Apricot Barbeque Nirvana!

I have been doing a lot of recipe searching because we are getting ready to go to the beach this week and I want to have some easy, good "on plan" meals figures out. I came across this one today in my email from WW. It's no cook and that's my kind of recipe when at the beach. It sounds too good not to share! Enjoy!

About the No-Cook Apricot Barbecue Sauce. Here’s a fruit-based barbecue sauce that’s perfect for chicken breasts, turkey burgers or grilled salmon fillets. Best of all, you don’t have to heat up the stove to make this backyard favorite. Want it spicier? Add several dashes of bottled hot red pepper sauce such as Tabasco.


No-Cook Apricot Barbecue Sauce
Makes 14 servings
POINTS® value 1 per serving

Ingredients

1 cup all-fruit apricot spread
1/2 cup bottled chili sauce, such as Heinz
3 Tbsp cider vinegar
1 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cloves

Instructions

Place all the ingredients in a blender or a food processor; blend or process until smooth. To store, scrape into a bowl, cover and refrigerate for up to two weeks. Serving size: 2 tablespoons.

Frozen Strawberry Layer Cake

From the Weight Watchers Website! Happy Fourth! Enjoy!

Frozen Strawberry Layer Cake

POINTS® Value: 3Servings: 12Preparation Time: 15 minCooking Time: 0 min Level of Difficulty: Easy

Beat the heat with this sure-fire summer pleaser. We used vanilla yogurt but chocolate or strawberry would be tasty, too.

Ingredients

1 1/2 pound(s) strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 6 cups)
1/2 cup(s) sugar
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp table salt
12 oz store bought angel food cake, cut into 1/4-inch slices
4 cup(s) fat-free vanilla frozen yogurt

Instructions

To make strawberry sauce, combine strawberries, sugar, lemon juice and salt in a saucepan, stirring over medium heat until the sugar melts and the liquid comes to a simmer. Simmer 15 minutes. Use the back of a wooden spoon to mash about half the berries against the side of the pan. Cool to room temperature and use immediately or refrigerate, covered, up to 2 days.
Spoon the frozen yogurt into a large bowl and mash it with the back of a wooden spoon until soft and spreadable.

Line the bottom of a 9-inch round springform pan with one third of the cake slices, cutting any slices to fit the shape of the pan. Top with half the frozen yogurt, spreading it to the sides. Spread 2/3 cup strawberry sauce over the frozen yogurt, then top with half the remaining cake slices, again cutting any to fit. Spread the remainder of the frozen yogurt over the cake, top with 2/3 cup strawberry sauce, and finally seal the top with the remaining cake slices. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze at least 6 hours or up to 3 days. Let the cake stand at room temperature 10 minutes before unmolding. Slice into 12 pieces and serve. Yields 1 piece per serving.

Does This Really Work?

What Has Worked For You In Terms Of Diet And Fitness?

One thing I need for you today is think about what has worked for you in terms of weight loss and diets, and comment it to me. Weight loss is a very personal thing, that you need to tailor whatever diet you do to your own unique life. What have you done, what has worked for you, what stopped working for you. Things like that. Thinking about the successes can provide some insight for all of us.

Having the right things in the fridge is always helpful. I am a "grabber" when it comes to hunger. I grab at the quickest thing possible and if you have fresh fruit, veggies or fiber filled snacks on hand or things like yogurt, you can bring it along with you. Today, there is nothing to "grab" that is healthy, so I just ate a cookie. I know I should not have eaten the cookie, but it was there. Having the right things available is half the battle. Hope this was helpful.

Grocery tip-- If you live in an area that has Harris Teeter they are currently doing super doubles (through Tuesday, June 30) They will double any coupon up to $1.98. All Morningstar products are on sale for $2.99. Here is a link to a coupons for $1. It doubles to $2 and you pay only $0.99 per package of Morningstar product!

If you are craving a great low fat, low calorie ice cream another great deal this week is on Blue Bunny. My favorite flavor is Super Fudge Brownie, 2 points per 1/2 cup (120 calories, 3 g fat,3 g dietary fiber). It is BOGO at, original price is $5.99. With this link you can click coupon tab and get a $1 off coupon and that will buy you the 1.75 quart container for $1.. Happy Shopping!

