I have started chopping a variety of veggies up once a week and putting them into containers in the frig That way I can throw together a salad pretty fast and with little effort. I have also found that I can throw in some veggies into my scrabbles eggsin the morning and and have found it pretty tasty!
A hint if you like salads....if you wash your lettuce and put it into an air tight container with a couple wet paper towels on top your lettuce stays crisp a lot longer.
Good luck to everyone I hope you are having a great week.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Week 2
So, this week it's my turn in the box of shame. It wasn't a good week for me. I've been discouraged because I've been working really hard & haven't lost any weight, so I kind of gave up last week. Terrible attitude, but this week will be better.
Here are the points that have been reported so far & then contest-to-date...
Aubry - 975 / 1930
Jesse - 890 / 1815
Jennie - 645 / 945
Samantha - 450 / 1275
Samuel - 300 / 985
Here are the points that have been reported so far & then contest-to-date...
Aubry - 975 / 1930
Jesse - 890 / 1815
Jennie - 645 / 945
Samantha - 450 / 1275
Samuel - 300 / 985
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
What up!?!?!?!?!
So these 2 weeks have not been the best ever for me, but I lost weight, so I won't send in any pictures of me crying on the scale with my shirt off... but don't worry, some day that picture will come... My points for week 1 were 925 and Aubry was at 955. Week 2 I got 890 and Aubs got 975. Yep... that should put the pregnant lady in first place... unless of course Andrew really did get 1,000 points, but you kinda have to eat food in order to do good at this game, and knowing that he usually skips breakfast and lunch, something tells me that he might have added one too many "0's" after the 1... just a guess.
Hey, does anyone know where to buy good oranges? We used to get Cutties at wal-mart...yum! I don't know if the season of the orange is over or what, but the last couple of bags that we have purchased have been crap! So if anyone has any tips, that would be great!
Also, fruits can be a good snack...Bananas, oranges, grapes... you know, you can have them any time of the day. How do you peeps get your veggies in. The only snack that I can think of that doesn't come in a can that classifies as a nice snack would be Carrots. What else is there? Help us out!
Luvs and kisses!
So these 2 weeks have not been the best ever for me, but I lost weight, so I won't send in any pictures of me crying on the scale with my shirt off... but don't worry, some day that picture will come... My points for week 1 were 925 and Aubry was at 955. Week 2 I got 890 and Aubs got 975. Yep... that should put the pregnant lady in first place... unless of course Andrew really did get 1,000 points, but you kinda have to eat food in order to do good at this game, and knowing that he usually skips breakfast and lunch, something tells me that he might have added one too many "0's" after the 1... just a guess.
Hey, does anyone know where to buy good oranges? We used to get Cutties at wal-mart...yum! I don't know if the season of the orange is over or what, but the last couple of bags that we have purchased have been crap! So if anyone has any tips, that would be great!
Also, fruits can be a good snack...Bananas, oranges, grapes... you know, you can have them any time of the day. How do you peeps get your veggies in. The only snack that I can think of that doesn't come in a can that classifies as a nice snack would be Carrots. What else is there? Help us out!
Luvs and kisses!
Week 2 for Jennie
I know I'd be running in last place if this were a contest but I'm so excited I finally broke 600 points! My tally this week is 645. Andrew says to post 1000 points for him...yah...ok...and suddenly he's a Steelers fan. Samantha, I've only been able to edit my own posts. The little pencil only appears on ones I've written. Does a pencil show up on mine for you? What am I doing wrong?
We've had a breakthrough at our house. I finally got Andrew to try these oatmeal pancakes I've been making the kids. He says they're "ok". I use water in place of the buttermilk. Also, I got this soup recipe from a friend a few weeks ago and we all liked it. No one even noticed I snuck in whole wheat pasta. I used frozen spinach instead of fresh. I think it would be great with zuccini and carrots but Drew disagrees. Love you all!!
Oatmeal Pancakes
3 1/2 cups quick oats 3 cups whole wheat flour
2 cups all-purpose flour 3 Tbs sugar
3 Tbs baking powder 1 Tbs salt
1 Tbs baking soda 1 cup vegetable oil
1 Tbs cinnamon (optional)
Makes 10 cups of dry mix. Mix all dry ingredients. With mixer on slow drizzle the vegetable oil into the bowl slowly. When all oil has been added, stop mixer and squeeze a clump of mix in your hand. If it stays together, it is just right. If it is still really crumbly, add another tablespoon of oil at a time until the consistency is correct. Store in airtight container up to two weeks or indefinitely in the refrigerator or freezer.
