tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71227266514031588232024-03-18T22:04:53.821-07:00Labor of LossArianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559919624970979030noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122726651403158823.post-86292474022957205742012-04-24T07:58:00.000-07:002012-04-24T08:05:28.203-07:00Miracle indeed?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Phew, it's certainly been a while! Sorry for my long absence. This have been up and down around these parts. I gained 2.something pounds back from my last weigh-in, then lost it again, so I'm right back where I was (ok, .2 lbs more) at 193.8. I'm a little scared about Friday's weigh-in because it wasn't a great weekend for me. Lots of leftover easter candy tempted, and it was just one of those weeks where I found myself snacking and stealing mouthfuls here and there. Anyway, Monday I started fresh, and the first step was to unceremoniously throw all that candy in the trash. Bye bye temptations!<br />
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I've been meaning to come back to this space for the last few weeks, but I discovered something I needed to share with you all!<br />
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<a href="http://www.nasoya.com/images/prod_full-shirataki-spaghetti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://www.nasoya.com/images/prod_full-shirataki-spaghetti.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Have you heard of the new craze, the "miracle" shirataki noodles?<br />
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If you haven't, shirataki noodles are (according to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shirataki_noodles">Wikipedia</a>) a very low carbohydrate, low calorie, thin, translucent, gelatinous traditional Japanese noodles made from the konjac yam. One serving (4oz) is ZERO POINTS PLUS! And the whole package, half a pound of noodles, is only 1 point! These stats alone are super exciting to a pasta-loving Weight Watcher like myself.<br />
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If you have heard of them, I bet you (like me) have heard some bad things: fishy smell, weird texture - but before you close this window, hear me out!<br />
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I saw these in the grocery store last week and they weren't expensive, so I figured why not? I did some research online to figure out the best way to prepare them, and it turns out there's some prep work involved that completely removes the fishy smell and improves the texture.<br />
<br />
First, you need to drain and rinse the noodles a few times with hot water. Then, boil them for a few minutes, and drain. At this point the fishy smell is all but gone. Next, heat a dry pan on the stove and add the noodles. Mix around for 5 minutes or so, or until the majority of the moisture has evaporated. Then they're ready to go!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQoi-O7rISK29hW9FkF4I0sEQ51IckynpC-SaoB68UFg3BWYG1Cja086a9LcYNrZ4xavP0Z9Bq3xvrWSfor38XefVmVnqLJ91nwDJputdcdt9v50Oheju8ML3S-TD-smI12Cut8XvwA0/s1600/Picture+116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQoi-O7rISK29hW9FkF4I0sEQ51IckynpC-SaoB68UFg3BWYG1Cja086a9LcYNrZ4xavP0Z9Bq3xvrWSfor38XefVmVnqLJ91nwDJputdcdt9v50Oheju8ML3S-TD-smI12Cut8XvwA0/s640/Picture+116.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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Last night's huge bowl of lo mein - 7 PP!!</div>
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So yea, that was my dinner! 7 PP for what is basically 4 times the amount of pasta you could usually have, brimming with veggies and asian flavors.<br />
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The texture of the noodles is definitely different than regular pasta; it did have a bit of a gummy texture to it, but the prepping definitely made a difference compared to how they were straight out of the package. In asian dishes I think it works rather well and I enjoyed this dinner immensely. The texture might not work so well with italian style dishes, but I've heard there are also <a href="http://www.house-foods.com/tofu/tofu_shirataki.aspx">tofu-shirataki noodle</a> varieties that have a chewier texture that might work better. <br />
<br />If you'd like to give the shirataki noodle a try, here's my recipe for lo mein. You can change up the veggies for any you prefer, these are just what I had in the fridge. Next time I might half the hoisin and add some oyster sauce too. Maybe even a little sriracha! <br />
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<br />
<b>Shirataki Lo Mein with Veggies</b><br />
Recipe by Labor of Loss<br />
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<b>7 PP</b> for entire recipe<br />
<br />
1 package (8oz) Shiratake noodles (I used Nasoya brand)<br />
1 tbsp hoisin<br />
2 tbsp soy sauce<br />
1/2 tbsp water<br />
1/2 tsp cornstarch<br />
1 cup green beans or haricots, cut in half or into bit-sized pieces.<br />
3-4 scallions, chopped<br />
1/4 onion, chopped<br />
1 Tbsp grated ginger<br />
2 cloves garlic, minced<br />
1 tsp sesame oil<br />
2 cups mushrooms, roughly chopped <br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
<br />
Mix together hoisin, soy sauce, half a tbsp of water, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Set aside.<br /><br />Drain and rinse shiratake noodles with hot water, repeat. Par boil the noodles for 5 minutes. Remove noodles from water, reserving cooking water. Blanch green beans in cooking water until tender crisp.<br /><br />In a dry pan, stir noodles until most of the moisture is gone. Set aside.<br /><br />Sautee onions and scallion whites in sesame oil until soft. Add garlic and ginger, sautee for 1-2 minutes until just golden. Add mushrooms, sautee until soft, season with salt and pepper<br />
<br />Add green beans and noodles, mix to combine. Add sauce and simmer until sauce thickens, adjust salt and pepper to taste.<br />
<br />Sprinkle with scallion greens and serve immediately. <br />
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<br /></div>Arianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559919624970979030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122726651403158823.post-87716405295601725272012-03-23T07:47:00.000-07:002012-03-23T07:47:29.956-07:00Weigh-in day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Phew, sorry for the long absence! It's been real crazy around these parts lately. Between working full time, getting to yoga (almost) everyday, studying for my Praxis exam, and visiting my grandma in the hospital (feel better!), I've hardly had time to breathe! BUT, I try not to use busy days as an excuse to slack off as far as my fitness and healthiness go. I must say that yesterday was the first day since starting yoga and I made the conscious decision to not go to class when I could have. And honestly, I didn't feel good about it - I'm rather disappointed with myself to be honest, and really looking forward to get back in the studio today to make up for it.<br />
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I missed posting about my last few weigh-ins, so here's to making it up to you:<br />
<br />
<b>Starting weight:</b> 226.4 lbs<br />
Last blogged weigh in <b>(3/2)</b>: 198.8 lbs<br />
<b>3/9</b>: 201 lbs<br />
<b>3/16</b>: 198.2 lbs<br />
<b>3/23</b>: 196 lbs<br />
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So, a little fluctuation, but I always expect that and I'm really happy with the progress I've made! Today's weigh in marks a total of <b>30 lbs</b> lost, and <b>10 lbs</b> lost since the new year! Considering my goal was to lose an additional 20 pounds (from 206.2lb that I was on New Year's Eve) I feel like I'm right on track. I feel that after months of 'figuring it out' as far as food and exercise go, I've really found what works for me and I'm going to see the progress I've been hoping for since starting WW April of 2011. I know 30lbs in a year is not nearly as much as other Weight Watchers have lost, but I'm happy with the slow and steady rate I'm going because I know that it's something I can maintain!<br />
