No Pudge Fudge Brownies!!!

I have been hearing and reading about these no pudge fudge brownies for quite some time now but I had never actually came across the mix. Well this Saturday I was at my local Sprouts Farmers Market store just browsing and I look up and poof there it was!!! It was on sale so I figured I might as well buy it and try it!
The box recipe calls for 2/3 cup of non-fat vanilla yogurt. However, I am not a fan of yogurt so I made mine with 2/3 cup of applesauce and 1/4cup liquid egg whites. While it doesn't look like a restaurant brownie it tastes pretty good. It is very chocolatey. What I like about the no pudge fudge brownie mix is that it is made with natural ingredients I can pronounce.
Each package makes 12 brownies and each brownie is 3 PointsPlus values each. 

Ingredients:
1 package No Pudge Fudge Brownie mix
2/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup liquid egg whites (Egg Beaters)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Farheniet. 
2. Lightly spray an 8-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
3. Combine brownie mix, applesauce, and egg whites in a medium bowl. The batter will be thick (do not add water). 
4. Stir well until the batter is smooth.
5. Spread into the pan. 
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes. 
7. Let the brownies cool. To cut the brownies run sharp knife or pizza cutter under hot water and cut, rinsing under hot water after each cut. 
8. Enjoy!!!

All natural ingredients

Well...it tasted better than it looks.

Juicy Hamburgers

I love hamburgers and I must say I make a pretty darn good burger. I found a recipe for one on the Weight Watchers website. I modified it by adding egg whites to make it juicer. I a variety of spices that I enjoy.
Each burger is 4 PP values without bread. I use Nature's Own Whitewheat bread which is 3 PP for two slices.

Ingredients 

• 1 spray(s) cooking spray
• 1 pound(s) uncooked lean ground beef (I used a 96/4 meat)
• 1/4 cup egg whites
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 4 tsp minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp table salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

Extra Lean Ground Beef

Instructions

• Coat a large griddle, outdoor grill rack or stovetop grill pan with cooking spray and preheat to medium-high.
• In a large bowl, combine beef, egg whites, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt and pepper (or other seasonings); mix well and shape into 4 patties, about 1-inch-thick each. (To retain juiciness, be careful not to overwork the meat.)
• Place burgers on hot griddle, stovetop, or grill and cook 5 minutes per side for medium (or longer to desired degree of doneness).
• Serve burgers on rolls with your favorite toppings (could affect POINTS values). Yields 1 burger per serving. 

Prepping the patties to cook

The finished hamburgers!

  

Dinner: Juicy hamburger (4PP) on Nature's Own Whitewheat bread (3PP) with spinach leaves and a raspberry pecan dressing (2 tbsp = 1PP)

Salad dressing I decided to try since it was free with the purchase of pasta. It is very good.

Happy Sunday!! Flowers I received from a friend.

The best part of my Sunday!!! My friend's dad built this shot glass case for me!! I LOVE it!!

PointsPlus Calculations

I have been under the assumption that the addition of protein to the WW calculations was to help with the PointsPlus values rather than raise them. I saw this recipe in a magazine and, as always, I did the PointsPlus calculations based on the nutritional information that was provided. As I was entering the values I saw that when you add protein it raises the number of PointsPlus calculations. Check out the screenshots below to see what I mean.
Also, I will say that I LOVE the new program and this is not an anti PointsPlus program post. I just want to be able to understand the calculations and I thought protein was good and helped lower the values not increase. Maybe I missed something along the way but if anyone has any thoughts or clarifications then I am all ears.

 

Amazing Cheddar Sliders recipe from the Jan/Feb 2011 issue of Health magazine

Nutritional Information

Fat and Carbs entered equals 6 PointsPlus value

Protein increases the total by 3 PointsPlus Values

Fiber doesn't do anything for the PointsPlus value

Slow Cooker Turkey & Bean Chili

I love chili and I love my slow cooker so why not combine them to make wonderful meals for the week!! 

So I have created...

Slow Cooker Turkey & Bean Chili

6 servings = 7 PointsPlus values (approx. 1 cup)
9 servings = 5 PointsPlus values (approx. 3/4 cup)
12 servings = 4 PointsPlus values (approx. 1/2 cup)


Ingredients:

• 1lb 99% fat free ground turkey (lean ground beef can also be used)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 green bell pepper and/or 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 sweet onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes 
• 1 (15 oz.) can red kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 (16 oz.)  can black beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
• 1 (10 oz.) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (I used Rotel brand)

Directions: 

1. Cook the ground turkey and garlic in a nonstick skillet breaking apart the meat with a spoon until the meat is well browned. Drain off any fat and return to skillet. 
2. Add in the bell peppers, onions, chili powder, and cumin; stir and cook until softened (about 5 minutes). 
3. In the slow cooker, mix together crushed and diced tomatoes, beans, and tomato paste; then stir in the turkey mixture. Add any additional seasonings to taste. 
4. Cover and cook on HIGH until flavors are blended (about 4-5 hours). 
5. Enjoy!!! 

