One-pan Roasting and a Celebration!

Missy Tippens

Before my post...

Because Ruthy didn't brag on herself yesterday, I'm going to take a moment to do so today. Her book from Love Inspired, Her Secret Daughter, is a finalist for the prestigious Christy AwardTM!! Ruthy, we're so proud of you and excited for you!!

CONGRATULATIONS!

And now back to our regularly scheduled programming (though it's not nearly as exciting!)...

Recently, I had a craving and bought a bag of frozen tater tots (and also a bag of shoestring French fries!). Then what did I do?

I started back on Weight Watchers.

That first week, I was trying to come up with something quick to make for lunch and decided to roast some vegetables. While I was looking in the freezer to get ice, I saw that bag of tater tots. It was calling my name!

So I got out my WW app to see how many points they would be. A serving was a reasonable amount! So I decided to add them to my roasted veggie pan and cook them with no added fat.

In addition to the tots, I added some fresh cauliflower and green beans. I used Mindy's recipe for roasted green beans--click here. (I took these beans to a friends house for dinner and everyone loved them!)

I calculated the points for one slice of bacon as well as a little olive oil and decided it was a good plan. I had a healthy, low-point lunch! I added in fish (no points) for protein.

Here the veggies are cooked, nice and caramelized, the bacon crispy.

The beans ended up being a huge serving, but I keep hearing it's best to make half your plate be filled with veggies. I managed that even without counting the tots (a starchy vegetable).

This was such a great lunch! A successful weight loss program is about making good choices, and balancing that with taste and enjoyment and satiety. I think I did well with this one.


www.missytippens.com

Cake in a Mug Even Ruthy Can Love

Thanks to Jan, I, too, am adopting the Trim Healthy Mama lifestyle. 

I'll admit that it takes some getting used to, and there is still much I have to learn. 

But it is working. Aside from losing weight, I'm sleeping better and I don't feel bloated anymore.

That said, there are two things I cannot go without--chocolate and sweets.

Okay, in most cases, chocolate is a sweet. So shoot me.

On most diets (I hate using that word), those two things would mean sabotage. 

But whether you're gluten-free, low-carb or just cutting out the sugar, this is something you CAN have.

AND, it's actually good!

So here's what you need:

• 1 egg
• 2 heaping tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
• 3-4 teaspoons Truvia
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• A dash of vanilla
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 level tablespoon coconut oil

 And, of course, you need a mug. :)

Crack the egg into the mug and whisk well with fork. Add remaining ingredients. 

Doesn't look like much, but just wait.

Stir vigorously until combined.

Microwave for one minute. Yep, that's it.

Turn out onto plate.

This is really a good-sized portion for one person.

I like to slice mine in half and add a couple squirts of whipping cream for a little extra sweetness.

Unlike the Cake in a Mug recipe I shared last month, the one with the funky texture, 

this is very moist, soft and very cake-like. With virtually no carbs!

Whoo-hoo! I can have my cake and eat it too!

So what's everybody been up to? 

I feel like I've been treading water since Christmas. So much to do, yet not accomplishing any of it.

Something that has GOT to change. And soon.

So if someone could push the pause button on this thing called life, I would be most appreciative. ;-)

A Fungus Among Us

What at lovely day it is. The birds are singing, the trees are budding, flowers are blooming...and you're here at the cafe. :) So good to see you again.

One of my favorite foods is mushrooms. I love them on pizza, in my salad and I especially love them sauteed. Best of all, it quick and super easy.

All you need are some mushrooms, whatever kind you like (I used just plain old button mushrooms this time), some minced garlic and some olive oil.

You can slice your mushrooms or leave them whole. You can remove the stems or cook those too.

Whatever you like. This is very flexible.

Now heat your olive oil over medium to medium-high heat. You don't want it to smoke, though.

Now add your garlic and let it cook just long enough to infuse the oil with that wonderful garlic flavor (1-2 minutes).

