Everyday Cinnamon French Toast

I will never make French toast another way again.  I thought this was a totally genius way to make the popular breakfast dish!  The star ingredient is whole grain cinnamon swirl bread.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgR5Mes5-qloREpVKVnEhXdRplCbQQ3kJqjPzqOoo8mibpNdjy3xpIoXvk7C7hiS02BUMBqqBofbXQBV1ob2K1E6lvK2unWpS3uUDkO-zxJ7SwwcFQYeNyvZtKXezyB0hRZPVm5ustck/s1600/cinnamon+bread+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgR5Mes5-qloREpVKVnEhXdRplCbQQ3kJqjPzqOoo8mibpNdjy3xpIoXvk7C7hiS02BUMBqqBofbXQBV1ob2K1E6lvK2unWpS3uUDkO-zxJ7SwwcFQYeNyvZtKXezyB0hRZPVm5ustck/s400/cinnamon+bread+001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />The recipe is a slight adaptation from the Eat What You Love cookbook (probably one of my favorite cookbooks ever - can't wait to pick up Eat More of What You Love!).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctzzzglrVr3L_BpnAGVQDABQHvINAoMH8kWL7JSlofL9RhYeMtmj_xYwNH4Y7qHATaf4GGREd-_qVhVTc0E7jSeh8g3Fg7BvL-zUBdGKvdnlQx4UjicyLpeD6rwrNJA6ZHXZzKx5tud8/s1600/eatwhatyoulove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctzzzglrVr3L_BpnAGVQDABQHvINAoMH8kWL7JSlofL9RhYeMtmj_xYwNH4Y7qHATaf4GGREd-_qVhVTc0E7jSeh8g3Fg7BvL-zUBdGKvdnlQx4UjicyLpeD6rwrNJA6ZHXZzKx5tud8/s320/eatwhatyoulove.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />This French toast offers plenty of rich, delicious cinnamon flavor, thanks to the bread already being infused with the cinnamon!  I made 4 servings of this and froze them for the work week.  Afterward, I nuked them for about 1 min 30 seconds and they were perfectly warm.  I also ate mine with 1/8 cup of light butter-flavored syrup. <br /><br />Pepperidge Farms has a cinnamon swirl bread as well as a whole grain cinnamon raisin swirl bread.  I believe both calculates the same PointsPlus-wise.  I used the latter and I loved it! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggCIRWQe6SNIbWJh4BcwCSx_Hbpr8QLKBwJQ3CsBGzMZywk1TjR4KdxVXQ_CGwNKHAcpv9wr1gU010HZMwbwY280xYlRwdyQ5e3crgKAasvtMIW93NxnaX6adv2bDcRaRIyCJup_H01wA/s1600/cinn+swirl+bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggCIRWQe6SNIbWJh4BcwCSx_Hbpr8QLKBwJQ3CsBGzMZywk1TjR4KdxVXQ_CGwNKHAcpv9wr1gU010HZMwbwY280xYlRwdyQ5e3crgKAasvtMIW93NxnaX6adv2bDcRaRIyCJup_H01wA/s320/cinn+swirl+bread.jpg" width="299" /></a></div><br /> For 6 PointsPlus, you get two slices of the bread for breakfast.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6bql7d55OsPlYsEjPFlvnphBVQ6mCI4aUjyivf_baYd6Xz5-BHmZvP-Y9cS4p5ooMOXBbrviOrc8MjhAwymM24V4WvqFzmauvccqfZQPETFoVECJC2ciRsYcddm4ukLjlZmq6oh7JUU/s1600/cinnamon+bread+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6bql7d55OsPlYsEjPFlvnphBVQ6mCI4aUjyivf_baYd6Xz5-BHmZvP-Y9cS4p5ooMOXBbrviOrc8MjhAwymM24V4WvqFzmauvccqfZQPETFoVECJC2ciRsYcddm4ukLjlZmq6oh7JUU/s400/cinnamon+bread+002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><b><u style="color: #351c75;">Eat What You Love: Everyday Cinnamon French Toast</u><i> </i></b><i>(6 PointsPlus)</i><b><br /></b><br /><br /><ul><li>1 egg</li><li>2 egg whites</li><li>1 cup skim milk</li><li>2 Tbsp Splenda granulated sweetener </li><li>3/4 tsp vanilla extract</li><li>8 slices Pepperidge Farm Whole Grain Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Bread (I found this as Target)</li><li>1/2 tsp ground cinnamon</li></ul><br />1. Coat griddle or large skillet with nonstick spray and set over medium heat.<br /><br />2. In a shallow bowl, whisk together all ingredients except the bread.  Place slices of bread into the egg mixture, turning to coat both sides.<br /><br />3. Place the bread onto the hot griddle/skillet and cook until the underside is golden brown.  Turn and cook until the second side is golden brown.  Serve immediately.</blockquote><b style="color: #351c75;">Do you have a star ingredient in your favorite French toast recipe?</b><br /><br /><br />

