I spent the day today at the MN State Fair with my brother's family, which includes my 3-year-old and twin 6-month-old nephews. I was so good. My splurge of the day was a small bowl of one of the new fair foods of the year - bacon ice cream. I had one cheese curd - bummed from my brother - and 2 deep fried pickle chips - bummed one each from my sister-in-law and brother. And a Coke Zero Cherry. That's it. Considering all of the demons beckoning me, I did amazing. I didn't need to eat to have fun - or stay busy. :) It was a very fun day.
Can you tell that I'm downright determined to have a good week?
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Pork Tenderloin
Sweet & Spicy Pork Tenderloin
1/2 tsp ground cumin1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/8 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp ground chipotle chile pepper
1 pork tenderloin (1 1/4 pounds)
1 tsp EVOO
2 tsp honey
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 1/2 tsp hot pepper sauce
Preheat the oven to 350. Lightly mist a small roasting pan or oven-proof skillet with olive oil spray. Set aside.
In a small bowl, combine the spices. Rub the pork evenly with the olive oil. Then rub evenly with the spice mixture until coated. Cover loosely with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the honey, garlic, and hot pepper sauce. Whisk to mix. Set aside.
Set a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until it is hot enough for a spritz of water to sizzle on it. With an oven mitt, briefly remove the pan from the heat to lightly mist with olive oil spray. Place the pork in the pan. Cook for 1 minute per side, or until browned on all sides. Transfer to the prepared pan. With a basting brush, evenly coat the pork with the reserved honey mixture.
Roast the tenderloin in the oven for 16 to 18 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted in the center reaches 160 degrees and the juices run clear. Remove from the oven. Cover the pork loosely with aluminum foil. Let stand for 10 minutes. Transfer the pork to a cutting board. Cut into thin slices. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings.
Recipe credit: "The Biggest Loser Cookbook" (2006)
My personal review: WOW. This was the best recipe I've had out of this book yet! It was the perfect combination of sweet and spicy. You could put more tobasco and chipotle in for more spiciness. Where it at was perfect for me - made my tongue tingle. :) I didn't have allspice, so I omitted that - couldn't tell any difference. I marinated for a couple hours in the fridge. 16-18 minutes wasn't long enough to roast it - I had it in for a 1/2 hour at least before it was done. Definitely making this again!
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
The Great Minnesota Get-Together
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| Me, sporting a sexy fish hat at the 2011 fair. |
Each year, for a 12-day run at the end of August, going through Labor Day: it's the "Great Minnesota Get-Together" (AKA the Minnesota State Fair). I think I've missed the fair only once or twice in the 13 years that I've lived in the Twin Cities. There are so many things to do and see. Hands down, the people-watching is the best part, of course.
There is an amazing selection of food choices. And every year, there's some new schtick that some vendor deep-fries and puts on a stick. Today's WW meeting gave quite the eye opener to how bad typical foods at the fair really are. Here's a list of some of the items - along with the WW+ point values. (Just a fair warning. You may want to stop reading here.)
- The state fair staple - the corn dog/pronto pup. Just one will put you back 8 points. Not so bad, right?
- A caramel apple without nuts is 8 points. Again, not too shabby. Oh, it gets worse...
- Thinking about heading to the dairy barn for that strawberry milkshake? It's 16 points for 16 oz. Yikes.
- Funnel Cake - 20-26 points, depending on what topping you choose.
- Sweet Martha's Cookies. One cookie is 3 points. I guess I'm thankful I'm not a sweets person.
- Unfortunately, I am a salt person. My favorite snack at the fair: deep-fried cheese curds. I always go to the same place - the mouse trap on the main drag, only a couple blocks away from the main entrance. Drumroll, please? 4 points. Per curd. Good Lord...
- Do you typically enjoy the bucket of French Fries? 100 points, folks.
- Mini Donuts. Again, I typically get an order of these, because they're oh-so-good. 26 points for that little baggie. /sighs
There were a few options that were highlighted as well:
- Pickle on a stick. I actually get this every year. I love me some pickles. 0 points, my friends!
- Dole Whip - 1/2 cup - 2-3 points.
