Recipe Corner: Staci's Haystack Dinner

My cousin sent me this yummy recipe and I played around with it to help make it WW friendly. It was really yummy and everyone loved it, including my 2 year old!!!! 

 

Staci's Haystack Dinner

 

Ingredients-

4 cups instant White Rice

1 lbs. ground turkey or beef

1 - 10.5 oz. can cream of mushroom soup - I used mushroom with roasted garlic soup

1 - 10.5 oz. can cream of celery soup

2 cups (16 oz) cooked peas (I used frozen and cooked according to package)

Shredded cheese for topping (To save on points I used a little bit of reduced fat Parmesan cheese on mine)

Salt (to taste)

Pepper (to taste)

Tony Chachere (to taste....my hubby is from New Orleans so we like spicy in our house...this seasoning is not needed unless you want it)

Directions-
Cook Rice according to package....I used instant because it's easy but you can use any style of rice you'd prefer just note it will change my points value on it.

 

Meanwhile, cook turkey in a large saucepan until thoroughly browned. Add both cans of soup and seasonings; stir until well combined and creamy. Cook until warm.

 

To serve Haystacks put some rice on a serving dish, top with meat mixture, then top with peas and finally top with shredded cheese. If your peas are warmed the cheese should melt over them, if not you can stick the plate in the microwave for about 30 seconds.

 *** This made 4 servings for us. Each serving was 8 classic WW points (10 points plus). I divided the meat mixture into 4, used 1 cup of rice, 2/3 cup of peas and Parmesan cheese. You can adjust these items to your liking and recalculate points.

 

Staci's Haystack Dinner 

Super Star of the Week: Danielle Vega

Meet Danielle, a 33 year old from California who has struggled with her weight since High School. She hit "rock bottom" and crawled her way back to a better her. Check out her amazing story below......

When did you start your journey?
November 2011 is when I hit rock bottom and decided that I wanted my life back. I was a hefty 218lbs and a total sour grape.

What is your favorite exercise routine?
Anything with a steal bar and weights on each end , but I'd die if someone told me I couldn't do dead lifts any more. It's my favorite all body workout.

What's on your playlist that gets you pumped?
"Already Home" by Jay-Z, that song is like Nos to me. Anything Chris Brown, JT, Ciara and Rick Ross.

How much weight have you lost total?
In total 41lbs. It doesn't seem like a lot for someone who has been committed to working out for 2yrs, but I have put on muscle mass for sure. I can see and feel it all over my body.

What tips do you have for someone still working towards their goal?
Stay consistent. When/if you fall, get right back up. Remember your life is only lived

once, so don't feel bad to enjoy a non-healthy meal every now and then. Take pictures, they speak louder then a scale does.

How did you lose the weight/ what plan did you follow?
I started my journey with Stroller Strides, then moved to the YMCA and slowly added in weight training with my husband. In May 2013 I hit a plateau which lasted until Sept 2013. I finally caved and join a Weight Watchers group after baring witness to 2 friends having great success on it. I've lost about 12lbs since I joined.

What's your favorite "cheat" meal?
I love me some pizza and fries, but a good o'le Cheese burger from The Habit is heaven on earth for me. With a Whiskey and Coke on the side

What is your favorite snacks?
Frozen mango cubes or a skinny cow wedge with some Wheat Thins.

What's your favorite motivational quote or saying?
Push yourself, no one is going to do it for you.

Who is your biggest inspiration?
Honestly, I'm my biggest motivation. I've come a long way and I've lived life during my journey, every time I fell I got right back up and I continue to do so. But I have a friend, she's a mother of 3, full time job/mommy/wife and she gets in her run at least 5 days a week, more if she can. If she has time for a healthy life then I have no excuse.

How much more weight do you want to lose?
I'd like to shred another 20lbs, it's so hard to have a number. After you have a baby your body physically changes so it's hard to imagine what I'd look like at a specific weight.

Have you always had a weight issue?
Since high school, yes. I've been up and down. I'm the lowest I've been on almost 7years.

What made you decide to start losing weight?
Well I was bitter, angry and so unhappy with myself. I could feel my marriage suffering and I could see the unhappiness behind every smile in my pictures. I saw clothes that once fit me too big "shrink" into something small. I had to take control or myself or I was going to loose my mind, amongst other things. Taking the challenge and telling myself that I deserved a better life was the best thing I have done for myself in the past 8years.

A huge congrats to Danielle for making the choice to be healthy and happy! Never give up and always remember you're beautiful! I love how real everyone has been, it isn't an easy road but as you can see from all these amazing weight loss stories it is worth it.

Be an inspiration message me your story at Facebook.com/irunbecauseiliketoeat and you might be a super star of the week!