Eat What You Love Weight Watcher Recipes Everyday Cinnamon French Toast

I will never make French toast another way again.  I thought this was a totally genius way to make the popular breakfast dish!  The star ing...

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Self Sabotage

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Last week during one of my Bible study sessions, I came across this verse that I thought was an absolute perfect depiction of my weight loss journey:<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>I don't understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do the very thing I hate. I know perfectly well that what I am doing is wrong, and my bad conscience shows that I agree that the law is good. But I can't help myself, because it is sin inside me that makes me do these evil things. I know I am rotten through and through so far as my old sinful nature is concerned. No matter which way I turn, I can't make myself do right. I want to, but I can't.  When I want to do good, I don't. And when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway.</i> ~Romans 7:15-19</blockquote>I don't know about you, but this describes my weight loss journey almost to a tee.  I have sabotaged my weight loss efforts time and again by telling myself things like:<br /><br /><div style="color: #351c75; text-align: center;">"<i>Housing this entire package of Oreos in 2 days won't hurt - I'll get back on track after that.</i>"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>OR</b> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: #351c75; text-align: center;">"<i>It's been a terrible 'off plan' week, I'll finish out this week as I please and start again next week.</i>"   </div><br />I've had 2 weeks in a row most recently where I've fallen back into that thought pattern.  I know I'm capable of eating mind<i>fully</i>, but lately I've been eating mind<i>lessly</i>.  Just like issues in relationships somehow always point back to poor communication, challenges with eating always come back to poor planning.<br /><br />I know there are things I am doing well though.  Every two weeks I come up with meal ideas for a two week time frame.  I write down 3 breakfast options, 3 lunch options and 4 dinner options for the two week period (bear in mind that there are only two people in my household - so lunches/dinners often turn into leftovers).  I'm good at this part!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZ-4V0ffwXY49civn9Ee8zgRuHsF2LDZi-KFSwPTR2nhcanDenMlaGccANJmkQsHWyXvYKn5IfhDnCLdtjUjCMP19RJWgAwjt-p4opTvmoKA9i7_hPUSpd7-S04K6WsOQhJTNoAHn6a0/s1600/planfail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZ-4V0ffwXY49civn9Ee8zgRuHsF2LDZi-KFSwPTR2nhcanDenMlaGccANJmkQsHWyXvYKn5IfhDnCLdtjUjCMP19RJWgAwjt-p4opTvmoKA9i7_hPUSpd7-S04K6WsOQhJTNoAHn6a0/s320/planfail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />What I'm NOT good at is sitting down and planning out a <i>day</i>.  Even though I plan out a menu, I don't calculate the PointsPlus at that time.  I just write down the meal ideas (which are almost always recipes that I have to calculate the PointsPlus values for).  This is obviously one area that can use improvement.  If I knew the PointsPlus values of my meals before I ate them, I would be in much better shape, instead of waiting to calculate it after the fact.  I realize how absurd this sounds, but I'm obviously lazy.<br /><br />Case in point: last night I made this beef stroganoff from the <a href="http://www.marlenekoch.com/" target="_blank">Eat What You Love</a> cookbook.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2S92YDXyNPGUmKujy-H7VXMAxa1fNk4RkWA-DeWYGhHrEj94lMKhXO1VyuPfSpYi6X70lnrnlSEzTH9yqtJA-zWxXM4SDX9m9UdWtcv5Sodeo02Kd4ujeK07ci_1RpfChKnZmqQyQUlk/s1600/beef+strog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2S92YDXyNPGUmKujy-H7VXMAxa1fNk4RkWA-DeWYGhHrEj94lMKhXO1VyuPfSpYi6X70lnrnlSEzTH9yqtJA-zWxXM4SDX9m9UdWtcv5Sodeo02Kd4ujeK07ci_1RpfChKnZmqQyQUlk/s400/beef+strog.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />While her recent cookbooks do list PointsPlus values, the version I have only lists the old Points value.  So, I knew it was going to be approximately 7 PointsPlus for the meal.  Turns out it was 8 PointsPlus for just the meat mixture alone - that did not include the 5 PointsPlus for the serving of egg noodles!  To combat this problem I could have cut my serving size in half, but that thought never crossed my mind until after I finished the 13 PointsPlus meal!<br /><br /><b style="color: #351c75;">Next approach to meal planning/success:</b>  calculate the PointsPlus values of all recipe menu items ahead of time!

