Old School Turned New School

My kids are kinda obsessed with having things in cupcake/muffin shape and when I can make it happen its twice as nice!! So when looking for a weight watcher friendly recipe the other night I came across these Cheesy Pot Pie Muffins...mmmm!!
I made sure I had all the ingredients, and then got to work. I will say this, they are super easy, and pretty quick too!! Don't reheat perfectly, but are still delicious on day 2!

Ingredients:
- 1 can of reduced fat biscuits (10 count)

- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 (10 1/2 ounce) can reduced-fat cream of chicken soup
- 2/3 cup shredded low-fat cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of frozen mixed veggies
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  

  Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Separate biscuits and place each biscuit in a cup of a lightly greased 12-hole muffin pan, pressing dough up sides to edge of cup.

3. In a medium bowl, combine chicken, chicken soup, veggies, cheddar cheese, onion powder, parsley flakes, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
4. Evenly spoon chicken mixture into prepared biscuit cups.
5. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.

6. Remove from oven. Place muffin pan on a wire rack and let set for 2-3 minutes. Serve at once.

These are perfect quick summer meal or for those cold winter nights. My hubby gave them 2 thumbs up as did my kids! YEAH!! Score for another WW fun meal!!

Next up...tacos or lasagna cups....

Back in the Saddle Again!

My entire life has been a weight roller coaster...mostly up, but there have been a few downs. I've tried every diet imaginable and told myself I was going to do....I've even posted here saying I was going to do it.
Well today as I was hunting through Pinterest briefly (yeah right!!) I found this incredibly inspiring blog post http://abyerly.blogspot.com/2012/03/weight-loss.html it really put things in perspective and brought a tear to my eye...Her ideas while not incredibly unique are what just might be what I need.
I don't want to be the mom who won't play with her kids...or fears going in public because of how she looks, or wonders what her kids think of her weight, or worries that her husband will find her a little less disireable.

I want to be confident, enjoy shopping for myself, FEEL good, and as cheesy as it might be get a bathing suit on clearance cause they have my size and its under $20! (For those of you less knowledgable about plus-size, bathing suits even on clearance are $50 or more!)

Here are some of her ideas that I put to work:

• Goal Chart-I started with 1lb less than I am now...and counted down to my goal weight. Every lb I lose..I get to cross it off! I plan to keep it posted in the bathroom. And yes others may see it, but that is okay...I'm working on it!

• Reward Chart-This is one thing she really has right! For every certain number of lbs I lose I will be rewarded! The more I lose...the BIGGER the reward! I really need to keep myself focused. This will be posted on the fridge, that way when I go for a snack...I can see it!

I am working to put together my reward chart. I'll post pictures soon!

BTW...down 3lbs!!!!

Ooo La La

My obsession with Pinterest continues...

Emmah has been attending Art Camp this week with the art teacher from the school I work at. She ABSOLUTELY LOVED it!! Which was nice to see her really enjoying something. On the last day they decided to do a little breakfast so they asked everyone to bring something to share. Emmah wanted something different as did I so off to Pinterest we go..
That's where we found these:

(photo from tablespoon.com)

Ummm yea we'll go with these!! Emmah isn't a rasberry and blueberry fanatic so since I had strawberries and bananas in the house we went with those. Wanna make your own?? I knew you would so here it is:

Ingredients:
Pillsbury French Bread (any brand would work)
1/2-1 cup fruit- strawberry, banana, blueberries, rasberries
4 whole eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp cinnamon
powdered sugar/sryup (optional)
wooden skewers

Directions:

1. Start by baking the bread, according to package directions.This can be done the night before or earlier in the day.
2. Cut bread up into 1" pieces
3. Mix together milk, egg, vanilla, and cinnamon. Drop in half of bread and mix to coat.
4. In large saucepan melt butter, then added coated bread pieces. Cook til brown on all sides, 2-3 minutes each side. When browned...move to a cookie sheet to keep warm in the oven. Then repeat with other half of bread.
5. Now place fruit and bread in an alternating pattern on skewer.
6. Place on patter or serving dish. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve with sryup for dipping!
7. ENJOY!!

These are great for a brunch, overnight guests, sleepovers, and for us Easter!!

Flapjacks

 Well in the idea of sticking to out Weight Watchers, and eating healthy. I of course have been trying A LOT of new recipes. One of them I tried was Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes...and they were super YUMMY!! 

(Here they are cooking, and make sure you watch closely so they aren't mushy inside...we found this out the hard way!)