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On that note, here's a glimpse at some things I've been eating lately:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYXOkocOzD_tWWml6RR0WzMb0rdLcKE2yC8-zwUwP1iRrirl4g-eMngYz_LbBv0BX_jD9fiq5xfs4LF4QXPKoYG3Cngg2wMc99Cnm_pS1C_c30G2L88N8Q-V_MGBnkzlioPZ1C6oTrHkU/s1600/Picture+110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYXOkocOzD_tWWml6RR0WzMb0rdLcKE2yC8-zwUwP1iRrirl4g-eMngYz_LbBv0BX_jD9fiq5xfs4LF4QXPKoYG3Cngg2wMc99Cnm_pS1C_c30G2L88N8Q-V_MGBnkzlioPZ1C6oTrHkU/s400/Picture+110.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
<b>12PP Burger and fries</b><br />
<a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CC8QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skinnytaste.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fturkey-burgers-with-zucchini.html&ei=TYhsT4wJ5-XRAcnHsb8G&usg=AFQjCNGXG3xSiw1KezAiutPH1ivnB4ru2w&sig2=soUu4YDd5h2XRBY3_n57Rg">Skinnytaste turkey zucchini burger</a>: 4PP<br />
TJ's artisan bread: 3PP<br />
BBQ sauce and Ketchup: 1PP<br />
Pickles and lettuce: 0PP<br />
Alexia sweet potato fries (seasoned by me): 4PP<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFkH2ia93l5XSWbQSdhjlNK0jgg9aKbGFLCTQv5qZBzY4Bu1qyCM59O4wQ1-PwYf6BDxtXqq3C8wGCVr9hmgMzFqefWAhi4e3Dh46rBDTnlxMlLJxfpPJycMJXmJkkJXioQz6urgm51s/s1600/Picture+111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFkH2ia93l5XSWbQSdhjlNK0jgg9aKbGFLCTQv5qZBzY4Bu1qyCM59O4wQ1-PwYf6BDxtXqq3C8wGCVr9hmgMzFqefWAhi4e3Dh46rBDTnlxMlLJxfpPJycMJXmJkkJXioQz6urgm51s/s400/Picture+111.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<b>10PP Day-off Brunch </b>(I definitely don't do this everyday! But days off = sleeping in = brunch!)<br />
2 eggs, over easy: 4PP<br />
2 slices thin cut Butterball Turkey Bacon: 1PP<br />
1/4 cup black beans: 0PP<br />
1/4 cup bell pepper: 0PP<br />
1/4 cup tomato: 0PP<br />
1/4 cup onion<br />
1 clove garlic<br />
1/4 cup WW shredded cheese :2PP<br />
1/4 Avocado: 2PP<br />
salt, pepper, cumin <br />
Coffee: 1PP<br />
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SERIOUSLY - one of the best breakfasts I've had in a LONG time, and I've had some good diner breakfasts lately. I think this will be my Saturday morning brunch from now on! So good!!!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWXpN20_-eGa-COxmelwNhbPEevdtLWFdbMdlP7ylYfTeel7NJwKQx0CZ50_uxycfww6MGOP_BREcPwFkLL6suBMv6Tw0ZftUhaK72p_0qPMc44pZMQglGOk1dcVjxxMTHxhfEIdHnkA/s1600/Picture+112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWXpN20_-eGa-COxmelwNhbPEevdtLWFdbMdlP7ylYfTeel7NJwKQx0CZ50_uxycfww6MGOP_BREcPwFkLL6suBMv6Tw0ZftUhaK72p_0qPMc44pZMQglGOk1dcVjxxMTHxhfEIdHnkA/s400/Picture+112.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><b> </b><br />
<b>7 PP sushi for me and mamacita</b><br />
3/4 cup sushi rice, dry: 12PP<br />
3 sheets of nori: 0PP<br />
1/4 cup cucumber: 0PP<br />
1/4 cup carrot: 0PP<br />
1/4 avocado: 2PP<br />
2 tbsp soy sauce: 0PP<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSULhEca6KgMjYzYRgsGPp4p9yEB6juSW5sey7c5J4jifILhMSSOOfnMkzPfJdx_fMqw4YCssZ9bC7i_bpZ7ENCXGWuP7kuC6A3L7RIVz4cKEKFXlxYlyLCJWASmZSA97YXd_7d6SveC0/s1600/Picture+113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSULhEca6KgMjYzYRgsGPp4p9yEB6juSW5sey7c5J4jifILhMSSOOfnMkzPfJdx_fMqw4YCssZ9bC7i_bpZ7ENCXGWuP7kuC6A3L7RIVz4cKEKFXlxYlyLCJWASmZSA97YXd_7d6SveC0/s400/Picture+113.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
<b>8 PP Steak and onions with roasted brussel sprouts</b><br />
4oz lean beef tenderloin: 5PP<br />
Half an onion: 0PP<br />
salt, pepper, garlic, chili powder, cajun seasoning, adobo, cumin (little bit'a everything!)<br />
Roasted brussels: 3PP (though I don't think it was that much, I used the points from Skinnytaste's sauteed brussels, whichs uses a tbsp of oil, and I roasted mine and just sprayed with my misto - but better more than less.)<br />
1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar: 0PP<br />
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It's been a delicious week! How'd you do?</div>Arianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559919624970979030noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122726651403158823.post-49852622884365651172012-03-08T10:45:00.001-08:002012-03-08T10:49:20.375-08:00Quick lunch<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Since getting serious with this weight-loss thing almost a year ago, I bring my own lunch to work 95% of the time. When I don't, I run downstairs to the building's cafe and make up a huge salad with grilled chicken, tons of veg, and low fat sesame ginger dressing.<br />
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But there are always those days where I haven't any leftovers to bring to work from last night's dinner, and when I'd rather not spend the cash to buy lunch. That's why I always have a few frozen meals from Trader Joe's hangin' out in the fridge, just in case.<br />
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On my last stop at TJ's I came across the Chicken and Vegetable Wonton Soup in the freezer section. Points wise, it was great, only 5 PP's for a rather large portion of soup; definitely more bowl sized than cup sized.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.traderjoes.com/images/fearless-flyer/uploads/article-379/96782-Chicken-Veg-Wonton-Soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.traderjoes.com/images/fearless-flyer/uploads/article-379/96782-Chicken-Veg-Wonton-Soup.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYJH9ouy_Ebi3v3TOV2bWVjyE_PenyYz-i5loGTR-_1FjJ9GhPxEZMdESxGhwPAZNZumDSRh36L4xrjmgkfQf-0i80N6NzJwn_0rUnFNtkPKI2Ef4fl1okGicKJ8BsV2RYeBONMK-e5w/s1600/calories.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYJH9ouy_Ebi3v3TOV2bWVjyE_PenyYz-i5loGTR-_1FjJ9GhPxEZMdESxGhwPAZNZumDSRh36L4xrjmgkfQf-0i80N6NzJwn_0rUnFNtkPKI2Ef4fl1okGicKJ8BsV2RYeBONMK-e5w/s320/calories.JPG" width="235" /></a></div><br />
Verdict? It's a winner! There's big chunks of veggies (and I mean big, large slices of carrots and whole sugar snap peas!) in a yummy broth, and the wontons are really tasty. I added a little soy sauce just because I like my soup a little saltier, but it was very good on it's own. I wouldn't really compare this to take-out wonton soup, the veggies and cilantro flavors make it a completely different product, but it's good all the same. For 5 PP and only $2.29, it's a keeper for sure!</div>Arianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559919624970979030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122726651403158823.post-14500352568662397442012-03-02T11:34:00.000-08:002012-03-02T11:34:38.235-08:00Milestone<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I stepped on the scale this morning and had to stop myself from squealing with delight (it <i>was</i> 6am after all) and jumping up and down like a little kid!!<br />
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Starting weight: 226.4<br />
Last week's weight (I didn't post): 201.4<br />
This week's weight<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">:</span></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: x-large;">198.8 lbs</span></b></div><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">I broke 200!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">I can't tell you how amazing I feel and how incredibly proud I am of myself! This is the biggest milestone I've hit so far; it's so encouraging to see the number that is under 200! It somehow makes the rest of my weight loss seem much easier, much more attainable, something that can really be done rather than just dreamed about. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">I have to give credit where credit is due, so once more I'm going to tout the amazingess that is hot yoga. Besides loving the work out itself, it's really done wonders with keeping me on track as far as eating goes, forcing me to drink enough water, and keeping my snacking in check. The best thing of all is just the fact that I <i>want</i> to go to yoga every day, and I've been happily going 5-6 times a week for the past three weeks or so. I <i>want </i>to go that often, not that I feel like I should or I have to. I canceled my gym membership and am doing yoga full time, so I'm going to stick with it for sure and we'll see how works out for me in the long run! All I know is that after weeks of going up and down the same pound or two, I had two weeks of over 2 pound losses! I am now just a half pound shy of being on track with my weight loss goal of 4 pounds a month - though if I keep going this rate I'm going to lose even more than that. Here's to hoping!</span></span></div>Arianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559919624970979030noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122726651403158823.post-75786194887079074722012-02-17T05:50:00.000-08:002012-02-17T05:50:37.178-08:00Finally!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I am feeling SO fantastic today!!!<br />