- Corn on the Cob - minus the butter - 2 points. Add that butter? Goes up to 7 points.
- Frozen chocolate-covered banana - 3 points.
Have a fun time at the fair, kids!
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Up and down the rollercoaster.
It's been up and down lately, both on a physical and emotional spectrum.
I've been hovering around the same weight now for the past few weeks, with not a lot of progress in the right direction. I feel like I've hit a deep rut and I don't know exactly how to get out of it. I feel as if my body is adjusting to the plan and the change in eating habits, but not necessarily in the right way. What's weird is that my clothes are literally falling off, but I'm not seeing that adjustment on the scale at all. I've had to buy some new pants in the last few weeks so that I'm not going with the "pants on the ground" type of attire to work. To me, that's a success. But, it's hard to celebrate when I don't see it in the numbers. Tomorrow's going to be another flat-line weigh-in. I've been monitoring things at home, and since I'm right in the middle of the "lovely time" right now - aka Jess' 10-12 days of hell - I always gain about 3-5 pounds just during this time alone. This, my friends, is not encouraging.
Emotionally, I haven't been all that stable either. I've been in my "new" job now for 3 months - I hit that milestone a week from today. It's hard to say that I'm contributing much after this short of time. And, though I wasn't a huge social butterfly in my old job, I'm yearning for some sort of work relationship here. It's hard to find that in this office. We're only 12 people strong here. On the predictive modeling team, I'm the lone woman of 4 (if you include my direct supervisor). I think they're still trying to feel out my personality, as am I with them. I'm more of a guy than a girl as far as personality goes, and have always gotten along better with the guys. So, why is this so hard?
I know I need to give both of these area more time and more patience. I'm not a very patient person, unfortunately.
I've been hovering around the same weight now for the past few weeks, with not a lot of progress in the right direction. I feel like I've hit a deep rut and I don't know exactly how to get out of it. I feel as if my body is adjusting to the plan and the change in eating habits, but not necessarily in the right way. What's weird is that my clothes are literally falling off, but I'm not seeing that adjustment on the scale at all. I've had to buy some new pants in the last few weeks so that I'm not going with the "pants on the ground" type of attire to work. To me, that's a success. But, it's hard to celebrate when I don't see it in the numbers. Tomorrow's going to be another flat-line weigh-in. I've been monitoring things at home, and since I'm right in the middle of the "lovely time" right now - aka Jess' 10-12 days of hell - I always gain about 3-5 pounds just during this time alone. This, my friends, is not encouraging.
Emotionally, I haven't been all that stable either. I've been in my "new" job now for 3 months - I hit that milestone a week from today. It's hard to say that I'm contributing much after this short of time. And, though I wasn't a huge social butterfly in my old job, I'm yearning for some sort of work relationship here. It's hard to find that in this office. We're only 12 people strong here. On the predictive modeling team, I'm the lone woman of 4 (if you include my direct supervisor). I think they're still trying to feel out my personality, as am I with them. I'm more of a guy than a girl as far as personality goes, and have always gotten along better with the guys. So, why is this so hard?
I know I need to give both of these area more time and more patience. I'm not a very patient person, unfortunately.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Recipe: Garden Fresh Herb Sauce
Another good recipe! It involved me grilling, which is never a good idea. The fire department should always be on high alert when I turn a grill on. I started my parents' grill on fire several years ago, and I will never live it down. Again, this goes back to my brother gaining all of the culinary skill in my family.
I also got to use my food processor for the first time. I received it as a 'tenure' gift with Carlson - um, yeah, in like, 2008. Oops. Well, it's officially used now! :)
Garden Fresh Herb Sauce
4 cups fresh, loosely packed cilantro, stems removed
3 cups fresh, loosely packed parsley, stems removed
1 garlic clove, peeled
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
Pulse all ingredients in a food processor, scraping down sides, until the consistency is a wet paste. Add a bit more vinegar if mixture is too dry. Adjust flavor, if necessary, with red pepper flakes and salt. Yields about 2 tbsp per serving, serves 8.
Nutrition Details: 1 WW point per serving.
