Low Calorie Cake Balls WW points + 1.5 each!

So I have been working diligently on making a low calorie cakeball. After many trials and error I have come up with several great recipes... Shaaazaaaam... these are awesome. 63 calories each and 1.8 points+ per cakeball. If you roll them in crushed cocoa almonds and omit the white chocolate dip then only 45 calories each and 1.4 ww points +. Let me know what you think....

Chocolate Mousse Frosting

8 oz Cool Whip Free

1 1.5 oz sugar free instant chocolate pudding mix

1/4 cup skim milk

Combine all in mixer. Beat 3 minutes, scraping bowl twice and chill 1 hour.

Angleic Devil's Food

1 16 oz sugar free devil's food cake mix

12 oz. diet soda

1 egg white

1 recipe chocolate mousse frosting

3 oz white chocolate or 1/2 cup crushed cocoa almonds

Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees. Combine cake mix, soda and egg white in mixer. Beat 1 minute on low and 2 more minutes on medium. Bake 30 minutes until done in sprayed 9x13 pan.

Make Frosting

Allow cake to cool and crumble with fork. Add chocolate mousse frosting and stir until well combined. Use 1 TBL scoop to evenly form 45 cakeballs on baking tray. Freeze cakeballs for 1 hour. Melt chocolate and dip the top half of cakeball to coat. (optional omit chocolate and crush cocoa almonds. Place in baggie and coat each cakeball by individually shaking in bag. Shake off any excess coating.)

Weight Watcher's Mexican Casserole Recipe

Great day yesterday and I am feeling another one coming! Hope you are doing well today. It is getting close to Valentines Day. I love Valentines' Day but mostly for the kids... yes I will get the flowers and card and give my hubby of 18 years a nice card and gift- something small.. actually I need to go and shop for something today. The ones who really get into It are the kids. Secret crushes, the anticipation of does he like me, will she give me a card... how many ice cream toppings will we have at our Valentine's Party at school... ya know the fun stuff!

My youngest daughter's school is selling lollipops and carnations to raise money for student council. She is in 5 th grade. There has been a little boy that has adored her for the last 3 years.... it started out really cute because he was 5 and she seemed so much older at 8... he would propose marriage, tell her he loved her, follow her everywhere he could. He even leaves his classroom line and goes into her classroom if he sees her.. yes he gets in trouble but he doesn't care... He is "in love". He has run away from home in search of her (actually the police were called once- he had been missing for 2 hours and they found him- on our street, but we don't live far from his home). Well we have gotten used to this over the years but I must say I am beginning to wonder. Yesterday he gave her a carnation, hand delivered with an "I love You!" note and told her he WILL marry her... cute? maybe.... but did I mention this young man is "special"? I am starting to worry this obsession may turn into a stalking... but for now we will call it "cute"... I guess....

I gotta get moving and on with the day... but .....

I finally am getting this great casserole recipe up- Super EASY, FAST and YUMMY!

Enjoy

Weight Watcher's Chic Mexican Casserole

1 lb Extra Lean Ground Beef

1 cup onion, chopped

1 can diced tomatoes, 14 oz, drained

1 cup frozen corn

1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

1 tsp adobe sauce plus 1 chiplote pepper (add more for a spicier dish)

1 cup Fat Free Sour Cream

1/2 cup low fat shredded cheese

1) Saute onions until translucent. Add ground beef and allow to brown until thoroughly cooked.

2)Add tomatoes, corn, black beans and adobe sauce and chiplote pepper.

3) Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally

4)Mix in sour cream and simmer for 5 more minutes

5)Top with cheese. Remove from heat and serve.

makes 5 - 1 cup servings, 6 points per serving

This is my version of the WW Mexican casserole... I also like to throw some jalapenos on top. I LOVE chiplote flavoring and spice, I add about 1 TBL adobe and 2 chipoltes to this- super spicy and YUMMY, but it is about to your tasted buds, because it is really spicy. Don't have any chipoltes or adobe sauce, no problem... add chilli powder or crushed pepper flakes or even hot sauce... I also often add 1 cup chopped green or red peppers in with the onions... gives it a great tastes and doesn't add to the points... plus it makes the servings 1 1/4 cups for the same amount of points. More is usually better for me! I eat this with a salad topped with salsa... It is a very filling meal!

and the quote of the day.... "If love is blind, why is lingerie so damned popular?"