Enjoying the yummy deliciousness!

Wanna try???

Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes

Ingredients:

1 cup unbleached white
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 large banana, ripe, mashed well
1 cup 1% milk (I used skim)
3 large egg whites
2 tsp oil
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
cooking spray

Directions:
Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl. Combine milk, egg white, oil, vanilla and mashed bananas in another medium sized bowl and mix until smooth. Combine wet ingredients with the dry and mix well with a wooden spoon until there are no more dry spots.

Heat a large skillet on medium-low heat. Lightly spray a skillet with cooking spray, place the mold on the hot skillet and pour 1/4 cup of pancake batter. Add 1 teaspoon of chocolate chips in each pancake. When the pancake starts to bubble and the edges begin to set, flip the pancakes. Repeat with the remainder of the batter.

Makes about 3 cups of batter which yields 12 pancakes.
Servings: 6 • Serving Size: 2 pancakes • Old Points: 4 pts • Points+: 5 pts*
Calories: 179.6 • Fat: 5.2 g • Protein: 5.9 g • Carb: 28.4 g • Fiber: 2.5 g • Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 572.1 mg

Recipe from http://www.skinnytaste.com/ (Check it out for some great recipes!!)

Sweet Treat

I am a total sucker for anything sweet...so with doing weight watchers I just knew I was going to have to find some healthy choices or their isn't going to be much weight lose happening!

So in my search...I found these:

Cheesecake Squares! These are delicious!! They don't last for too many days so I would suggest that if you make them be sure you have some friends to share them with!!

Cheesecake Squares (5pts per serving)

Ingredients:

• 1(8oz) package cream cheese, softened (I used fat-free)
• 3/4 cup M&M candies
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup margarine
• 1 cup flour
• 1/4 cup sugar, granulated
• 1/3 cup brown sugar (possible to substitute Splenda brown sugar)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat the margarine and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the walnuts and flour; mix well. Reserve 1/2 cup of the crumb mixture; press the remaining crumb mixture into the bottom of a 8x8 square pan. Then bake the crust for 10 mins. While baking combine softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla; using an electric mixer, mix at medium speed until well blended. Add the egg; mix well. Layer 1/2 cup of the M&M candies over the baked crust; top with the cream cheese mixture. Combine the remaining candy and reserved crumb mixture; mix well. Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the cream cheese mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 mins. Let cool completely...I put mine in the fridge.

**With the fat free cream cheese and since I dropped the walnuts it drops the points down to 4pts per serving!!** 

Souper Time

I know the title is totally cheesy, but this recipe is NOT!Last night for dinner I tried another new recipe. Although Jake WON'T eat soup at any cost I have found some really yummy sounding recipes and I just had to give them a try. First up was Chicken Pot Pie Soup!It was delicious!! I was really worried that it wasn't going to turn out and things were touch and go for awhile...the final product turned out to be rather tasty! It takes a little prep work so make sure you've got some time, but definitely give it a try! Chicken Pot Pie Soup

• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups water
• 4 cups fat-free milk
• 1 large celery stalk, chopped
• 1/2 medium chopped onion
• 8 oz baby portabella mushrooms (we skipped this!)
• 2 chicken bouillons
• fresh ground pepper
• pinch of thyme
• 10 oz frozen mixed veggies (peas, carrots, green beans, corn)
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed small
• 16 oz cooked chicken breast, diced small
• salt/pepper to taste

Create a slurry by combining 1/2 cup of the cold water with flour in a medium bowl and whisk until well blended. Set aside.

 

Pour remaining water and milk into a large pot and slowly bring to a boil (Stir and keep a close eye as to not burn the milk). Add celery, onion, mushrooms, bouillon, thyme, pepper, frozen veggies and return to a boil. Partially cover and simmer on low until veggies are soft, about 20 minutes. ( I recommend stiring frequently so you don't burn the milk, mine burned quickly!) Remove lid, add potatoes and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add chicken, and slowly whisk in slurry, stirring well as you add. Cook another 2-3 minutes, until soup thickens, adjust salt and pepper to taste and serve.

 

ENJOY!!

 

Recipe courtesy of skinnytaste.com

 

{Monday Meals}

I decided that since the new year I have been planning out my meals for the week and thought maybe I should share with all of you what is in the plan for us this week!I promise to post recipes too!!Monday:  Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato FrostingTuesday: BBQ Chicken BreastsWednesday: Grilled Cheese and Chicken Pot Pie Soup (Jake doesn't do soup so we have to make do!)Thursday: Black Bean & Salsa ChickenFriday: Out for Dinner!!!Saturday: Blue & Gold Banquet for Cub Scouts What is on your menu this week??