Hungry Girl Peanut Butter Cookies

I can't wait to try these... MMMM... Big Soft Peanut Butter Cookies. From Hungry Girl, of course...
Now if I could only get my hands on some Better'n Peanut Butter!
These should freeeze well to have a handy yummy snack when needed... if my kids don't eat them first that is!

HG's Peanut Butter Oatmeal Softies
You Big Softy...
Giant, chewy, peanut butter oatmeal cookies straight from the HG HQ. WOOHOO!

Ingredients:

3/4 cup regular oats (not instant)

1/3 cup whole-wheat flour

1/4 cup brown sugar (not packed)

1/4 cup Better'n Peanut Butter

2 tbsp. Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granulated)

2 tbsp. light whipped butter or light buttery spread (like Brummel & Brown), room temperature

2 tbsp. no-sugar-added applesauce

2 tbsp. fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters Original)

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

Dash salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, peanut butter, Splenda, butter, applesauce, egg substitute, and vanilla extract, and mix thoroughly with a wire whisk or fork.Add flour, baking powder, and salt, and stir until completely mixed and smooth.Add oats and mix until they are thoroughly coated with the batter.Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spoon batter onto the sheet in 6 evenly spaced mounds. Using the back of a spoon, spread and flatten batter into circles about 3 1/2 inches wide.Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cookie comes out clean.Remove baking sheet from the oven, and allow cookies to cool for 1 minute on the sheet. Then slide parchment paper onto a cool surface, and let cool COMPLETELY. (Really, they taste best once they've totally cooled.) Enjoy!MAKES 6 SERVINGS

Serving Size: 1 large cookieCalories: 140Fat: 3.25Sodium: 160mgCarbs: 23gFiber: 2gSugars: 7gProtein: 4g

POINTS® value 3*HG Alternative!

If you absolutely cannot get your hands on Better'n Peanut Butter, use regular reduced-fat peanut butter. Then each cookie will have 170 calories, 6.25g fat, and 2.5g fiber (POINTS® value 3*). That's still WAY better than the average PB cookie!

Trip to Charleston, SC

Well I have been away all week visiting the charming and beautiful city of Charleston. If you are a foodie this place has more tempting deli's, restaurant's and cafes than you could visit in a month. that brings me to my weight loss journey... Well even after all of this dining delights I still managed to lose .6 pounds this week. I am going to attribute that to all of the walking I did. We walked everywhere and it didn't even seem like a lot of walking even in the 90 degree heat because there was so much to see.
We stayed at the Mills House Hotel which was beautiful. They offered free room service breakfasts which one was a healthy start breakfast with fresh fruit (cantaloupe, honeydew, strawberries, grapes and orange quarters) with your choice of cereal, skim milk, fresh squeezed OJ and coffee. It was a great way to start the day.

In the afternoon the hotel also offers 2 glasses complimentary wine and your choice of hot appetizer, either baked brie served with strawberry chipolte preserves or a vegetable goat cheese quesadilla. I had some of each (different days) and each was very good.
We spent one day at the Isle of Palm Beach. The water was almost too warm at 85 degrees and a storm had come through several days before and the ocean water was very cloudy. It was a nice beach and we really enjoyed it.


Philip Simmons, whose skill with the hammer and anvil elevated him from a humble working man to an artisan widely recognized as a national treasure, died Monday night. He was 97. The city was covered in white ribbons on every piece of iron he made for it!

The other two days were spent antiquing, checking out the open air market, seeing the aquarium and just general sight seeing. We enjoyed a ghost walk tour one evening that was enough to scare the pee out of you, luckily I had used the facilities right before it left!

Ghost tour pics.. SPOOKY!

Circular Congregational Church Cemetery

The Oak Steakhouse was our favorite restaurant of the ones we visited. Great menu and wonderful food, way too much temptation when eating only 24 points per day, needless to say I went a little over. I chose the Spagattini with Spring Vegetable Primavera which was a tomato, asparagus, zucchini, squash, lemon zest, onions, garlic, fresh basil and olive oil type lasagna. It was good and I felt good about my choice. My son had a 17 oz filet hamburger- I have never seen a burger this size in my life! He couldn't eat it all but somehow still had room for dessert. Once I saw these amazing deserts any WW thoughts flew out of my brain. Look at that chocolate cake and the cupcakes are served with a root beer float shooter- too cute!