Yes Virginia, Full Size 1-Point Bagels really DO EXIST!!!

Hey peeps... WOW! That was one heck of a Superbowl Game! I was rooting for the Saints, but really didn't care who won since my Black and Gold team wasn't there this year! That was a well played fingernail biting kinda game though and those commercials.... can I just say #1... don't touch my momma and #2 don't touch my Doritos... that was the funniest thing I saw all night. I did also like "Baby Bob" in the E-Trade commercials and the "breakout bull" in the Budweiser one.

It wasn't a great on plan weekend for me... apparently I am still dieting and not really changing my habits (which I already knew) but I still am trying... I did the plan ahead, the visualization, all of it, but as soon as I saw those cheese covered nachos and a margarita in a chilled and salted glass... well, all the good went out the window and the bad habits returned, and it didn't stop there... hot sausage subs and cheesecake were also within striking distance, poor things didn't stand a chance! The great news is, I gave myself a pass and am back at this morning... extra work out (already did 1 hour this am, eliptical, weights and wii fit!) and all!!!



Which brings me to the title of my post.... Yes you read it right there is a 1-point bagel that TASTES amazing! It is Full sized and not chewey like regular bagels, more of a soft textured puffy type bagel and they are GREAT!!!! Thomas' Bagel Thins, 100% whole wheat, 110 calories, 1 gram of fat and 5 grams of dietary fiber, that YES>>>>makes it a ONE POINT BAGEL! WOO HOO! Also, no artificial sweeteners, no high fructose corn syrup and zero Cholesterol! Don't get me wrong I really like the 1-point English muffins, but I need a change and this was my answer.





While doing a little grocery shopping yesterday at Wally World I came across them on an end cap.... and they are only $2.42 at this mass merchandiser and there are 8 in a bag!

I am sure prices vary but heck they are a great bargain and well worth even a higher price!





Here is what I did this morning.... I have to say I am slacking because I have a whole post I want to do on Eggland's Best eggs... they were gracious enough to send me a coupon for a dozen of their fabulous eggs... but I forgot to take photos the first time I worked with them and need to do a remake and still haven't gotten to it... but regardless I used 2 Egglands Best egg whites, 1 TBL of WW shredded Mexican cheese (it is really good cheese) and 1 small Roma tomato to top this bagel... Breakfast was mmmmm...mmmmm... Good! Can't think of a better way to eat 2 points!






I need to plan my meals for dinner for the week and I still need get that great Mexican Casserole recipe up for y'all to try- maybe later today (I am hoping). I have one sick child home so I can't really gauge my time today.

I hope you had a great Superbowl weekend and an even more fabulous week! And remember...your goals, minus your doubts equals your reality!

Motivation and other Ramblings!

I have found my groove and am really on track to "getting there!" I have reorganized my days to be able to stay on a routine. I find a regular routine helps me be most successful. I am freeing up some mornings to do more on this blog. I love it but somehow it is always one of those things that gets put aside... I am gonna credit that to being a mommy martyr. I am now making a concentrated effort to do more "me things".

I have been taking more time for "down time" too. I finally got to read Dear John last weekend and LOVED it... well not the ending but the book was great and I am so happy I read it before the movie came out. Channing Tatum is soo hott. I am pretty sure I would have gone to the movie even if the book had sucked, but alas it didn't so I get to watch a great story as well as watch that hottie at the same time. Woo HOo! It's the little things that make me happy!

