What the Heck Happened!

From not doing much last week to this week really never having a minute to spare, what's with that?

Yesterday I finished  my six Weight Watcher meetings for the week, I thoroughly enjoyed the subject this week as we were making smarter salads.  One of the members told me that she would go to McDonalds and order a side salad and then a grilled chicken breast, just a chicken breast  not a sandwich, then cut it up and put it on the salad for a chicken salad.  The portion size was just right for her and the cost was only $3.00, a buck for the salad and 2 bucks for the chicken breast.  What a great idea, I never thought of that.

Friday we went to the zoo with friends and did the usual, feed the giraffes, watch the elephants get their bath and walk around for some activity.  The humidity was up and it was so hot that I found myself needing to drink some water, I went to the concessions to buy some water and because of the conditions they were giving out free ice water.  WOW what a reminder, we might think were doing ok but we really need to stay hydrated, drink plenty of water in these hot summer months.  When we left the zoo we all went to lunch as it was Mycah's birthday, we stopped at Panera Bread and had a good time, next time you go there ask them about their hidden menu.

Support your local zoo

Over the weekend we went to the mall in Springfield, guess who needed to buy some new clothes, ME not Jan.  We got there a little before the stores opened so we walked the mall and when we went past the See's candy store we saw that it was the annual lollypop promotion.  Needless to say we went back when they opened to get some and I'm glad we did, they were $5.00 off a box, had 2 new flavors to try root beer and chocolate caramel and they are only 2 Weight Watchers points per lollypop, what a deal!

After I got some new clothes we went to the movies and saw Red 2, I highly recommend it as it had action, comedy and a great cast. They are refurbishing the movie theater we went to and we were very impressed with the changes. the new seats are extra wide leather recliners, just hold the button down and it reclines and the foot rest comes up, all they need now is waiter service.

Monday was our volunteer day at Horses of Hope, we had a great time as usual, kids were their from Greene County as part of a service project to learn that one person can make a difference and that person could be them.  Horses of Hope provides such incredible services and it is a pleasure to be a part of their volunteer team.

Check out their website, horsesofhope.com

WOW, I'm glad the week is over and this can be a rest day, I only need to do some yard work, mow, edge, trim and finish putting the block around the flower bed, I think I need a nap just thinking about it.

I thought I had maintenance figured out, NOT, I lost 1.4 pounds this week, I'm going to have to increase  my points again and see what happens.  Jan stayed the same this week and was thrilled as it was tough week for her.  I found this great article about artificial sweeteners and I want to share it with you,

Debunking the myths about ‘reduced-fat,’ ‘zero-calorie’ & artificial sweeteners

If the words “fat-free,” “sugar-free” or “zero calories” convince you to purchase and consume certain foods and drinks, listen up. While healthy alternatives always are welcomed, we need to know exactly what we’re putting into our bodies. Sometimes all of the food labels and buzzwords can make healthy eating more complicated than it needs to be.  

Myth: Artificial sweeteners, such as those found in diet sodas, are bad for you and will make you fat.

Fact: Like almost anything, artificial sweeteners aren’t bad for you in moderation. They are beneficial when used in a diabetic or low-calorie diet. Also, contrary to popular belief, there’s been no conclusive research indicating that they cause cancer or brain tumors in humans. But artificial sweeteners, which are significantly sweeter than sugar, mean that those products in which they are used also have other additives, which could be undesirable to some health-conscious people.

Myth: Reduced-fat, low-fat or zero-calorie foods are healthy alternatives.

Fact: Removing the fat from food often means an increase in additives or unhealthy levels of sodium and carbohydrates to compensate for the change of flavor. Sometimes these additives make a low- or reduced-fat food just as bad for you if not more than the regular product. 

Myth: High-fructose corn syrup is worse than sugar or artificial sweeteners.

Fact: High-fructose corn syrup was designed to come as close as possible to replicating sugar, which as far as calories go, it does. As a sugar substitute, it's no better or worse for you than a cube of the real stuff.

The big problem seems to be how much sweeteners are used in everyday diets,

The food find this week is a fun one, pudding in a pouch, enjoy.

Another slow cooker recipe.

Slow Cooker Black Bean and Chicken Tacos

Servings: 4 • Size: 3 tacos • Calories: 313 • Fat: 8 g • Carb: 41 g • Fiber: 8 g • Protein: 22 g •

Ingredients:

·         12 oz raw skinless chicken tenders or breast

·         15 oz can low sodium black beans, drained and rinsed

·         10 oz can tomatoes with mild green chiles (I used Rotel)

·         1 1/8 tsp chili powder

·         3/4 tsp plus 1/8th tsp ground cumin

·         1/4 tsp garlic powder

·         1/4 tsp oregano 

·         1 medium scallion, diced

·         1 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional)

For the Slaw:

·         1 1/3 cups shredded red cabbage

·         1 tsp red wine vinegar (or lime juice)

·         salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Taco:

·         12 crisp corn taco shells

Optional toppings: (not calculated)

·         pico de gallo

·         1 medium haas avocado, sliced

Directions:

Season chicken with pinch of salt, garlic powder, oregano, 1/8 tsp of the chili powder and 1/8th tsp cumin.

Add the beans and tomatoes to the crock pot and season with the remaining chili powder and cumin. Place chicken in the crock pot and cover. Cook on HIGH 2 hours

Meanwhile, combine shredded cabbage with vinegar (add more to taste), season with salt to taste; set aside.

Remove chicken from the crock pot and shred with two forks. Drain beans and transfer to a platter, or back to the crock pot to keep warm. Top with shredded chicken, scallions and cilantro.

To serve, warm the taco shells according to package directions. Fill with equal amounts of bean and chicken mixture. Top with cabbage and your favorite toppings

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