Beet Salad

A couple beets got a little overcooked, but this was a delicious dinner. 

4 small beets, peeled, chopped in 8ths and roasted with salt and pepper in spray (I didn't use oil and so they were a little dry) - 400° until done.

Fresh lettuce from garden (green and red leaf) - rinsed and torn

Fresh pea shoots from windowsill, chopped

Sargento cheese, nut, and dried craisins mix

Honey Mustard Dressing (or your dressing of choice)

SO YUMMY AND DIVINE!

The scale is tipping, in a good way!

Happy Thursday everyone! I hope you are enjoying this string of beautiful 80 degree days. Looks like the weather will change tomorrow, so get out and enjoy it today while it is dry and warm!

This morning, a friend asked my online group: “How do you balance life responsibilities with taking care of yourself?”

Here is my response: I actually experienced this last night. I got home for a brief stint after work. Fed the cats, let the dogs out which means walking them on a leash, fed the stray kitty, and then was able to change and do my things, like potty. I then left about 30 minutes later to go to Weight Watchers. Okay, that is me time.  I came home and had to let the dogs out again, entertain the dogs and kitties, clean the kitty litter, put the groceries away, clean out the fridge a bit, take out the trash, make something for dinner, unload the dishwasher and load it again…I finally said to the animals after I put the food away, give mommy 20 minutes so she can work out. Everything could wait 20 minutes. I could shelve my responsibilities for 20 minutes. I have a responsibility to myself to be healthy, and working out is part of that. If I had said, oh screw it, I would have felt guilty and remorseful, which could lead to eating, which could lead to not doing WW, which could lead to loads of unhappiness and weight gain. Yes, that one small moment could take me there. I knew it could, so I had to act on my desire. I am just grateful a silly workout dvd called to me and not Dairy Queen.

I lost another pound this week, for a total of 9.2 in 5 weeks! Total from last October, I am down 18 pounds. But, I look like I am down more than 18 pounds. My inches, which I didn’t measure, are telling a different story. Don’t get me wrong, 18 pounds is wonderful. But, when I have many more to lose, just focusing on the scale can get a little slow and the desire to berate myself can increase. So, as my WW leader taught us last night, it’s good to track other things. Thus, I think I will take my measurements. I hope I can find a tape measure. If not, I will track my exercise minutes and work to increase that.

My goal is to get to 30 pounds lost by 10/10/10. I am almost 33% there. So, did I set my goal too low or am I looking at a struggle once my weight loss slows down a bit? Who knows? I am not going to worry about it. If I pass 30 pounds, well then hot damn! If I don’t get there, I will have lost what I lost, lost inches and gained much athletic abilities. I cannot control the future, but I can work to change the outcomes ahead of me.

I am getting back into yoga tonight after missing it last night for WW. I am also going to do more. I want more exercise than yoga. I have some workout dvds in my Netflix queue, after I get another True Blood dvd, but for now I will do my Leslie Sansone. I think I will do the 30 minute dvd tonight. I can do that and then finish with the 30 minute Namaste Yoga on Fit Tv. Wow, I never ever thought I would be here. It feels good. I know I have to do this, number 1, to lose and keep my weight off. #2, to train to achieve my goal of being a derby girl. I may not ever tryout, and if I do, I may not make the team. I may decide I want to be a ref and that’s it. But, I do know I am to be a part of the derby, more than a spectator, and that I love to roller skate. I learned that Sunday. I am going Saturday at noon, I will be there when the doors open, or within a few minutes. I will skate for an hour to 2 hours. Then, I get to come home and shower and get ready to go to the last home bout of the Naptown Roller Girls! It will be sad, but it is a double header and it will be fun. They’ll be back. They aren’t going anywhere! And now I can take the $ for the monthly bout and put it towards roller skating practice.

Having goals is good. To reiterate what my WW leader said, be like Elmer Fudd. Find the rabbit twacks and search out your Bugs Bunny!

And as always, sprout something (seeds or seeds of change)!

Here's a yummy recipe from Vegetarian Times.  A friend made it and said you can cut the honey in half, they are very sweet!

Honey Braised Carrots

Veg Times
6 servings

6 large carrots, halved and cut into ¼” thick slices (4 cups)

2 medium shallots, sliced into thin rings (1/4 cup)

½ C honey

1 T cider vinegar

¼ C chopped fresh parsley

Place carrots and shallots in nonstick skillet, and heat over medium heat. Cook 2-4 minutes, or until beginning to brown.

Stir in honey, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Partially cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook 15 minutes, or until carrots are tender. Uncover, stir in the vinegar, and increase the heat to medium-high.

Cook 2 minutes more. Stir in parsley, and serve.

¾ C serving = 126 cal, less than 1 g fat, 3 g fiber

Activity check and a yummy Greek recipe!