I ate dinner at Bubba Gumps one evening and ordered the peel and eat shrimp and a side salad- it was really good, I got half seasoned Cajun and half garlic, I liked both but preferred the Cajun. great dinner, low points! Really a fun place to take the kids, they had hula hoops and rubber duck races in a "stream" at the front of the outdoor eating area.

I am really going to give it my all this week, I am proud of myself for balancing this last trip and not gaining. I am going to walk more at home this week, apparently I must burn a lot of calories that way!

BAD BAD BLOGGER!

I have so much to write and not enough time right now. Went to Charleston this week to see a friend and had a blast. I have great photos and great food stories to share (some good choices and some BAD choices) all in all was a successful diet week. Can't wait to post more later- til then have a great afternoon!

Does going in the ocean make you gain weight?

So I am back... and I have been thinking that maybe the 2 pounds my scale is saying I am up is water weight. Now I can rationalize this. I spent a lot of time in the ocean. the ocean is filled with salt water. Salt makes you retain water weight and that is what I am going with... LOL
No seriously. I had a great time, did over indulge on occasion but really kept with WW (even tracking) throughout my trip. It was hard. I do love the fact that before I would have just eaten anything and everything but this time, I thought before I put things in my mouth. For instance, the great cookies they just leave on the check in counter at the hotel.. I didn't ea any this time. Even though they had just come from the oven and smelled great, it was more important for me to think about my goal than to eat the cookie. All in all, even if I have a slight gain at tomorrow's weigh in, I am very proud of myself!
So I wanted to share the scavenger hunt I sent my friend to help her celebrate her birthday.. She is newly single and although I couldn't go with her (she is visiting her family) I sent this great scavenger hunt to another friend so they could have some fun activities while they went out tonight.. here is a sampling. I think they will have a blast..

1. Get the bartender to give you the phone number of his cutest unmarried, friend. Call his friend and ask him his middle name. 5 bonus points if he meets your group for a drink.

2. Get a photo with a bald man that has at least 2 tattoo’s

3. Drink a shot of something hat is lit on fire with a fireman (like sambuca)

4. Get a photo with a male nurse (2 bonus points) or a doctor taking your pulse.

5. Do a jello shot with any man that can do the moonwalk.

SNACKS Giveaway Winner....

The SNACKS giveawy winner is: Nikki from Muffin Tops and Bubble Bottoms!

Congratulations Nikki!

Today was a beautiful day! It was also my oldest daughter's birthday! We had a fabulous dinner, her favorite foods.. Roasted Garlic, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions and jalapenos served with chipolte chicken breasts and whole grain penne pasta! YUM and YUM. I was glad she chose something that I could eat and not feel guilty about.. I did have a small piece of cake but nothing major.
I am off to the beach for a couple days but will be back by weigh in day Friday- this is a big challenge for me - the first time I am going to "watch" myself on a vacation- big lifestyle adjustment- but I am happy I am sticking with it! Have a great week and I will talk to you soon!

4 POUND WEIGHT LOSS-- YAHOO!!!!!

So I have worked so hard for the last two weeks, and if you remember last week I was very upset because I only lost 1 pound- Well, ladies and gentlemen, this was a new week,,, a great week and all of my hard work finally paid off in SCALE numbers--- I lost 4 pounds, that's right, I am very excited, motivated and just keeping on with what I am doing.
Now do I expect to lose 4 pounds next week? I would love that, but I am realistic, I am aiming for 2, but we'll see how the week goes.
Anyone wanna challenge me to see who can lose the most this week (I'll probably lose a challenge- I just had a huge loss- but I'll take any motivation!) I'll be at the beach all week and really need to be pushed to not overindulge- come on, someone, anyone, make me work harder!!!
I'll be waiting to hear from you!

Don't forget- last day to enter SNACKS Giveaway!

Gotta Get me some CRUNCHIES

Today, while at the pool with the kids, I had the opportunity to try a new (and now favorite!) 1 point snack (serving size 3/4 cup, 2.5 servings per bag). I had never even heard of this until today nut you can bet that I'll be looking for it.. CRUNCHIES! Cute name huh? It is really appropriate, but I would say Crunchies and Sweeties and Amazingies too.