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Fast Fix Lasagna

Those of us trying to lose weight know more than anyone how difficult it can be to enjoy pasta.  2 oz of spaghetti is such a joke!<br /><br />Hungry Girl certainly has her <a href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/newsletters/raw/666" target="_blank">substitutes</a>, but I still prefer the real deal.  My go to pasta is <a href="http://ronzonismarttaste.newworldpasta.com/" target="_blank">Ronzoni's Smart Taste</a> - loaded with fiber, but not grainy like traditional whole wheat pasta.<br /><br />I always say that my favorite "international" cuisine is Italian, and particularly lasagna.  I LOVE lasagna.  I'm worse than Garfield when it comes to this layered feast.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://theskinnyonmyjeans.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/its-that-kind-of-day.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://theskinnyonmyjeans.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/its-that-kind-of-day.gif" width="324" /></a></div><br /><br />I came upon <a href="http://www.marlenekoch.com/" target="_blank">Marlene Koch's</a> recipe for a lasagna-style dish called Fast Fix Lasagna.  Though this is not prepared with your traditional flat lasagna noodles.  She uses these cute little curvy numbers called Campanelle {i.e. "bell flowers"} noodles.  Have you heard of them?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3aZSckjoWsxrwaGPwRKlq7SkoY0Q7ZPBeMg96dhJTKd8EBjfWUoiHS8jh-77WSHkmes2m7_z-h_jlQe9m_nyagLRG18yJNZvPr6LAn8J5SjtEpOD4evvQbhGokz-ToE4mSQFS0BK0kE/s1600/campanelle+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3aZSckjoWsxrwaGPwRKlq7SkoY0Q7ZPBeMg96dhJTKd8EBjfWUoiHS8jh-77WSHkmes2m7_z-h_jlQe9m_nyagLRG18yJNZvPr6LAn8J5SjtEpOD4evvQbhGokz-ToE4mSQFS0BK0kE/s320/campanelle+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Man, I had a hard time finding these.  None of my grocery stores {Giant, Safeway or Shoppers Food Warehouse} carried them.  It wasn't until months later, after first attempting to make this dish, that I stumbled upon them at Target.  Thank you Tar-jay for stocking these awesome noodles in your stores!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjbVvSerD2iPhL0pyxeeyv9FEsSJ_aBH2jEXvpc-sbPVA5b5JUyPFupV9h2ZHepFWyTi8LL5TZUVIEfUSZNrNFXJz3l2ZyW9W33BROyG_grQwR-KUa0EoJ6E1n76JFWv-oaLfYdMYEi4/s1600/campanelle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjbVvSerD2iPhL0pyxeeyv9FEsSJ_aBH2jEXvpc-sbPVA5b5JUyPFupV9h2ZHepFWyTi8LL5TZUVIEfUSZNrNFXJz3l2ZyW9W33BROyG_grQwR-KUa0EoJ6E1n76JFWv-oaLfYdMYEi4/s400/campanelle.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><br />Essentially, the process of making Fast Fix Lasagna is the same as making regular lasagna - the only difference being the noodle shape.  Below is the original recipe.  Obviously because it's pasta, it's high in PointsPlus values, but I promise you it is a nice serving size (1.5 cups or 1/12 of the recipe) and is filling.  Served with a side salad, you'd be plenty satisfied!