To make pancakes: whisk 1 cup of mix, 1 cup buttermilk (a combination of half plain yogurt and half milk will also work), and 1 egg. Mixture may seem thin at first but oats will soak up the milk as it stands while the griddle preheats. Heat a griddle and drop the batter onto it. When the edges look dry and bubbles come to the surface and don't break, turn the pancake over to finish cooking on the second side.
Pasta e Fagioli
2 tsp olive oil 2-3 turkey Italian sausage
½ sweet yellow onion, diced 4 cloves minced garlic
1-28 oz can whole tomatoes 4 c chicken broth
2-15 oz cans white beans, drained 1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp dried oregano pinch crushed red pepper
Salt and pepper to taste 1 c tube shaped pasta
1-2 cups spinach fresh grated parmesan
Heat olive oil in or soup pot. Add onions and sauté until softened. Remove casing on sausage and add to pot. Cook until brown and well crumbled. Add garlic, then chicken broth. Blend tomatoes and their juices thoroughly. Add to pot. Add drained beans and seasonings to soup and simmer covered 1-2 hours. When ready to eat bring soup to gentle boil then add spinach and pasta and cook per pasta instructions. Serve with parmesan cheese.
We've had a breakthrough at our house. I finally got Andrew to try these oatmeal pancakes I've been making the kids. He says they're "ok". I use water in place of the buttermilk. Also, I got this soup recipe from a friend a few weeks ago and we all liked it. No one even noticed I snuck in whole wheat pasta. I used frozen spinach instead of fresh. I think it would be great with zuccini and carrots but Drew disagrees. Love you all!!
Oatmeal Pancakes
3 1/2 cups quick oats 3 cups whole wheat flour
2 cups all-purpose flour 3 Tbs sugar
3 Tbs baking powder 1 Tbs salt
1 Tbs baking soda 1 cup vegetable oil
1 Tbs cinnamon (optional)
Makes 10 cups of dry mix. Mix all dry ingredients. With mixer on slow drizzle the vegetable oil into the bowl slowly. When all oil has been added, stop mixer and squeeze a clump of mix in your hand. If it stays together, it is just right. If it is still really crumbly, add another tablespoon of oil at a time until the consistency is correct. Store in airtight container up to two weeks or indefinitely in the refrigerator or freezer.
To make pancakes: whisk 1 cup of mix, 1 cup buttermilk (a combination of half plain yogurt and half milk will also work), and 1 egg. Mixture may seem thin at first but oats will soak up the milk as it stands while the griddle preheats. Heat a griddle and drop the batter onto it. When the edges look dry and bubbles come to the surface and don't break, turn the pancake over to finish cooking on the second side.
Pasta e Fagioli
2 tsp olive oil 2-3 turkey Italian sausage
½ sweet yellow onion, diced 4 cloves minced garlic
1-28 oz can whole tomatoes 4 c chicken broth
2-15 oz cans white beans, drained 1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp dried oregano pinch crushed red pepper
Salt and pepper to taste 1 c tube shaped pasta
1-2 cups spinach fresh grated parmesan
Heat olive oil in or soup pot. Add onions and sauté until softened. Remove casing on sausage and add to pot. Cook until brown and well crumbled. Add garlic, then chicken broth. Blend tomatoes and their juices thoroughly. Add to pot. Add drained beans and seasonings to soup and simmer covered 1-2 hours. When ready to eat bring soup to gentle boil then add spinach and pasta and cook per pasta instructions. Serve with parmesan cheese.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
From the Box of Shame (Despicable Me)
Maybe I'm being moronic but I can't figure out how to edit Sam's post...just view it. If anyone wants to fill me in I'd be happy to get instructions. It's a good thing we aren't competing anymore because even on my best week I've never reached 600 points. This is just going to be embarassing. And as for the past week, forget it! Going out of town doesn't make this game easy...nor does losing all will power when I tell myself I'm on vacation. So here's my best guess at this past week...300 points.
Week 1
How'd everyone do? Valentine's & my birthday were not very kind on the points. I think I ate half a box of chocolates on monday (dang you, Samuel, for being thoughtful!).
Update: So Jesse said not to count Valentine's, etc. So, add negative points back in for that day.
Samuel - 685
Samantha - 825
Jesse -
Aubry -
Andrew -
Jennie -
Mom -
Dad -
Josh & Tammy - if you guys change your minds, join in any time!
Update: So Jesse said not to count Valentine's, etc. So, add negative points back in for that day.