<br />
So, today I found out the results of my self imposed hot yoga challenge:<br />
<br />
Last week's weight: 203lbs<br />
This week's weight: 200.4<br />
Loss: -2.6<br />
Total loss: 26lbs<br />
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Yes!! I am just ecstatic looking at these numbers. Not only have I finally, <i>finally, </i>after <i>weeks </i>of lollygagging around the -20-23lb zone, hit the -25lb milestone. But moreover...I can't tell you how amazing it feels to see 200 (ok, 200.4 but still) on the scale. My heart is racing just thinking that next week; I WILL see a number under 200!<br />
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Yes, I WILL. Not I hope, I WILL.<br />
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So the hot yoga; I think it's a keeper. I'm planning to cancel my gym membership this weekend and join my yoga studio for good. There's so many things I love about this practice. I love that I actually find myself looking forward to my next class - I can't say that was ever something I experiences with cardio classes at the gym. It also forces me to take better care of myself. For example, I always struggle with drinking enough water. It shouldn't be hard, but I just never do; there would be days when I'd get out of work and realize the only thing I drank all day was my morning coffee. But now, knowing that I'll be spending an hour and a half contorting my body in a 105 degree room, I make SURE I drink enough water. Hot yoga is not something you want to do dehydrated - trust me, I did it once...not good times.<br />
<br />
It also makes me think more about what I'm eating and how often - As you're supposed to go to hot yoga on an empty stomach to avoid nausea, I'm snacking less, and reaching for more wholesome foods when I do.<br />
<br />
I love the way I feel <i>during</i> yoga. I feel graceful, long, lean....sexy. Yes, sexy, even though I'm literally soaking wet with sweat and red in the face. I'm not able to do every pose perfectly, but watching myself in the mirror, back straight, chest out, shoulders back, moving with the group into each pose, I feel amazing.<br />
<br />
I love the way I feel <i>after </i>yoga. I feel strong, flexible...zen. It truly does have an amazing calming and rejuvenating affect.<br />
<br />
I can already see and feel the effects that the practice is having on my body, I feel leaner, and my measurements prove it: after 4 classes I've lost a half inch on my bust and waist, and a half inch on my thighs, hips, and arms. <br />
<br />
Anyway. I hope you all had a great week as well!</div>Arianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559919624970979030noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122726651403158823.post-59130487156589319572012-02-15T10:55:00.000-08:002012-02-15T10:55:00.721-08:00Quickly<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Last week's weight:</b> 203.6</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>This week: </b>203</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>loss: </b>-.6lbs</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Total loss:</b> -23.4lb </div><br />
It's always frustrating when I know I've been eating well and working out a lot, but don't lose the amount of weight that I'd like that week. On the upside, I did see a different in <i>inches</i> (I take my measurements every week as well), so hopefully that means I'm gaining muscle and getting leaner.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://laborofloss.blogspot.com/2012/02/yoga-to-people.html">Last week</a> I wrote about my experience with <a href="http://laborofloss.blogspot.com/2012/02/yoga-to-people.html">Hot Yoga</a> and how much I loved it. Thanks to a newbie deal at a local hot yoga studio ($25 for a week of unlimited classes!), I've decided to try hot yoga as my main work out and see how it affects or doesn't affect my weight loss. Besides the lure of shedding pounds, there are other benefits of yoga that really appeal to me, and if I can get the same or better results just with yoga rather than my usual classes at the gym, I'm contemplating a change. We'll see come Friday!<br />
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I'm hoping for <i>at least</i> a 1.6lb loss this week - I <i>really </i>want to hit the -25lb mark! Wish me luck :)</div>Arianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559919624970979030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122726651403158823.post-10890824997153320432012-02-07T10:49:00.000-08:002012-02-07T10:49:56.820-08:00Yoga to the People<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thehairpin.com/2011/05/hot-yoga-changed-my-life-body-and-spirit-animal"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://thehairpin.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/hot-yoga.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Have you ever tried <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bikram_Yoga">Bikram Yoga</a>? <br />
<br />
According to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bikram_Yoga">Wikipedia</a>, Bikram Yoga, or hot yoga, is an hour and half yoga session that consist of a series of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises. It's ideally practiced in a room heated to 105°F (≈40.6°C) with a humidity of 40%.<br />
<br />
Now, I've taken Body Flow at my gym, which is a combo of Yoga, Pilates, and Tai Chi, and have done pretty well with it. But the idea of doing and hour and a half of traditional yoga in a room as hot as midsummer was quite daunting. Another issue? Price. In my area, hot yoga classes are usually around $20-25 per class; hard to justify when I already pay monthly for my gym membership.<br />
<br />
But when my boyfriend told me about <a href="http://yogatothepeople.com/">Yoga to the People</a>, the opportunity arose.<br />
<br />
With studios in Seattle, San Francisco, Berkeley, and multiple locations in NYC, Yoga to the People "is a unique yoga studio with the goal of recapturing what we consider to be the essence of yoga… simply put, yoga made available to everyone."<br />
<br />
How do they do that? By making yoga an affordable and attainable practice for people of all budgets and levels. For their hour long Vinyasa classes, it is a <i>suggested donation</i> of $10. Meaning, there is a box at the door where you leave what you can. No questions asked.<br />
<br />
Hot yoga is a set price, but it's a mere $8, just a fraction of what other studios charge per class, and you can get an even better price by buying a package deal.<br />
<br />
With that sort of deal, I had to ignore my misgivings and go for it. Saturday afternoon found me and the boyfriend in the Williamsburg YTTP studio, mats set and ready to go.<br />
<br />
So how was it? HOT. Really hot. I'm pretty sure I sweat more than I ever sweat in my life. And by the end of the hour and a half, it was all I could do not to sprint out of that studio. I was out of breath, fatigued, and pretty sure I was melting. Would I do it again?<br />
<br />
<i>Absolutely.</i><br />
<br />
Hot yoga is seriously of the the most intense workouts I've ever done. Not because it's cardio filled or chock full of weight lifting, but because you are moving your body deliberately in such a way that you work every single part of it. I've been sore in places I've never been sore before, places I didn't thing could be sore! Like, the muscles in my feet! But at the same time, I feel amazing. I feel strong, cleansed, peaceful.<br />
<br />
I think what I loved most about this experience was the studio itself. Yoga to the People is not pretentious. It's not snobby. It's not full of 110lb yogi perfectionists decked out in the latest Lululemon gear looking down at your imperfect poses. It's real people of all shapes and sizes going after the same goals - health, and peace of mind. <br />
<i> </i><br />
If that's not enough to convince you...<br />
<br />
Did you know one 90 minute session of Bikram yoga burns anywhere between 900-1300 calories??<br />
<br />
Oh yea.</div>Arianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559919624970979030noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122726651403158823.post-4540328064827979552012-02-07T10:01:00.000-08:002012-02-07T10:01:01.905-08:002/1 weigh in<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Friday's update, a little late as usual!<br />
