Crockpot Dinner

My mom makes a DELICIOUS Southwestern Stew! You can find that recipe here. Lately I have been craving some of it, but because I am avoiding any carbs, I can't make her stew, because of the potatoes.    

I planned on getting ingredients for a variation of her stew when I went to the grocery store last time, but forgot to do so.  

This week I have been eating a lot of Egg Beaters and Garden Burgers for dinner, and was looking for something different for a change. 

So yesterday, I decided to just make do with what I had on hand, and make a soup instead.  But all I did have was 1 package of frozen chicken, Cilantro, 2 Orange Bell Peppers, and 1 Yellow Bell Pepper.  I decided to give it a try anyway, but I was really worried about how it would taste.... 

Today I Ate Pizza!!

Yep...... You heard right. I had Pepperoni Pizza for dinner tonight!!

No......I didn't get off my diet. No guilt here!! This was ON my diet!!!

I had read about a Cauliflower Pizza, and thought, what the heck. I'll give it a try. So I did.

And it was good!

I'll admit the first couple of bites were a let down. And although I knew it wouldn't taste exactly like the Pizza Hut pizza the rest of the family had, my tongue (out of habit) still expected it to. But after the first couple of bites, I really did enjoy it!!

I will definitely be making this again!!

You can find this recipe on my "Lean and Green Meals" Page or by clicking here.

Week 4 -

Well..... yesterday I started Week 4 of my diet.  In 7 days I will have officially beat my record of lasting on a diet without cheating. 

I'm kinda proud of myself. 

I don't want to glamorize this program, and say it has been SOOOO easy...... but.........kind of........ It has.  I don't know if it's the program so much, as my Mind Set this time.  I am DETERMINED to take control of my life, health, and happiness.

I really like this program, because if you are addicted to food (which I obviously was) it helps break those addictions.  It really shows me what a portion size should be like.  It is teaching me not to skip meals.... to eat small meals throughout the day.  It is also forcing me to choose healthy dinners, and teaching me to like them.  I'm becoming accustomed to eating my "Lean and Green" meals, and look forward to them each day.  I can remember when dieting before, always "planning" to eat healthy meals, but after a few days, when it came time to cook something, the thought of baked chicken and green veggies DID NOT appeal to me.  So instead...... I would fix something really tasty, and of course fattening.  Now I even eat foods that I normally would have never even tried... like.... Garden Burgers and Egg Beaters! And I LIKE THEM!

This program is something that I would definitely recommend, but it is SO EXPENSIVE! If it were not for my Mother, there is absolutely NO WAY I could be on this.  I'm kind of afraid sometimes, that something might come up, and she will no longer be able to work there, thus..... no more discount.  And I know that eventually, I'll have to go off the program once I reach goal (and I WILL REACH GOAL).  But I know that it is possible to do this without Medifast.  Medifast just makes easier.  

But.... if something should happen, and I have to quit this program, I just need to remember what I have learned.  Eat 6 meals throughout the day,  5 small meals, and one larger HEALTHY meal. Pay close attention to my portion sizes, watch my condiments, and REALLY watch my carb intake. Eat lots of protein, keep an eye on calories consumed, and avoid all sugar.  Sounds complicated.....  (which is why I like this program so much.  The "premade" meals (bars, shakes, puddings, brownies, etc. make it simple). 

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For the first time in 12 years or so, I feel HOPE.  I can see my way out of this hole I have dug myself and crawled into.  For the first time in 12 years........  

I BELIEVE IN MYSELF.

A New Favorite Lean and Green Meal -

I tried Spaghetti Squash recently for the first time. My mom eats it ALL THE TIME! I was at her house, and she fixed us her favorite Lean and Green Meal she survived on nearly every day while losing her 74lbs on Medifast. 2 Garden Burger Patties and Spaghetti Squash. YUMMY!!!! My youngest and my husband really liked it as well.

I have been eating the Garden Burgers already. I REALLY like those. I tried the Boca Burgers......YUCK!!! I like the Morning Star Garden Burgers SO MUCH BETTER!!

And the Spaghetti Squash was really, really good! For preparation, cut an X into the top of the Squash. Place on a Microwave Safe Place, and Microwave for 15 minutes. Then cut the Spaghetti Squash in half, and remove the seeds. Spray with "Butter Spray" such as I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S NOT BUTTER, and sprinkle with Salt and Pepper. Easy, easy, and very delicious.

Lean and Green Meal - Eggbeaters

Yesterday I tried some Eggbeaters Eggs because I am allowed 2 cups a day for my Lean and Green Meal, and they are on the "Leanest Protiens List".   

Um.........YUM!!! 

I split the 2 cups throughout the day.   In the morning I sauteed some Baby Spinach in a small saucepan then added 1cup Eggbeaters.  For my evening meal I sauteed Baby Spinach, then added just a little bit of Yellow and Red Bell Pepper.  To top it off, I sprinkled a little bit of cheese (not much...) and it was delicious!!  I was pleasantly surprised.  I wasn't sure how the Eggbeaters would taste, but they were really, really good.  My husband tried some, and he loved them too. 

I will definitely be making these often.