Recipe credit: Weight Watchers Weekly, August 2012.
My personal review: Delicious. Was a great change to dipping sauces or horseradish as a side garnish for steak. I was worried that it would be bland because of all the herbs. The red pepper flakes gave it a kick - I had added some additional because I like it spicy. I didn't have white wine vinegar, so I used red wine vinegar - worked just fine. I had two servings - for a point each, why not, right? I'd recommend this for any grilled protein - not just steak.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Recipe: Pan-Fried Jerk Salmon with Tangy Apricot Sauce
Pan-Fried Jerk Salmon with Tangy Apricot Sauce
1 1/2 tbsp 100% apricot fruit preserves1 tsp prepared horseradish
Spoon the preserves into a small microwaveable bowl. Microwave on low power in 15 second intervals until hot. Stir in the horseradish. Set aside.
1 tsp jerk seasoning or rub
1 small (1/4 pound) boneless, skinless salmon filet
Rub the seasoning into the salmon to coat all sides. Place a small nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until it is hot enough for a spritz of water to sizzle on it. With an oven mitt, briefly remove the pan from the heat to lightly mist with olive oil spray.
Place the salmon in the pan, smooth side down. Cook for 2 minutes per side. Reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until the salmon is opaque. Transfer to a serving plate. Spoon the reserved sauce over the salmon. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Details: 270 calories, 23g protein, 16g carbs, 12g fat, 67mg cholesterol, trace fiber, 363g sodium. Calculates to 7 WW Plus points.
Recipe Credit: "The Biggest Loser Cookbook" (2006)
My personal review: First time I've cooked salmon! It was absolutely delicious. I did make a double order - since I had plenty of points to spare for the day. The sauce to accompany? I added more like a tbsp instead of a tsp of horseradish, because I love me some horseradish. AMAZING! I could use that sauce on anything - steak, chicken, shrimp...you name it. I'm definitely keeping that in mind for other meals I make.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
"Why bother?"
My weight loss journey thus far can be described in two words: a rollercoaster.
This week - I had a good week again based on my tracking. I even bypassed the burger last night for a spinach salad with balsamic dressing. AND I avoided the fried foods at the Twins game on Monday and instead brought a serving of pretzels to eat while my friends nushed on the delicious stuff.
After all that...I gained a pound. Really?
These are the times when I think, "why bother?" because when I try, it doesn't seem to pay off on the scale.
Today, one of the Wednesday noon meeting regulars had a big milestone: a 50 pound weight loss. She said it took her about a year to get there. When we have things to celebrate at a meeting, everyone claps to applaud their accomplishment. As much as I was so happy for her - because it's a massive accomplishment, it just made me feel more deflated.
To make matters worse, my partner-in-crime has gone MIA. The last two weeks she hasn't made it to the meeting. In the 10 weeks we've been on WW, she's missed 4. We joined together as a way to stick to the plan together and keep each other motivated. Without her there, it's much tougher for me to stay motivated.
A weigh in brings a new week with a clean slate. I guess we'll try this again...
This week - I had a good week again based on my tracking. I even bypassed the burger last night for a spinach salad with balsamic dressing. AND I avoided the fried foods at the Twins game on Monday and instead brought a serving of pretzels to eat while my friends nushed on the delicious stuff.
After all that...I gained a pound. Really?
These are the times when I think, "why bother?" because when I try, it doesn't seem to pay off on the scale.
Today, one of the Wednesday noon meeting regulars had a big milestone: a 50 pound weight loss. She said it took her about a year to get there. When we have things to celebrate at a meeting, everyone claps to applaud their accomplishment. As much as I was so happy for her - because it's a massive accomplishment, it just made me feel more deflated.
To make matters worse, my partner-in-crime has gone MIA. The last two weeks she hasn't made it to the meeting. In the 10 weeks we've been on WW, she's missed 4. We joined together as a way to stick to the plan together and keep each other motivated. Without her there, it's much tougher for me to stay motivated.
A weigh in brings a new week with a clean slate. I guess we'll try this again...
