Some good news!

I have now been working on this weight loss thing for almost a year! I can't believe it has really been that long. Sometimes I feel like I just started, and then I feel like I should be smaller then I am. I have some undiagnosed stomach issues that I have been dealing with since the summer between my Junior and Senior year of High school. I am still trying to figure out what is going on. Fortunately, I can't keep any food in me. But that also means that I have zero energy and I can't eat if I plan on going anywhere. Well, my stomach issues have started acting up again and I have been doing some testing to see what it is. I have been having this problem for about 8 weeks now. On the plus side, I have dropped a complete pants size in this time! I have also gone down in t-shirt sizes as well. I am excited for the loss, but frustrated at the lack of being able to exercise. I hope you are all doing great! I would love to hear about your successes as well!

A fun little swimming challenge

I had the opportunity to go to the lake with my family for three days. I have always enjoyed the lake (other then being in a swimming suit) and enjoy starting my kids into this family tradition. I had a few good opportunities to exercise, but in a fun way, so I thought I'd share and challenge you to enjoy your workout!

• I went kayaking with my Dad. My arms are so soar from it! I had Cartr between my legs and had to work extra hard to not hit him in the head with the bar on the paddles. We really had such a fun time! We were in the kayak for about an hour just traveling around the area.
• Kicking your feet while swimming. My sister and I decided to try and kick above the water! We were just trying to create a bigger splash, but it sure works out your legs!
• Swimming with using just your arms, or just your legs.

I hope you all are enjoying your summer! Thanks for your support!

Happy 4th of July!!

I hope you all enjoy your holiday! Just remember to count your calories!
Have a great day though!!!

Running

I go to visit family, and after a bad night of little sleep, my little sister drags me from my bed to make me run. We are such a competitive family, that I can't bow out!
So I ran, I ran a mile and a little more and tried not to throw up. I am not a good enough runner to enjoy conversation while I run. I have to concentrate on my breathing and I have to have a focal point to concentrate on.
But I ran, and I only had 5 hours of sleep, and I enjoyed it. I enjoyed running with my sister and having someone to keep up with and to keep trying harder.
Here's to the rest of my "vacation" that I don't think I'm really getting a vacation from anything though!

Mediterranean Chicken

I got this recipe off www.kraftrecipes.com and it was one of the easiest meals I have ever made!

 

2 cups instant brown rice, uncooked

4 small  boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1 lb.)

1 small onion, chopped

1 tsp.  dried oregano leaves

1 can (14-1/2 oz.) Italian-style diced tomatoes, drained

1/4 cup  KRAFT Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette Dressing

2 tsp. minced garlic

1/4 cup  sliced stuffed green olives

Make It

COOK rice as directed on package.
MEANWHILE, heat large nonstick skillet sprayed with cooking spray on medium heat. Add chicken, onions and oregano; cook 6 min. or until chicken is lightly browned on both sides and onions are crisp-tender, turning chicken after 3 min. Add tomatoes, dressing and garlic; stir gently. Cook 4 to 6 min. or until chicken is done (165ºF), turning chicken after 3 min. Stir in olives.
SPOON rice onto platter; top with chicken and sauce.

per serving

Calories

 360

Total fat

 8 g

Saturated fat

 1.5 g

Cholesterol

 65 mg

Sodium

 720 mg

Carbohydrate

 42 g

Dietary fiber

 3 g

Sugars

 6 g

Protein

 29 g

Vitamin A

 6 %DV

Vitamin C

 20 %DV

Calcium

 6 %DV

Iron

 10 %DV

Healthy Living Information

Low fat

Low calorie

Diabetes Center

Carb Choices: 3

Diet Exchange

2-1/2 Starch + 1 Vegetable + 3 Meat (L)

My tips:

• I used red bell peppers and did just regular diced tomatoes. I was afraid that the flavors would be overwhelming with Italian diced tomatoes.
• I served the original dish with brown rice, like it called for, but had some left over and ate it with fettuccine noodles and LOVED it! 
• My kids even liked this dish, as well as my husband! I will be making this again! 

 

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Fresh Tomatoes!

I love summer and that it brings so many fruits and veggies. I have been trying to grow a garden for the past two years. This year, since I don't have my land space that I had in Beaver, I have planted 4 tomato plants and quite a few onions in potters. I am so excited to see my tomatoes turning from green to red. Unfortunately, I have had 2 tomatoes turn red, but haven't had the chance to eat them because my dog keeps picking and eating them.
What is your favorite summer time veggie?

Tortellini soup

This is one of my favorite recipes and is super easy to make. I have found I like the spinach, regular tortellini mix for this.

1 lb. Italian bulk sausage
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 medium zucchini, coarsely chopped
2 medium carrots, coarsely chopped
2 cans (10 3/4 oz) condensed tomato soup
3 cups water
1/2 tsp basil
1/2 tsp oregano
8 oz dried or frozen tortellini (meat or cheese filled)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

-Brown sausage, drain, add onion and seasonings. Add everything but tortellini. Bring to boil. Add tortellini, reduce heat to simmer for 20 minutes. Add cheese.

It is really good if you serve a crusty french bread with it.