I got the chance to sample some Crunchies Food Company Blueberries. They were out of this world and now that I found their website, my only problem is deciding what to order. So many options, so many great low point snack. What's a girl on to do? I wish I could place the $100 order for free shipping but I gotta start small. I know I am getting blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and salted edamame. and maybe sweet peas.. I must stop, but really they were that good!

If anyone has had these, let me know your favorites so I can (try to) figure out my order.

Tomorrow is weigh-in (actually I guess it's now today) and I think I did well, let ya know tomorrow.

And don't forgeties, only a few more days until my SNACKS giveaway is over...

What's with Microwave Popcorn Nutritional Info and Orville Redenbacher's Buttery Salt and Cracked Pepper Popcorn

My question is have any of you EVER eaten microwave popcorn before popping it? For most of us the answer (I think) is NO! So please, please, someone, anyone explain to me why the freaking nutritional info is for the unpopped kernels and to find out all of the info after you pop it you must read super tiny print that has been posted at the bottom of the nutritional info.. If anything shouldn't this be the other way around.. Have the info for popped and then have the alternate info for the people that eat the greasy unpopped kernels straight from the bag? I am sure popcorn labeling should fall under the majority rules kinda thing...

What brings me to the this crazy rant is my current favorite afternoon munchy snack.... Orville Redenbacher's Natural Buttery Salt & Cracked Pepper Popcorn. I have been eating a mini bag in the afternoon for 2 points. It is great. The spice of the cracked pepper builds after each bite. I hope you can see how much pepper is actually in the popcorn in the photo. I am a real fan of pepper and most spicy foods/flavors but this is one of my favorites.

I also wanted to share my other current food obsession... Caprese Salad.. I have eaten this for lunch three days in a row. I love tomatoes when they taste so fresh. My garden is only producing cherry and grape tomatoes right now but the bigger ones are growing, but it will still be a week or so before any of them are ready. I picked these up at the grocery store.. locally grown tomatoes and they taste really really good. I have been eating 2 tomatoes topped with an ounce of fresh mozzarella and some fresh basil (from my herb garden), a little drizzle of EVOO and it is addicitng. I could eat this for every meal- sooo good!

I guess the red plate doesn't show off the great color of the tomato, but trust me it is perfectly tomatoey.

I was wondering if any of you have any other ideas for tomatoes or zucchini.. which I will have an abundance of soon.

SNACKS Giveaway!!!

I have really stocked up on snack food lately. The kind of grab and go snacks you need in the summer for the pool or park. I realized how many different types of snacks I had and wanted to share them with you.... SO

I am hosting my first giveaway!! I have seen of many of these on other sites and I want to do one too!

Included in the giveaway is one package each of:

100 Calorie Pack Oreo Cakesters- YUM!!

100 Calorie Pack Oreo Snack Cakes- (see a trend yet?)

100 Calorie South Beach Living Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bar

Fiber One Oats and Peanut Butter Bar

100 Calorie Pack Ritz Snack Mix..

Yes... The trend is Chocolate, Peanut Butter and a little salty crunch..

So you wanna win.. here's what you do:

1. Follow my blog =)
2. Leave me a comment telling me telling me you're following my blog and which product you are most excited to try and your email address where I can contact you if you are the winner.
3. link back to this giveaway in a blog post (for an extra entry)

The giveaway will end on sunday June 14th.

I will use Random.org to choose a winner. Good Luck!

Low Cal Mojito, Sunburn and other Ramblings

I had a spectacular Sunday. Went to the pool all afternoon and actually got a little too much sun.

Ouch!!!!!

I took the sunscreen with me and had all intentions of using it... but got side tracked. May have had something to do with my new lo-cal mojito recipe below. It was still a wonderful and relaxing day - even with the sunburn.

MMMM... Tasty!

I had taken chicken to marinate before I left. I have always liked all of Lawry's Marinades, but the one we are currently addicted to is the new flavor Buffalo BBQ. It is absolutely wonderful. It has a great flavor and a great spicy background. It doesn't impale your taste buds with heat but gives a fabulous buffalo taste. I marinate the chicken in it and then while I am grilling it brush a little more on each side.

It's a 30 minute marinade and really does have an overnight marinated flavor in only 30 minutes. I let mine marinate for several hours while I was gone, but on evenings when I don't have hours the 30 minutes gives it the same great taste as if the chicken had soaked it up for 12 hours. Simple,easy and great tasting- my kind of dinner.

