a McDonalds & ordering a side of cow! (Pssst.. I still have suspicions there is no "cow" available at McD's but call that my own hunch! LOL)

So how do you make the better choices for small meals or snacks throughout the day?

First off, learn what's out there. Take the time to shop, I know we all are so busy we don't really have that time but truly, you are SO worth it. I started at GNC. Yes, overpriced, but a quick 1-stop kind of place that tends to carry a bunch of different "bars" to much on.

Second, and most anyone who's health conscious knows this already, take the time to read the labels. While it may sound like it's a great choice because it's "Healthy" or "Low Cal", etc. the Nutrition Label doesn't lie. I personally keep the calories at 200 or less (venturing mostly towards the 150 area) and obviously the fats as low as possible, with fiber being at NO less than 3g. These general rules will keep your "bars" at 3-4 points and definitely keep it easy to stay within points if you're sticking to the WW Plan.

Third, ask others what they've tried. Read blogs, talk to friends, ask the sales lady. Hearing how things taste before putting out nearly $2 or even more for a single bar can help save you a lot of money. There is nothing worse than thinking you're going to love something only to find out it's SO not your style. Of course, if you don't THIS is where I come in! And a few other blogs I've seen out there! I WILL add to this page often, as I try various new bars/snacks & also as I find more on other blogs.

Here are few of my favorite bars/snacks that help keep you satiated throughout the day. I've included links & nutritional information when possible. I provided the links to various suppliers, not for you to necessarily purchase but to see the item and the information provided. Many of the links will also end up showing a "sale" on the items (a definite plus) but I don't get a single cent from sending you to these links so please do not think I'm "SELLING" things here. The Links are a simple way to give you a look at the product.

As always, check the package yourself to be sure what YOU are purchasing matches the N.I. I'm sharing, as there are variations & products sometimes do change.These are NOT in any particular order, but they are rated on a 5 Star System ***** with 5 Stars being GREAT, 1 Star being GOOD but not something I rush to buy! Feel free to mention what YOU love to snack on in between meals too!


Bar/Snack
Rating 1-5 Stars (5 Stars being Best)
Nutritional Information
(per bar/serving)
Where Have I found these available & approximate prices I've paid
Comments
Luna - Caramel Nut Brownie

***** 5
180 cal / 6g fat / 4g Fiber / 8g Protein
WalMart - box of 6 for $5.97
Inexpensive & very delicious. They also travel well, so are great to toss in a purse or gym bag. These are probably one of my favorite bars/snacks.
Muscle Milk Light Bar - Vanilla Toffee Crunch ****4
160 cal / 5g fat / 4g Fiber / 15g Protein
GNC, Wegman's Food, Walmart (on average $1.79 - $1.99/bar) *GNC often runs specials on these - buy 1 get 1 free (by the case) I love these & love that they are lower in calories; therefore points. My son dislikes them and swears they taste like "sour milk" to him. They are NOT a milk product, lactose free.
****4
170 Cal / 6g fat / 4g Fiber / 15g Protein
GNC, Wegman's Food, Walmart, most health food stores (on average $1.79 - $1.99/bar) *GNC often runs specials on these - buy 1 get 1 free (by the case)
See above - this one I love when I need a chocolate fix too!
EAS - Myoplex Lite Bars - Peanut Caramel Crisp *****5
190 Cal / 6g Fat / 7g Fiber / 15g Protein
GNC, Wegman's, Walmart ($2.00 on average/bar)
These are another one of my faves. Make sure you grab the LITE bars, the others are quite a bit higher in calories & meant for those who need to bulk up. They remind me of a combination rice crispy bar, granola bar type of snack. Again, these hold up well in a gym bag/purse so they're a great option to take along!
GNC Pro Performance ProCrunch Lite Chocolate Crisp ***3
140 Cal / 4g Fat /2g Fiber / 12g Protein
GNC ($1.59 - $1.75 or so)
These are too low in fiber for me to get too excited about. The taste is acceptable, not great. They're a little "cheaper", at least in the GNC stores (obviously because it's their brand) but all in all they're not something I crave. They do provide a good chocolate punch though.
Luna Sunrise "Morning Nutrition for Women" Bars (Apple Cinnamon)
4****1/2
180 Cal/ 5g Fat / 5g Fiber / 8g Protein
Wegmans (sale for a case of 15 $6.49) - Avg. price $0.99 ea.
I'm not a huge fan of "white chocolate" but this was amazing! I'm surprised at how much I liked it! The flavor, very intense & fall like. This seriously bordered a 5 star. WHY it's geared towards "women" & morning is beyond me but I will be using this one any time I need a pick me up or to stay on track & not binge!