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2VyQb0mJWVVIMkZXXExyuJMqQrNyT_kEpFurP3X41-_NLFwsIEejAOEDJRdY3N2NNLNVLPoAeocqvQP0aaKWPa1Wk_FeFS8-W2mUne4P-x8r4wYgw4oLj43WvzIW5TyYyBawVtd2iHE/s1600/fast+fix+lasagna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2VyQb0mJWVVIMkZXXExyuJMqQrNyT_kEpFurP3X41-_NLFwsIEejAOEDJRdY3N2NNLNVLPoAeocqvQP0aaKWPa1Wk_FeFS8-W2mUne4P-x8r4wYgw4oLj43WvzIW5TyYyBawVtd2iHE/s400/fast+fix+lasagna.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">looks just like lasagna to me!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Enjoy!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctzzzglrVr3L_BpnAGVQDABQHvINAoMH8kWL7JSlofL9RhYeMtmj_xYwNH4Y7qHATaf4GGREd-_qVhVTc0E7jSeh8g3Fg7BvL-zUBdGKvdnlQx4UjicyLpeD6rwrNJA6ZHXZzKx5tud8/s1600/eatwhatyoulove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctzzzglrVr3L_BpnAGVQDABQHvINAoMH8kWL7JSlofL9RhYeMtmj_xYwNH4Y7qHATaf4GGREd-_qVhVTc0E7jSeh8g3Fg7BvL-zUBdGKvdnlQx4UjicyLpeD6rwrNJA6ZHXZzKx5tud8/s320/eatwhatyoulove.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">her new book is coming out in March!<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Eat-More-What-You-Love/dp/0762445890" target="_blank">Eat More of What You Love</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><u>Eat What You Love - Fast Fix Lasagna</u> - <i>8 PointsPlus</i></b><br /><b>Ingredients:</b><br /><ul><li>12 oz campanelle noodles</li><li>1 Tbsp olive oil</li><li>1 small white onion, chopped</li><li>3 garlic cloves, chopped</li><li>8 oz Italian turkey sausage, bulk or removed from casings (I used Shadybrook Farms)</li><li>1 (14 oz) can reduced-sodium beef broth</li><li>1/3 cup dry red wine</li><li>1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes</li><li>1 (6 oz) can tomato paste</li><li>2 tsp granulated sugar</li><li>1 1/2 tsp dried basil</li><li>1 1/2 tsp dried oregano</li><li>1/4 tsp black pepper</li><li>1 1/2 cups low-fat cottage cheese</li><li>1 (15 oz) pkg part skim ricotta cheese</li><li>2 Tbsp water</li><li>2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese</li><li>1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese</li></ul><br /><b>Directions:</b><br />1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 13 x 9 inch casserole dish with nonstick spray.<br /><br />2. Cook the pasta according to package directions while preparing the sauce and set aside.<br /><br />3. Marinara sauce: In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat.  Add the onion and saute for 2 minutes, or until tender.  Add the garlic and sausage and cook until meat is slightly browned.  Deglaze the pan by pouring in the beef broth and wine and scraping the browned bits from the bottom.  Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, herbs and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.<br /><br />4. In a medium bowl, mix together the cottage cheese and ricotta cheese.  Add the water and a dash of black pepper.  Set aside.<br /><br />5. Toss half of the red sauce with the cooked pasta.  Layer half of the pasta in the casserole dish.  Top evenly with the cheese mixture.  Pour 1/2 cup of sauce across cheese mixture and top with remaining pasta.  Cover with remaining sauce and sprinkle top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.<br /><br />6. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, or until heated through.  Serve.<br /><br />