Facebook.com/irunbecauseiliketoeat

Super Star of the Week: Tommy Gumbs

Meet Tommy, a 33 from California who didn't like the way he felt about himself. So he made the decision to change his life from overweight, unhappy and unhealthy to a lean toned racing bicyclist! Check out his awesome story below!

When did you start your journey? 

I started my journey in 2011.
At that time I was 285 lbs. I was very unhealthy and just plain miserable. I knew something had to be done,
but I just didn’t know how to do it.
What I learned was everyone has an answer. And the answers you get will always be different. But I kept my eye on the goal, which was to feel good about myself again. 

                                                                   What is your favorite exercise routine?

Cycling and running.  Its actually hard to say. Coming from a time in my life where I was physically impaired, I tend to love anything that makes me feel alive. But, if I had to choose, it would be cycling.

What's on your playlist that gets you pumped?

After a couple years of making playlist, I now prefer to listen to Podcasts. Specifically Podcasts from "Above and Beyond.” I love just hitting play and letting the blood get to pumping. Plus, podcasts are free :)

How much weight have you lost total?

I have lost about a 100lbs. My waist at the beginning of my journey was a 42. I now wear

a 30. The actual amount of weight changes as when I am in race season, I tend to lean out. The lighter the better.  

What tips do you have for someone still working towards their goal?

Never give up. Life is race. How you want to finish this lovely race is up to you. 

As for eating, or drinking, I tell people that you need to learn your body and what works. Everyone is different. You only fail when you stop searching for what actually works for you. 

How did you lose the weight/ what plan did you follow?

I lost the weight by eliminating Soda first. Lost 15lbs the first month. Then I eliminated fast food. Lost 15 lbs the second month. The third month I started portion control and running/elliptical. By the fourth month I started incorporating a lot of protein, and

started cycling. From there on it was amazing watching my body change. I wish I had entered a contest or something.I never followed a plan. I just did what felt right. The key to my success is I never stopped. I never backed down. I aspired and dreamed of more. The faster my runs got, the longer my rides went, the more I pushed myself, the more I realized that I could do this. I could accomplish what I started, and go beyond that. I realized that my potential was infinite and I was the true master of my destiny. 

What's your favorite "cheat" meal?

I don’t have a favorite cheat meal. I am so active now that I constantly eat. Between racing and training, I need to consume a lot of calories and protein. I don’t eat like people think I do at all. I try to intake at least 3k a day. 

What is your favorite snacks?

I love peanut butter. I eat a large jar of Peanut Butter, and a large jar of Honey a week. I have 2 to 3 Peanut Butter smoothies a day. :)  

What's your favorite motivational quote or saying?

You can do it…from one of those Adam Sandler Movies. 

Who is your biggest inspiration?

 I don’t have one person that inspires me. I have hundreds. From the strangers that I see out on the road riding and running. To the people I see in the gym. I am inspired by those that are willing to change their life, or those that have done it. Like you Staci! Those are the people that inspire me because if they can do, so can I!  And, if I can do it, so can they. 

How much more weight do you want to lose?

Because I am on the other end of the spectrum, my weight depends on what I am doing. I stay around 175, but If I am not racing, I will beef myself up to 185, then drop it off for when I do race. 

Have you always had a weight issue?

I was always a larger guy. I was never happy with my body. I was always above 220 though. 

What made you decide to start losing weight?

I had a Kidney stone and I never wanted to go through that pain again. Hence, I cut out Soda, then fast food, etc. In the end I guess my pain from a kidney stone lead me to my greatest pleasure…..enjoying life and pushing my body as far as I can.  I have never had another Kidney stone BTW.

A huge congrats on your success Tommy! To see how happy and active you are is an inspiration in itself! You truly are an inspiration, keep on shining! You rock!!!

 Facebook.com/irunbecauseiliketoeat

Recipe Corner: Skinny Pumpkin Pie

I used a recipe I got from Skinnytaste.com and tweaked it a little bit, the end result is amazing! I am not usually a big pumpkin pie person, usually it's the texture that bothers me the most. I've never made a pumpkin pie so I wanted to try my hand at it and OMG this pie is delicious and full of flavor!!! You can find the original recipe at skinnytaste.com below is my version, which only has some added spice.

Skinny Pumpkin Pie
Servings: 8 • Serving Size: 1/8th • Old Points: 3 pt • Points+: 5 pts
 

Ingredients: 

• 15 oz canned pumpkin (or homemade pumpkin puree) I used homemade
• 2 tbsp light butter, softened
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, unpacked
• 1/2 cup fat free milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 large egg whites
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 frozen pie crust

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.

 Place pumpkin in a large bowl. Add light butter, and mix well. Using an electric mixer, mix in brown sugar, milk, eggs, egg whites, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla. Beat on medium speed until mixture is smooth. Pour filling into unbaked pie crust.
Bake 60 minutes, or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Serve with whipped topping and enjoy!

