Week 24 Weigh In Results

I had my week 24 weigh-in at the Medi-Weightloss Clinic yesterday morning and I was very proud of myself.  By committing myself to following the program this week (with very little deviation, mostly in the form of an extra piece of fruit or an extra spoon of peanut butter) I lost 4.2 lbs putting me down to 202 lbs and a total loss to date of 60.5 lbs!

This is hands down the fastest Ive ever lost so much weight and its been mostly painless... although there have been tears for pizza and ice cream.

My challenge to myself for week 25?  Lose another 3 lbs to officially put myself at halfway to my goal weight!

I cant believe how far Ive come in such a short amount of time, its really mind blowing.  Prior to this, the best performance I had on any diet was losing 68 lbs on Atkins but that took me 18 months... thats about triple the amount of time and I really thought that I had lost weight quickly back then!  This is kind of unbelievable to me.  For once, I really have faith in myself that I can lose all the weight I want to lose using just one program.  And I feel like I could actually be learning to eat well enough where I wont gain it all back in a year.

3 lbs more and Ill really have a reason to celebrate... not only will I be halfway to my goal of 135 lbs BUT Ill also be under 200 lbs!!  Thats something I havent seen in 5 long years, since I first met my husband.

But first!  Some more Wii Step Aerobics to start my Sunday morning and make my buns hurt for a couple days.  =)

Heres a recipe I tried last night for black bean soup.  Its supposed to be fairly close in flavor to Panera Breads Black Bean Soup but I didnt have all of the exact ingredients so here is my medi-friendly recipe for black bean soup with estimated nutrition info, enjoy!

BLACK BEAN SOUP
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 celery rib, finely chopped
1/4 cup canned diced tomatoes, no salt added
3/4 cup fat free reduced sodium chicken broth
1 can black beans (15-16 oz), undrained
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cumin
1/4 lemon, juice of 
1/2 Tbsp cornstarch (optional)


In a medium saucepan combine onion, garlic, celery, tomatoes, and chicken broth.  Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes.  Add half a can of beans, salt and cumin.  Continue to simmer 5 minutes.  Use an immersion blender (or pour hot soup into a regular glass blender) and puree.  Add soup back to the pan if using a regular blender.  Add the rest of the beans to the soup.  Bring back to a simmer and cook 5 minutes.  Combine cornstarch (if using) with a small amount of water.  Add lemon juice and cornstarch to the soup and cook until thickened.  


Makes 4 servings.  Nutrition Info (approx.):  Calories, 110.6; Total Fat, 0.5g; Cholesterol, 0mg; Sodium, 686.1mg; Total Carbohydrate, 24.5g;  Dietary Fiber, 6g; Sugars, 1.5g; Protein, 6.8g


Note:  The nutrition info includes the use of cornstarch.

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Riesling Chicken

The idea for this meal came out of knowing our friend Iris likes Rieslings and I love an excuse to buy a wine I dont usually drink much of, she would be happy and wed all get to drink. Everyone wins. At about the same time I invited her and her fella Will over for a meal I stumbled across a recipe in the French cookbook of scary pictures for something called Riesling Chicken. It sounded good and since it had the name of the wine I wanted to serve in the title of the recipe it would save me a lot of trouble trying to figure out a main dish that went with the wine.

For something with Riesling in the name I was a little disappointed in how little Riesling flavor was actually in this dish however. It wasnt that it was a bad recipe it was just a little blah. Ultimately its baked chicken with a cream mushroom sauce which was fine, everyone liked it just fine. It would probably be improved a bit if I had cooked with bone in chicken pieces rather than breasts which I used to save all of us the trouble of trying to politely de-bone greasy bits of chicken.

Problem is I had obsessively shopped for the perfect Rieslings the week before cooking this. I ended up buying three different bottles trying to find a semi dry Riesling that wasnt expensive. Thats more difficult that one might imagine. The dry Rieslings were plentiful but started at the $30 range. I like my friends but knew wed rather have a couple decent bottles I knew nothing about in order to try them out than nursing one snobby bottle we might not even like. So I decided to trust the advice of San Fransisco Chronicle in their article about $10 Rieslings that werent sugar monsters. I bought the Relax and the Mosel River Rieslings that they suggested and the Bex Riesling that I remember liking from a tasting.