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Better For You Buttermilk Pancakes

This was my breakfast for last week.  These are easy-to-make standard buttermilk pancakes, with a bit of a healthier kick to them.  I ate them plain with an 1/8 cup light syrup, but you could certainly add some fresh fruit (blueberries please!) and/or preserves and they would be just as delicious.<br /><br />These are brought to you by Eat What You Love.<br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br /><u><b>Better For You Buttermilk Pancakes</b></u><b>-4 Points+</b><br />(Makes 6 servings)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1pCZbbEYjCUY4XLO9iaCgdIcsw0ACjSQr87jg4nye7J_SN4TgyyPuZaiOOVHlL8qums53OitoS5EBIh3OdWMkLloJb-UMlMMVqnr7NndilZ7hThTOVHkIY6pujxm2vaV3W6DEaPCI_M/s1600/blog+pancakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1pCZbbEYjCUY4XLO9iaCgdIcsw0ACjSQr87jg4nye7J_SN4TgyyPuZaiOOVHlL8qums53OitoS5EBIh3OdWMkLloJb-UMlMMVqnr7NndilZ7hThTOVHkIY6pujxm2vaV3W6DEaPCI_M/s400/blog+pancakes.jpg" width="300" /></a><i>Ingredients:</i><br /><ul><li>3/4 c. all purpose flour</li><li>3/4 c. whole wheat flour</li><li>2 Packets of Sweet 'n Low</li><li>1 tsp baking powder</li><li>1/2 tsp baking soda</li><li>1 egg</li><li>2 egg whites</li><li>1 1/2 c buttermilk</li><li>1 tsp vanilla extract</li></ul><br /><i>Directions:</i><br />1. Combine the flours, sweetener, baking powder and baking soda in a medium bowl.<br /><br />2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.  Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.  Make sure not to over-mix the batter.<br /><br />3. Spray a nonstick skillet or griddle with cooking spray and place over medium heat.  Pour 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto skillet and spread into a 4" circle.  Cook the pancake for 3 or 4 minutes on the first side, or until golden on the bottom.  Flip the pancake just once more and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.  Serve hot. Serving size is 2 pancakes.

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September Goals and a Chai Tea Recipe

3 weeks in a row of losses! Yay!!<br /><br />Oh hey - notice something a little different?  :)  While my old layout wasn't bad, black wasn't exactly the most chipper color.  I <3 purple, and so I present to you a new layout.  I hope you find it a little more refreshing/inviting.<br /><br />It's time for me to think about what I want to work on for the month of September.<br /><br /><ol><li>Have an average of 4 days of activity per week instead of the 3 that I had for August.</li><li>Track what I did for activity, how often I did it, and for how long.</li><li>Track the days that I've stayed On Plan.</li><li>Add 2 servings of fruit and 2 servings of vegetables into my daily menu.  <i>This is up from August's goal of just 1 serving of fruit and vegetables per day.</i></li><li>Continue on with the <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/08/staying-on-track-with-august-goals.html">New Rules of Lifting for Women</a>.<i> </i></li><li>Continue reading <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/08/staying-on-track-with-august-goals.html">The Beck Diet Solution</a>.</li><li>Set a weekly goal for myself that I will determine on Monday's.  Thanks <a href="http://www.1year100pounds.com/">Ryan</a>!</li></ol>These goals are all similar to that of August with a few tweaks.  Since I had success with this in August, losing a total of 3.6 pounds, I want to keep setting attainable goals for September.  <br /><br />I am a lover of tea.  In case you haven't figured it out yet, my favorite tea variety is the chai.  I particularly like the spiced chai flavor.  Now, I frequent Starbucks a lot, and they serve a chai that is a liquid version.  I love this chai, but I don't love the 7 Points+ value for a venti skim.  While I can almost afford those Points+ now, I know I won't be able to as time goes on.  Still, I like the liquid chai for it's creaminess, a consistency I cannot seem to achieve using just half and half and chai tea bags.  Until now!<br /><br />Enter: Coffeehouse Chai Latte.  This is yet another recipe from <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/search/label/Eat%20What%20You%20Love">Eat What You Love</a>.  I'm not sure how/why this tea tastes so great but perhaps you can figure it out by the ingredients:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkcgZttoiBKDsCqSU4XkP6Mk_QqcRhUpQrZsdw-3NoAtKRSZLapfl7PT6A8NTgjV1RDnVJosW3j3n0Sg4noqhvb9pzD0RJLaWaf39ILD2La08DcIiF7nBjUPHQqL7uoB-Z4UUvz0upbE/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkcgZttoiBKDsCqSU4XkP6Mk_QqcRhUpQrZsdw-3NoAtKRSZLapfl7PT6A8NTgjV1RDnVJosW3j3n0Sg4noqhvb9pzD0RJLaWaf39ILD2La08DcIiF7nBjUPHQqL7uoB-Z4UUvz0upbE/s400/008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><ul><li>1/2 c. fat free evaporated milk</li><li>1 1/2 c. water</li><li>3 packets of Sweet 'n Low</li><li>2 individual chai tea bags</li><li>1 tsp honey</li></ul><blockquote>Combine the evaporated milk, water and Sweet 'n Low packets together in a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.  Stir frequently, so as not to scorch the milk.  As the liquid begins to simmer, add the tea bags and allow to steep for 3 minutes.  Remove pan from heat.  Remove tea bags from liquid.  Add the honey.  </blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9ZRZ-foyl1611OBXxos5qhah2TtsvBSgVnGcj-WkabV0WkrXwq3IMiHyS02y2SeG98x5kmpeBUHOPfyxssG2ok8-1L_TD7aMr-tgTLA3aTAewY4lmiFivuK_D3uoug4PhVSsJZ3djUw/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9ZRZ-foyl1611OBXxos5qhah2TtsvBSgVnGcj-WkabV0WkrXwq3IMiHyS02y2SeG98x5kmpeBUHOPfyxssG2ok8-1L_TD7aMr-tgTLA3aTAewY4lmiFivuK_D3uoug4PhVSsJZ3djUw/s400/005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />This is supposed to make 2 servings at 1 cup each.  This entire concoction makes just 1 for me :).  This delicious chai only costs me 4 Points+, as opposed to the 7 from the Starbucks version.  Winning!<br /><br />Do you have any beverages that you cannot go without on your weight loss journey?