Samuel - 685
Samantha - 825
Jesse -
Aubry -
Andrew -
Jennie -
Mom -
Dad -
Josh & Tammy - if you guys change your minds, join in any time!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Here are some recipes we love...or at least most of us love. My new dinner motto is "You just can't please them all...and those who aren't can find their own stupid dinner." Sorry for all the cilantro recipes but those who are alleric can simply leave it out.
This is my new favorite! They taste great by themselves but we also love them with either of the sauces I included.
Grilled Chicken Kebabs
8 wood or metal skewers
½ c chopped fresh cilantro
2 lbs chicken breasts, cut into 1 ½ in cubes
3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 Tbs fresh lime juice
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp salt
1 tsp smoked Spanish paprika
½ tsp pepper
If using wood skewers, soak in cold water at least 30 minutes before using. In a large ziplock bag, combine all ingredients. Toss to coat, then marinade in fridge for 25 minutes. Prepare grill to medium-high heat. Thread chicken onto skewers, discarding marinade. Lay skewers on grill and cook 4 minutes, turn and cook 4 more minutes, until chicken is browned and cooked through.
Peanut Sauce
¾ c crunchy peanut butter
1 can lite coconut milk, unsweetened
¼ c fresh lemon juice
2 T soy sauce
2 T brown sugar
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (I use dry)
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 c chicken broth
cayenne pepper to taste
zest from 1 lime
fresh cilantro
Combine all in a food processor and process until smooth.
Romesco Sauce
¾ cup roasted red peppers (canned or fresh)
½ cup whole almonds or hazelnuts, toasted
1 slice crusty bread, toasted and cut into cubes
1 Tbsp sherry vinegar (I use red wine vinegar)
1 Tbsp minced garlic
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Put all ingredients in food processor and whirl until pureed, sauce will be thick.
This is my new favorite! They taste great by themselves but we also love them with either of the sauces I included.
Grilled Chicken Kebabs
8 wood or metal skewers
½ c chopped fresh cilantro
2 lbs chicken breasts, cut into 1 ½ in cubes
3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 Tbs fresh lime juice
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp salt
1 tsp smoked Spanish paprika
½ tsp pepper
If using wood skewers, soak in cold water at least 30 minutes before using. In a large ziplock bag, combine all ingredients. Toss to coat, then marinade in fridge for 25 minutes. Prepare grill to medium-high heat. Thread chicken onto skewers, discarding marinade. Lay skewers on grill and cook 4 minutes, turn and cook 4 more minutes, until chicken is browned and cooked through.
Peanut Sauce
¾ c crunchy peanut butter
1 can lite coconut milk, unsweetened
¼ c fresh lemon juice
2 T soy sauce
2 T brown sugar
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (I use dry)
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 c chicken broth
cayenne pepper to taste
zest from 1 lime
fresh cilantro
Combine all in a food processor and process until smooth.
Romesco Sauce
¾ cup roasted red peppers (canned or fresh)
½ cup whole almonds or hazelnuts, toasted
1 slice crusty bread, toasted and cut into cubes
1 Tbsp sherry vinegar (I use red wine vinegar)
1 Tbsp minced garlic
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Put all ingredients in food processor and whirl until pureed, sauce will be thick.
Angel Hair Pasta with Chicken
Love this one but Drew isn't a fan. I leave out the parmesan (Oliver) and it still tastes great!
2 T olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 skinless boneless chicken breast cut into 1” cubes
12 oz angel hair pasta (wheat if you can find it)
2/3 c chicken broth
1 tsp dried basil
1 carrot, sliced into ¼” pieces
¼ c grated parmesan
1-10 oz pkg frozen broccoli, thawed
Heat 1 T oil in a medium skillet over medium heat; add chicken. Cook stirring until chicken is cooked through. Remove from skillet and drain. Heat remaining oil in same skillet. Begin heating water for pasta. Add carrots to skillet; cook, stirring, for 4 minutes. Add broccoli and garlic to skillet; cook, stirring for 2 minutes longer. Cook pasta. While pasta is cooking, add chicken broth, basil, and parmesan to skillet. Stir to combine. Return chicken to skillet. Reduce heat and simmer for 4 minutes. Drain pasta and top with chicken and vegetable mix.