I had an odd encounter last week. A woman I know from WW had approached me at a public place and asked me if I still did WW. Now I do know this is one of the most passive-aggressive people I have ever met, like if there were Oscars for being passive-aggressive she would win, hand down... but anyway I am guessing this was her way of cluing me in to the fact she has noticed that my weight loss has slowed and is at a virtual stand still. Although I probably prefer never to speak to this woman again I found this very motivating. Maybe because she is so clueless to so many details in her personal life... I think when you don't notice your teens are doing things that are ruining their lives (I have some inside information on this) but you notice the fact I haven't lost weight.... well, need I say more? I know I am venting but come on.... it was a turning moment for me and I think I have come away with a positive spin on a less than positive situation. AND I love the fact I can vent here without the backlash of the "OH I heard's", so thanks for being my personal therapsits! LOL

I am still motivating myself on a daily basis to get in more exercise. My newest addition is stair climbing. I have begun the silliest routine, but I feel it will be very effective... Every time I want to check email, browse the Internet or sit down and blog (any type of computer time) I am running my steps 10 times before and 10 times after. I KNOW- crazy right, but I'm telling you I really think this little extra is gonna go a long way for me... I will keep you posted!

I made a great WW Mexican Casserole last week, only 6.5 points for a huge serving and will share that later today on here. I am searching for WW friendly appetizers and snacks to serve during the Super Bowl. If ya have any good ones , I would LOVE it if you shared!

Hope you have a great day! and remember... if ya kinda do WW you will kinda get good results, if ya really do WW you will really get good results!

Warmer weather on the way.....

So finally it would seem that it is going to go from frigid cold to normal cold, at least that is the forecast. I was thrilled to see some numbers in the upper 50's over the next week and no more teens in the AM. Cold weather makes me lazy. Not only lazy it makes me want to eat... not because I am hungry because I am cold. that sounds insane but true. I am a very emotional and environmental eater. For instance, I crave strawberries in the spring, tomato's in the summer, and apples in the fall. Then winter hits and until it is time for grapefruit and oranges I crave everything else. Pumpkin desserts, decadent chocolate and of course cookies. I need to pinpoint and change the reasons for these cravings but today mashed potatoes and gravy are at the top of my list.
I was able to get through breakfast with a super tasting egg white sandwich on a Thomas's light multi grain English muffin with tomatoes. I used Mrs. Dash table blend and that really made it yummy! I also ate a yoplait delights lemon yogurt, I love those, they taste like lemon meringue pie. So 5 points well spent this AM.
I am trying to work on weekly menu's. Deciding what I am going to eat each day. I find that preparation is everything when it comes to my success and this will eliminate so many trips to the grocery store to the I don't know what to eat so that package of Oreo's is looking pretty good kind of eating.
I need to increase my activity. That is the hardest thing for me during cold weather. I would much rather curl up under a blanket and read or watch a movie. I know this is coming up in week 3 of the momentum challenge but I am going to get a head start on it. Today will be Wii fit and go from there. I know once I get back into a routine it is so much easier but right now it truly is the last thing I want to do... but no more procrastinating..... I am going..... now! Really, I promise you I am!

Slacker no longer!

OK- so yes the last 3 months have been crazy and yes I have not been "Being all I can be" but I am still at it.
Sometimes I think I just need to step away. I have an OCD personality so whatever I am most focused on at the moment seems to consume me, often at the expense of othe things I need to give more attention to. So I have wrapped up some loose ends and with a little nudge I am back.
On the weight loss front... well lets just say I have recommitted. Nothing horrible just not focused and slipped occasionally, OK, a lot. The great thing about WW is it allows me to forgive myself and move on with the days ahead.
I am loving the 10 week momentum challenge and (knock on wood) have been tracking everyday, every bite- We were told, " I have been kinda tracking and it's kinda working" but if you really track it really works and I must admit seeing is believing because I am doing great this week, already down 1.5 pounds and don;t weigh in until Friday! WOO HOOO !
I also joined the biggest loser Pound for Pound challenge and am shooting to be down my last 40 pounds by June... anyone wanna join me.... I do need a nudge from time to time!
I have a lot of great recipe's to post over the next several days (see it was doing WW related things, just not blogging about them) and being here gives me so much confidence, not to mention the amazing things I find on other blogs! So wish me luck! It's good to be back!