Help me win this great recognition!
Vote now if you like my blog! Thanks!






Check out my Daily Menu Food Log for a quick glance at what I'm eating to get where I'm at, which is a healthier & therefore thinner ME!


Don't forget to check out my newest Book Blog, where I give book reviews on recent books I've read. If you're a reader you'll want to check this out!


WE CAN DO THIS, TOGETHER
ONE DAY AT A TIME!



TwitThis
Like this article? Twit it to your followers!


Who Else Helps me get healthy?
These are just a few of the people online that inspire me....


1. Weight Loss With The Fabulous Fatties
Check out the Fab Fatties

2. Joe Gigantino - Fitness Trainer
This is the guy that really set me on the path to physical fitness
Joe Gigantino


3. HK Weighs In

4. BWJEN
BKJen


5.Get Fit After 40

5.Green Lite Bites

6.Sean Anderson the formerly 500lb man!
Diary of A Winning Loser
Sean Anderson

*Note I am not affiliated nor endorsed by Weight Watchers® at all, in any way. I highly recommend their program and cannot say enough GOOD about it, but I also have decided that they were my "stepping stone" to making a change in my lifestyle. Any mention of Weight Watchers®, their program or their term of "points®" does not mean they have approved, seen, or endorsed anything on my blogs.

Also, if at any time Points® are mentioned it is always with the assumption that you will analyze the recipes, foods, ingredients and figure the points out specifically for your consumption of any product, as ingredients may vary by brand, size, etc.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Worth 3 Banana Muffins


I can't find enough "easy" recipes in my life. Can anyone? I'll be honest, I'm not a hectic lifestyle type of person. I've been lucky enough to have cancer kick my ass for a reason.. .to slow me down & force me to enjoy life, so I'll be damned if I want to spend it all sweating in a kitchen. One of my tricks to being "prepared" for snack cravings or quick fix breakfast needs, etc. is to whip up batches whenever I get a chance & storing it (freezing, etc.) for later use. It can be a life saver!

Breakfasts for me are not an easy meal. I'm not a big morning eater but I realize the importance of jump starting my body to let it know it's "Wake Up Time" and start metabolizing everything I put in. For this reason alone, I love quick & easy breakfast foods like muffins & breakfast sandwiches. Of course, making batches ahead is always a plus!

Here's one of my most favorite muffin recipes. While the original called for some much higher fat items, I did toss around some ideas & make some changes that resulted in a much lower in point, calorie & fat content without losing the flavor & texture. I've attempted the recipe with Splenda® Brown Sugar but personally, it doesn't cut the points enough to take away the texture & flavor that the real stuff adds. To me, it's not worth it.

Banana Muffins (3)
Makes 18 muffins per recipe

Ingredients


2 cups whole wheat flour

1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp table salt

1/2 cup Natural Unsweetened Apple Sauce

1/4 cup canola oil

1/2 cup honey

1/3 cup unpacked brown sugar

2 1/3 cups banana(s), mashed

Directions

Pre-heat oven to 350F degrees. Spray muffin pans.
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. In a separate bowl mix wet ingredients. Stir in bananas. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture, stir just until moistened. Scoop batter into muffin pans.

Bake for about 25 minutes and then check every five minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Depending on your oven the bake time goes between 25 & 28 minutes on average.



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Who Else Helps me get healthy?
These are just a few of the people online that inspire me....


1. Weight Loss With The Fabulous Fatties
Check out the Fab Fatties

2. Joe Gigantino - Fitness Trainer
This is the guy that really set me on the path to physical fitness
Joe Gigantino


3. HK Weighs In

4. BWJEN
BKJen


5.Get Fit After 40

5.Green Lite Bites

6.Sean Anderson the formerly 500lb man!
Diary of A Winning Loser
Sean Anderson

*Note I am not affiliated nor endorsed by Weight Watchers® at all, in any way. I highly recommend their program and cannot say enough GOOD about it, but I also have decided that they were my "stepping stone" to making a change in my lifestyle. Any mention of Weight Watchers®, their program or their term of "points®" does not mean they have approved, seen, or endorsed anything on my blogs.

Also, if at any time Points® are mentioned it is always with the assumption that you will analyze the recipes, foods, ingredients and figure the points out specifically for your consumption of any product, as ingredients may vary by brand, size, etc.