Hello dear peeps! How was your weekend? What did you do for fun, and to get moving? I thought I would do a week starter post just to keep you motivated. I spent the weekend on the run. Saturday, I had a workshop in the morning and then it was off to officiate a derby bout. Well, 2 actually. I didn’t do much but sit Saturday night, but I was active. Dodging chairs being pushed into me from fast skaters sliding in for the penalty they didn’t want to serve is hard work. Luckily, none of them were mean to me. One was even laughing with me on her last penalty, with just a few seconds left in the game I felt it was okay to joke with her. Yesterday was laundry day. I also did yoga both Saturday and Sunday, and I even went roller skating yesterday with a friend. I was able to do it, only went down once trying to stop, and it felt darn good! So, look for me on a local derby team in a year or so.




I had a moment of revelation yesterday. I still see my midsection as pretty big. I am certainly carrying the unhealthy fat, and always have. But, the top I wore to skate in was swimming on me. I got it from a friend in August that had cleaned out her closet after losing weight. I think I need to gift it to someone. It is huge! And it wasn’t that loose when I received it. My arms are still tight in it, but the unhealthiest area to carry fat is much smaller.



I have to say, I never had this much focus and determination before. I was willing and determined to count and weigh in and lose, but I did it without activity and that is a huge difference this time. It is clicking! My head is clicking too!



I planted some beet seeds this weekend, hopefully they will sprout! My pea shoots will be ready to eat tonight, and then more tomorrow! Maybe some more by the end of the week. I have 4 pots going now. I also have 2 beet pots going. I tell ya, I love sprouting!



I made this delicious WW recipe this weekend. If memory serves it is 6 pernts per serving. Oh, I just figured it up for real and my calculations are 32 for the whole recipe, 8 servings is totally doable, so it’s 4 per serving! Yippee! I am off to update my tracker. I counted too much! It’s decadent and rich. Make sure to use lots of cinnamon and a little more nutmeg. So delicious!



WW Pastitsio



Sauce:

3 cups light soy milk - 6

1/4 cup cornstarch - 0

3 eggs, lightly beaten - 6

4 TBSP parmesan cheese - 2

salt and ground pepper

1/8 tsp ground nutmeg



Filling:

1 TBSP extra virgin olive oil - 3

1 onion, chopped

3/4 pound ground meat substitute, like Boca crumbles - 6

1 pound plum tomatoes, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced (although I used more--probably 4 or 5)

3/4 tsp ground cinnamon

salt and pepper



1/2 pound whole wheat spaghetti or elbow macaroni - 8

2 TBSP parmesan substitute - 1



Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.



Meanwhile, combined the milk, cornstarch and eggs in a large saucepan. Cook over low heat until thickened, stirring constantly. This took me a while, but I think I turned the fire down too low--I was warming, not cooking--so make sure the heat isn't too low. When thickened, remove from heat and add the Parmesan sub, nutmeg and salt and pepper to taste. Place a lid on the pot and set aside while you make the filling.



At this point, you'll want to preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray a 7 by 11 inch baking dish with non-stick spray.



For the filling, heat the oil in a large skillet and saute the onion until softened. Add the remaining filling ingredients and cook until heated through, and the liquid from the tomatoes evaporates. Stir often.



To assemble the casserole, start with half of the pasta, then top with all of the filling and the other half of the pasta. Pour the béchamel sauce over the top and sprinkle with the last 2 tablespoons of parmesan. Bake until golden, 30-35 minutes. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving, to set the casserole.



Have a great week and remember to sprout something (seeds or seeds of change)!

I scream, you scream...It’s all about the Frozen Treats today!

First, let me say thank you to the gals on a message board I frequent for these tempting and WW friendly treats. The heat is coming, and the desire for cool treats is intensifying. These are guilt free choices to help you stay on track, and indulge a bit.




Frozen Lemon Cup

Start by cutting off the top of a lemon, about ¾ from the bottom of the fruit. Make sure to save the cap! Using a hand held juicer, juice the lemon or into a fine strainer to remove any seeds and extra pulp. After diluting the fresh-squeezed lemon juice with 3 parts water to 1 part juice, add granulated sugar to taste (I add about 1 Tbsp. to every cup), depending on how sweet or how tart you like it. Whisk sugar until completely dissolved. Fill lemon with your juice mixture to a ¼-inch from the rim. Place in freezer for 3 hours, or until liquid has reached desired slushiness. Place cap on top and serve with a spoon! If you’re not a fan of lemons, you can make the same dish with blood oranges instead. [Lauren LaPenna] http://www.bust.com/



One Ingredient Ice Cream: http://bit.ly/do2Xq5



A variation of the above idea: http://fatfreevegan.com/blog/2010/03/08/banana-ice-cream/



I kept my vow of last week.  I got my 5 pound star and then some.  My weekly weigh in went great last night! I released another 3.8 pounds. 8.2 gone in 4 weeks! And we even had a big family dinner Sunday for Easter. And treats at the open Butler practice Friday. See, you can indulge, every now and then. Just be active and track the rest of the time. I have done yoga 5 of the last 6 days. I am joining the Walk-It Challenge issued by Weight Watchers, a 6 week training to go from couch to a 5K. I am not a couch potato, well not as much as I used to be, but I know I shouldn’t go out and walk a 5k today. If you are interested, check the WW website out for further info in the coming week or so.