Awesome Apple Crisp WW recipe

So it is apple picking season for many of us. They are so delicious right off the tree, but if you find yourself craving some apple crisp this time of year as much as I do you certainly want a recipe that will fit in your healthier eating lifestyle... this one does the trick! I did use the light butter and it was SUPER! So try it and let me know what you think.





"Healthified" Apple Crisp
from Eat Better America

What is "Healthified"?
We've replaced ingredients with great-tasting alternatives to create better-for-you recipes that are just as yummy as the original.
Variation
For variety, stir 2 to 4 tablespoons ground flaxseed into the topping mixture before sprinkling over apples.
Did You Know?
Good apples for apple crisp are the same as those that are good in apple pie, such as Braeburn, Jonathan, McIntosh or Northern Spy

48 ratings - Click to rate50% less fat • 33% more fiber • 29% fewer calories than the original recipe—see the comparison. By using fiber-rich whole-wheat flour and oats, we were able to add a third more fiber to a dessert that's good to the core! From eatbetteramerica.



Prep Time:15 min
Start to Finish:50 min
makes:8 servings (about 2/3 cup each)



6 cups sliced unpeeled cooking apples (6 medium)
1/4 cup frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats
1/4 cup Gold Medal® whole wheat flour
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter or no-trans-fat 68% vegetable oil spread stick, softened
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Reduced-fat vanilla ice cream, if desired





To reduce the points of this recipe from 4 points to 3 points substitute light butter for regular butter (It is not necessary to substitute Splenda Brown Sugar- it actually increases the points back to 4- so use the real stuff if possible!) Ice Cream is not included in the points calcualtions-



1. Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 8-inch square (2-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. In medium bowl, mix apples, apple juice concentrate and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon until well mixed. Spread in baking dish.



2. In same medium bowl, mix remaining ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle over apples.



3. Bake uncovered 25 to 35 minutes or until apples are tender and topping is golden brown.


Serve with ice cream.






Nutritional Information
1 Serving: Calories 190 (Calories from Fat 60);


Total Fat 6g (Saturated Fat 4g, Trans Fat 0g);


Cholesterol 15mg; Sodium 45mg;


Total Carbohydrate 32g (Dietary Fiber 3g, Sugars 21g);


Protein 2g %





Daily Value*: Vitamin A 4%; Vitamin C 4%; Calcium 2%; Iron 4% Exchanges: 1 Starch; 1/2 Fruit; 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 1 Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 2 MyPyramid Servings: 2 tsp Fats & Oils, 1/4 c Fruits, 1 oz-equivalents Grains


*% Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Gained 9 pounds in 3 days????

OK, so I really didn't think this was even possible... but since weighing in at my meeting on Friday (with a 1.8 pound loss--YAY!!!) and arriving home this afternoon from an impromptu beach trip, my scale says I have gained 9 pounds??? WHAT!?!?! There is no way! Did I stay on plan? NO, but I wasn't crazy either, well there were a lot of frozen fruity drinks involved all weekend but still ---9 POUNDS-- that's just crazy?
Anyone have a similar thing EVER happen, is it from eating all restaurant prepared food? Someone please tell me this will go away- like tomorrow when I wake up- I am good with a 1 or 2 pound gain but 9.... seems IMPOSSIBLE!! (and yes- I exercised BOTH days at the beach!!)

Give more than 100%!!!

OK this is completely off subject but it is too funny not to share. Enjoy!

Here is a little something someone sent me that is indisputable mathematical logic. It also made me Laugh Out Loud.This is a strictly mathematical viewpoint...it goes like this:

What Makes 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%? Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%? We have all been to those meetings where someone wants you to give over 100%. How about achieving 103%? What makes up 100% in life?
Here's a little mathematical formula that might help you answer these questions: If:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

is represented as:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.

Then: H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K 8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%

and

K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E 11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%

But ,

A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E 1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%

And,

B-U-L-L-S-H-I-T 2+21+12+12+19+8+9+20 = 103%

AND,

look how far ass kissing will take you.

A-S-S-K-I-S-S-I-N-G 1+19+19+11+9+19+19+9+14+7 = 118%

So, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that While Hard work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will get you there, it's the Bullshit and Ass kissing that will put you over the top.

