Amish Country

I had no idea that there were so many areas around us that were Amish communities.  A few months ago we went to one that was about 60 miles from us but just recently found out there was a small community called Dunnegan and it is only 20 minutes from us.  We decided to check it out this week and had a great time.  We first stopped at their discount grocery store and found that it was surplus and or damaged packaging, we picked up a couple of items but left the Dove chocolate bars that were only 25 cents each,  Before Weight Watchers I would have bought everyone they had but now it was easy to pass on them.  We then drove down to the bakery, the baked goods all looked so good and we just had to buy something, we found a loaf of sugar free banana bread, it was great.  Next we went to the Country Cafe, they had just reopened for the season and were making donuts and giving them to you as you walked in.  Jan and I shared one as we couldn't pass it up, they also had fresh baked goods and we bought a strawberry angel food cake, yummy.  Our last stop was at a bulk product store were Jan found some rice and a few spices that she had been looking for.  The clerk was a young girl and was talking to a young boy about 12 years old in I think a Dutch/German language.  When we were leaving the store we saw him loading his cart with his purchases to take back home, it was different seeing these carts going down the street.  We had a great adventure and look forward to going again although we did have more bread and cake than we needed so we just froze it for another time.

The young boys cart and horses

We had our weigh in today and I was down .2 for a total of  36.4, Jan was up this week as she didn't feel well all week.  My activity was down this week as I only went to the gym once, I'm now using the ActiveLink and committing to more days in the gym this week and looking forward to see how many activity points I can earn.  One thing that ActiveLink will do is set up a 12 week activity program that should motivate you to accomplish the end goal.  I led a couple of meetings Monday and enjoyed presenting the topic, which was activity.

Not getting enough activity, here are a few suggestions to help get started:

• Chose an activity that you enjoy
• Make sure you have the proper clothing and or equipment
• Monitor your activity ( Pedometer, ActiveLink, Track)
• Schedule it - put it on your calendar
• Join a fitness center
• Buy or rent some DVDs to exercise at home
• Find an exercise buddy
• Make the commitment!

Great works are performed not by strength,

but by perseverance.



This weeks food find is for the real sweet tooth because you usually get a free sample when you buy these.

The recipe can either be an appetizer or a main dish, enjoy.

Crust-less Spinach and Feta Pie

Servings: 6 • Serving Size: 1/6th of pie • Calories: 126 • Fat: 5 g • Protein: 9 g •

Carb: 12 g • Fiber: 3 g  

Ingredients:

• 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and liquid squeezed out
• 1/2 cup scallions, chopped
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup (2.5 oz) reduced fat crumbled feta
• 2 tbsp grated Asiago cheese (or Parmesan, Romano)
• 1/2 cup white whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2/3 cup fat free milk
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• fresh cracked pepper to taste
• cooking spray

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°. Lightly spray a pie dish with cooking spray.
Mix spinach, scallions, dill, parsley, feta cheese, and place in the pie dish.

Sift flour and baking powder in a medium bowl. Add remaining ingredients to the bowl and blend well. Pour into pie dish.

Bake 28 to 33 minutes or until knife comes out clean from the center. Let it stand at least 5 minutes before serving.

Served with a salad, you can turn this into a main dish, or cut it into smaller wedges to serve as an appetizer.   Enjoy this warm or at room temperature.

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What - Snow in April!

I can't believe it, snow flurries and sleet in April.  Where's that warm weather?  I can't wait to wear some shorts.  I'm sure that in a few months I'm going to say, where's the cooler weather, I'm tired of this heat and humidity.

I led my first meeting here today and it went well.  I was subbing for another leader, but wasn't told until yesterday.  I'm looking forward to getting some of my own meetings.  Weigh in was great, I lost 2.6 pounds for a total of 36.2 and getting close to my new goal weight based on the shorter Bob.  Jan also had a great week, she was down 2.4 pounds for a total of 8.2, what success as she was in Phoenix last week playing grandma.

I must say that I'm really enjoying my eTools and mobile app, I haven't used it in a long time and it has really helped me be accountable.  Next I'm going to activate my ActiveLink.  I'll give you a report on that in a few weeks.  Accountability and flexibility, that's what makes Weight Watchers work for me.  I love the activity routine that I've created for myself and like today I made sure that I brought my exercise clothes with me so all I had to do was change and go.  I don't know if I would have gone back out if I had to go home to change.  Planning ahead makes a difference, so if we work on establishing routines, planning ahead, being flexible and staying accountable our weight loss journey should be enjoyable as we witness our success.  It is up to you to make that happen, remember, the best place to find a helping hand is at the end of your own arm.