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Recipe: Greek God(dess) Salad
Greek God(dess) Salad
3 tbsp mined fresh parsley leaves4 pitted kalamata olives, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
4 to 5 tbsp fresh lemon juice (preferably fresh squeezed)
In a serving bowl, combined the parsley, olives and garlic. Whisk in the lemon juice. Put aside.
1/2 medium cucumber, seeded and chopped
1/2 medium red or orange bell pepper, chopped
1 medium tomato, seeded and chopped
1/3 c finely chopped red onion
1 oz (heaping 1/4 cupe) crumbled reduced fat feta cheese
1 small (4 oz) grilled chicken breast (optional)
Add the cucumber, bell pepper, tomato, onion and 3 tbsp of the cheese. Toss to coat the ingredients with the dressing. Taste and add up to 1 tbsp more lemon juice, if desired. Scatter the chicken over the salad, if desired. Top with the remaining cheese. Makes 2 servings.
Nutrition Details: 106 calories, 5g protein, 15g carbs, 4g fat (if use fat free Feta, only 1g fat), 5mg cholesterol, 3g fiber, 315g sodium. Calculates to 3 WW Plus points.
Recipe Credit: "The Biggest Loser Cookbook" (2006)
Grocery Shopping and My Weekly Food Prep Day
Sunday has turned into my food prep day. I typically come up with the
week's food menu, which helps me stay away from picking up the phone and
ordering out. I've done extremely well with that since I started on
WW. I've yet to call Pizza Hut, Papa John's or Dominoes as my dinner as I've been on the plan.
Considering I was doing that at least once a week before, that's definitely a huge
shift in my diet. I usually will sit down and look through my cookbooks
where I've ear-marked things to try and write down the ingredients for
the items I need to buy. I make a list of my 'To Make' items on my
refrigerator's white board and make sure that I know what my options are
for the week's dinners. I then get together all of the coupons I need
for said items. Then I grocery shop.
Grocery shopping is my most hated chore. Like my mom says, I'd rather clean toilets than grocery shop. So true. Why? Well, let's see - here's a few reasons off the top of my head:
No matter how good I feel my list is, I always manage to forget something.
Dealing with the inconsiderate d-bags that are on their phone, leave their cart in the middle of the aisle and have no concern for anyone else around them.
People working the checkout who have no idea how to bag items properly. (Luckily today, I had a complete rockstar.)
Most of all: the temptations. I have to make sure that I go shopping on a full stomach. I then don't feel the impulse of eating everything in site.
Today, I went on an empty stomach. For the most part, I was good. However, I got two items from the most hated aisle and not on my list. Though, I selected those items by scanning them with the WW app that determines point values per servings.
Grocery shopping is my most hated chore. Like my mom says, I'd rather clean toilets than grocery shop. So true. Why? Well, let's see - here's a few reasons off the top of my head:
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| My most hated aisle at the grocery store: the 'chip' aisle. |
Dealing with the inconsiderate d-bags that are on their phone, leave their cart in the middle of the aisle and have no concern for anyone else around them.
People working the checkout who have no idea how to bag items properly. (Luckily today, I had a complete rockstar.)
Most of all: the temptations. I have to make sure that I go shopping on a full stomach. I then don't feel the impulse of eating everything in site.
Today, I went on an empty stomach. For the most part, I was good. However, I got two items from the most hated aisle and not on my list. Though, I selected those items by scanning them with the WW app that determines point values per servings.
- Stacy's Pita Chips - Naked, Nothing But Salt - 4 WW points
- Archer Farms Sea Salt & Vinegar Baked Potato Chips - 3 WW points
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Recipe Sharing
Today's WW meeting was a good one: members brought recipes to share with the group that were friendly to the plan. There were some fantastic ones that I know I will be trying out. Here are some samples:
I had a 1.2 pound weight loss over the course of the week. Again, not really ground-breaking numbers to share. But it's a loss. I need to be happy that the needle is moving in the right direction. I just *feel* better - physically, mentally and emotionally. That, itself, is a success.