'REMEMBER SOME PEOPLE ARE ALIVE SIMPLY BECAUSE IT IS ILLEGAL TO SHOOT THEM

Cooking Light Magazine

I am very excited about the lose for good WW program. I feel that I am doing better because I feel my effort will also benefit others.. so if I don't I feel a little guilty. I have lost 45 pounds since March, which I am very proud of. I had a good (odd) encounter yesterday. My daughter's fall soccer team started practice last evening and I ran in into a friend I hadn't seen since last fall (football season). She actually squealed as I walked towards her ans said, "Oh my goodness you look fabulous, you are so skinny, what are you doing?" I told her I joined WW in March and have lost 45 pounds. I expected a positive response but instead she seemed disappointed. She told me she thought that maybe I had surgery or was taking something"good". She also said she thought my loss was very slow and that she needs to lose 30 pounds but could do it in a month if she tried. She couldn't believe it has taken me 6 months to lose 45.

So how should I feel after this encounter.. I know I am doing a great job and have changed my habits, but man her "compliment" didn't feel so great... but whatever! I feel great about my healthier lifestyle no matter how long it has taken!

So I want to share a great deal on some magazines (plus it is a way to help out my son's school!). Of course back to school means selling CRAP!!! I was pleasantly surprised when he brought home his sales info and realized 2 magazines I love Cooking Light and Health magazine's and realized they are really a great deal!! You can get Cooking Light for $15 for 8 issues or $20 for 12 issues and Health is $15 for 15 issues and $20 for $20 issues! If anyone is interested in ordering these (actually there are a bunch of titles that you can choose from, but these are my 2 favorites!) email me at neatnickk@yahoo.com and I will send you the link and details. Everything is ordered online and it is sent directly to you. Plus my son will be super grateful because he needs to sell 25 items to get to go to the Magic Show at the end of the sales period! Thanks so much for considering!!!

Cream of Broccoli Soup- Zero (0) points!!!!

I have been walking each morning with my next door neighbor. It is so nice to have a chat while getting some great exercise. She is a WW lifetime member and has shared so many great tips with me. Today she gave me the recipe for Cream of Broccoli Soup... LOVE IT!! She said it is a zero point recipe... so eat up and enjoy. It is really good!!!

CREAM OF BROCCOLI SOUP

Ingredients: 3 cans fat free chicken broth (however I seem to use more)
1 pkg. (2 lbs) bag of frozen broccoli (chopped)
3/4 c. diced carrots (again I use more)
1 sm. onion chopped
2 pkgs Pioneer no fat country gravy mix (I always have to hunt for this stuff) Bi-lo's usually has it or Food Lion. The no fat is extremely hard to find but for zero points it's important.
Add carrots and onions to broth, simmer until softened, add broccoli. Simmer 5 minutes. Mix gravy according to directions when soup comes to a boil add 2 cups of water then stir gravy into soup slowly (it will thicken) cook until heat through. You may find you will need to add a little chicken broth into the mixture if needed. That's it!

First Day Back to....

well for the kids it's back to school. For me it's back to routine and as far as my healthy lifestyle, routine is good. I did cry this morning (I always cry the first day back).. I really miss them and each year they are more fun to be around all summer. This year is hard. My oldest is a senior and all I could think about is next year I won't be there on her first day of class to take her picture... well I guess I could be she may kill me!! I can't believe how fast she has grown.. I am very proud of her!

Got everyone out the door and then ate cantaloupe (from my garden) and some fiber one yogurt with some granola. My neighbor is a WW lifetime member and walks everyday, so I asked her if I could join her once school started. 3 miles and 45 minutes later I was sweating like a pig (already 92 at 10 am) and felt great!!!

Looks like a quiet afternoon, catch up on some chores and be a little lazy- I feel like I deserve it!! The afternoon/evening rush will be here soon enough!

In scale news, I am down another 1.6 pounds as of this morning- Weigh in Friday should be a good one!!! Hope all of you are enjoying your day as much as I am enjoying mine.

"Healthified" Peach Cobbler

It's peach season and I can't wait to try this!!!