Ground turkey, green bell peppers, and onions!

All in the crockpot...now I just have to wait 4-5 hours for it to be done!!

2011: The Year of Jeanette

I am sure you may (or may not) be wondering how I came to the title this post. I can't even put into words how great I feel and positive I am feeling about life right now. It's a new year, I have a new haircut, Weight Watchers has a new program, I have lost 56lbs, and gained a lot of confidence. Over the past year and a half I have transitioned into a new city, a new job, and a new me. I have shared this experience with a friend who is going through the same in a different city. She claimed 2010 was her year so dang it I am claiming 2011 as the year of Jeanette!!

Whew!! Now that that's out the way let's rewind to Friday. I started my morning out with a trip to my Weight Watchers meeting location for my weekly weigh in. I had a decent week but I wasn't feeling 100% about it. Well I ended up losing .8lbs bringing my total to 56lbs gone (or 25%).

Weekly from WW meeting

There is still a sale going on at meeting locations!

I knew Friday was going to be a great day because I was going on my first date in a LONG time. I was nervous and very excited. I got my hair done that afternoon and my stylist ended up cutting it more. I didn't like it at first but I have since embraced it. Upon leaving the hair salon my car, Ol' Black, decided to start acting crazy and cut off. Luckily I managed to pull over into a parking lot and not get stranded in the middle of the busy street. I had a nice long wait for the tow truck. My car being out of commission was not going to stop me from going on my date and guess what it didn't. I had my date and I enjoyed myself. It felt good to put myself out there again and see what's out there. While I do not think I found my "perfect" guy it was a great first date experience.

2nd but better haircut

Today I was watching a CNBC special titled "Crackberry'd: The Truth About Information Overload". It talked a lot about everyone being so connected to their Blackberry and social networking sites, which I am guilty of. One segment of the show discussed the dangers of texting while driving which really made me feel guilty about what I was doing even though I know I shouldn't be doing it. So I decided to take Oprah's No Phone Zone Pledge. I know the consequences of texting while driving and I know that I am not prepared to deal with something negative coming from my action. There is nothing that important to text or message while driving that puts my life and the lives of others in danger.

Saturday reading!! I love magazines!! Subscriptions are so cheap and convenient!

Jennifer Hudson looks great on the Jan/Feb 2011 issue of the WW magazine!

365 days of celebrating me and making my own success story!!

PointsPlus you are alright in my book! I love the zero PointsPlus value fruits.

I love this quote!!!

Get your issue today and it comes with some wonderful coupons!

I can identify with over half of these.

Now if you will excuse me I must go cheer on my Colts!!!

Crockpot Spaghetti

So I am not much of a cook and never knew that pasta could be cooked in the crockpot. Well I figured it could be but it would taste awful. Well I was wrong. I was trying to figure out a recipe with ingredients I had around already. I always keep pasta around and I wanted to use the crockpot because it is so easy. So with a few google searches to make sure I cooked the pasta correctly I am pleased to introduce you to my crockpot spaghetti!!

Ingredients:

• One box of whole wheat spaghetti ( I used Ronzoni)
• 26 oz. jar spaghetti sauce
• Boca ground crumbles
• 1-1/3 cups water
• frozen corn (Gotta have veggies)
• seasonings based on your tastes ( I like to use oregano, basil, and Italian seasoning)

Preparation:

Combine all ingredients in 3-4 quart slow cooker and mix to combine. Cover crockpot and cook on low for 4-7 hours until pasta is tender and meatballs are thoroughly heated, stirring once during cooking time. This method will make the pasta quite soft, like Spaghetti-Os. 

OR, you can cook the sauce, meatballs, and water for 4-7 hours until hot, then stir in the pasta. Cover and cook on high for 20-25 minutes, stirring once, until the pasta is tender. This will make pasta that is more al dente. 

Yes it really is this simple!!! Enjoy :-)
6 servings = 10 PointsPlus values
7 servings = 8 PointsPlus values
8 servings = 7 PointsPlus values

The final product!!!

Happy Hump Day!

I started off my hump day with a lovely trip to 24 Hour Fitness for a cycle class. It was my first cycle class of the new year. Cycling is definitely a great workout. I didn't wear my Polar F7 so I am not sure how many calories I burned but it is always a lot in that class.

By time I got home from the class it was past breakfast time so I had some leftovers of the Deep Dish Pizza Casserole I made earlier this week. I found this recipe Emily Bites blog and adapted it to my liking.   
6 BIG servings = 9 PointsPlus values 
8 servings = 7 PointsPlus values

Before going into the oven. It was a bit too saucy from the extra tomato sauce I added. It worked out in the end.

The finished product!! It was actually pretty good.