My family gobbles this up and it was almost all gone before I could get a picture.. but here is the remnants of our chicken... so good. This picture is not the best but before I could snap another one my son had gobbled it up.

I love mojito's but all that simple syrup was adding up into big points, so after several experiments I have come up with the perfect lo-cal mojito! It is so easy and delish!

Weight Watcher's Chic Mojito for 12 oz serving

Equal parts Crystal Light Lemonade and Sierra Mist Free

1 TBL Splenda

1/2 lime

several sprigs of fresh mint

1 shot rum

Slice lime and put in glass. Add mint and splenda and smash-you can use a wooden spoon if you don't have a smasher (what is that thingy called anyhow?) Add in Crystal Light Lemonade, Sierra Mist Free, Rum and Ice.

The only part of it that has calories would be the rum, which is usually about 80 calories, so 2 points for the whole drink. Great way to have this great drink for 6-8 points less than the sugar laden style.

In other weight loss news, I am down 3 pounds since my Friday weigh in. So I am feeling great. I guess my body is responding to all my hard work, but on it's own schedule, not mine. Either way it feels great. I am going to enjoy another day at the pool with the kids, SLATHERED in sunscreen.. SPF 70!!!!

Dannon Light & Fit Yogurt.. The Good and The Ugly!

While purusing the yogurt offerings at my local grocer, Harris Teeter, I ran across something new, different. I am used to the same old, same old when it comes to yogurt, very rarely is there a new flavor... Several of these new flavors caught my eye, one imparticular I struggled with whether to try or not.... Dannon Light & Fit Watermelon, Limited Edition, (which turns out to be a good thing). I really thought that this would not be good, but I am trying to expand my palate.. and for .60 cents, why not..

I was really hoping it was the kind of thing that just seemed gross in my head.. after one bite I knew that it was... GROSS that is... Awful, couldn't eat a second bite. A very watery watermelon flavor but the texture of yogurt. Not a good combination..

I also purchased Limited Edition, Dannon Light & Fit Pineapple Coconut and another new flavor, Key Lime. I really enjoyed the Pineapple Coconut, think pina colada, but less calories. Quite tasty and hope this one sticks around.

The last "new" flavor I purchased was Dannon Light & Fit Key Lime. I thought it was good, but not as good as Yoplait's Key Lime Pie. Although Dannon Light & Fit has 20 less calories than Yoplait Light, I feel that those 20 calories are worth the taste and texture difference... Yoplait is much creamier in my opinion.

So Dannon Light & Fit is only winning 1 out of 3, with the flavors I tried. After checking their website I noticed there are 3 other new flavors. They other new flavors are Cherry, Mixed Berry ( I am having a hard time believeing they didn't already have these tow flavors- doesn't every yogurt come in mixed berry?) and Pomegranate Berry. I am not rushing out for the first two- but I'll have my eye out for the Pomegranate Berry.

Most inspirational comment ever.... Thanks Lori!

So earlier today I was complaining and whining about only losing one pound. I was discouraged because I worked so hard... All day I have just been BLAH!! I ate 2 oreo's ) double stuff- 4 points a little while ago and was thinking- who cares- it won't matter... then I read my comments and got the best bit of inspiration from Lori at What I'm Eating and No Pink Weights and I fell much better- even proud of my 1 pound loss! Thanks Lori- you are the best!

Well here is what she left for me....

"Hello, do you know me? If you don't you should. I'm a pound of fat, and I'm the happiest pound of fat that you would ever want to meet. Want to know why? It's because no one ever wants to lose me; I'm Only One Pound, just a pound. Everyone wants to lose three pounds, five pounds or fifteen pounds, but never only one, so I just stick around and happily keep you fat. Then I add to myself ever so slyly so that you never seem to notice it, that is until I've grown to ten, twenty or even more pounds in weight. Yes, it's fun being Only One Pound of fat, left to do as I please. So, when you weigh in, keep right on saying "Oh, I only lost one pound." ( as if that were such a terrible thing!) For you see, if you do this you'll encourage others to keep me around because they will think I'm not worth losing. And I love being around you - your arms, your legs, your chin, your hips and every part of you. Happy Days!! After all, I'm Only One Pound of fat!!!"

Isn't that great? One pound is onederful!!!

This SUCKS!!!... 1 pound WEIGHT LOSS!