"Healthified" Peach Cobbler
from eat better america

What is "Healthified"?
We've replaced ingredients with great-tasting alternatives to create better-for-you recipes that are just as yummy as the original.
Substitution
If fresh peaches are available, use 4 cups sliced peeled peaches instead of the canned peaches. Or, you can use a 16-oz bag of frozen sliced peaches, thawed.
Did You Know?
The lemon juice used in this recipe adds a little sparkle that perks up the peach flavor.


5 ratings - Click to rate39% fewer calories • 57% less fat • 95% less sat fat fat than the original recipe. Cobbler like mom used to make – now healthified for more health-conscious times. You’ll feel just peachy!

Prep Time:15 min
Start to Finish:1 hr 30 min
makes:6 servings

1 cup Bisquick Heart Smart® mix
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup fat-free (skim) milk
3 tablespoons canola oil
3/4 cup sugar
1 can (29 oz) peach slices in light syrup, drained
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Vanilla reduced-fat ice cream, if desired

1. Heat oven to 375°F. In ungreased 8-inch square (2-quart) glass baking dish, stir Bisquick mix and cinnamon. Stir in milk and oil with wire whisk or fork until blended.

2. In medium bowl, mix sugar, peaches and lemon juice. Spoon over batter in baking dish.

3. Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand about 20 minutes before serving.

Serve warm with ice cream.

Nutritional Information
1 Serving: Calories 280 (Calories from Fat 70); Total Fat 8g (Saturated Fat 1/2g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 190mg; Total Carbohydrate 49g (Dietary Fiber 2g, Sugars 35g); Protein 3g % Daily Value*: Vitamin A 15%; Vitamin C 4%; Calcium 15%; Iron 6% Exchanges: 1 Starch; 1/2 Fruit; 1 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 1 1/2 Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 3 MyPyramid Servings: 2 tsp Fats & Oils, 1/2 c Fruits *% Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Garden Blessing!!!

Wow! I haven't had a garden in 4 years an d I really missed it! We are up to our ears in tomatoes and cucumbers, the watermelon and cantaloupe are almost ready. I think I have gotten rid of most of the squash bugs and the new crop of zucchini is coming. They killed all of my beautiful plants from the first planting but with diligence I am keeping up with it. I can't seem to get rid of them any other way but to use duct tape to remove their eggs from my plant leaves. I usually find a couple while I am doing this, they get the duct tape too... YUCK!! I swear they multiply like rabbits, every time I catch one I actually catch two... if you know what I mean.. Apparently Squash bugs have a very healthy libido!! They are trying to spread to my pumpkins. Anyone have anything great to get rid of them? I tried using sevin, it works some but I hate to use it when the flowers are blooming because it says it will kill an entire nest of bees if anyone of them gets contaminated. I wonder if that is why the bees are disappearing?

So I was down last week 2.8 pounds and should be down another 2 this week!! YAY!!! Between the great veggies and all of the fresh, super sweet super juicy peaches we have right now, I don't have any room for any other food!!! So I am grateful for this time of year- it is wonderful to have such filling satisfying food- a lot of which I grew myself.

From weight watchers website... MMMM GOOD!

Summer Corn, Bacon and Potato Chowder



POINTS® Value: 4Servings: 4Preparation Time: 20 minCooking Time: 15 minLevel of Difficulty: EasyWorks with Simply Filling

Sweet summer corn can't be beat. Highlight it in this chowder along with buttery Yukon Gold potatoes and smoky Canadian bacon.

Ingredients

1 medium Yukon Gold potato(es)
1 spray(s) cooking spray
1/2 cup(s) celery, chopped
1/4 cup(s) onion(s), chopped (or 1 large shallot)
4 piece(s) corn on the cob, kernels removed with a knife
1 cup(s) sweet red pepper(s), diced
4 oz Canadian-style bacon, diced
2 cup(s) fat-free skim milk
1/2 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp hot pepper sauce, or to taste

Instructions

Pierce potato in several places with a fork; microwave on high power until tender, turning over once, about 8 minutes. Allow to cool; peel and mash.
Meanwhile, coat a large saucepan with cooking spray. Add celery, onion, corn and red pepper; sauté over medium-high heat for 5 minutes.
Stir bacon and milk into saucepan; stir in mashed potato and mix well. Season with salt, pepper and hot pepper sauce; stir to combine. Cover and simmer 10 minutes (do not allow to boil). Yields about 1 1/2 cups per serving.