Eat What You Love goals Loss New Rules of Lifting for Women The Beck Diet Solution Weight Loss Challenges Weight Watcher Recipes Weight Watchers September Goals and a Chai Tea Recipe

3 weeks in a row of losses! Yay!! Oh hey - notice something a little different?  :)  While my old layout wasn't bad, black wasn't ex...

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Just Dance!

During the hurricane on Saturday, Joel and I decided to give Just Dance 2 a try.  It didn't take us long to get used to at all.  You're basically trying to mimic what the person on the screen is doing, to the song of your choice.  Also, they have a dance option that seems to be geared more toward exercise and working up a sweat.  We only played for about 15-20 minutes of the regular dance competition, just to try it, and we were both definitely sweating by the end of that short amount of time.<br /><br />I also managed to get a NROLW workout in on Saturday as well.  A weekend workout two weekends in a row!<br /><br />I found it a little difficult this weekend to halt the food cravings.  Every month at a certain time I seem to have this problem!  I have continued to track diligently however.<br /><br />I spent Sunday preparing the week's meals.  On the menu this week is Better-For-You Buttermilk Pancakes, Meatball & Spaghetti Soup, and this Slow Cooker Root Beer BBQ Chicken that is A-M-A-ZING!  I said I'd have recipes last week for last week's meals and that all got swept under the rug :(.<br /><br />Stay tuned for some deliciousness this week, however.  I've already had the pancakes and they were very tasty and filling.<br /><br />How did you and your family fair during the hurricane? 

Eat What You Love Exercise Weight Loss Weight Loss Challenges Weight Watcher Recipes Just Dance!

During the hurricane on Saturday, Joel and I decided to give Just Dance 2 a try.  It didn't take us long to get used to at all.  You'...

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Eat What You Love: Brown Sugar Cinnamon French Toast