Have a great week and sprout something (seeds or seeds of change)!

Spring has sprung!

Finally!  Here is my newest love, and I am so glad I am doing it.  I have discovered sprouting.  I tried last year with a sprouting container but it was a dismal failure.  I discovered sprouted peas at the Indy Winter Farmer's Market (http://www.indywinterfarmersmarket.org/) a few weeks ago.  Well, I bought seeds the next week, and soil.  Now I have these beauties which sprout pretty quick.  The lady I bet the sprouts from said 4-5 days.  Mine are about 9-10 days.  They're even bigger today.  I picked off a few, rinsed, and cut up and garnished my eggs this morning.  I had a wedge of Laughing Cow cheese as well.  It was yummers!  Next, I am going to try beet sprouts.  There are many options to choose.  So many, so little time.  Oh wait, I can do this any darn time I please!

Aren't they cute?  They're yummy on sandwiches too.  I use them in place of lettuce, and I can constantly keep a supply going.  I need to invest in some more containers.  I am even thinking I could poke holes in old margarine tubs and use that.

I even have some kale seeds started to plant in a few weeks.  I'll be getting a full share in a CSA, but one can always use more, in case the farm has a bad year.  I grow in containers, so I feel like I would be more immune to natural problems that farms face.  Maybe not.  I cut a couple pieces from my rosemary plant to try and start a couple more.  The kale is very young, just a week or so old.  And I watered just after this picture, so don't worry, it's not thirsty anymore.

What are you going to do this summer to help coax new life into this world.  Life that will reap you many rewards, both internally and externally?  Here is some info from Mother Jones magazine about the cals burned doing gardening activities.  It's a great workout.  This doesn't address height and weight, so take this as a rough guide.

Watering lawn: 61

Mowing lawn (ride-on): 101

Trimming shrubs (power): 142

 

Raking: 162

Bagging leaves: 162

Planting seedlings: 182

Mowing (push with motor): 182

Planting trees: 182

 

Snow thrower (walking): 182

Trimming shrubs (manual): 182

Weeding: 182

Clearing land: 202

 

Digging, spading, tilling: 202

Laying sod: 202

Chopping wood: 202

Gardening with heavy power tools: 243

Mowing lawn (push manual): 243

Double digging: 344

Here is the link for this article crediting the source: http://motherjones.com/blue-marble/2010/04/econundrum-gardening-exercise-calories. 

So, get out there and work some of your land.  Get some containers and fill with soil and plants.  Build a pretty corner flower bed in your yard.  Just do something that will brighten your spirits when you see it, give you some physical, tangible benefits, and possibly even help feed you this summer. 

In later posts, I will share preserving tips that I find, to help extend the season a bit.

Weigh in results

I weighed in last night and lost 1.4 pounds, total of 4.4 in 3 weeks.  I vow to get my 5 pound star next week!

Vegan Mexican Tortilla Bake - well almost!

I got the VegNews email last week, and the recipe was a vegan tortilla bake.  Here is the recipe:

Mexican Tortilla Bake

Serves 4

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large garlic clove, minced

1-1/2 cups cooked pinto beans or one 15-ounce can, drained and rinsed

1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained

1/4 teaspoon chili powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

1-1/2 cups prepared tomato salsa

4 ounces soft or silken tofu

2 tablespoons lime juice

12 6-inch flour tortillas

1 cup shredded vegan cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly oil a 9x13-inch baking dish. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the pinto beans, tomatoes, chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste, and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.



2. In a food processor or blender, combine the salsa, tofu, lime juice, and 1/2 cup of the bean mixture. Process until well blended. Spread a thin layer of the tofu and salsa mixture over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange 6 of the tortillas on top, overlapping as necessary. Spread the remaining bean mixture over the tortillas and cover with another layer of tortillas. Top with the remaining tofu-and-salsa mixture and sprinkle with the shredded cheese. Bake until hot and bubbly and lightly browned on top, about 30 minutes.

It is tasty, but looks nothing like the picture included with the email.  It is kind of flat.  I used white corn tortillas that I had.   I added some dried cilantro and cumin to the bean layers.  Next time, I will add some mexican spiced cooked veggie crumbles, and another can of beans.  The tofu puree is tasty, and I can imagine using it many other ways.  I didn't have vegan cheese, so I used the cheese I had.  Here are my results!

Before baking

After baking

Their casserole!

I figured this up as 35 pernts for whole recipe.  I didn't count pernts for the salsa and tomatoes.  I ate this as 6 servings, well I am still eating it.  So, roughly 6 pernts each if done as 6 servings.