<br />
I'm happy and proud to report that I am <i>finally</i> back to my pre-holiday weight - on the dot! <b>203.6lbs</b>!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">I really busted my ass in the gym last week and it paid off, and the results were even better than I hoped for. I worked out three times last week, two Body Combat (cardio kickboxing) classes and one Body Flow (yoga/pilates/tai chi) class. Plus, my eating was really good, I stayed with in my points for the majority of the week, and finally got back in the groove of making myself some delicious meals.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFTrHjhW8Fsnjlqz0hDH0sO82a_drrgbSF5Tq6I8yZeoJ4EBbNF9gcK9DzpiVlxT8r5mY2cEJ3Zmeghw1A3o0IGxxiW_wCiMAWiClCBdQrtbCCaReiXLmOdPoxHEQuKRaVMoOm48Oybg/s1600/Picture+096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFTrHjhW8Fsnjlqz0hDH0sO82a_drrgbSF5Tq6I8yZeoJ4EBbNF9gcK9DzpiVlxT8r5mY2cEJ3Zmeghw1A3o0IGxxiW_wCiMAWiClCBdQrtbCCaReiXLmOdPoxHEQuKRaVMoOm48Oybg/s320/Picture+096.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Pioneer Woman's <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/12/brussels-sprouts-with-balsamic-and-cranberries/">balsamic brussels</a>, minus the cranberries and using my misto instead of olive oil from the bottle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUVB48q1Mh5FmHlI7Tw8q-4BdPFKvhQNiLc-OET7nhldprcKFQkMfKe3ucJxojHhHArbVhKdSuKb36mny2Bf7eBHQDN3MewvPayfL5Sv5DCAtMX_NgkV_lNWo8CkRYtKo-0dhFEVherk/s1600/Picture+097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUVB48q1Mh5FmHlI7Tw8q-4BdPFKvhQNiLc-OET7nhldprcKFQkMfKe3ucJxojHhHArbVhKdSuKb36mny2Bf7eBHQDN3MewvPayfL5Sv5DCAtMX_NgkV_lNWo8CkRYtKo-0dhFEVherk/s320/Picture+097.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Homemade veggie rolls!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVplMqAPCRmd4LtEKNTG7WsXWQLiRLu2ybcCpBXnSCcZZ8AzdCgUiLCWNU5RhF4p4ERNPxxlcdXUjhqNtNEhLQzrJ5MLC3jN7iT3tVBFLhG7i7HrhARMHYK-8oGTU01CQS52Wcw9l6jMk/s1600/Picture+099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVplMqAPCRmd4LtEKNTG7WsXWQLiRLu2ybcCpBXnSCcZZ8AzdCgUiLCWNU5RhF4p4ERNPxxlcdXUjhqNtNEhLQzrJ5MLC3jN7iT3tVBFLhG7i7HrhARMHYK-8oGTU01CQS52Wcw9l6jMk/s320/Picture+099.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Skinnytaste <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2009/10/sauteed-brussels-sprouts.html">sauteed brussels</a> and <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/03/grilled-chicken-with-spinach-and-melted.html">chicken with spinach and melted mozz</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipf4Ve9jSO68ThTim6Kq89cUJAlLEXGSzydyQj8CjOgu5RTUKRp0zyU5vc6nR5dC4sSg81L8NKnUiAEY9E_9UYNGU6TlLRbCjYyvYAvqSs0BIsCU7jUv8cBcxKQ187_h7fgZwDXUDlMyY/s1600/Picture+098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipf4Ve9jSO68ThTim6Kq89cUJAlLEXGSzydyQj8CjOgu5RTUKRp0zyU5vc6nR5dC4sSg81L8NKnUiAEY9E_9UYNGU6TlLRbCjYyvYAvqSs0BIsCU7jUv8cBcxKQ187_h7fgZwDXUDlMyY/s320/Picture+098.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Skinnytaste <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/09/skinny-baked-broccoli-macaroni-and.html">broccoli mac and cheese</a>.<br />
<br />
Yum! How was your week?</div>Arianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559919624970979030noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122726651403158823.post-82056480032854826982012-01-30T08:55:00.000-08:002012-01-30T08:55:11.832-08:00Back to life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Man it's been a while since I updated here! I have be completely immersed in the world of "Urinetown" (not the place, of course, the musical...) and have been practically too busy to breathe these last two weeks.<br />
<br />
Sadly, we closed the show last night so it's back to real life and back on the wagon. The last week of 5pm-11pm run throughs and two-show-a-day nights has completely thrown a wrench in my good eating - but I couldn't tell you if I've gained or how much as I completely forgot to step on the scale with Friday's hectic schedule.<br />
<br />
But it's back to the plan starting today. My food is all planned out as usual, and tonight I'll be hitting the gym for a yoga class. Here's today's food plan:<br />
<br />
Breakfast:<br />
Coffee: 1 pp<br />
Egg sammy (2pieces WW bread, one egg, one slice WW cheese, splash of hot sauce): 5pp<br />
<br />
Lunch:<br />
<a href="http://laborofloss.blogspot.com/2011/09/souper-low-fat-mushroom-soup.html">Skinnytaste Creamy Mushroom Soup</a>: 1pp<br />
2 WW Smoked Flavor String cheese: 2pp<br />
Carrots and Ranch: 2pp<br />
<br />
(Planned) Dinner: <br />
<a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/02/turkey-chili-taco-soup.html">Skinnytaste Turkey Chili Taco Soup</a>: 5pp<br />
topped with Sour Cream and Mexican blend cheese: 2pp<br />
<br />
Snacks:<br />
SpecialK Cracker Chips in Southwest Ranch: 3pp<br />
WW Pepper Jack cheese stick: 2pp<br />
Cherries: 0pp<br />
Banana: 0pp<br />
Nectarine: 0pp<br />
<br />
Points Used: 23pp<br />
<br />
That leaves me with 10pp to play with for dessert :) I love having a lunch like the mushroom soup that is deliciously filling for next to no points! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Arianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559919624970979030noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122726651403158823.post-40268692587311333392012-01-06T07:50:00.000-08:002012-01-06T08:51:19.416-08:00Motivation.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Last week on my style blog, <a href="http://fatfatalefashion.blogspot.com/">Fatale Fashion</a>, I did a recap of my favorite outfits of 2011, one from each month. It became and inadvertent but fantastic source of motivation when I compared pictures of myself from January of last year to pictures now. Here's January 2011 next to December 2011: </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52096628@N02/6647408629/" title="FF0127112 by Fatale Fashion, on Flickr"><img alt="FF0127112" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6647408629_b83ef45be5.jpg" width="228" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52096628@N02/6647434789/" title="IMG_7209 by Fatale Fashion, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7209" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6647434789_06a9ff56f8.jpg" width="228" /></a></div></div></div><br />
The most noticable differece has to be my face - Full cheeks, major double chin; both are much less now and now I have, dare I say, the inkling of a cheekbone? Also I think my boobs <i>*might*</i> have gotten smaller?? I hope??<br />
<br />
Seeing these side by side show what a difference just 20lbs can make, and I know I never want to go back to those chubby cheeks of January 2011. As the talented Michael Bublè would say:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">It's a new dawn<br />
It's a new day<br />
It's a new life<br />
for me<br />
And I'm feeling good.</blockquote></div>Arianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559919624970979030noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122726651403158823.post-48124008910802734412012-01-06T07:18:00.000-08:002012-01-06T07:18:25.708-08:00A new beginning<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Happy New Year everyone!<br />
<br />
I'm determined to make 2012 my best year yet. It's a fresh start, a new beginning, and will hopefully include lots of changes for the better for me.<br />
<br />
My resolution, like many, many others, is to lose weight this year - or to continue to lose weight. I have two goals:<br />
<br />
#1. Lose twenty pounds by the summer.<br />
<br />
This is a very feasible goal. I'm not trying to overreach myself by setting unattainable goals, like losing 50lbs by July - that's just a recipe for failure in my mind. 20lbs is doable. Very doable. Math is not my strong point, but let's break it down: 6 months until July 1st - that's 24 weeks. If I lost just one pound a week, I'll be at my goal and beyond. And of course there's wiggle room; some week's I might gain, but there are other weeks I may lose two or three pounds. So, -20lbs by July 1st for a total of -40lb and weighing 185lbs it is.<br />
<br />
#2. Lose twenty more pounds by the end of 2012.<br />
<br />
Same stats, same math. If I hit both of these goals I'll have lost a total of around 60lbs and will weight about 165lbs - a place I haven't been since probably since grade 8 or 9 :D<br />