Add your mushies and toss to coat with the oil.

Remember that mushrooms are one of those veggies with a high water content. That means they cook down a lot, so take that into consideration if you're making these for several people.

Now I'll sprinkle them with just a little bit of salt (and pepper, if you like) and give them one more toss.

Ah...perfection.

I love to put these on steak or just eat them by themselves. Which is what I did this time. 

The best thing is that there's no guilt. Whoo-hoo!

Speaking of guilt...

I knew those 4 pounds last week were too good to be true. I actually gained .2 pounds this week, despite making what I thought were wise choices in my eating. 

But as I've said before, it's a sawtooth pattern. Some days up, some days down. 

And I will not give up. 

I just need to dig my heels in and hang on for what's sure to be a long, bumpy ride. :-)

Looks Like I Picked the Wrong Week to Quit Eating

Okay, so I didn't really quit eating, but after confessing my decision to make a lifestyle change last week, life just went absolutely bonkers. I can't tell you how many times I wanted to reach for something sickeningly sweet, fatty or starchy just to "help me get through." And, while I do not condone any of the behaviors in this video, this clip from the movie Airplane is what kept popping into my mind.

Did you know that when you add three more dogs and a seven year old granddaughter to an already chaotic life, things just get more chaotic?

But you know what they say, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

All this to say there wasn't much cooking going on last week. At least nothing new.

So what did I do?

Well, I definitely increased my veggie intake. 

I got to indulge in my low-fat version of shrimp and grits. (recipe here)

And then there was that yummy salmon. (recipe here)

But truth be told, I really would have like some of this. (recipe here)

Or this. (recipe here)

But I didn't, so we're making progress.

And it was progress indeed. As I told you last week, I weigh myself every day and write it down.

I did not go up once this week. And when all was said and done, 

I was down 4 pounds for the week.

Yaaaaayyyy!!!!!

Just the impetus I need to keep going.

Oh! And Jan, I got a notice that the book came in early so I should have it tomorrow.

Yay, yay!!! (because then maybe I can have something that will suppress my sweet tooth without adding to my bottom line. ;-)

But while I don't have a new recipe for you, I do have a gratuitous puppy pic.

Daddy has a new helper in the kitchen.

Happy Tuesday, y'all!

The Time Has Come...

Sorry, gang, no recipe today. This has been one crazy week and my kitchen hasn't exactly been usable. 

But today, I'm here with a confession. (I have this image of everybody suddenly leaning in  a little closer, hands clasped around your cuppa whatever :)

This was me only a few short years ago. I'd lost forty pounds and had breast reduction surgery.

I looked great, I felt great...

Then something happened.

Several somethings, actually.

Things like this.

And this.

And this.

Okay, I can't blame it all on sweets. 

There's also stuff like this.

For a while, I was doing okay. Then something happened in my 49th year on planet Earth.

Despite a daily gym routine, my metabolism slowed down. The weight began to creep up. And while it may have leveled out over the past year, it's way higher than I want it to be.

I don't like it. 

I feel yucky (that's a technical term, ya know).

And I have a closet full of clothes I can't wear!

So today I am beginning what I hope is a lifestyle change.

I've always said that 90% of losing weight is in your head. If the head ain't willing, the body will not follow.

I know what I'm supposed to do. 

Lean protein, more fruits and veggies, fewer--way fewer--carbs and sweets.

I just have to do it.

So, whether you want the job or not, you have have been selected to be my cheerleaders and accountability partners. (You look so cute in your little cheerleader outfits :)

What advice can you give me to help me stay on task?

Jan, I know you gave up sugar last October. How did you do it?

Ruthy, you're the queen of low-carb eating. What are some good snack options?

I'm too ashamed to tell you my starting weight but, beginning next week, I will tell you how much I've lost or gained. Whether I made good or bad choices.

If anyone would like to join me on this journey, I'd love to have you along for the ride.

After all, there's strength in numbers. :-)

Until next week...