- Parmed-Up Broiled Tilapia (http://www.hungry-girl.com/weighin/printable-recipe/333) - 4 WW+ points
- Coconut Cream Pie (http://www.hungry-girl.com/newsletters/raw/1572) - 4 WW+ points per slice
- Chicken w/Apples and Cider (http://www.mealsmatter.org/recipes-meals/recipe/42020) - 9 WW+ points per serving
- Parmesan Turkey Meatloaf (http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=1598573) - 5 WW+ points per serving
- Tex Mex Bean Salad (http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/RecipePage.aspx?recipeId=131941) - 9 WW+ points per serving
- Grilled Flank Steak with Corn, Bean and Avocado Salad (http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/RecipePage.aspx?recipeid=133381) - 7 WW+ points per serving
- Chile-Rubbed Chicken with Fresh Pineapple Salsa (http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/RecipePage.aspx?recipeid=213151) - 5 WW+ points per serving
- Spiced Honey Almonds (http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/RecipePage.aspx?recipeid=125781) - 3 WW+ points per serving
I had a 1.2 pound weight loss over the course of the week. Again, not really ground-breaking numbers to share. But it's a loss. I need to be happy that the needle is moving in the right direction. I just *feel* better - physically, mentally and emotionally. That, itself, is a success.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Article: 5-So-Called Health Foods You Should Avoid
An interesting read:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/5-so-called-health-foods-you-should-avoid/2012/01/31/gIQA6E7vfR_story.html
Targeted official weigh-in is Wednesday. Based on my home scale, I seem to be having a good week, making up (and some) for my bad week last week. I'm also noticing that my clothes are also fitting better as well - my favorite knee-length jean shorts that I go to for golfing were literally falling off yesterday. I'm still holding out to do any shopping until I'm really in trouble as far as too-big clothes go. It's very tempting, especially since I got the golden ticket this weekend: a 30% off coupon at Kohl's.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/5-so-called-health-foods-you-should-avoid/2012/01/31/gIQA6E7vfR_story.html
- I've been into Popchips lately because of the point value and ability to curb my salt-fix. I probably won't cut them out completely, but I will be trying some alternatives that they suggest in the article. There are a few new flavors of Sunchips out there right now - they're all delicious.
- I agree that the 'multigrain' vs. 'whole grain' can be confusing as well. You're not always making the right choice.
- I was on a Vitamin Water kick for awhile, and it was a great thirst quencher for golfing. I'll be sticking with the straight-up water alternative. You can't EVER go wrong with water, after all.
Targeted official weigh-in is Wednesday. Based on my home scale, I seem to be having a good week, making up (and some) for my bad week last week. I'm also noticing that my clothes are also fitting better as well - my favorite knee-length jean shorts that I go to for golfing were literally falling off yesterday. I'm still holding out to do any shopping until I'm really in trouble as far as too-big clothes go. It's very tempting, especially since I got the golden ticket this weekend: a 30% off coupon at Kohl's.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Well...
...I was nervous going into yesterday's weigh in, and apparently it was for good reason. I gained 3 pounds since last Wednesday's weigh in. As my friend Laura said - it was all liquor! I had a great eating weekend - very much on the plan. It was just the drinking that did the empty calorie toll. On Monday, when I was golfing, I could tell I was extremely dehydrated because I drank 5 bottles of water and a gatorade...without having even a minor urge to go to the bathroom. So, it's very possible I was water-weighing it yesterday too.
It's a new week, I guess.
Racking up some activity points this week with golf on Monday, volleyball tonight and golf again on Sunday. Hopefully I can make those pounds back this week.
Also - couple other minor successes - I've made it so far without ordering pizza AND stopping at Taco Bell on the way home from work. I'm not even really craving them either, which is great. Now to somehow get Chipotle on that list. Okay, maybe not. I need to have *one* splurge.
It's a new week, I guess.
Racking up some activity points this week with golf on Monday, volleyball tonight and golf again on Sunday. Hopefully I can make those pounds back this week.
Also - couple other minor successes - I've made it so far without ordering pizza AND stopping at Taco Bell on the way home from work. I'm not even really craving them either, which is great. Now to somehow get Chipotle on that list. Okay, maybe not. I need to have *one* splurge.