After my wonderful lunch, I went off on an excursion to Ikea. I was tired of hearing about this super 60% off sale so I decided to go see what was going on. The sale did not live up to the hype. The items I want were not on sale but it was a nice trip. I did get some new lamps.  If you have never been to an Ikea store put it on your list of life things to do! Ikea is all things inexpensive for the home!! From furniture to kitchen cabinets to home furnishings to accessories, you name it they have it!! The stores are so big that they have a restaurant halfway through the store.  

Beware of the cinnamon rolls at the end of the checkout area!!!

I went to the grocery store after my lil excursion to Ikea and finally found melba toast!!! I kept hearing about it and finally saw it at my local Sprouts Farmers Market so of course I purchased a box!! One serving of four toast pieces is 1 points plus value but I decided to double it for 3 points plus and add some Laughing Cow cheese on it for a nice 4 points plus snack.

Melba toast

Gotta love Laughing Cow cheese wedges and only 1 pts plus value

The finished product!!

Now on to dinner. I was really craving quesadillas and I had a new quesadilla maker I had not used yet. I knew I had some chicken, shredded cheese, and bell pepper at home. All I need for a quesadilla. I picked up Mission Carb Balance Whole Wheat Small Tortillas. One tortilla is one points plus and two tortillas are three points plus.

My quesadilla consisted of two tortillas, half a red bell pepper, boneless skinless chicken breast, and fat free shredded cheddar cheese with some salsa for dipping.

1 points plus for 1 tortilla or 3 points plus for 2 tortillas

I love kitchen appliances and gadgets. The latest is a quesadilla maker!

Less mess and no flipping needed with this appliance!!

4 oz boneless skinless chicken breast seasoned with Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipotle seasoning. I would recommend 2-3 oz of chicken if using the small tortillas.

Keeping it simple with chicken, red bell pepper, and fat free cheddar cheese

The finished product  for 7 PointsPlus values and it was tasty. Next time I may get the larger tortilla.

Flatout Pizza

Flatout's Breads are a new food find for me thanks to Danica's Daily blog. The pizza she made looked so good I had to make it for myself immediately. I adapted the recipe to my liking and I must say it was amazing.

There are different varieties but always check the P+ values for yourself to make sure you get the right one. This kind is 2 P+ values.

  Ingriedients on my pizza:

• 1 Flatout flatbread
• 17 slices of Hormel Turkey Pepperoni
• 1/4 cup fat free Kraft mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup pizza sauce
• green bell peppers & tomatoes (other veggies can be added to your liking)

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 
• Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray and lay flatout on the sheet. 
• Spread pizza sauce evenly on flatout. 
• Add veggies to flatout.
• Top with cheese and add pepperonis. 
• Bake in the oven for 7-10 minutes or until cheese is melted. 
• Slice and enjoy!! 

The finished product for 6 P+ values! Nom nom nom!!

I'm soooooo excited!!

I am very happy to have this blog and finally have figured out some things and gadgets. I thought I was going to go crazy for a minute!! I don't know what will come of this but at least I am putting information out there. My goal and hope is that I can support and assist someone else and also find others who can support and assist me on my journey.
Today, Tuesday, January 4, 2011, started out with a nice kickboxing class at 24 Hour Fitness. I burned close to 500 calories. I have a Polar F7 heart rate monitor however I forgot to turn it on until the last 20 minutes of the class. Fail. The 20 minutes I did record had me at over 200 calories burned!! Great way to start my day!
I don't eat before I workout in the mornings so I came home and had a breakfast I am now calling Jeanette's Egg Breakfast Bagel Sandwich. It doesn't look like a lot or even the most appealing but it is good and filling.
Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup liquid egg whites (Egg Beaters or store brand)
• 1 Bagel Thin (bread and English muffins work too)
• I used Toufayan Bakeries bagel (see food finds page for more info)
• 2-4 slices of Oscar Mayer Canadian Bacon
• 1 tbsp jelly (I prefer grape)

Directions:

1. Follow directions on packaging and cook egg whites and bacon. 
2. Toast bagel thin
3. Spread jelly on bagel thin
4. Assemble sandwich with egg whites and bacon
5. Enjoy!

Assembled Sandwich with a banana for 5 P+ values

2011 is my year!!

A new year and a new blog! I know 2011 is my year! I have claimed it and it will be so.
Why not start the first post with some goals for the year. Note: I hate the phrase new years resolutions. Hopefully writing them down in some format will help keep me on track.

2011 life goals:

1. Lose 25lbs by my 2 year WW anniversary
2. Become a WW lifetime member
3. Walk and/or jog a 5K
4. Track at least 5 days a week regardless of what I eat
5. Go to the gym 3-4 days a week minimum
   
6. Try a new recipe each week
7. Post a blog entry at least once a week
8. Read a new book each month
   
9. Travel to Las Vegas
10. Call my mother more often
    
11. Decorate and spice up my bedroom

I will keep you updated on the progress!