<br />
Anyway, let's take a look at this week's stats! The first weigh in of 2012 and I'm off to a good start:<br />
<br />
Last week's weight: 206.2<br />
This week's weight: 205.4<br />
<br />
So, a .8lbs loss. Good not great, but better than a gain for sure. Aunt Flo is in town as well so I'm sure there's some bloat going on. I made it to the gym once, but I'm going to try for at least twice next week.<br />
<br />
What are your new year's resolutions?</div>Arianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559919624970979030noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122726651403158823.post-39182442125144984142011-12-30T09:24:00.000-08:002011-12-30T09:24:08.082-08:00How. HOW?!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Someone please tell me how last week, when I worked out twice and ate well, I gained 2lbs, while this week, when I didn't work out at all and basically INHALED chocolate, candy, and fatty Christmas leftovers not stop all week, I only gained .6lbs??? I have a feeling I'll be seeing more of this weight at next week's weigh in too...<br />
<br />
Current weight: 206.2lbs<br />
<br />
So, I'm obviously not at 200lbs, which is where I hoped to be by 2012, but I'm close. I'll just have to work that much harder next year!<br />
<br />
Happy 2012 all!</div>Arianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559919624970979030noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122726651403158823.post-22648516300777944802011-12-29T07:18:00.000-08:002011-12-29T07:18:20.487-08:00Lost cause<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Ugh. Christmas was a lost cause. I thought for sure Thanksgiving would be my downfall, but Christmas was so much worse! But I will not stress. 2012 is only two days away, and it will be a new start for me. I'm going to gather up all the candy, cookies and junk, send it off to work with my mom, and get back on the wagon, for good this time.<br />
<br />
Wishing you all the best in 2012! See you then :)</div>Arianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559919624970979030noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122726651403158823.post-53237940637214927812011-12-22T07:49:00.000-08:002011-12-22T07:49:39.111-08:00A little closer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I can't believe I forgot to update last week! Surprising, since I did really well!<br />
<br />
Previous weight: 206.8 lbs<br />
Current weight: 203.6 lbs<br />
Total loss: -3.2 lbs for a total of -22.8 lbs<br />
<br />
And guess what! This weeks loss marked my meeting my first big Weight Weighers-set goal: losing 10% of my body weight!<br />
<br />
I was so happy to see that my hard work last week paid off. I worked out twice and tracked very, very carefully and it definitely showed.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow is weigh-in day, so we'll see how I did this week. My tracking wasn't <i>quite </i>as meticulous, though I've still been pretty good, and I only got in one work out so far, though I've got my gym clothes all ready for another one tonight. If you weigh in on Fridays like I do, good luck!</div>Arianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559919624970979030noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122726651403158823.post-73670782059082803022011-12-12T10:53:00.000-08:002011-12-12T10:53:37.139-08:00Determined.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So last week did not go as well as I hoped. I was disappointed but not really surprised to see I gained 1.6 lbs this week. It also sucks that I'm now back to less than 20lbs lost.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">last week's weight: 205.2lbs</div><div style="text-align: center;">this week's weight: 206.8lbs</div><div style="text-align: center;">total loss: -19.6lbs</div><br />
My goal was to hit 200lbs (-26.4lbs) by the end of the year. I've got 3 more weeks and 6.8lbs to go, and I am <i>determined </i>to get as close as I possibly can to that goal! I'll need to lose a little less than 2.5lbs at each of my next three weigh-ins to get there. I'm going to the gym at <i>least </i>three times this week, and my food is going to be even lighter than usual - I am making vegetables my bitch!! Also, I'm going to be chugging water for the next three weeks, so the bathroom is going to see a lot of me :)<br />
<br />
Have you reached your end of the year goal yet? If not, what are you doing to try to get there?<br />
<br />
</div>Arianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559919624970979030noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122726651403158823.post-27170747679818455002011-12-07T08:47:00.000-08:002011-12-07T08:50:14.631-08:00Trader Joe's snacks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I'm a muncher. Always have been, always will be. I'll be the first to admit, it's a big part boredom eating. Yes, it's a bad habit, but I've learned that sitting in the office all day long, I <i>need</i> to have some healthy snacks to munch on or else I'll be hitting up the vending machine or the deli downstairs. <br />
<br />
Enter Trader Joe's - the place I can always count on to find new delicious, low calorie snacks (and the prices ain't bad either!). Two of my favorites at the moment are Wasabi Seaweed and Lite Kettle Corn.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPDWyZnlFreH_PeAkYsNxSfA555KKGNhqEvcbEZLSNeZO9g5DbyDLEfcgHK_HqdhBm8fdHFwUp8yz91t77HyrW-Lq_7TgTfJqPQM3N2Lyxt1zmcJz1a63UbCCs0HUGkbj1VZM9Uzu1iZ4/s1600/Picture+040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPDWyZnlFreH_PeAkYsNxSfA555KKGNhqEvcbEZLSNeZO9g5DbyDLEfcgHK_HqdhBm8fdHFwUp8yz91t77HyrW-Lq_7TgTfJqPQM3N2Lyxt1zmcJz1a63UbCCs0HUGkbj1VZM9Uzu1iZ4/s200/Picture+040.jpg" width="149" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoAvtRaKBsRJJgYSSYlx8o7Gtg41lCxTbxdNCKIjSM3g23lcD8eVHHmVDqyc-CyVA_x0Qma0xSNvQF0C8_InCX544wlrJCE_d5CQDJFSSbDINOJxFnztr_xG0-zzyEQ_4uReV9URcm36w/s1600/Picture+041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoAvtRaKBsRJJgYSSYlx8o7Gtg41lCxTbxdNCKIjSM3g23lcD8eVHHmVDqyc-CyVA_x0Qma0xSNvQF0C8_InCX544wlrJCE_d5CQDJFSSbDINOJxFnztr_xG0-zzyEQ_4uReV9URcm36w/s320/Picture+041.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><br />
<b>Calories</b>, 30, <b>Total Fat</b>: 2g, <b>Total Carbs</b>:1g, <b>Fiber</b>: 1g, <b>Protein</b>: 1g = <b><span style="color: red;">1 Point Plus</span></b>. Serving size is half the container, but according to the Points Plus calculator, the whole container is <i>still </i>just 1 Point Plus! If you like sushi, you'll love these snacks. They're salty with a tiny hint of sweetness and a great kick of wasabi!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhKURxt2l99n-zhi7TcFYxczlsZZM2eBlPkzWDAaG0qs_y_iIGHd6igOjN_9ngWi6J02CT15YvkDE6HSCYapI3f32R8HvCqkgCWzxL3G0Z4X1WqykSMWDXGmF_dIYU9z3DZdnnaevDeE/s1600/Picture+038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhKURxt2l99n-zhi7TcFYxczlsZZM2eBlPkzWDAaG0qs_y_iIGHd6igOjN_9ngWi6J02CT15YvkDE6HSCYapI3f32R8HvCqkgCWzxL3G0Z4X1WqykSMWDXGmF_dIYU9z3DZdnnaevDeE/s200/Picture+038.jpg" width="149" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNUXZPUJe-4gt0qiIXkjI-dGLjaI2_klt6ni46Km6UCVRk30kG3Tk1kUQPT58-0JGDDdmUXafMsgdc_CT5SR-u13eHdc1tNOnWlVxkbqdI8Qk0fjI_fKeC1xQwaQ6UKqW9_lHuDN1AW8/s1600/Picture+039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNUXZPUJe-4gt0qiIXkjI-dGLjaI2_klt6ni46Km6UCVRk30kG3Tk1kUQPT58-0JGDDdmUXafMsgdc_CT5SR-u13eHdc1tNOnWlVxkbqdI8Qk0fjI_fKeC1xQwaQ6UKqW9_lHuDN1AW8/s320/Picture+039.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><br />
<b>Calories </b>110, <b>Total Fat</b>: 4g, <b>Total Carbs</b>: 19g, <b>Fiber</b>: 3g, <b>Protein </b>2g = <b style="color: red;">3 Points Plus</b> Serving size is one snack bag. I haven't seen a full sized back of the lite kettle corn, nor have I seen snack size versions of the full fat kettle corn, but that could just be my TJ's, it's a relatively small one. This is the perfect snack if you're craving chips or other junk food. The serving is generous as well!</div>Arianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559919624970979030noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122726651403158823.post-64937714641571918522011-12-02T13:10:00.000-08:002011-12-02T13:10:23.900-08:00Sunshiney day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hi friends!<br />
<br />
I am in an unusually good mood today. I believe is a combinations of reasons:<br />
<br />
1. It's absolutely gorgeous outside. Sunny, blue skies, crisp and chilly!<br />