I have done EVERYTHING right this week.. everything. I tracked every morsel I put in my mouth. I ate a variety of foods, ya know, mixed my regular same old, same old up in the food department. Exercised more than I have in years... and I am still a little sore from the new activity. It's the kind of sore that makes you feel good because you know that your body is changing.

All of that... and I weigh in this morning and I lost 1 pound!! ONE POUND, are you freaking kidding me. I worked my ass off and ONE POUND??? I know, it's better than gaining but come on scale gods.. gimme something more for my effort. This sucks!

Carribean Chicken

I was searching for recipe's on Foodbuzz and came across this one from "Foodie on Weight Watchers". She was kind enough to agree to let me share this. It really looks good and I can't wait to try it.

Caribbean Chicken

Modified from Clean Eating Magazine May/June 2009

4 Servings4 Points/Serving (Maybe. This is the points value of the original recipe according to the calories printed in the magazine.)

Marinade:
½ cup pineapple juice
3 cloves of garlic, through the press
2 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped
2 Tbsp fresh mint, chopped
1 Tbsp fresh ginger, grated
zest and juice of one lime
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp ground coriander
1 pinch of red pepper flakes
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Fruit Salsa:
1 cup pineapple, chopped
1 cup mango, chopped
zest and juice of half a lime (slice the other half for serving)
1 splash of pineapple juice
1 Tbsp fresh mint, chopped
1 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped
salt and pepper to taste

1. Combine the ingredients for the marinade and place in a large plastic bag and marinate overnight.

2. Combine the ingredients for the fruit salsa and store overnight in the refrigerator.

3. Prepare the grill and cook the chicken.

4. Serve each chicken breast with ½ cup of the fruit.

UMMM... GOOD!

Tips for Eating Healthy on Vacation

The last day of school is upon us and that makes me think about summer traveling... Vacations.. and how I am going to keep on track during these trips. I gained 20 pounds last summer. Eating out is my number one downfall. My family really enjoys fine dining- my 10 year old even made up a rap song about it..."I like fine dining, it's so divine, Morton's, Ruth Chris and New York Prime." So most evenings we will be dining out and I need to start thinking about how I can eat on vacation and still stay on track.

There are three reasons why eating in restaurants, as we tend to do most of the time while traveling, is so dangerous for your diet.

Restaurants often serve large portions, and we tend to eat more when more food is in front of us.

Restaurant menu items are often high in calories, fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium and low in fiber.

At restaurants, you usually have no idea how many calories or grams of saturated fat are in the dishes you order.

Restaurant dining makes it difficult to track points. I tend to pad what I calculate with an extra point or to for the unknown ingredients.

I have done a little research and the top 5 tips I am going to use this summer are:

1. You don't have to clean your plate.... I have always been a member of the clean plate club, I really have to analyze my portions at meals in restaurants. There is always enough food for 2 meals on each plate. I am thinking about asking to have half of it wrapped before they bring it out and then take it with us for lunch the next day. Many restaurants we go to on vacation are ala carte style dining. This makes portions easier because we all share different items.
Desserts seem to materialize after every meal on vacation. And to make it worse, all the meals are little richer, and snacks are a little more frequent. But just because the food is there doesn't mean you have to eat it all. Slow down and consider what you're eating. WW gives you 35 discretionary points (and activity points). Think of these calories as your "fun" calories to be used for treats. Before you snack, decide whether you're truly hungry or just mindlessly noshing. Keep your discretionary and activity points in check by splitting your dessert with your family. Make the healthiest choices when you can, and take small portions when the meal choices are high calorie and out of your control.

(My waiter's are never this HOTT!! IF I get this one... I may be too busy looking at him to ask any questions!!)

2. Ask Your Waiter 4 Questions

Ask how a dish is prepared and served. Then, you can request that your selection be prepared or served differently, if necessary. For example, meats that are fried can often be ordered grilled instead.

Ask for sauces, gravies, and dressings to be served on the side so you can use a modest portion.

Ask that your entree be served with fresh vegetables (no butter or sauce, please) or a side salad instead of the usual french fries.

Request whole grains whenever possible. Some restaurants offer 100% whole-wheat bread and buns, whole-grain blend pasta, tortillas, and steamed brown rice.