Notes
Feel free to substitute your favorite fresh vegetables like asparagus and broccoli for the red pepper. Or to save time, substitute 2 cups of frozen corn and 1 cup of frozen, diced bell pepper for the fresh corn and red pepper.

WW Banana Berry Smoothie

I got this recipe in my email from weight watchers today. I tried it and the only thing I changed was adding some splenda and ice. It was really great, you could always substitute the milk choice with soy or almond, and I also used the greek yogurt- just seems creamier! Enjoy


1 small banana (or 1/2 large banana)
1/4 cup raspeberries
1/4 cup blueberries
1/2 cup plain fat free yogurt
1 cup skim milk
1/8 tsp vanilla extract
2 packets of splenda

4 points

Put everything in the blender and blend 15-20 seconds... I also like to add 1/2 cup of ice to make it frosty...

REALLY REALLY BIG NEWS!!! I AM IN CONTROL!!

Let me tell you that I awoke today with a lot of get up and go... so I got up and went... walking, that is. I always feel so much better, higher energy levels, just all around better when I cut white flour and sugar completely out of my diet. I mean in one day I am soaring on the what-can-I-do-next-O-Meter.
I have read over and over again how white flour and sugar from your diet can improve energy levels and mood. I have done this before and I have always felt much better. Even with felling great I still struggle with the temptation. It feels like an addiction, I know it is bad for me, will end up feeling worse but still on occasion have to have the gratification of something sweet and creamy. I don't know what part of my brain triggers these cravings but I really wish I knew more, because it doesn't make sense in my head that I choose something that is not beneficial to my healthy lifestyle but makes me feel bad.
I guess it is a struggle I will continue having, but I am fighting it for today... and each day because the benefit is outstanding.
Today is what counts not regretting past mistakes or thinking about what if... I am feeling better and also have a bit of wonderful, HUGE, news to share. I have struggled with my weight since my first pregnancy and never got a handle on it until this year. Don't get me wrong.. I was on some type of diet almost every week but nothing I ever could live long term with. After a month or so I would always give up. I have been doing WW since March and am still able to stay with it. That alone is mind blowing to me.. BUT the big news is that I weigh less today than I have weighed since the birth of my first child!!! I have finally done it and I feel like there is no end to the continued success I will have. This is really BIG for me, I have never felt successful or in control of my weight and today I took back the control and know that I can do it. For me that is the battle, believing that I can.
I attribute some of this to reading your struggles and successes. I really believe if I had not started reading blogs and blogging myself I would not have made it this far. I have picked up so many tips, recipes and just plain ol' inspiration through your words and successes. Thank you!

Is this a good idea?

I lost 2.8 pounds at Friday's weigh in, which is great, but not as great as it sounds. I missed 2 weeks so it is for the whole time. I am really feeling like I need to stir things up and lose a little more than that.
I am going to eat only fruit, veggies, lean meat and limited whole grains for this week. I have been eating too much low fat ice cream and some sugary snacks. I know it is defeating my goals and I think if I go back to basics I will lose faster.
I am also increasing my exercise from none, lately, to everyday. I know I will see an initial gain (because I always do when I increase activity.
My question is... I know eating a low carb (bad carb) diet will increase my weight loss but are there any downfalls in doing so? Will I gain back as soon as I have ice cream again? I have been going at a steady pace, but so so so slow. I am thinking a couple weeks of cutting out the white sugar will really motivate me. I have taken my measurements and in losing 35 pounds (to date) I have also lost a total of 20.5 inches off of my waist, hips, bust, thighs, and arms and decreased from a size 20W to a snug 14(misses). My clothes that were very tight on me when I started are now falling off, and I can no longer wear them. It is a great feeling, but suddenly I want more, I want it faster. I have been getting many positive comments and that feels good but also makes me want it faster.
Anyone else experience this? Any tips or suggestions? I really feel motivated and really want o take advantage of this burst of motivation in the best way possible. Thanks for leaving your tips and comments, I read them over and over, they really make a difference for me!