Last week was Easter and Passover, I hope everyone had a great holiday and appreciated the meaning of them.  From Exodus to Resurection, what more can we ask for!

I want to share this great Easter card with you, it made me laugh.

Lets see the Easter Bunny do that!

Last Saturday I went to the zoo as they had a special program where the animals were given paper-mache eggs filled with hard boiled eggs, ice eggs and watermelon, they really tore them apart.  The only downer for the day was that it rained and rained and rained and the wind blew and it was in the low thirties, needless to say I didn't stay for the whole program.

All of the animals seemed to have a good time

Most of you know that I am a junkie at heart, anything chocolate or just sweet, so the food find this week was right up my alley, Goldfish Fudge Brownie flavor.

Gluten free, that's right I hear that all the time, it seems like more people need to be gluten free these days.  The recipe this week is gluten free although the nutritional information is nothing to write home about.  Remember though that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and if the nutritional value is a little high that it will be worth it.

Apples and Cinnamon Breakfast Quinoa

Servings: 4 • Serving Size: 1 bowl (1/4 of recipe) • Calories: 316 • Fat: 8 g •      Carbs: 53 g • Fiber: 6 g • Protein: 9 g

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dry quinoa, rinsed well
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 tsp cinnamon + more for sprinkling
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup golden raisins
• 1 cup warmed fat-free milk for drizzling (non-dairy milk is fine)
• 1 gala apple, peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup pecans, chopped

Directions:

Combine quinoa, water, cinnamon and vanilla in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and let cook for 15 minutes until quinoa can be fluffed with a fork.

Divide cooked quinoa between four bowls then stir in apple sauce, raisins, and pour in warmed milk. Top with fresh cut apples and pecans and a dash of cinnamon.

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Winter Storm Virgil

Well, winter storm Virgil came ripping through the Ozarks, but not as bad as it did in other parts of the country.  I can't tell you how much snow we got but it has snowed since Thursday, sometimes very heavy and sometimes just light flurries.  The weather was so hot prior to the storm that the first day of snow melted so fast due to the temperature of the ground.  It really hasn't stopped us from doing anything.

One of those heavier snow moments

 

Jan calls this her snow lady, I call it a snow stick person!

On Friday we went to the fairgrounds in Springfield and attended Horse Fest, this is where you can see just about anything that has to do with horses.  There were clinics, demonstrations and vendor booths and we walked all over.  We spent the first few hours helping staff the Horses of Hope booth, that's the organization that we volunteer for.  Being around all of that sure made me miss our horses, I even said to Jan that maybe we should get horses again, but common sense has prevailed and no horses.

Weigh in today went well down 1.4 pounds for a total of 33.6.  Last week I mentioned that I might have to change my goal to do the shrinkage in my height.  Well I haven't heard yet but I might as well lose the ten extra pounds just in case.  Jan didn't go with me today as she is in Phoenix playing Grandma for the week.  However I did start my Weight Watchers training at the meeting today, it really is a no -brainer as you scan everything and it tells you what to write down. It sure is different from what I was used to in Las Vegas.  You should of seen a members face when I called her a loser, then when she thought about it she started laughing like crazy, I think they're going to have to get use to me.

Spring really is just around the corner if not here already for some, so this is a good time to start thinking about spring cleaning.  A couple of thoughts on that, first, a thorough cleaning around the house is a great activity as your moving more and earning some activity points.  keep in mind you don't have to use those activity points just because you earned them but don't be afraid to enjoy them either.  Second, spring cleaning also means your kitchen, not just the walls and floors but also your refrigerator and your cupboard.  No need keeping all of those high point foods just in case, clean them out and then rearrange your fridge and cupboards so that the healthier foods are up front and center eye level.  Believe me it will help you make better choices and in turn better results on the scale.

Remember if at first you don't succeed, try try again.

Walt Disney was fired by a newspaper editor for lack of ideas.  He also went bankrupt several times before he built Disneyland.

Where would Mickey and Minnie be if he just gave up and quit!

One of my favorite treats are Peeps, I Know, some of you hate them and some of you love them.  Here is a little information about Peeps, they were created in 1953 and it took 27 hours to create one Peep, today they make 5 million Peeps a day, everyday of the year.  You can eat them fresh, stale, microwave them, freeze them, roast them or deep fry them just to name a few. 

