Using Momentum

I'm a BIG girl. There is NO denying it. It didn't happen over night so it won't go away over night. I can understand that.

My sister is getting married in October. There will be hundreds of pictures taken. I don't want to be one of those people who sees the backside of an unfamiliar person wearing the same dress that they did... and realizing that it's them. Because, yep, I've done that before.


So I joined a gym in January. I honestly enjoy going.
It's like my own little escape. I get to read what I want and listen to what I want.


For 6 months, I went there 3 or more times per week never seeing any visual results. I changed a few eating habits but nothing changed.
That's when I would hear the following....

"Oh but you are building muscle." - Uh no, I take my measurements.

"Well I can see a difference." - Uh no you can't but thanks for being nice.

"But muscle weighs more than fat." - Seriously? People still try to make themselves believe that??

As much as people try to help and be supportive, the numbers don't lie. They just can't.

So I had to take a different course, which usually means more money but ugh that's not what this post is about. I'm still going to the gym but I needed something more.


8 weeks ago I joined Weight Watchers. We've all seen the commercials (alot fewer since Tivo & the DVR). Pay us to put you on a scale, sit in a chair and listen to people bitch and whine about why they "just can't", and then do math everyday.

And you know what!! It's the best $40 I spend each month. I'll be damned if it doesn't work!

I've lost 12.8 POUNDS and 10.25 INCHES. in 8 weeks!! The last time I lost that amount of weight or inches was when they literally cut my children from my belly.

I've had to change meetings only once. I was so distracted by one of the members who ran than meeting. Between the "WalmartSSS" mentionings and the train of thought interruptions of "and what have you" throughout the meeting, I honestly couldn't listen to what the meeting was about. So instead of abandoning the meetings all together I found another time that worked for me.


It's much easier to stay on track when you only have 1 number to worry about instead of 3 or 4 or 5. Each food has a point value. You only have so many points for the day. When all you do is subtract 2, 4, 8, or 10 points per item.... well it's not rocket science people.


I didn't want to post about this earlier in case it was something else that I quit doing. But like the gym I enjoy it AND I'm seeing results!!

Have you ever tried Weight Watchers??

MPM - April 13-19

I'm back!! Yay for me huh??!! Did you miss me?
Aww thanks!

So I really hate when I don't plan out the week. It seriously messes up everything else we do.
Last week was so scattered and unorganized, I'm JUST getting everything back to normal.

Thins week I have some great recipes that I've pulled from all over. Well all over my book shelf anyway.

I hope you enjoy them.

Don't forget to visit Organizer Junkie and the other Menu Planning Monday participants.

Monday
Taco Ring
Yellow Rice

Tuesday
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore over Pasta
-from Ragu Menu Mailout Booklet
Garlic Bread

Wednesday
Grilled Sausage w/Chunky Tomato Sauce Poboys
-from Southern Living Homestyle Cooking
Sweet Potato Oven Fries

Thursday
Tuna Pasta
-from Weight Watchers Magazine (May/June 09)
Broiled Veggies

Friday
Oven Fried Pork Chops
-from Southern Living above
Cornbread Dressing
Green beans

Saturday
Richard Family Reunion

Sunday
Amalie's 11th Birthday Party!!

Slow Cooked Chicken Cacciatore

6 servings/Prep Time 10 minutes/Cook Time 4 hours

1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (and/or breasts)
1 jar Ragu Old World Style Pasta Sauce
1 sm green bell pepper, sliced
1 sm onion, sliced
3 tbsp dry sherry or chicken broth
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp black pepper

1- In slow cooker, arrange chicken: add remaining ingredients.
2- Cook covered on LOW 8-10 hours of HIGH 4-6 hours, or until chicken is thoroughly cooked. Serve, if desired, over hot cooked brown rice or wheat pasta.


Grilled Sausage w/Chunky Tomato Sauce

6 servings

1 lg onion
3 lg cloves garlic, chopped
3 tbl olive oil
1 1/2 tbl fresh rosemary, chopped
1/4 tsp dried crushed red pepper
2 (28oz) cans Italian-style tomatoes, drained & chopped
1 (8oz) Fresh sliced mushrooms
2 tbl tomato paste
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper (we use much more)
3 lbs assorted fresh sausages
Bun or Poboy bread

Cook onion & garlic in hot oil in a large saucepan over medium high heat, stirring constantly, 7 minutes or until tender. Add rosemary and red pepper; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in tomatoes and next 4 ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer uncovered, 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Grill sausages, covered with grill lid, over medium high heat (350 to 400) 6 minutes on each side or until done. Serve with tomato mixture.


Tuna pasta - Weight Watchers

Serves 4

1 28oz can diced tomato
1 tbsp garlic
4 tsp oil
3 c whole wheat pasta
2 5oz cans solid white tuna

Cook tomatoes & garlic in oil for 10 minutes.
Stir in cooked pasta & drained tuna.

Points Value - 5 (1.5 c)


Oven Fried Pork Chops

4 servings

4 (6oz) lean center cut pork loin chops
1 egg white
2 tbs unsweetened pineapple juice
1 tbs lite soy sauce
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 paprika
1/8 tsp garlic powder
1/3 c Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
Cooking spray

Trim fat from pork chops. Combine egg white and next 5 ingredients in a shallow bowl and whisk gently. Dip chops in egg mixture, and dredge in breadcrumbs.
Place chp[s on a rack in a roasting pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes, turn and back 25 minutes or until pork chops are done.


Yum huh!!
These are some of my favorite meals... in a lower fat and calorie way. I can actually eat with my family this week!! Yay me! Well except the taco roll which is their favorite not mine but its super easy so that works!