Special Stir fry with Beans, Portobello and Peppers

Today I don't feel like writing about my status, it's not much different than yesterday, so I thought it was time for one of my whimsical recipes:


Special Stir fry with Beans, Portobello and Peppers

1 cup of cleaned cut green beans. Cut the next five ingredients in
medium chunks: 1 red pepper, 1 yellow pepper, 1 onion, 1 large
portobello mushroom, two tomatoes. 3/4c oil, 1tsp salt and pepper, 1/2
tsp cayenne pepper, 1/3 tsp garlic, 1 1/2c beef broth.


 Heat oil in wok-pan and add seasonings. Then add green beans, onions, peppers and half of beef broth. Cook over medium heat for eight minutes, stirring frequently. Add tomatoes and stir then cover for three minutes. Add remaining beef broth and stir. Add mushrooms to top and cover, remove from heat. Allow to sit for four minutes. Remove lid and stir mushrooms into mixture.

Serve with barley, couscous, quinoa, noodles, or eat as a side dish to your favorite meat.

No Clue

So after I realized that the scale isn't the best way for me to determine my loss of body fat, I sulked (who wouldn't). It wasn't for very long and I didn't beat myself up over it either (I surely would have in the past). This was my fun weekend and I didn't want the doom and gloom of pounds looming over me.

I went out Friday night and had pulled pork sliders and coconut shrimp, two beers and one dirty martini. Used a mere twenty-eight points, which was good because I only used six of my anytime points. I was proud of myself and had a great time dancing up a huge sweat.

Saturday I decided on a huge salad and football to get me through the evening. Turkey, pepperoni, Swiss cheese, tomatoes and one tablespoon of Ranch dressing completed the meal. I was so full after that I didn't think twice about the Menchie yogurt thoughts that had swirled in my head when I woke up. Later in the night I had some carrots and a small sandwich before I went to sleep.

I gave it quite some thought about how my body feels now versus four weeks ago. My clothes aren't really fitting any differently, a few items seem like they aren't as snug, but outside of those few items nothing. Maybe my feet aren't as swollen. I've no clue.

I am grateful to have an enormous support group and cheering section!! Toni sent me a wonderful book: Hungry Girl 300 (anytime dishes) Under 300 (Calories) by Lisa Lillien. I will be studying the recipes and making a few items a week. If I can keep the meals simple, full of low point items and still lose weight then I will WIN!!!

 I have to thank Nikki B. for this recipe. I'll be working on getting this in my food menu:

Quinoa & Smoked Tofu Salad

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Rest Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 50 mins

Ingredients
2 cup(s) water
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup(s) quinoa, dry
1/4 cup(s) lemon juice
3 tablespoon oil, olive, extra virgin
2 clove(s) garlic
1/4 teaspoon pepper, black ground
1 package(s) tofu, baked, hickory smoked
1 small pepper(s), yellow
1 cup(s) tomato(es), grape
1 cup(s) cucumber(s)
1/2 cup(s) parsley, fresh
1/2 cup(s) mint, fresh
Preparation
1. Bring water and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add quinoa and return to a boil.

2. Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook until the water has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Spread the quinoa on a baking sheet to cool for 10 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, whisk lemon juice, oil, garlic, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add the cooled quinoa, tofu, bell pepper, tomatoes, cucumber, parsley and mint; toss well to combine.

Four Weeks 1 Pound Lost

From the looks of things I am failing miserably. I have been on WW four weeks and my entire way of eating and living has changed. Yet the scale refuses to reflect what I feel inside. What to do?

I think in life, sometimes, the very markers that we use to guide our lives, our hearts, our minds can give a false reading. I know that many tests can do this, so why not in other areas of our lives. If I have changed all of my eating habits and increased my exercise efforts then why isn't the one measure of validating this success not reflecting the outcomes?

Perhaps I need to start using a measuring tape as well. I may have lost inches and not even know it because I didn't do any pre-measuring. This is no excuse though. I simply must work a little harder than last week. I can't imagine a plateau this early in the game, but maybe I can use some of those plateau busting techniques to shake-it-up a bit for this month.

I was down when I saw the scale. I had high hopes for 2.4lbs off!! But, then the numbers blinked back at me (or perhaps it was me blinking in disbelief) and didn't waver. I stepped off the scale and tried to keep the smile on my face. The ladies must have sensed my disappointment and neither of them said anything goofy like, "You will have better luck next week!!" I don't need to hear that right now.

My right brain wants to run and eat a lot of chocolate. It's screaming that I've failed. My left brain told me to finish my couscous and broccoli and the water I have nearby. My left brain is my friend. So with this week down and a new one beginning tomorrow, I have four more weeks to lose one pound! I'm going to do it with pride!!