2 T olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 skinless boneless chicken breast cut into 1” cubes
12 oz angel hair pasta (wheat if you can find it)
2/3 c chicken broth
1 tsp dried basil
1 carrot, sliced into ¼” pieces
¼ c grated parmesan
1-10 oz pkg frozen broccoli, thawed
Heat 1 T oil in a medium skillet over medium heat; add chicken. Cook stirring until chicken is cooked through. Remove from skillet and drain. Heat remaining oil in same skillet. Begin heating water for pasta. Add carrots to skillet; cook, stirring, for 4 minutes. Add broccoli and garlic to skillet; cook, stirring for 2 minutes longer. Cook pasta. While pasta is cooking, add chicken broth, basil, and parmesan to skillet. Stir to combine. Return chicken to skillet. Reduce heat and simmer for 4 minutes. Drain pasta and top with chicken and vegetable mix.
Curry Chicken
I know coconut milk is high in calories but I use lite which makes me feel better.
1 cooked & cubed chicken
2 onions
1 T chili powder
2 T curry (we like yellow)
½ c cilantro
1 T paprika
2 T oil
1 t cumin
1 bay leaf
3 cloves garlic
About 6 small potatoes, pealed and cubed
1 can lite coconut milk
brown sugar to taste (we like it a little sweet)
salt & pepper
Fry onion & garlic 1 minute in oil. Add chicken. Cook 3 min. Add all spices. Stir. Cook until chicken is tender. Add remaining ingredients. Serve with brown rice.
1 cooked & cubed chicken
2 onions
1 T chili powder
2 T curry (we like yellow)
½ c cilantro
1 T paprika
2 T oil
1 t cumin
1 bay leaf
3 cloves garlic
About 6 small potatoes, pealed and cubed
1 can lite coconut milk
brown sugar to taste (we like it a little sweet)
salt & pepper
Fry onion & garlic 1 minute in oil. Add chicken. Cook 3 min. Add all spices. Stir. Cook until chicken is tender. Add remaining ingredients. Serve with brown rice.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Hey-o!
So, here's our family fat blog. I thought it would be easiest if every Wednesday, I'll just go in & create a new post (Week 1, Week 2, etc) & people can go in & edit the post to add their points for the past week. Cool dizzle? I also posted a few of my fave recipes. If anyone else has good, healthy recipes, post them! Love you all! Go team!
Oriental Chicken Pitas/Lettuce wraps
1 1/2 c. chopped cooked chicken breast
1 can chopped water chestnuts
2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp dark sesame oil
2 (6-inch) whole wheat pita rounds, cut in half crosswise OR 4-6 long, unchooped lettuce leaves
4 addtl lettuce leaves, if you use the pitas
Combine vinegar, soy sauce & sesame oil. Pour over chicken & water chestnuts & toss gently. Line pita halves with lettuce. Spoon chicken mixture into pita halves. Or, if you're doing lettuce wraps, just spoon chicken mixture into lettuce leaves. It's a little messier, but super healthy.
1 can chopped water chestnuts
2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp dark sesame oil
2 (6-inch) whole wheat pita rounds, cut in half crosswise OR 4-6 long, unchooped lettuce leaves
4 addtl lettuce leaves, if you use the pitas
Combine vinegar, soy sauce & sesame oil. Pour over chicken & water chestnuts & toss gently. Line pita halves with lettuce. Spoon chicken mixture into pita halves. Or, if you're doing lettuce wraps, just spoon chicken mixture into lettuce leaves. It's a little messier, but super healthy.
Lemon Salad
Chopped romaine lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Diced avocados
Chopped red cabbage
Diced red pepper
Shredded carrots
Fresh lemon juice
Just combine all the salad ingredients & add enough fresh lemon juice to lightly coat. Serve with addtl lemon wedges & ranch dressing, if desired. Add salt/pepper to taste.
Diced tomatoes
Diced avocados
Chopped red cabbage
Diced red pepper
Shredded carrots
Fresh lemon juice
Just combine all the salad ingredients & add enough fresh lemon juice to lightly coat. Serve with addtl lemon wedges & ranch dressing, if desired. Add salt/pepper to taste.
Curry Chicken Salad Sandwiches
3 c. shredded chicken, cooked in chicken broth
1/2 c. slivered almonds
1 c. diced celery
1 c. grapes, halved
1 c. apples, diced small
Dressing:
1/2 c. mayo
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp salt
1 tsp red curry powder, or to taste (I like lots!)
To cook the chicken, I usually put it in the crock pot with chicken bouillon & water. When it's fully cooked, I shred it & let it simmer in the bouillon for another hour or so. If you need to, add more bouillon while it's simmering. Drain & cool. Combine chicken w/almonds, celery, apples & grapes & set aside. Combine all ingredients for dressing & mix until smooth. Pour over chicken mixture & toss until coated. Serve on your choice of roll/croissant.