2. I'm wearing my new Ray-Ban geek-chic glasses I got yesterday at LensCrafters (only took an hour!?!) and I absolutely LOVE them.<br />
3. Also wearing my new City Chic skinny jeans that I picked up for a DOLLAR, and they make my ass look fantastic!<br />
4. My boyfriend is coming over tonight for a romantic homecooked meal and a movie - we both crush on Leo DiCaprio so we're going to see J. Edgar!<br />
5. I lost this week, so after a little Thanksgiving gain I'm only 1 pound away from where I was. Also, only 1.4lbs away from reaching my first big goal - 10% body weight lost!<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Last week's weight:</b> 206.6</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>This week's weight:</b> 205.2</div><div style="text-align: center;">-1.4lbs for <b>21.2 total</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I made some really tasty recipes this week, supplemented with some good frozen stuff from Trader Joe's those days I didn't have a premade lunch.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">First up: this is a tweaked version of <a href="http://skinnytaste.com/">Skinnytaste</a>'s <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/06/cilantro-chicken-salad.html">Cilantro Chicken Salad</a>. First of all, I had an entire rotisserie chicken sitting in the fridge so I used that instead of cooking fresh breasts. I'm not a huge fan of cilantro so I subbed in dill, and I also didn't have light mayo so I used less regular and left out the chicken broth. I like my deli salads on the drier side so it worked out perfectly for me. I LOVE this chicken salad, and I'm usually very picky with mine! To take it up even a notch further, I'm planning to add some celery next time to give it some fantastic crunch! My tweaked recipe is below - click <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/06/cilantro-chicken-salad.html">here</a> for the original.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52096628@N02/6443124601/" title="Picture 036 by Fatale Fashion, on Flickr"><img alt="Picture 036" height="299" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6443124601_13c00809ff.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">14oz rotisserie chicken, shredded/chopped</div><div style="text-align: left;">3 Tbsp mayo</div><div style="text-align: left;">3 scallions, chopped</div><div style="text-align: left;">Juice of half a lemon</div><div style="text-align: left;">4 Tbsp chopped dill, more or less to taste</div><div style="text-align: left;">salt, pepper, cumin, garlic powder, and chile powder to taste</div><div style="text-align: left;">Makes 4 servings, 6 Points Plus each. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Next is another spin on a Skinnytaste recipe. Her beet salad also called for cilantro, and more mayo than I'd like. I halved the mayo, replaced the cilantro with dill again, and added a sprinkle of sugar to sweeten the beets and vinegar for some tanginess.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52096628@N02/6443124955/" title="Picture 037 by Fatale Fashion, on Flickr"><img alt="Picture 037" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6443124955_0d20f8d724.jpg" width="299" /></a></div><br />
2 cans of sliced beets<br />
1 Tbsp mayo<br />
1 Tbsp fat free sour cream</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">3 Tbsp dill<br />
1/2 small onion, sliced thin<br />
1/2 Tbsp sugar <br />
1 Tbsp vinegar<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
3 servings, 1 Point Plus each <br />
<br />
Both recipes can be lightened further - just use low fat or fat free mayo, and poach chicken breasts instead of using rotisserie chicken for the chicken salad :)<br />
<br />
One lunch I had two servings (so 4 pieces) of <a href="http://www.traderjoes.com/fearless-flyer/article.asp?article_id=332">Spicy Shrimp Bao</a> from Trader Joes, they're only 3 points for 2 and quite delicious!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52096628@N02/6443124179/" title="Picture 035 by Fatale Fashion, on Flickr"><img alt="Picture 035" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6443124179_55e9ca3ae7.jpg" width="299" /></a></div></div></div><br />
Another night's dinner was Trader Joe's <a href="http://fatsecret.com/calories-nutrition/trader-joes/pork-gyoza-potstickers">Pork Gyoza Pot Stickers</a> - 1 Point each, with a crap load of steamed broccoli with a little soy and ponzu sauces :)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52096628@N02/6443123763/" title="Picture 034 by Fatale Fashion, on Flickr"><img alt="Picture 034" height="299" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6443123763_9b1540d238.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div>Arianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559919624970979030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122726651403158823.post-40561376642266029602011-11-30T07:02:00.000-08:002011-11-30T07:02:54.947-08:00The Thanksgiving bloat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Well. It has definitely been a tough week or so. I know I'm not the only Weight Watcher who stepped on the scale this week a bit heftier.<br />
<br />
Friday morning after Thanksgiving I stepped on the scale and saw a gain of 2.4lbs. Not at all surprised of course. I wish I could say that after that I behaved myself foodwise for the rest of the weekend, but of course that wasn't the case. Crap food and alcohol prevailed, and I'm sure I must have put on another 2 pounds at least. Monday morning rolled around and I went back on track - until night time that is.<br />
<br />
I've been realizing in the last few days that I've started to revert back to old habits of nighttime munching, a habit I thought I broke once I really got into the WW groove. But the last few nights I've found myself heading downstairs for a snack late at night. I know it's bad, but I can't stop myself! I feel like I'm lacking the motivation and self control that I had for a few months there, and its something I desperately need and want back. I feel like I've been subconsciously giving up a bit over the holiday season so far, I'm sort of in the mentality that gaining is inevitable and it's hard to be strict with food in that mindset. I'm trying really hard to get back to my better eating habits! Any tips for curbing those urges?<br />
<br />
I <i>am </i>happy that I managed to get back to the gym for the first time in a few weeks on Monday. I did three miles on the elliptical and felt really good. I'm going to try to do another 3 miles after work today, and then bashfully show my face in back in Body Pump on Thursday. Hopefully I won't have gained anymore than I already did by weigh in on Friday.<br />
<br />
How have you been doing with food over the holidays?</div>Arianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559919624970979030noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122726651403158823.post-53066983751754778092011-11-21T09:08:00.000-08:002011-11-21T09:08:53.067-08:00Woops<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Woops, behind schedule once again!<br />
<br />
Long story short, I gained .2lbs last week. Not a big deal, I'll just have to be more careful this week.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, this week also means THANKSGIVING.<br />
<br />
Is it possibly to stay the same/lose weight over the week of Thanksgiving do you think? I am bringing a few dishes I'll be cooking from <a href="http://skinnytaste.com/">Skinnytaste</a> to try to keep it low fat, but I'm not very optimistic.<br />
<br />
Wish me luck this week! And good luck to you all as well!</div>Arianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559919624970979030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122726651403158823.post-1676207551780767212011-11-11T06:22:00.000-08:002011-11-11T06:22:57.343-08:00Relief!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Another good week for me! I have to say I let out a sigh of relief this morning when I stepped on the scale. It's that time of the month and I was feeling super crampy and bloated, and I thought for sure it was going to be a repeat of <a href="http://laborofloss.blogspot.com/2011/10/its-funny.html">last month</a>. Not so!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Last week's weight: <b>206.6 lbs</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">This week's weight: <b>204 lbs</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>-2.6 lbs</b> for a total loss of <b>22.4 lbs</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I feel a bit guilty because I haven't been working out at all lately. I go through phases of working out 4-5 times a week to not working out at all. I know I'll pick up again eventually but for now I'm savoring this break from the gym, and really thankful that the scale is still moving downwards. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I was explaining to my boyfriend the other day just how much my eating habits have changed over the last few months of being on Weight Watchers. The difference between what I used to eat, and how much, and what I eat now is like night and day. For example:<br />
