A lengthy break...

I can't believe before today the last time I posted was April of last year.  Pathetic!  I rejoined Weight Watchers two months ago.  I've also started going to the gym more, and completed a 10k last month (not running the whole thing, of course).

I was going through my old medical records the other day and realized I had forgotten how much I weighed at my most during my pregnancy with Q.  I've lost 50 pounds since then.  Since I've started *really* trying this year, I've lost 20.  More exciting is that I'm able to fit into nicer, smaller clothes now!

I recently took a new job at the hospital and that has been an interesting transition for my eating habits.  Also, I'm not on my feet like I was at the office, so I know that's taking some getting use to.  My hope is to start getting more active this week and continue going to the gym several times a week.  I still have issues with tracking everything I eat, especially at the hospital.  The cafeteria has some yummy food!

Instagram has actually helped to keep me accountable.  I post photos of my food creations and how many calories I burn at the gym with my Polar watch.  I have a legion of WW friends there that also do the same and are very inspiring.  I make it a point to check IG at least once a day, or when I really need a boost.

Of course, every once in a while I turn back to the old blog to keep me going.  I'm hoping that I can continue to post now that I'm back on track!

Dessert Pizza

I decided to try my hand at a weight watchers friendly dessert pizza tonight.  I was missing one ingredient and got the wrong kind of another, but it still turned out pretty good!

The original recipe was from this Pinterest pin:

http://undressedskeleton.tumblr.com/post/51247006634

For mine, I accidentally used fat free plain greek yogurt instead of vanilla.  I also forgot the coconut (which I love), so I'll have to try that next time.  I also ended up using a banana and a half instead of just one to make the crust the right constancy.

Not too shabby for a light dessert!

 

Taco Cupcakes!

So, thanks to Pinterest I found this cool looking recipe for taco "cupcakes".

http://www.emilybites.com/2011/08/taco-cupcakes.html

I decided to try it, but realized I didn't have all the ingredients.  I ended up using ground turkey, black beans, taco seasoning for the filling.  I chopped up four light string cheese sticks and used that as the cheese.  They were absolutely delicious and filling.  Unfortunately, we didn't have any sour cream, salsa or guac, otherwise, they would have made the cupcakes perfect!

Check out Emily's site, she has a bunch of other ideas for "cupcakes"!  I think the buffalo chicken cupcake is next on the menu for us!

Little Suzy Homemaker

I actually made my own dishwasher detergent this afternoon!  *insert shocked face*

I read a ton of reviews on the stuff, how well it works, etc, and finally decided to take the plunge.  I already had the majority of the ingredients, so it didn't really cost much.  I ended up doing a double batch and put it in a plastic food storage container we had with a scoop.  I'll update tomorrow after I try it out for the first time.  If it's good, I'll post the "recipe" here!

I also made a new food recipe this evening.  Yay Pinterest!  I did Teriyaki Chicken in the crockpot.  I'm NOT a fan of pineapples, but I went ahead and followed the recipe by putting a whole can of sliced pineapple in the recipe.  When it came time to eat, I didn't eat the pineapple, but the rest of the meal was really good!  I got a 5 star review from the husband, so I guess I'll put it in our usual rotation.  The best part was that it was cheap and very easy.  It was in my list of freezer meals.

Giveaway Time!

So, to celebrate the new blog design and upcoming switch over to my own domain name, I'm doing a GIVEAWAY of one of my favorite products!

Have you tried Skinny Cow's Dreamy Clusters yet?  They are amazing.  Low in calories and fat, yet the perfect taste of chocolate and caramel.  You can check them out here:  http://www.skinnycow.com/products/detail.aspx?id=30

Thanks to Skinny Cow, I've been able to enjoy my chocolate cravings without losing too many points on my Weight Watchers program.  If you would like to try a FREE box of Skinny Cow Dreamy Clusters, please comment on this blog post with your favorite Skinny Cow treat.  When you "share" this post on FB, you get another entry (post in the comments that you "shared").  Good luck!

One day at a time...

I'm now officially working on my second round of bronchitis in the past three weeks.  I am grumpy.  I am tired.  I am sick of being sick.  I have worked my ass off lately in the food/health/fitness area and I feel like it's a waste when I'm this sick.  I only get out of bed to pee, drink a little and eat whatever is easiest.  I know I should be grateful that it's not something worse.  I should be grateful for health insurance and antibiotics.

I really just want to live without feeling like I've been hit by a truck.

It doesn't help that the weather is absolutely gorgeous.  I want to be out there planting veggies and flowers and enjoying the spring air before it's stifling hot.  I want to go for walks with the kids.  I know this sickness will pass.  It's just killing me in the meantime.

So, while I lay in bed and boo-hoo about all that I can't do, tell me about what you're doing to enjoy the lovely weather.

And another...

This is the original post I meant to do this evening!  Phew.  Talk about an emotional rollercoaster!

I made an amazing dinner tonight!  I wasn't sure if it was going to work out or not, but it's going to be a new go-to meal.  I read on the WW message boards about doing a mock rotisserie chicken at home.  You make foil balls and put them in the bottom of a crock pot, then put the whole chicken on top with seasonings.  I didn't have a whole chicken, but I did have split chicken breasts.  I removed the skin and put them in the crock pot, covered them with a whole bunch of seasonings and turned it on low.  I made some mashed potatoes and veggies to go with it this evening and it was delicious!  It wasn't soggy, it was nice and dry (not icky dry) and salty.  :)  Best of all, it was a very low point meal.  I still have 17 points left to eat this evening!

Here's a screen shot of my food for today.  I haven't updated my water, fruits/veggies, etc intake yet today.  For those of you who are on the fence about WW or wonder how to track everything online, this gives you a good idea.  I don't go to meetings, so I do everything online.  I also have the WW app on my phone, which lets me update my totals or look up foods on the go.  It even has a listing of restaurants so I can check the points value on a dish before ordering!