Another recipe from Eat What You Love!  This is called Brown Sugar Cinnamon French Toast.  I typically make my breakfast for the upcoming week over the weekend.  I would guess that this would have been better eaten fresh out of the skillet, but it still wasn't bad.  Perhaps the issue is that I am storing the cooked items in the fridge, rather than freezing them for the week - I'll try freezing them next time to see if that makes a difference.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctzzzglrVr3L_BpnAGVQDABQHvINAoMH8kWL7JSlofL9RhYeMtmj_xYwNH4Y7qHATaf4GGREd-_qVhVTc0E7jSeh8g3Fg7BvL-zUBdGKvdnlQx4UjicyLpeD6rwrNJA6ZHXZzKx5tud8/s1600/eatwhatyoulove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctzzzglrVr3L_BpnAGVQDABQHvINAoMH8kWL7JSlofL9RhYeMtmj_xYwNH4Y7qHATaf4GGREd-_qVhVTc0E7jSeh8g3Fg7BvL-zUBdGKvdnlQx4UjicyLpeD6rwrNJA6ZHXZzKx5tud8/s200/eatwhatyoulove.jpg" width="166" /></a></div><br /><br />On a scale of 1 to 5, where 5 is "delicious/I would totally make this again" and 1 is "gross/bland/boring - never making this again", my rating is:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"><b> 4 out of 5!</b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQNQOlx0qQE9TE8gs_H9KRnLwVi1KKofjs606mproYgtdDqAQ0th4zV0Y6DcPgN6e55eJVEKVoOLsOkkpsGwc3S2ALcqLWvYREU42lFI5Rbu5fQ_LbugJCLxjmurJJ5A8Emb6sgjVegg/s1600/blog+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQNQOlx0qQE9TE8gs_H9KRnLwVi1KKofjs606mproYgtdDqAQ0th4zV0Y6DcPgN6e55eJVEKVoOLsOkkpsGwc3S2ALcqLWvYREU42lFI5Rbu5fQ_LbugJCLxjmurJJ5A8Emb6sgjVegg/s320/blog+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with just syrup</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwfOp0WfHhj57ZB-GuSLGz9sfg5csDGuWoj_Xi7MD36yZ6_3rz-yZkf1uEvJzWESNTCffVY0Q6vjsZ-duI7IrS0Tb0ueg4qzOYr98lsY1TzSGI7d5LXX7BIh5cCkK1Gm_7VVwstMX7I0/s1600/blog+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwfOp0WfHhj57ZB-GuSLGz9sfg5csDGuWoj_Xi7MD36yZ6_3rz-yZkf1uEvJzWESNTCffVY0Q6vjsZ-duI7IrS0Tb0ueg4qzOYr98lsY1TzSGI7d5LXX7BIh5cCkK1Gm_7VVwstMX7I0/s320/blog+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>  <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u>Brown Sugar Cinnamon French Toast</u> <i>(4 Points+)</i></b><i> </i></div><ul><li>1 egg</li><li>2 egg whites</li><li>¾ cup low-fat milk <i>(I used skim)</i></li><li>¾ tsp vanilla extract</li><li>1 ½ Tbsp brown sugar</li><li>1 Tbsp Splenda granulated sweetener (optional)<i> (I used 1 packet of Sweet 'n Low)</i></li><li>1 tsp ground cinnamon</li><li>4 slices thick-sliced bread (like Texas toast) <i>(I used whole wheat potato bread)</i></li></ul><ol><li>In a shallow bowl, mix together the eggs, egg whites, milk and vanilla extract until combined.  Set aside.</li><li>In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, Splenda, and cinnamon.</li><li>Spray a medium nonstick skillet with cooking spray and place over medium heat.</li><li>Dip the bread slices in the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.  Place the bread into the hot skillet while underside is cooking, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of cinnamon sugar mixture evenly onto top of toast (pressing it through a mesh sieve makes for a nice coating).  Flip and finish cooking for 3 minutes, checking occasionally, while being careful not to overcook cinnamon sugar-coated underside.</li></ol>Makes 4 servings.

Eat What You Love Weight Watcher Recipes Eat What You Love: Brown Sugar Cinnamon French Toast

Another recipe from Eat What You Love!  This is called Brown Sugar Cinnamon French Toast.  I typically make my breakfast for the upcoming we...

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Eat What You Love: One-Pot Turkey Sausage Dinner