3. Order Fruits and Veggies Every Chance You Get
Look for opportunities to order dishes that include high-nutrient, high-fiber fruits and veggies. Entree salads or side salads made with spinach or romaine lettuce are a great way to get your vegetables. Grilled or roasted veggies with a little EVOO are a great choice too. If you're ordering something like a shrimp or chicken quesadilla, you can ask the restaurant to add some grilled or roasted veggies to it, it will be filling and leave less room for dessert.

(This is what I want to look like-- someday, someday soon!)

4. Your shoes are made for walking
Ask about safe walking routes around your hotel or rental home, then lace up your shoes and get going! There's no better way than walking to see and really experience the area you're visiting. Plus, it's handy for burning off some of last night's dinner, too. Take advantage of the gyms. The place we stay at has a state of the art gym- that I have never been in. That will change this year.

5. Pack a snack....
When you're traveling, always keep a healthy snack on hand. The best combinations contain a little protein and a high fiber carbohydrate to keep you feeling full as long as possible. A trusty PB&J on whole wheat tucked in your carry-on bag will keep you cruising by the fat-filled (and expensive!) cinnamon buns in the airport. Unsalted nuts, fruits, and whole grain crackers are great for the car, and are real aces for keeping your stomach from rumbling while you're searching for lunch from somewhere healthier than the ubiquitous fast food place. There are so many great snack choices for healthy eating, my favorites are Kind Bars, Fiber One bars and Smart Food popcorn, all are in convenient single serve portions that are super easy to throw in my purse or beach bag.

Well next week is our first trip away from home- I am going to stick to these tips and get a lot of exercise and I am hoping that I can stay on program and continue to lose all summer.

Everything but the SCALE is good

So I have worked really hard this week. I have done everything right and I weigh myself this morning and up 2 pounds. What is that all about? It is very discouraging. I have read that increased exercise will cause water weight gain and that if your muscles are sore (and mine are) they retain water to soothe themselves. Has anyone else experienced this?

I'm going to keep it up today but geez... it really sucks when the number looks bad. I am hoping that it will get better with more regular exercise. I had not been doing as much lately.

On other notes my elliptical machine is making a horrible squeaky noise. It's a Horizon gym quality machine from Dick's Sporting Goods and is about 18 months old. I know we got an extended warranty on it but am not sure what it covers. I hope they can fix it.

In lieu of the malfunction I am going to do a 4 mile walk this evening and some strength training this morning.

I have some great new recipe's to share but need to get some photo's so I will be posting those later.

Better get going... gotta get stuff done and the kids will be home at 10:30... Looks like a great day to go to the pool.

Having a great week!

I don't know if it is because the sun is shining and it is so hot or if it is I am finally getting into this lifestyle, but this has been a great week for me. I have done everything right! I am getting my food, exercise, and water all right- everything has just worked this week.
I credit some of it to the great fruits and veggies at the local farmer's market. Nothing tastes as good as fresh locally grown produce!
It's been a busy week. My youngest daughter had her last soccer game last night, they lost in the semi-final but had a great year. She is also getting ready to preform for the next 2 weekends in Disney's 101 Dalmatian's- so we have had 2+ hour practices every night. Today is the last full day of school, three more two hour days and they are done, except my high schooler- she is done tomorrow.
Hubby is away for several days- so I am free to not cook- which is great but I probably will anyhow, I am craving some roasted veggies and shrimp.
My exercise routine is becoming well routine and I think I need to mix it up a little. I am really tinkering with the idea of running? I never have liked to run but it seems that it is a great exercise and really makes you strong. So maybe...
I have to clean/organize the home office today. My husband did the garage this weekend and it looks amazing- it went from really cluttered to really organized- we even bought a labeler- and labeled all of our storage bins. He labeled them before- but with post it's- so with in 2 weeks they had all fallen off and we couldn't find anything.
I am off to the elliptical- burning at least 250 calories this AM- then on to some cleaning and my last day with alone time until August- but I am glad school's out- here's to doing whatever, whenever and no schedules!!! YEAH!

New Fiber One Yogurt - 0 points!!!

OK- so I read online that Fiber One (my all time favorite for cereal, snack bars and yogurt) is coming out with a new yogurt... 50 calories, 5 grams of fiber and 0 fat.. That is 0 - zero points. They make it so easy to get dairy in and the taste is fab.

I have not seen it yet and was wondering if anyone has tried it yet?