Peeps aficionados make Peep dioramas, Peep pop art, peeps topiary, they even send chicks into battle in a microwave, a sport known as Peeps jousting.  They enter Peeps art contest and play hide and seek Peeps.  They innovate recipes like "Peepza" a desert pizza or "Peepshi", that's sushi made out of Peeps.  That's probably more than you wanted to know about Peeps but I must show you my favorite Peeps, They are zero calorie, fat free, sugar free and high in fiber.

You'll notice it does say Plush Pak, yep there just toy Peeps!

Now for your real food find, that's right, PEEPS!

The recipe this week is a cleaver Easter desert.

Skinny Coconut Cupcakes

Skinny Coconut Cupcakes with Chocolate Eggs
 
Servings: 24 • Serving Size: 1 cupcake • Calories: 196 • Fat: 6 g • Protein: 3 g • Carb: 31 g • Fiber: 1 g

Skinny Coconut Cupcakes (without Chocolate Eggs)

Servings: 24 • Serving Size: 1 cupcake • Calories: 149 • Fat: 4 g • Protein: 2 g • Carb: 24 g • Fiber: 1 g

Ingredients:
For the Frosting:

• 8 oz 1/3 less fat Philadelphia Cream Cheese (not fat free)
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tsp natural coconut extract

For the Cupcakes:

• 2 egg whites
• 1 cup canned light coconut milk  
• 1/3 cup unsweetened apple sauce
• 2 tsp natural coconut extract
• 18.25 oz white box cake mix  
• 1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes
• 72 Cadbury mini chocolate eggs (optional)

Directions:

In a medium bowl combine the cream cheese with the powdered sugar and coconut extract with a mixer. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.

Preheat oven to 350°. Line 24 cupcake tins with liners.

In a large bowl combine egg whites, coconut milk, apple sauce and remaining coconut extract. Mix well, then add cake mix and mix until combined.

Pour batter into lined cupcake tins about halfway and bake 22-24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cupcakes cool to room temperature.

Top each cupcake with 1/2 tablespoon of cream cheese, then top each with 1 tsp coconut flakes. For an Easter theme top each cupcake with 3 mini chocolate eggs.

Note: If you make these a day ahead, don't frost them. Keep the frosting refrigerated and frost them the day you plan to eat them.

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It's Official

It's official!  I'm finally an employee of Weight Watchers.  Weight Watchers in Missouri is not a franchise, it is part of the national corporate structure, which means the ball rolls slowly, very slowly.  I first told you in early February that they wanted me to come on staff, little did I know that there were layers of corporate requirements that had to be peeled through.  I am looking forward to leading meetings again, but first I have to learn the computer system.  What is interesting is that the computer system for at work or satellite meetings is different than traditional meetings, so I have to learn both of them.  I really don't anticipate that will take to long.

Weigh in this week went well, I lost 2.8 pounds for a total of 32.2 and I am now one pound under goal.  One of the things that took place when I filled out all of the new employment papers was to have my height measured which is now 1 1/2 inches less than when I originally reached my lifetime goal, so I may have to lower my goal to my new height.  Wow, putting those years on stinks!

Jan joined Weight Watchers last week and she lost 5.8 pounds this week.  She is so motivated and I am really proud of her.

I was surprised at my weight loss this week as I only went to the gym once as I volunteered at Horses of Hope for four days last week.  They had a special program for the County Probation Department, they brought seven teenagers 14 to 16 who are on probation to do a service project and then get to ride the horses.  They cleaned, scrubbed, painted, hauled hay, cleaned stalls and much more and then enjoyed a day of riding.  I had the opportunity to spend three days working alongside a young man who was looking to start over.  Besides being a hard worker we shared stories and had several in depth conversations.  When he was leaving he stopped shook my hand and said thank you, just maybe I did or said something that will help change his life.  The important thing that this program was to teach all of them was, that one person can make a difference and that person can be them.  I wouldn't trade that week for anything!

On Friday we went to Silver Dollar City in Branson, that's our Disneyland here. We had a great time and walked and walked, maybe I did get more exercise in than I thought.  The park is very well done with lots of terrific shops, restaurants and rides, it also includes a cave tour with over 750 steps that takes an hour to tour.  I did pretty good with the food choice as I had a Chefs Salad, half of a potato, a bite of a cookie and lots of water.  It was really crowded as it was opening day, due to the winter weather here they don't open in January and February.  Speaking of winter weather we have a winter storm watch right now and they are predicting at least six inches of snow Thursday and Friday, I'll let you know next week.