<br />
<b>Before:</b><br />
Breakfast: Coffee and a toasted everything bagel with low-fat cream cheese from Dunkin' Donuts<br />
Lunch: A sandwhich of some sort, usually turkey, cheese, bacon, tomato, lettuce, cranberry mayo on foccacia, with either a bag of chips or pickles, or a cookie; or chinese take out, or some other fatty food.<br />
Dinner: A hefty helping of whatever my parents made.<br />
Plus after work snacks/dessert - whatever was in the house/vending machine really.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Now:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Breakfast: A breakfast sandwhich of some sort; either an egg with WW cheese, or egg whites, or some sort of small veggie omelette on low carb TJ's bread. Coffee from Dunkin' with Splenda and milk.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Snacks for the day: Some fruit, today I have a banana, two clementines and some blackberries. Also some savory snacks, today I have <a href="http://obsbite.blogspot.com/2011/10/trader-joes-latest-crispy-seaweed.html">wasabi roasted seaweed</a> from TJ (freakin delish, btw), a container of cherry tomatoes and two light Babybel cheeses.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Lunch: Usually, leftovers from last night's Skinnytaste dinner. Today it's Skinnytaste <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCMQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skinnytaste.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fturkey-chili-taco-soup.html&ei=gC29Tsm1POX40gHrk4mrBA&usg=AFQjCNHB7r8daQCHRI9Ul2nkVXAOSFzP6g&sig2=V0J7vZKqP32xyy_6efPHcA">Turkey Chili</a> with a tbsp of light sour cream and 1/4 cup light shredded cheese from TJ's.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Afterwork: more fruit or veggies or a babybel cheese - basically, something light and low in points</div><div style="text-align: left;">Dinner: Whatever I decide to make off Skinnytaste that night. My parents rarely cook anymore!</div><div style="text-align: left;">Dessert: more fruit, maybe an apple with a tbsp of peanut butter, or maybe a Weight watchers fudgebar</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">What I've found is that I acutally eat <i>more</i> now that I'm Weight Watchers, but the quality of what I'm eating is eight million times better than before. I used to have my bagel in the morning and by the time lunch rolled around I was starving, and wouldn't think twice about that very large (and delicious) sandwich. Now my snacks hold me over so a small lunch is just fine by me.<br />
<br />
Have you drastically changed your diet trying to lose weight? Or do you eat the same but just in a lesser amount? </div></div>Arianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559919624970979030noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122726651403158823.post-20427277491738277732011-11-07T06:55:00.000-08:002011-11-07T06:55:23.235-08:00Back on track<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I've not been doing to well updating on Fridays on weigh in day, have I? Gotta work on that...<br />
<br />
Despite the temptation of Halloween candy lying around (I won't say I didn't snag a few snack sized Snickers!), I did pretty well this week! <br />
<br />
Last week's weight: 208 lbs<br />
This week's weight: 206.6 lbs<br />
<br />
So I'm pretty much back on track. Last week was a mess with no power and no way to cook my dinners or prepare my lunches. This week is a fresh start, and I'm going to take the opportunity to try out my new crock pot! I'm thinking <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/10/crock-pot-asian-pork-with-mushrooms.html#more">this</a> recipe, or maybe <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/06/crock-pot-kalua-pork.html#more">this</a> one...<br />
<br />
My boyfriend has been super supportive of my weightloss journey thus far and is so obliging and understanding about my fanaticism of cooking from <a href="http://skinnytaste.com/">Skinnytaste</a> (the recipes are so good that he hardly has reason to complain!), and making sure he measures all the ingredients according to the recipe when we cook together or when he cooks for me (which he usually will do every Friday while I drive out to see him after work - what a peach!). I spent the whole weekend with him in Brooklyn and we tried out two new recipes from Skinnytaste with delicious results - Friday night we had <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/04/carne-bistec-colombian-steak-with.html">Carne Bistec</a> over multigrain rice, and Saturday we whipped up some <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/05/grilled-chicken-bruschetta.html">Bruschetta Chicken</a> with a side of my favorite <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2009/10/sauteed-brussels-sprouts.html">Sauteed Brussel Sprouts</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4nI-cVoqNe0487V4ZvSfzrNZvWFWKew8cVtGOZntk6v5GjXZorl9UG7Z6tJqQ9QCbXcXxREDvzm4VmDYUhyphenhyphenHM8jq-eU6nF7XehM9nnA1oFWB3Z2NVdLsuRmSo40QgQzX3wv-0Xf_Wvso/s1600/Picture+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4nI-cVoqNe0487V4ZvSfzrNZvWFWKew8cVtGOZntk6v5GjXZorl9UG7Z6tJqQ9QCbXcXxREDvzm4VmDYUhyphenhyphenHM8jq-eU6nF7XehM9nnA1oFWB3Z2NVdLsuRmSo40QgQzX3wv-0Xf_Wvso/s400/Picture+017.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Delicious! It was his first time trying brussel sprouts since childhood and they were a hit!</div>Arianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559919624970979030noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122726651403158823.post-58195419900446297882011-10-31T20:31:00.000-07:002011-10-31T20:31:46.760-07:00Quickie<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Just wanted to pop in super quick and post my weigh in from Friday - I'm a little behind!<div><br />
</div><div>I'm having trouble getting back into the groove - I gained 2 lbs this week, going from 206 to 208. I know why of course, a night of heaving drinking followed by hangover munchies - and unfortunately the same happened again this past weekend. I can't even get to the gym as the power is out in my whole town because of this freak snow storm we had. I'm just going to have to do the best I can foodwise this week, and drinking is definitely a no no for me this weekend. If I gain again, it will suck, but at least I know why and I can work to get back into my better habits.</div><div><br />
</div><div>New recipe coming soon, stay tuned, and wish me luck this week :)</div></div>Arianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559919624970979030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122726651403158823.post-77602857385310501092011-10-24T10:08:00.000-07:002011-10-24T10:08:49.556-07:00Mmm, curry...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I damn near died when I saw this super simple and quick recipe for a thai shrimp curry on <a href="http://skinnytaste.com/">Skinnytaste</a> last week and I knew it needed to be made STAT. At a measly 3 points for a fourth of the recipe (a quarter pound of shrimp! Plus tons of curry sauce) there's no guilt for having a nice sized serving of rice to sop up that curry goodness :) The smell coming off your pan while you cook this will have you salivating til the first bite!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/10/thai-green-coconut-curry-shrimp-with.html"><b>Thai Green Curry Coconut Shrimp with Basil</b></a><br />
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Skinnytaste.com</span></i><br />
<b>Servings:</b> 4 • <b>Size:</b> 1/4th of shrimp + sauce • <b>Old Points:</b> 3 pts • <b>Points+:</b> 3 pts<br />
<b>Calories:</b> 134.1 • <b>Fat:</b> 4.4 g • <b>Protein: </b>18.5 g • <b>Carb:</b> 4.4 g • <b>Fiber:</b> 1 g •<b> Sugar:</b> 1.8<br />