Dinner for Monday night was this DELICIOUS take on a traditional St Patty's Day favorite - basically meat/cabbage/potatoes. <br /><br />The meal came from my Eat What You Love cookbook by Marlene Koch. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctzzzglrVr3L_BpnAGVQDABQHvINAoMH8kWL7JSlofL9RhYeMtmj_xYwNH4Y7qHATaf4GGREd-_qVhVTc0E7jSeh8g3Fg7BvL-zUBdGKvdnlQx4UjicyLpeD6rwrNJA6ZHXZzKx5tud8/s1600/eatwhatyoulove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctzzzglrVr3L_BpnAGVQDABQHvINAoMH8kWL7JSlofL9RhYeMtmj_xYwNH4Y7qHATaf4GGREd-_qVhVTc0E7jSeh8g3Fg7BvL-zUBdGKvdnlQx4UjicyLpeD6rwrNJA6ZHXZzKx5tud8/s200/eatwhatyoulove.jpg" width="166" /></a></div><br /><br />On a scale of 1 to 5, where 5 is "delicious/I would totally make this again" and 1 is "gross/bland/boring - never making this again", my rating is:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"><b> 5 out of 5!</b></div><div style="color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvp7H_JEZ1UIZpgyv85W6h7HtIFUqSx1N_3BrXXTmTvRYArBTfJ6OzfYCNscVvt_hor7cBvqw2wf6aIvFltXvDZzH-X11WVIfiD49P2k4PaQpBGUbSsB574atHKISH4ZgfECSCNT255lU/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvp7H_JEZ1UIZpgyv85W6h7HtIFUqSx1N_3BrXXTmTvRYArBTfJ6OzfYCNscVvt_hor7cBvqw2wf6aIvFltXvDZzH-X11WVIfiD49P2k4PaQpBGUbSsB574atHKISH4ZgfECSCNT255lU/s400/002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><u><b>One-Pot Turkey Sausage Dinner</b></u><b> </b><b><i>(7 Points+)</i></b><br /><i><b>Ingredients:</b></i><br /><ul><li>1 small onion, thickly sliced</li><li>1 cooked turkey kielbasa sausage link (1 pound pkg) sliced into 1" slices (I used Butterball turkey kielbasa)</li><li>5 medium red potatoes (3/4 pound), sliced thick</li><li>1 Tbsp brown mustard</li><li>1 c. light apple juice (1/2 c. apple juice with 1/2 c. water) (I used Mott's for Tots - comes in a smaller size bottle than the generic brands, but is the same exact nutrition stats!)</li><li>1 tsp caraway seeds</li><li>6 c. shredded cabbage</li></ul><br /><i><b>Directions:</b></i><br /><ol><li>Spray a large pot with nonstick cooking spray and place over medium heat. Add the onion and saute for 2 min.  Add the kilebasa and cook for 2 more minutes, or until kielbasa and onions are browned.  Add the potatoes to the pot.<br /></li><li>In a small bowl, whisk together the mustard and apple juice.  Pour over the sausage mixture.  Sprinkle with the caraway seeds and stir.<br /></li><li>Pile the cabbage on top of the sausage, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.  Makes 6 servings.</li></ol>

Eat What You Love Weight Watcher Recipes Eat What You Love: One-Pot Turkey Sausage Dinner

Dinner for Monday night was this DELICIOUS take on a traditional St Patty's Day favorite - basically meat/cabbage/potatoes.  The meal ca...

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Eat What You Love: Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal

Since Joel and I are moving in 11 days (yay!), we're trying HARD to eat up a lot of our food.  I had some rolled oats left over from the first time I made this oatmeal months ago, so I decided to use them up this week and make it again.<br /><br />The oatmeal is adapted from Marlene Koch's <i>Eat What You Love</i> and is called Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal:<br /><br /><b><u>Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal</u> <i>(7 Points+) </i></b><br /><i><b>Ingredients:</b></i><br /><ul><li>1/2 c. rolled oats</li><li>1 c. water <i>(you made need more depending on your box's cooking instructions - read those instead)</i></li><li>2 packets of sweetener of your choice <i>(I only used 1 packet of Sweet 'n Low this time)</i></li><li>1/2 tsp ground cinnamon</li><li>1/2 tsp vanilla extract</li><li>1 tsp table salt</li></ul><i>Optional Ingredients:</i><br /><ul><li>raisins</li><li>banana</li></ul><i><b>Instructions:</b></i><br />Cook oats according to package directions.  Once cooked, mix in remaining ingredients. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIBdS37Gt1_Ch-y7zTxMV_V74pKUWmgapNyRx6GjxXY7FJmISz1r0fu6owMvZrdxkkB8I5YPWb1KjWw-7F42zB4jZNTkwZXGKseuxHgc6ijatwJZp2afE_iwQ16ofd7ocWA1GMGhRLn4/s1600/Blog+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIBdS37Gt1_Ch-y7zTxMV_V74pKUWmgapNyRx6GjxXY7FJmISz1r0fu6owMvZrdxkkB8I5YPWb1KjWw-7F42zB4jZNTkwZXGKseuxHgc6ijatwJZp2afE_iwQ16ofd7ocWA1GMGhRLn4/s400/Blog+003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />I also added raisins and a banana to mine, which made it delicious and very filling for me.<br /><br />I hope you all have an enjoyable weekend!  I'm spending mine studying at Starbucks and hopefully getting a chance to enjoy some of this amazing weather we're having in Maryland - no humidity for the weekend after a week of upper 90-degree weather with a heat index of over 100! <br /><br />I haven't decided what I'll be making this week for breakfast and lunch.  Do you plan your work-week meals?   

Eat What You Love Weight Watcher Recipes Eat What You Love: Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal

Since Joel and I are moving in 11 days (yay!), we're trying HARD to eat up a lot of our food.  I had some rolled oats left over from the...

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