Did I say it was crowded?

Playing with the high pressure water guns.

The big rush at closing.

Does anybody out there have friends or family that just keeps pushing food at you, if you do I want you to remember that "NO" is a complete sentence and "NO, thank you" is a polite complete sentence.

The food find this week is just something that I like to have when I just need something sweet with out using a bunch of points, by the way I usually get these at Walmart but you can find it just about anywhere.

The recipe this week is a Passover recipe but you can use a tortilla instead of Matzo or anything else to change it up.

Passover Matzo Pizza

Servings: 4 • Serving Size: 1 pizza • Calories: 230 • Fat:  6g •  Protein:12 g • Carb: 35 g • Fiber: 3 g
 

Ingredients:

• 4 fat free matzo crackers
• 6 tbsp crushed tomatoes  
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 cup reduced fat shredded mozzarella  
• 2 medium tomatoes, sliced paper thin
• a few thin slices of red onion
• 12 black olives
• 1/4 cup fresh basil for topping

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375°. Place a rack on a baking sheet.

Spread 1 1/2 tablespoons of crushed tomatoes on each matzo. Don't put too much or it will get soggy. Sprinkle with oregano then top with tomatoes and onions. Top with 1/4 cup of cheese on each one, olives and bake in the oven until the cheese melts, about 5-6 minutes.

You can change things up by using a whole variety of vegetables.

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Happy St. Patricks Day

Well I did what I was suppose to do this week, maintain no gain no loss, although I still would like to lose another two pounds.  I'm surprised I didn't gain this week as I ate at Captain D's twice this week and also had Chinese food twice this week.  On that note lets talk about eating out as that can be a real problem for some.  What did I do this week not to go crazy at the restaurants, I went prepared, I knew what I was going to order and what the points were, I even pre-tracked before I ate the food.  Here are a few ways to look ahead:

• Look in the WW Eat Out Guide
• Check out the restaurants in E-Tools
• Go online at the restaurants website
• WW Website, search cheat sheets

What if you can't prepare ahead and your at a restaurant, what menu items should I stay away from, ones where the descriptions include these words:

• Fried
• Dipped
• Creamy
• Au gratin
• Battered
• Crispy

Don't be afraid to ask how something is cooked or cooked in, I order most things on the side and then put it on or in my food so I can control how much is there, specially sauces as restaurants usually will cover your plate if a sauce comes on the item.  Remember to order the way you want your food to come, you are the customer and in the long run they want to please you.  However, if it doesn't come the way you ordered it, ask them to take it back and again remember you are the customer!

Many people have said to me I hate going to restaurants as I don't know what the value of the food is, so take a picture with your cell phone or the WW Snap & Track feature and calculate your points later.  Another one I hear is the portions are so big and since its on my plate I just eat everything on it, ask for a to go box and pack up half of your food right away, get it off your plate.  Out of sight, out of mind and it will save you money by getting two meals instead of one.

Now what do we do about dessert?  Plan ahead for it if you want dessert, have the points available so you can have it and enjoy!  When I don't want dessert or don't have points available for it, I tell myself I sure would like that but I'll have it tomorrow when I have the points, that way I get past the moment and on to tomorrow.  Sometimes you get a server who just keeps telling you how wonderful a particular dessert is, I tell them I'm allergic to it, I break out in FAT, it usually gets a good laugh and then we just move on.

Remember there is nothing that you can't have, just plan ahead and enjoy!

Jan joined Weight Watchers today, ready to go and motivated to get back to her lifetime goal, I am so proud of her.

I did something this week that I never thought I would be doing, helping load hogs for someone that was taking them to slaughter.  At least it was a good hour workout and we will be getting a ham out of it.

Please don't take me out of the mud, I'm comfy here!

Working on getting them up the ramp.

Finally, these little piggy's went to the market!

Went to the zoo again this week, great exercise and both of my favorite areas were open and the animals were out.  Starting in March the Giraffe feeding area is open and you can feed them the rye crisps that you can buy.

 

This big guy was waiting patiently for the rye crisps.

Feed me, feed me, stop teasing me!

I had to see the elephants.

