Sunday Dinners

Sunday dinners are sacred in many homes. I can remember growing up in Santa Maria and every Sunday night without fail, we were at my grandparents (mom's parents) house enjoying a family dinner with any family in town that weekend. It would range from fresh vegetables (you haven't had a broccoli until you've tried California-fresh from the farm- broccoli!) and bbq ribs/steak/chicken and of course, some random filipino dish and of course...RICE! I can still remember those dinners coupled with some sunday night tv and cousin bonding. Well honestly, my cousins weren't so nice to me when I was younger, but thats another topic for another day.

Anyways, when I was at Salem, they had Sunday family style dinners as well. I loved the chicken cordon bleu and roasted potatoes! These family style dinners were phased out when the Rat was re-decorated my sophomore year and I think by then I was used to eating out on the weekends.

So when I was at USF I had a meal plan but on Sundays, I vowed to always cook myself dinner and enjoy it while I watched the ABC line up (Housewives and Grey's). I remember finding different recipes for me to try like Chicken Parmesan and various types of recipes. It was exciting to me to cook for myself and i truly enjoyed that time in the kitchen. And when I was in that Holly apartment--it was an amazing kitchen!!!

But when I moved to Kosove and at USC---I just had the smallest kitchens (I didnt even have an oven at USC!). The small kitchens were uninspiring and seriously made me feel sad. So I stopped my sunday traditions and just made due.

Well, now in my new apartment I have an amazing kitchen (Holly apartments was still the best though...)! Today, I officially resurrected my Sunday dinner tradition. Which brings me to the main part of my post...what did i eat???

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Baked Turkey & Mushroom Spaghetti (fat free cheese, wheat pasta, lean ground turkey, Prego)
Whole Wheat Bread w/Light Butter Sread & Garlic salt w/ parsley
Salad Mix w/ FF Raspbery-pecan dressing
1 glass of Pinot Noir
................and for dessert....Weight watchers Pineaple Dream--only 1 point!!!
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It was an amazing dinner! It was soooo delish!!! Can't wait to plan for next week :)

Pineapple Dream Recipe
Fat free vanilla pudding mix
1 cup of skim milk
Fat free plain yogurt
Fat free vanilla yogurt
1 can of crushed pineapple, drained

Mix it all together and refrigerate :)

Back to Counting...

Losing weight is tough. One of the hardest parts of losing weight and eating right is the counting. My last program required me to count fat grams which was fairly easy. WW is crazy tough because they use a program to calculate points. No bueno. I know the only way for me to really do this right is to track and to count. Ugh! For the most part, all I do is eat salads. Because as long as you use the right dressing, you can never go wrong with a salad.

Yesterday was my day to pick where to eat for the weekly AC lunch. I chose Zaxby's. But don't worry, I was good. I actually really enjoy their Grilled Chicken House Zalad. Especially since I can order that and get atleast 2 meals out of it since its so big. I just finished the second half actually for dinner.

I think what is difficult with the counting this time around is because I feel the need to snack a lot more than I used to. A piece of candy here, a bite of a cookie there, some gluten free crackers ;) after work. Its just so much more than I am used to! I really am not much of a snacker until recently. Yikes! Need to tighten up forreal.

Healthy Snacking

Currently de-stressing from work with a healthy snack. Instead of heading to the bar, trying to make it for happy hour, I'm chilling on my patio and enjoying the beautiful weather. On the right of me I have my ginger ale and multi grain gluten free crackers. Ginger Ale probably isn't that great but its caffeine free so that helps right? Lets hope.

I am really digging these new crackers. If you are interested, you can get them at Sam's Club and they taste great with a variety of cheese spreads and dips. They are fairly cheap and extremely filling! The best part is that it doesn't matter how much you eat, its healthy and low in calories :)

I am trying to be good today. I got a little too excited at one of my hall's programs and ate like 3 cupcakes! I know...horror of horrors. But it was with the kiddies so does that count? Yeah, not.

Ok, I'm off to do some walking with Teddy...he is getting lazy!

A brand new start....

Today is a start of a new day. I have made a big decision in my life. Call it a step in the right direction. I have also decided that this blog will document my new life. So get ready to see some new changes in my blog.

Anyways, I went to my first Weight Watchers meeting. I have struggled with my weight for a very long time. 2 years ago when I started my first professional position, I felt that it was time to take hold of my life and start to actively do my best to lose weight and change my life around. I did really well at first. I was monitoring my weight and I was hitting the gym atleast 4x a week. It worked. In a few long months, I lost 20 pounds. I had never looked better! (Trust me the pictures during that time were great!)

Unfortuantely, a break up, a new relationship and a newfound social life de-railed me. BAD. Basically, its been 2 years since I started that program and I am back to day 1. However, I learned a lot during that time. Things will be different this time around.

For one, I have a buddy. Its my grad student and we work in the same office. We plan to hold each other accountable and attend meetings together. Secondly, Its not going to be that big of a change. When I first started this journey 2 years ago, the whole concept of watching what you eat and reading labels was like being in another country. This time around, I know the good habits of eating...I just have to put it in practice. Finally, I have the confidence that I can do this if I put my mind to it. Last time around, losing weight was an unknown to me. But now...I know I can do it because I have done it. I remember the feeling of my pants being so loose on me that they practically were falling down. I remember how much energy I had everyday because I was working out and eating right. Oh...and I remember how clear my skin used to be....Most importantly, I remember the confidence I had. In fact, I think that confidence was what helped me take charge of my life and leave my ex and find my Prince :)

So yes, I am taking a larget step in a new life for me. Its going to be a long, hard road. But its a road that I am looking forward in taking.

The Dreamer vs. The Realist

C: "When I say the word 'wedding', what do you think?"

L: "Me, you, marriage, a ring"

C: "...and?"

L: "family, church, in Florida (and Angola), flowers, dancing..."

C: "...and?"

L: "a BIG Party!

L: "Ok, when I say the word 'wedding', what do you think?"

C: "Me, you, church, BILLS."

Summer Time = Travel Time

Yay for summer vacations and travel! Below are some of the trips I have planned so far:

June 17 - June 21: Chicago, IL and Madison, WI
July 3 - July 8: Boston, MA and Providence, RI

Once training starts it will be hard for me to get away. But hopefully I will still get to do some day/weekend trips to Charleston, Myrtle Beach (again!), Atlanta and maybe even Savannah. Would love to go back to Florida again...maybe will go if you make it down South Jowee???

Also, now that Tolu lives in New York...I am going to plan a trip there soon!

Ahhhh i love travelling!

Hang with the Goode family on Wednesdays at 9pm!

If you haven't caught The Goode Family yet then you do not know what you are missing! Its a lil of Family Guy, Beavis and Butthead, King of the Hill with a social conscience. It brings up so many green values that people should really listen to.

My green tip of the day would be to Get to know your neighbors. Get involved in your community. Make your neighborhood a better place to live. So don't be shy, go out there and introduce yourself to somebody! Attend a community meeting, a local event and buy from local vendors.

I am on this tip of trying to buy as much veggies and fruits from local farmers. I attend farmers markets and do my best to only shop at grocery stores that support SC farmers. SC is in a really bad state financially and I need to do my part to help boost the economy. Most importantly, its healthier and more socially conscious to buy from local farmers. Think about the low wages that 3rd world countries are paid to be laborers for cheap food? Also, what about the pesticides used to drive the product down in price? I know its hard when you have nothing in your bank account...trust me, I've been there. But the benefits outweigh the negatives in the long run. I am sure of it.

I can't say that I am completely different or have gone to the extreme. After all, as the Goode family motto states..."Its so hard being Good".