Skinny Pumpkin Pie

Source: Skinnytaste.com
Facebook.com/irunbecauseiliketoeat

Recipe Corner: Weight Watchers Chicken Parmigiana

This is a super yummy and simply recipe, defiantly one that makes you think you are "cheating" on your diet!!! =)

Chicken Parmigiana

Source: Weight Watchers

Classic Points Value 5

PointsPlus Value 7

Serves: 4

3 spray(s) olive oil cooking spray   1 pound(s) uncooked boneless skinless chicken breast(s), four 4-oz pieces     
2 item(s) egg white(s), lightly beaten    1/2 cup(s) dried plain breadcrumbs    1 Tbsp Italian seasoning    1/2 tsp table salt, or to taste    1 tsp olive oil      1 1/2 cup(s) canned tomato sauce    1/2 cup(s) (shredded) part-skim mozzarella cheese    2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese   

• Preheat oven to 350ºF. Coat a large baking pan with cooking spray.
  
• Place chicken between two sheets of wax paper; using a rolling pin, pound chicken to 1/4-inch thickness. (To watch a video of this technique, click here.)
  
• Place egg whites in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, combine bread crumbs with Italian seasoning and salt. Dip chicken in egg whites; turn to coat. Dip chicken in bread crumb mixture; turn to thoroughly coat.
  
• Coat a large skillet with cooking spray and add oil; heat over medium-high heat. When hot, add chicken and cook until lightly browned and no longer pink in center, about 4 minutes per side (cook chicken in batches if necessary).
  
• Pour 1/2 cup of sauce into prepared baking dish; place chicken in pan in a single layer. Pour remaining sauce evenly over chicken; sprinkle with both cheeses. Bake until chicken is cooked through and cheese is bubbly, about 25 minutes. Yields 1 piece of chicken per serving.

Weight Watchers Chicken Parmigiana with mashed potatoes and parmesan preen beans

www.weightwatchers.com
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Recipe Corner: Weight Watchers Chicken Fried Rice

Recipe Corner: Weight Watchers Chicken Fried Rice

This meal is listed as a side but I use it as the main course and serve with veggies for a nice low point dinner! My kids love it! Super easy to make and oh so yummy!!! Enjoy! Sometimes I will switch the chicken for pork, and I love to add mushrooms to it!

Serves 6 (1 cup serving)
3 classic weight watchers points/ 4 points plus

Ingredients: 

	2 spray(s) cooking spray
	4 large egg white(s)
	1/2 cup(s) uncooked scallion(s), chopped, green and white parts
	2 clove(s) (medium) garlic clove(s), minced
	12 oz uncooked boneless skinless chicken breast(s), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
	1/2 cup(s) uncooked carrot(s), diced
	2 cup(s) cooked brown rice, regular or instant, kept hot
	1/2 cup(s) frozen green peas, thawed
	3 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce

Instructions

• Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and set pan over medium-high heat. Add egg whites and cook, until scrambled, stirring frequently, about 3 to 5 minutes; remove from pan and set aside.
  
• Offheat, recoat skillet with cooking spray and place back over medium-high heat. Add scallions and garlic; sauté 2 minutes. Add chicken and carrots; sauté until chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
  
• Stir in reserved cooked egg whites, cooked brown rice, peas and soy sauce; cook until heated through, stirring once or twice, about 1 minute. Yields about 1 cup per serving. 

 

 

 

Weight Watchers Chicken Fried Rice with a side of stir fried veggies

 Source: www.weightwatchers.com
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Recipe Corner: Staci's Pumpkin Soup

Staci's Pumpkin Soup



Walmart had their pumpkins on sale for .1 each! So I bought 10, I've been playing with different pumpkin ideas and I thought I love soups so why not make a soup. I winged this so I'm not 100% sure on the measurements so you'll have to eye it and use the spices and amount of pumpkin to your liking.


Ingredients:
2 small pumpkins (mine had pumpkin pie stickers on them, they probably weighed about 2-3lbs each. Not super small but not big either)
Fat Free half and half
Ground Nutmeg
Ground Ginger
Ground Cinnamon
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Salt
Vegetable broth


I started by cooking the two small pumpkins. To cook I cut them in half seeded them and then cut into 4's. Baked at 350 for 45 minutes. Once they cooled I peeled the skin off. Pureed the "meat" in a food processor. I got a sauce pan out set it over medium heat used about 3 cups of vegetable broth,  about 1/4 cup of FF half and half, added the pumpkin puree (I kept adding to get the consistency I wanted and ended up using almost all the pumpkin...there is probably a cup of pumpkin left) sprinkled pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, ginger, salt and cinnamon to taste. Mixed until well blended and cooked until fully heated. Fresh cooked pumpkin (canned pumpkin has points) is no points so this soup comes out to 0pts for 1 cup and 1pt for 2 cups!!!!

Pumpkin Soup