The fella and I opened them all to see which one was dry enough to cook with and not overwhelm the chicken and leeks, both of required wine to cook in. They were all pretty sweet so I used a little of each in the food and hoped for the best, figuring the chicken wouldnt care if I mixed wines. While dinner finished up we drank the Mosel River and moved onto the Bex as we ate. Both are from the Urzig region and so where pretty similar. The Mosel River being slightly sweeter with a heavy pear syrup flavor and a slight effervescence. Where as the Bex had a tartness that made my mouth water while still being Riesling sweet. Both were easy to drink and would be perfect for summer drinking. There was a nice limestone minerality to them that added a bit of character to the fruit.

The Relax was a bit of a shock after the other two wines. It was tight in a way only red wines usually are. I dont usually open a bottle of white and think about it needing to get a bit of air before drinking but this was apparently the exception. It was sweet but it held back its sweetness until the finish. This would be a great Riesling for someone who likes sweet but doesnt like the cloying fruitiness of many white wines. They were all great choices for the meal, they didnt overwhelm the chicken or roasted vegetables. All in all I was happy with all the wines. And we were all pretty happy with dinner. Or at least everyone made enough believable yummy noises that I assumed they were pleased.

We finished off the evening with a puppy walk and a silly card game that got even more silly when I opened a bottle of red. Its no secret that Im in love with Cline wines but their Moudevre is out of this world. Light bodied with very little tannin. It was as if the perfect California coast Pinot Noir and a fruit bomb Zinfindel had a super smooth love child. This is one of those times where the wine was so good I have no words for it.

My new food fantasy is to disappear for a day with a bottle of Cline Moudevre and a beet torte. Ive found my new favorite wine. Sorry Conquista Malbec youve been replaced.

Other recipes from the Riesling Feast:
Almond Soup
Saras Braised Leeks
Roasted Cauliflower and Fennel
Beet Torte

Riesling Chicken

4 pounds whole chicken or chicken parts
2 tablespoon oil
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 pound mushrooms, chopped
1 small white onion, chopped
2 shallots, chopped finely
1/2 cup Riesling
1/2 cup heavy cream

Preheat oven to 325.

Cut chicken into servings size pieces or purchase pre-cut pieces of legs, thighs, and breasts (this works just fine with all chicken breasts but will end up on the dry side.) Rub chicken pieces with salt and pepper.

In a large oven safe skillet over medium heat, warm the oil and butter. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides, adding more oil if needed. Add mushroom and onion to pan, cover and place in oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until chicken is tender and cooked through.

While the chicken bakes, in a small pan cook shallots in a small amount of oil, about 2 minutes until tender but not browned. Add wine and simmer until reduced to half. Stir in cream and cook without boiling until sauce thickens. Pour over chicken when serving.

Original recipe from Modern French Culinary Art.

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Birthdays Belly Laughs and Being a Bum!

Let me tell you... I have been slacking on the blogging lately! After all our family Christmas were over with, it was all I could do to get things unpacked, organized, holiday decorations taken down, laundry done, and the house cleaned up! I just now am feeling like I can catch my breath and get caught up on other things. PHEW! You would think that because I stay home all day everyday that I would have things under control more, but some little boy makes accomplishing things take ten times longer (and I wouldnt have it any other way).

So what has been going on with us lately? Well, this past weekend was Roarkes cousin Maes first birthday! That is hard to believe! So we loaded things up and headed over to celebrate!

Roarke arrived to the party just before Mae was getting ready to have her cake (he was napping in the car). I dont think he quite understood why she was just in a diaper and he was dressed in layers :)

Roarke and Great Grandma Saxman enjoying the festivities together.

Roarke loved Redwood! I think we may have succeeded in our boy being a dog person ;)

What a sweet picture of Roarke with Gramps... and then he spit up ALL over him! I tell you it never fails that when my Dad holds Roarke this happens :) HAHA!

Roarke and Mae enjoying Maes gifts!

Playing!

Legos rule!

Besides birthdays, Dan and I have just been enjoying our little boy. Lately, Roarke has been cracking Dan and I up. His personality is the very BEST! He is soooo easy going and just plain happy most of the time! HORRAY he is taking after his father! Dan and I have been talking about how he gives us "belly laughs"... like laughing so hard at him he makes our bellies hurt! It is like this unexplainable feeling of joy being around him. Never thought I would feel that way about a kid ;) Here are some pictures that "belly laughs were involved!

We had a weight check with the doctor this week... look at this happy fellow!

Daddy tickling him is the best!

Even getting clean is fun!

Roarke drinking his morning coffee... haha!