I AM A BLOGGER SLACKER!!

So I admit it... I SUCK!!! Being in the midst of summer fun and travel has been a challenge for me. I haven't been on program and I haven't been blogging. The two go pretty much hand in hand for me. I think it comes down to a concentrated effort for both. When I am OP, I want to blog and share info, success and read what everyone else is up to. When I am a slacker, I do not want to blog because I will have to read everyone else's success and tips and realize I need to do better.
I have done better this week and writing this post is the last step to my full recovery and commitment. This does something for me... makes me be accountable each day for my choices and really works for me.
I haven't gained- well at least the couple pounds I did gain are already gone but I have been about the same weight for 3 weeks... That's OK because summer is filled with so many options. I haven't planned like I should have, I have overindulged during travel, I have had some extra stress, but you know what, I am still OK- I made it through the last several weeks and still have the desire to continue. I am proud of myself for that!
I also need to return to my exercise program- any program actually. I am going to get back to walking and journaling... I know those are two key components to my success. I am happy to be back! I missed all of you and have to catch up on what you are doing... It may take a day or two but I will be up to speed soon! Enjoy your day!

COSMIC UBER GROOVY AMBROSIAL HOLEY DONUTS!

Let me first say.... Decadent, heavenly, luscious....

LOW FAT Banana Creme Oreo and LOW FAT Vanilla Crumb Holey Donuts!

Recently the generous folks from Holey Donuts sent me a variety of donuts to sample. I was ecstatic to try some new flavors and they were all great. I sampled the Banana Creme Oreo, Vanilla Crumb, Chocolate Crumb, Caramel Crumb and Lemon Vanilla Donut Holes... All were fabulous!

When I first saw the Banana Creme Oreo I wasn't sure if I'd like it. I am all about the creme filling in donuts, so after allowing it to thaw I sliced into it... Let me just say, I wanted to bathe in the banana pudding filling. Did you ever eat the banana pudding made with sweetened condensed milk? The filling in this donut was better.. I know, I couldn't believe it either. The donut had a total of 4 WW points but tasted like 12 (at least). There was a ton of Oreo cookie crumbs and chocolate and vanilla creme frosting on the top. Each bite was a perfect balance and blend of the flavors for an out of this world taste!

Next up was the Vanilla Crumb. Very good, delicate dough, great icing taste. My son ate one and after he did I told them it was a low fat doughnut and he didn't believe me. He loves plain frosted doughnuts and said it was one of the best he had ever eaten. My favorite of this selection was the chocolate crumb. The chocolate frosting is the well, chocolatiest! The caramel is a VERY close second- I am telling you they are all great! 3 WW points each!

The Lemon Vanilla Donut Holes are my favorite. You can have 4 of them for 3 WW points! They are perfection. The lemon filling explodes in your mouth and then you get the sweet glaze mixed in the bunch with the delicate dough- COSMIC GOOD!! TOP PICK!!!

I was browsing the new selections and my top picks to try are (in order)..

Assortment #6
Jumbo Reduced Fat Blueberry Vanilla Cinnamon Buns

Assortment #20
Reduced Fat Raspberry Fudge

30 Piece Low Fat Donut Hole Sampler

Low Fat Raspberry Vanilla Truffle Donut Holes

Low Fat Boston Cream Donut Holes

Low Fat Lemon Vanilla Donut Holes

Sampler Favorites A

Reduced Fat Fudge Boston Cream

Reduced Fat Raspberry Vanilla Truffle

Reduced Fat Caramel Apple

Reduced Fat Blueberry Crumb

Reduced Fat Lemon Graham Cracker

Low Fat Vanilla Crumb

I hoping that I can do a Holey Donut giveaway in the future. Keep an eye out for it..

and a friendly reminder...

wipe up the drool off your keyboard before you exit this page.. HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!