Roasting

Since becoming more focused on Weight Watchers I have decided that trying new recipes that were healthy and that my whole family would enjoy.The other night I tried a new one, Roasted Potatoes, Chicken Sausage and Peppers.Wasn't sure if the kids would like it, but it was HUGE hit!I got the recipe from skinnytaste.com, she has a TON of great recipes that are weight watcher and family friendly! Roasted Potatoes, Chicken Sausage and Peppers

 

         Ingredients:

• 1.5lbs (about 3 large) russet or white potatoes
• 1 medium onion, peeled and quartered, layers seperated
• 2 red bell peppers, seeds removed and cut into 1 inch pieces
• 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• kosher salt and cracked pepper to taste ( I did 1/2 tsp, which was a little too much)
• 1 tsp chopped rosemary (fresh or dry)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• olive oil spray (I used fat-free cooking spray)
• 1 lb chicken sausage, cut each link into 6-7 pieces

Directions:

Cut potatoes into small 1 inch pieces. These take the longest to cook so cutting them small ensures everything cooks evenly.

Preheat oven to 375. Spray one large non-stick baking sheet, or two small ones with olive oil to prevent potatoes from sticking.

In large bowl combine potatoes, onion, peppers, olive oil, salt, pepper, rosemary, and garlic powder. Mix well to be sure that it all is coated well with olive oil and seasoned. Once mixed pour onto baking sheet and place in the oven for 15 minutes. Use a spoon and toss and mix so nothing sticks.

Add sausage to the baking sheet with the potatoes and vegetables and bake, tossing once or twice for 25-35 minutes (I did closer to 25) or until potatoes are cooked through.

  This is definitely a meal to try!! WW Pts 8 (Depending on the type of sausage it could be less)

Snack Time

Mmmm I am always looking for a good snack!! And granola has always been a favorite, I especially LOVE to add it to my yogurt!  So since I am going to FOCUS on  losing this extra weight...I knew I had to find a good and healthy recipe. I found one one food.com and it's even low in points!!  

It turned out better than expected and the whole family LOVED it!! Guess I will be making this again! Weight Watchers Granola (1 cup=4pts)

4 cups old fashioned oats

1/2 cup sliced almonds (I actually chopped mine)

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 cup cooking oil

1/4 cup honey

1 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries

In a bowl mix oats, almonds, brown sugar, salt and cinnamon. In sauce pan warm oil and honey. Then whisk or stir in vanilla. Carefully pour liquid over the oat mixture. Stir gently with a wooden spoon, finish mixing by hand.

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Spread granola onto cookie sheet (higher the sides the better). Bake for 40 mins. Stirring every 10 mins. Transfer to cooling rack and cool completely. Stir in cranberries or raisins. Seal in air tight container for 1 week at room temperature or in freezer for 3 months.

Time to get Serious

Do you ever have that Ah Hah moment when you realize you're the one holding yourself back from your goal?I did...today. I have always been on the chubby side and have done the roller coaster, lose weight, gain weight, lose weight, gain weight. As I was browsing some blogs I follow and I stopped over at Cara's Blog...and her latest post 1 year later really hit home.I have never really kept myself focused enough to get the job done. I want to look good, feel good, and be healthier not only for myself, but for my family.So this is it...today I'm doing it. No more losing focus, it's time to buckle down and do this one for myself because along the way I may want to give up, but I can't NOT this time. This time I have some underlying inspiration...my daughter. I want her to be confident in herself, learn to take care of herself, be active, enjoy life, and be healthy. (This is a hard task since she is gaining some weight due to a med change...it hasn't been the easiest thing for her or us) So here it goes...today is Day 1   

Mmmm Pie!!

 Trying to do new things and have some fun memories with my kids...so I put pie on the list of MUST TRY'S!! To get started I found this fun recipe on Weight Watchers and knew it was a must! Apple Crumble CakeFor the crust 1 cup(s) all-purpose flour 2 tsp sugar 1/4 tsp table salt 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small chunks 2 Tbsp water, or more as needed  For the filling 1/4 cup(s) sugar 4 medium apple(s), peeled, cored and sliced 1/4-inch thick* 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 1 tsp fresh lemon juice 1 Tbsp water, at room temperature For the crumble 2 Tbsp unsalted butter 1/3 cup(s) rolled oats 5 Tbsp all-purpose flour 2 Tbsp sugar  

Place oven rack in middle of oven. Preheat oven to 400ºF. Coat a 9-inch pie plate with cooking spray.