So besides spending time with family, taking care of a baby, and cooking/cleaning I have been kind of a bum. You have probably noticed that I have not been running at all lately! YIKES! I had all these grand plans that with the start of the New Year I was going to get serious about losing the 10 pounds that Im still holding onto from pregnancy, but yeah, it kind of turned out the complete opposite. With the weather turning cold finally I have instead hunkered down in my nice warm home. Owell... there will be time for all that right.

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20 Weeks Halfway There!

When I realized that I am now 20 weeks along I was in a small state of shock! Holy cow... Im halfway through this pregnancy! Where in the world did the time go??? And how in the world am I, the person who knows very little about babies and kids in general, going to care for this new life??? Its safe to say that Im not only nervous about the change that will soon occur in our lives, but down right scared...

So, just like I did when I was given the task to care for a small 10 week old puppy, I have started to research and read different materials to educate myself on how to be a parent. The top two books Im reading right now are "What to Expect the First Year" & "Nursing Your Baby." Im hoping they both teach me all things "baby" and all things "breastfeeding" since Im overly concerned about both.

Anyways, enough about all my worries and onto the fun stuff! I had another doctors appointment this past week. Everything is checking out okay so far. The doctor says the baby has a great looking head and that I have a great looking placenta... who knew! We could have found out the sex this appointment, but I was tough and declined the offer to find out even though I think Dan is more than ready to know. HA! We did get to take home some face shots of our little June Bug that I can share with you.

Profile shot...

Face shot... baby looking at you...

3D ultrasound shot! Wild isnt it!

Even though there is a LOT of changes happening right now, one of the coolest things I have experienced lately is being able to feel the baby move not only from the inside, but I can put my hand on my stomach and feel it on the outside as well. There was even a night that I felt it kicking and could actually see my stomach move! CRAZY! Of course, poor Dan has either not been home when this all is happening or the baby stops its acrobatics when he tries to feel. But he was finally able to feel it slightly one night which was super exciting for both of us :)

One of the things I have been struggling with the most is people wanting to touch my stomach.... uhhhhhgggg just the thought makes me cringe. I have tried to be pretty vocal with most people that its okay to look, but please dont touch... but working at a place full of older ladies its hard to get them to understand that Im not comfortable with their hands all over me. I get that there is a baby inside there, but to me its my belly and not something I enjoy people rubbing all the time. Dan is the only person who has free reign to touch the baby bump whenever he pleases.

Anyways, Ill leave you with the first of few belly pics. As you can see, Remington is already in love with our soon to be new addition to the family. At least I like to think so. HA! No honestly... in all reality he is completely unaware of what is about to happen to him :)

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5 Easy Healthy Lunch Ideas for Clean Eating Diet

Yum

A clean eating lunch shouldnt be complicated.


Few people have time during lunch for extravagant meals and clean eating ideas. If youre constantly on-the-go and are looking for a quick bite, then you might appreciate the easy healthy lunch ideas below. 

I understand that the suggestions arent special--and are certainly something you can easily think of yourself. However, when youre too busy to think healthy, you can certainly draw ideas from todays post. Also, the choices are tasty, and we all like that.

I hope you enjoy todays clean eating lunch ideas, and incorporate them into your daily weight loss meal plan.

1. Grilled Egg and Cheese Sandwich

Using whole wheat bread and all-natural cheddar, cook up a regular grilled cheese sandwich, except add eggs in the middle.

This was scrumptious and protein-rich--and certainly quick and easy.

2. Turkey and Cheese Sandwich with Whole Wheat Bread

Isnt turkey and cheese sandwich an all-time favorite? If you want to, add mayo with safflower oil to make this classic sandwich even cleaner.

3. Spinach Ravioli

Nowadays, veggie pastas sold everywhere. A hearty plate of plump spinach ravioli is always a quick and healthy idea for clean eating.

4. Ground Turkey and Quinoa Stir Fry

Abundant in nutrients such as fiber and vitamins, quinoa has become one of the most popular grains. Because its texture is easily digested, its also an essential grain for a gluten-free diet. 

I like quinoa for its health benefits, but love the way it tastes. Its hearty, wholesome and scrumptious--and can be cooked in so many ways.

Todays ground turkey and quinoa stir fry was an alternative way to make quinoa, but it was delicious. It took little time and tasted awesome. You should absolutely try it!