<b>Sodium:</b> 501.2 (without salt)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJKufSPhRYI7HqkmgG4OEQtffpMFqEYNXchwZsLMjozOC2GwuDc8eDPfuoVM6s4zjxzVdG0O1JFtFWOPo6ohMHJR2l_DjqZ2WFBFZs-sYnJW3q-I3h5gZcLXeqMCrxxgdMmg9WDyHEak/s1600/Picture+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJKufSPhRYI7HqkmgG4OEQtffpMFqEYNXchwZsLMjozOC2GwuDc8eDPfuoVM6s4zjxzVdG0O1JFtFWOPo6ohMHJR2l_DjqZ2WFBFZs-sYnJW3q-I3h5gZcLXeqMCrxxgdMmg9WDyHEak/s400/Picture+016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Ingredients: <br />
<br />
<ul><li>1 tsp oil</li>
<li>4 small scallions, whites and greens separated, chopped</li>
<li>1 tbsp Thai green curry paste (or more to taste) (Thai Kitchen makes a great one)</li>
<li>2 cloves garlic, minced</li>
<li>1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (from 1 1/4 lbs unpeeled)</li>
<li>6 oz light coconut milk</li>
<li>2 tsp Thai fish sauce </li>
<li>2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped</li>
<li>salt to taste</li>
</ul>In a large nonstick skillet or wok, <b>heat </b>oil on medium-high flame. <b>Add</b> scallion whites and green curry paste;<b> sauté </b>one minute. <b>Add </b>shrimp and garlic, <b>season</b> with salt and <b>cook </b>about 2-3 minutes. <b>Add </b>coconut milk, fish sauce and mix well; <b>simmer</b> about 2-3 minutes, or until shrimp is cooked through. <b>Remove</b> from heat, <b>mix</b> in scallion greens and basil.<br />
<br />
I served my curry over basmati rice (4 pp for a half cup), and made an extra batch of just the curry sauce (simply followed the directions but omitting the shrimp) to toss my green beans in (1 extra pp). A little bit of tomato, onion and basil salad rounded out a delicious meal :) <br />
</div>Arianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559919624970979030noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122726651403158823.post-19985574683003753122011-10-21T10:43:00.000-07:002011-10-21T10:43:47.431-07:00Bizarre.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">My body is official bizarre.<br />
<br />
Last week I was on the emotional edge because of gaining six pounds in seven days. Ridiculous, I know! Granted I about to start my monthly gift and definitely indulged during a weekend away.<br />
<br />
It was a blessing and a curse - though I was upset about it all week (just ask my boyfriend), the big gain also prompted me to be super careful about my eating, though I didn't work out at all (because of said period).<br />
<br />
Needless to say my jaw hit the FLOOR when I saw the scale this morning. Let's take a look at the numbers shall we?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Before the big gain: </b></div><div style="text-align: center;">207.8 lbs</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Last week: </b></div><div style="text-align: center;">213.8 lbs (+6 lbs)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>This week: </b></div><div style="text-align: center;">206 lbs (-7.8 lbs!!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Down 7.8 lbs in a week?! I don't know <i>what</i> was going on in this body last week. In past few months I've never noticed that much of a fluctuation in my weight because of my period before, but maybe I just never happened to catch it before and always weighed in right before or right after.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Or maybe my scale was just messed up last week. Who knows!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm just SO relieved and happy. I'm back on track, and guess what? I've finally hit another goal! Officially down 20.4 lbs!!</div></div>Arianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559919624970979030noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7122726651403158823.post-75808169649748113892011-10-19T09:20:00.000-07:002011-10-19T09:18:26.637-07:00Chicken Pot Pie<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">It's been a pretty productive week as far as cooking goes! First, my delicious fish tacos, and now chicken pot pie!<br />
<br />
Doesn't sound very Weight Watchers friendly, I know, but I <i>of course</i> turned to <a href="http://skinnytaste.com/">Skinnytaste</a> for a light recipe, and this turned into a hot, satisfying, comforting meal, perfect for a chilly day! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/01/chicken-pot-pie-soup.html"><b>Chicken Pot Pie Soup</b></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Servings:</span> 9 • <span style="font-weight: bold;">Serving Size:</span> 1 cup <span style="font-family: webdings;">•</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Old Points:</span> 3 pt <span style="font-family: webdings;">•</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Points+:</span> 4 pts (without crust)<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Calories:</span> 169.2 • <b>Fat</b><span style="font-weight: bold;">:</span> 1.2 g <span style="font-family: webdings;">•</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Protein:</span> 18.5 g <span style="font-family: webdings;">•</span> <b>Carb</b><span style="font-weight: bold;">:</span> 21.2 g <span style="font-family: webdings;">•</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Fiber:</span> 2.3 g</span><br />
OR<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Servings:</span> 6 • <span style="font-weight: bold;">Serving Size:</span> 1 bowl (1-1/2 cups) • <span style="font-weight: bold;">Old Points:</span> 5 pt • <span style="font-weight: bold;">Points+:</span> 6 pts (without crust)<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Calories:</span> 253.8 • <b>Fat</b><span style="font-weight: bold;">:</span> 1.8 g • <span style="font-weight: bold;">Protein:</span> 27.7 g • <b>Carb</b><span style="font-weight: bold;">:</span> 31.9 g • <span style="font-weight: bold;">Fiber:</span> 3.4 g</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFMpjssiJF8O8_Jwl90OAVYFIBVV8YA3hXucnU4jKqdlVRYm3FlBEnbINtRm6y-tzhKxFVERWYehphccTFpatEuiVuN5zQEf5W3P6braIJIFt8QTvQK7zvnuOONT-o98cZUO94SJJbKs/s1600/Picture+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFMpjssiJF8O8_Jwl90OAVYFIBVV8YA3hXucnU4jKqdlVRYm3FlBEnbINtRm6y-tzhKxFVERWYehphccTFpatEuiVuN5zQEf5W3P6braIJIFt8QTvQK7zvnuOONT-o98cZUO94SJJbKs/s400/Picture+015.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><ul><li>1/4 cup flour (to make gluten-free use 2 tbsp cornstarch instead)</li>
<li>2 cups water </li>
<li>4 cups fat free milk</li>
<li>1 large celery stalk, chopped</li>
<li>1/2 medium chopped onion</li>
<li>8 oz sliced baby portabella mushrooms </li>
<li>2 chicken bouillons </li>
<li>fresh ground pepper<br />
</li>
<li>pinch of thyme</li>
<li>10 oz frozen classic mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, green beans, corn)</li>
<li>2 potatoes, peeled and cubed small</li>
<li>16 oz cooked chicken breast, diced small</li>
<li>salt</li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;">9-12 PillsburyReduced Fat Crescents (3pp each), depending on your bowl size/preference*</span></span></li>
</ul><b>Create a slurry</b> by combining 1/2 cup of the cold water with flour in a medium bowl and whisk until well blended. Set aside.<br />
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<b>P</b><b>our</b> remaining water and milk into a large pot and slowly bring to a boil. <b>Add</b> celery, onion, mushrooms, chicken bullion, thyme, fresh pepper, frozen vegetables and return to a boil. <b>Partially cover</b> and <b>simmer</b> on low until vegetables are soft, about 20 minutes. <b>Remove</b> lid, <b>add</b> potatoes and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. <b>Add</b> chicken, and slowly <b>whisk in</b> slurry, stirring well as you add. <b>Cook</b> another 2-3 minutes, until soup thickens, adjust salt and pepper to taste.<br />
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<span style="color: red;">*My optional addition:</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">As I had some extra points today, I decided to treat myself and add a delicious crust to make this as true to a real pot pie as possible. As I was serving the bowl size, I used two crescents (3pp each) per bowl. Preheat oven to 375. Unroll the crescents, stretch as much as possible without tearing, and drape them over your oven safe bowl of soup. Trim extra dough and cover and open spots. Bake for 11-13 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy!</span> </span></div>Arianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559919624970979030noreply@blogger.com0