To make crust, combine flour, sugar and salt in bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade; whiz to combine. Scatter butter over flour mixture; pulse until dough resembles coarse meal. Slowly add water, adding another tablespoon if needed, until dough comes together. Place dough in prepared pan and press dough up sides and around bottom to form a crust; prick bottom of crust with a fork 5 or 6 times.

To make filling, combine all filling ingredients in a medium bowl and toss gently to combine; evenly spread filling over crust.

I used a combonation of Honeycrisp and Jonagold apples for the perfect combo of sweet and tart!

To make crumble, in a small saucepan, melt butter. Add oats, flour and sugar; stir to combine and scatter over apples.

 

Bake for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 350ºF and continue baking until crust and crumble are golden and apples are juicy, about 30 to 40 minutes. If pie crust or crumble is getting too dark, cover with foil for last 20 minutes of baking. Let rest at least 30 minutes before slicing into 8 pieces and serving. Yields 1 piece per serving.

Yummy and delicious!!

Down & Up

 I have completely fallen off my diet track and completely slacked for the last couple of months. I guess this is what happens in the summer, but I really need to get focused!! I have a few plans when school starts again, but for now a friend of mine and I have started a new little plan to keep up accountable!! The new rule is that you can't eat after 7:00pm and NOTHING sweet!!Okay the sweet thing is killing me, I am a total candyaholic! So far I am doing well, but it is only week one! I am down 1lb and earned $3, since she ate after 7:00 three times! I feel a little bad for taking her money, but proud of myself at the same time!

Bandwagon

Over the last week or so, I have totally fallen off my bandwagon on weight loss. I am determined to refocus myself and get back on and make some real changes. I will say that I have lost a total of 15.2 lbs!!! I know that I can do it, and that I am making progress, no excuses. It is a matter of health. I know that for the last couple of weeks a lot of my bad eating habits have been due to emotional eating. We have been going through A LOT with Emmah and really trying to get to the bottom of her issues which stresses me out and then of course I turn to food. NOT anymore! I want to learn to turn to other things, excercising or crafting needs to be my release NOT food! So here we go, lesson of the month learning to not emotional eat! Wish me luck!  

Where I'm At

As my journey in weight loss continues, I find myself this time being very determined, focused and having quite a positive attitude.

I have been on this journey before, and always given up. This time I refuse to give up not only for myself, but for my kids. I want to be around for a long time for them. I refuse to give up for me, I want to be able to enjoy life, be happy with myself, have fun and enjoy all the joys I have been given.

This journey will not be easy, but so far I have been successful and all the positive support I am recieving has been a HUGE help. I couldn't do without my friends and family who are there to encourage me along the way. The best part has been that a bunch of my co-workers are also doing WW and we are all supporting each other, asking what we have eaten today, sharing recipes, and giving "high 5's" and words of encouragement! As of today I have lost 11.4 lbs!! Not a ton, but not too shabby either! I am on my way to the new me!!!

Mmm...mmmm Good!

Since entering on my weight lose journey I have been trying LOTS of new recipes! Some have been just okay, and others have been really good. This one was a really good one! I got the recipe from brown paper packages. Which by the way also has some GREAT projects to do as well. I have found quite a few from her. This was really delicious and good for you too! Even my kids liked it!! Here is the recipe:

Black Bean & Salsa Chicken

1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained

1 lb fresh salsa

3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

I used frozen chicken breasts which worked great!! Add the chicken to the bottom of your crock pot, then pour the salsa and beans on top. (I think fresh salsa is the best, she advises it too!) Then cook on high for 4-5 hours or until chicken is fork tender. Using two forks shread the meet into bite-size pieces.

To Serve:

1. To make nachos just layer the meat mixture over your chips. Then add any topping you like, such as tomatoes, onions, shredded cheese, and sour cream. You can even add guacamole if you want. (I didn't too many points!! I also used low-fat cheese and fat free sour cream) 2. Another option is to make some yummy tacos!! Add meat mixture to a warmed tortilla, top with delicious toppings of choice and enjoy!

I myself made the nachos, and altogether with my toppings was about 12 points for my dinner. It was so worth it. I even enjoyed eating it the next day plain! I hope you enjoy this as much as my family did, and my kids don't like black beans....I got multiple groans!!!