1/2 c. slivered almonds
1 c. diced celery
1 c. grapes, halved
1 c. apples, diced small
Dressing:
1/2 c. mayo
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp salt
1 tsp red curry powder, or to taste (I like lots!)
To cook the chicken, I usually put it in the crock pot with chicken bouillon & water. When it's fully cooked, I shred it & let it simmer in the bouillon for another hour or so. If you need to, add more bouillon while it's simmering. Drain & cool. Combine chicken w/almonds, celery, apples & grapes & set aside. Combine all ingredients for dressing & mix until smooth. Pour over chicken mixture & toss until coated. Serve on your choice of roll/croissant.
Salmon w/Cilantro Pesto (sorry Josh)
I haven't tried this one, but I found it online & it looked good.
4 salmon fillets (about 4 ounces each), rinsed & patted dry
1/4 c. sliced almonds
Cilantro Pesto:
1/2 c. loosely packed fresh cilantro
3 tbsp chicken broth
2 tbsp sliced almonds
2 tbsp shredded parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic-herb seasoning blend
Preheat oven to 400. Line baking sheet w/aluminum foil or spray w/cooking spray. In a food processer or blender, process the pesto ingredients for 15-20 seconds or until slightly chunky. Place the fillets about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Spread the pesto evenly over the top of th e fillets. Sprinkle with 1/4 c. sliced almonds. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until fish flakes easily when tested w/fork. Serve w/mashed potatoes or brown rice.
4 salmon fillets (about 4 ounces each), rinsed & patted dry
1/4 c. sliced almonds
Cilantro Pesto:
1/2 c. loosely packed fresh cilantro
3 tbsp chicken broth
2 tbsp sliced almonds
2 tbsp shredded parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic-herb seasoning blend
Preheat oven to 400. Line baking sheet w/aluminum foil or spray w/cooking spray. In a food processer or blender, process the pesto ingredients for 15-20 seconds or until slightly chunky. Place the fillets about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Spread the pesto evenly over the top of th e fillets. Sprinkle with 1/4 c. sliced almonds. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until fish flakes easily when tested w/fork. Serve w/mashed potatoes or brown rice.
Minestrone
7 c. water
2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 c. chopped celery
1 c. sliced zucchini
1 c. shredded carrots
4 beef bouillon cubes
2 tbsp parsley
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp thyme
pinch of garlic
1 tsp onion flakes
1 can kidney beans
1 (15-ounce) can garbanzo beans
1 c. small macaroni, uncooked (I use wheat)
Brown celery. Add liquid, bouillon, seasonings, carrots & zucchini. Cook until tender. Add beans & bring to a boil. Add macaroni a few minutes before serving, just enough time for them to get tender.
2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 c. chopped celery
1 c. sliced zucchini
1 c. shredded carrots
4 beef bouillon cubes
2 tbsp parsley
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp thyme
pinch of garlic
1 tsp onion flakes
1 can kidney beans
1 (15-ounce) can garbanzo beans
1 c. small macaroni, uncooked (I use wheat)
Brown celery. Add liquid, bouillon, seasonings, carrots & zucchini. Cook until tender. Add beans & bring to a boil. Add macaroni a few minutes before serving, just enough time for them to get tender.
Enchilada Soup
10 c. water, approx (depends on how much broth you want)
10 chicken bouillon cubes
1 c. shredded carrots
1 c. chopped celery
2 boneless/skinless chicken breast, defrosted
1 small can green chilis
Toppings:
Diced avocado or guacamole
Cilantro
Diced fresh tomatoes
Tony's seasoning
Saute raw chicken, carrots & celery until chicken in fully cooked. Add bouillon cubes, water & green chilis. Heat through until veggies are tender (only takes a couple minutes). Serve with avocados, guac, cilantro, tomatoes & tony's seasoning (if you want it more spicy).
10 chicken bouillon cubes
1 c. shredded carrots
1 c. chopped celery
2 boneless/skinless chicken breast, defrosted
1 small can green chilis
Toppings:
Diced avocado or guacamole
Cilantro
Diced fresh tomatoes
Tony's seasoning
Saute raw chicken, carrots & celery until chicken in fully cooked. Add bouillon cubes, water & green chilis. Heat through until veggies are tender (only takes a couple minutes). Serve with avocados, guac, cilantro, tomatoes & tony's seasoning (if you want it more spicy).
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