5. Hard Boiled Eggs with Herbs Over Whole Wheat Toast

If youve little time to prepare a healthy lunch, just top hard boiled egg slices over toasted whole wheat bread. Add flavor with a mixture of dry spices like thyme, pepper and paprika. I promise this was tasty!

Thanks for visiting Clean Eating Weight Loss Meal Plan today!

I hope you found great ideas for easy healthy lunches.

See you next time!

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Clean Eating Weight Loss Meal Plan 66

Breakfast

Cheesy French Toast with Whole Wheat Bread, All-Natural Shredded Colby Jack and 1/2 Table Spoon of Real Butter

Very yummy and very cheesy. Enjoy!

Mid Morning Snack

Babybel Semi-Soft Mini Cheese

These bite-sized snacks are made with 100% all natural cheese and provide 15% of your daily required calcium. Plus, they are delicious! After one bite, I became quite addicted.

Definitely packing a few of these for upcoming snack time.

Find them at Babybel Mini Cheese.

Lunch

Turkey Sandwich with Whole Wheat Bread and Natural Turkey Breast Meat, All-Natural Cheese Stick and Mixed Veggie Chips

The veggie chips I had today were homemade; but I also like Terra Exotic Original Veggie Chips. Theyre crunchy, savory and contain a mix of great flavors.

Afternoon Snack

Cucumber Slices with Hummus Sauce

If youre making hummus yourself, and want to add flavors, consider using Casbah Hummus Mix. 

Made with garbanzo bean flour, sesame tahini and garlic, this hummus mix has classic Mediterranean flavors thats mouthwatering and flavorful. Its also a great clean eating choice, because it has all-natural ingredients.

Find it at Casbah Hummus Mix.

Dinner

Turkey Avocado and Feta Combo (find recipe here)

This was one of my all-time favorite clean eating ideas!

It was quick, simple and delicious. An awesome choice for week night dinner.

I love avocado! Add scrumptious turkey and top with tender feta, a delicious dish is made!

I hope you like it too. Find recipe at clean eating dinner idea.

I hope you found good ideas from todays Clean Eating Weight Loss Meal Plan!

If you need more clean eating recipes and ideas, visit www.cleaneatingrecipesblog.com.

See you next time!

Also, have you seen Blogilates Chicken Lettuce Cups? Its a delicoius, affordable recipe--and I highly recommend you check it out at the video below.

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New Recipe for Turkey Burgers!

Day 166 here and feeling better about my food choices this week.  Last night I ran into a recipe (on the back of a package of frozen turkey burgers no less) that I think a lot of people would like.  AND it uses ingredients that may already be in the house from making the avocado salsa chicken!  I did some tweaking, as usual, and came out with a recipe that makes frozen turkey burgers into a gourmet meal.  I call them... wait for it...

TEXI-BURGERS (As in Mexican flavor turkey burgers!)
makes 4 servings

4 Jennie-0 All Natural Turkey Burgers - Made from Lean White Meat
4 slices reduced fat cheese (American or cheddar recommended)
1/2 ripe avocado, thinly sliced
1/2 cup fresh salsa (such as Natures Promise medium organic salsa)
1/4 cup fat free sour cream
2 Tbsp taco seasoning

Grill turkey burgers according to package instructions.  While grilling, mix together sour cream and taco seasoning.  If you dont have pre-packaged taco seasoning on hand, heres a great recipe that I used to make it from scratch (except I left out the crushed red pepper flakes because I dont like them):  All Recipes Taco Seasoning I Recipe.  When turkey burgers are fully cooked, add 1 slice of cheese (approx. 1/2 oz) to each burger then remove from grill when melted.  Top each turkey cheeseburger with taco sauce, sliced avocado & 2 Tbsp salsa.  Voila, Texi-Burgers!  Can also be served on a kaiser roll for those not concerned with carbs. 

This is a great recipe for using up the other half of an avocado and some of the salsa leftover from making the avocado salsa chicken.  I guess Ive been on an avocado kick lately!  Last night I made these with Land O Lakes American cheese slices because we always have it in the house for my husband (and the dog).  So mine last night was 160 calories from the burger, 50 calories from the cheese (would be less using reduced fat or 2%), <5 calories from salsa, ~40 calories for <1oz avocado, and ~25 calories for the taco "sauce" - making my whole burger a total of 280 calories.  Of course, I counted the avocado toward my "healthy fat" for the day and since I had my burger on lettuce instead of a bun, I counted the two lettuce leaf pieces and salsa as one of my vegetable servings for the day.

I actually cant wait to have these again!

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