The food find for the week is a salad dressing, I used to cover my salad with dressing and now I put it on the side and dip my fork in it.  However, this salad dressing will let you cover your salad with very few points, Maple Grove Farms, I bought it at Walmart. 

In honor of St. Patricks day here is the recipe for the week.

 

Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage

Servings: 6 • Size: 3 oz brisket + veggies • Calories: 295 • Fat: 17 g • Protein: 18 g • Carb: 19 g • Fiber: 5.5 g

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs lean corned beef brisket, all fat trimmed off
• 1 cup frozen pearl onions
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 2 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 small head cabbage, cut into 6 wedges
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/8 tsp whole peppercorns

Directions:

In a 5-6 qt crock pot, place brisket, carrots, parsnips, pearl onions, parsley, bay leaves, peppercorns and 3 cups of water. Cover and cook on high 4 hours.

Add cabbage, cook on high 1 hour 20 minutes more. Remove meat, slice and serve.

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FREE! FREE!! FREE!!!

Week 13...it's been 3 months and I'm freeeeee!  I lost 3.8 this weigh in for a total of 29.4, I'm just 1.8 from my lifetime goal and since I'm not more than 2 pounds over goal I didn't have to pay today, as a matter of fact, since I paid my $13.00 before I got on the scale they gave it back to me.  It felt like I was getting a refund.  I can't tell you what a great feeling it was not to pay and be so close to goal.  Never again do I want to go through that.

I was able to increase my activity this week even though the  gym was closed one day because of bad weather.  I've been working hard on my running by increasing my distance and pace and my next major goal is 6 miles at an 11 minute pace.  I'm thinking about getting the Weight Watchers Activelink, I'll let you know how it is when I do.  I know it's hard to get started exercising for some so here are a few things that might help you get started:

• Choose something that you like to do,
• Put it on your calendar, that way you make time for it.
• Make sure you have the proper clothing or equipment.
• Don't think you have to do it all at once, a little here and a little there is better than nothing.

Make activity part of your routine - get at least 30 minutes a day in.

• Park farther away from the building you are going to.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Sit on an exercise ball while at the computer or watching television.
• Walk in place or on a treadmill while watching TV.
• Do sit-ups or push-ups during commercials.
• Read while on an exercise bike.
• Walk while talking on the telephone as much as possible.  Time will fly while enjoying a good conversation.
• Join an exercise class that will create accountability to your exercise routine.
• Play with your children or grandchildren, they love playing chase, catch and basketball.

I mentioned the weather earlier and I want to share a few pictures with you.  One day it never stopped snowing and Jan's phone didn't stop ringing, you see Jan has told everybody that she wants snow, lots of snow and now everyone is blaming her.

Jan just can't get enough snow

Jan and Abby playing in the snow

Our local golf course, I guess I won't be playing for a while

Jan and the neighbor kids bombarding me with snowballs

Remember, your weight goal is not a destination,

it is a journey, enjoy it

 







Here is your food find and recipe for the week, these muffins are one of my favorites.

This is a real easy recipe and something that you normally wouldn't do.  The serving size is a good size, 6 oz of chicken.  Keep in mind that you can always change things up like the serving size and also the ingredients, you can use Laughing Cow Cheese instead or Fiber One cereal crunched up for the bread crumbs.  Think out of the box, mix things up and have fun playing with your food.

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Servings: 6 • Serving Size: 2 pieces • Calories: 378 • Fat: 10 g • Protein: 55 g • Carbs: 8 g • Fiber: 0.5 g

Ingredients:

• cooking spray
• 12 thin sliced (36 oz total) skinless boneless chicken breasts, 3 oz each
• salt and fresh cracked pepper
• 1 large egg
• 2 large egg whites
• 1 tbsp water
• 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 5 oz (6 slices) thinly sliced lean deli ham, sliced in half
• 6 slices (4.4 oz) Sargento reduced fat Swiss cheese, cut in half

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450°. Spray a large non-stick baking sheet with cooking spray.
Wash and dry the chicken cutlets; lightly pound the chicken to make thinner and lightly season with salt and black pepper.
Lay the chicken on a working surface and place a slice of ham on top of the chicken, then the cheese and roll, setting them aside seam side down.
In a medium bowl, whisk eggs and egg whites along with water to make an egg wash.
In another medium bowl, combine breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.
Dip the chicken into the egg wash, then into the breadcrumbs.
Place chicken onto the baking sheet seem side down. Spray the top of the chicken with more cooking spray and bake about 25 minutes, or until until cooked.


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