Is Full-Fat Really All That?

Ice cream. Oh, how I love it. I don't have cookies or cupcakes or chocolate regularly stocked in my home, but ice cream is a must-have for me. When I run out of it, I have to go to the store, just like I would for milk, eggs, or bread. It's really the only ready-made "sweet" you'll find in my home, other than Nilla Wafers for my daughter, which aren't really my thing.

Am I addicted to it? Oh, yeah. I can admit that. Do I plan on giving it up? Don't make me laugh. I'd rather be 10 pounds heavier and eat some ice cream multiple times a week than go without it and be at my "perfect" weight. I've given up other indulgences, and let's face it, a life without a bit of indulgence is no life at all. I don't believe in giving up everything you like, mostly because it's impossible to maintain a lifestyle that makes you feel imprisoned by food.

I have said many times that when it comes to dessert, either eat it or don't. Meaning, don't eat some reduced-fat or sugar-free version, only half enjoying it! It's just a waste of calories. But, alas, I am changing my philosophy, at least when it comes to ice cream.

Previously, I had posted that I do eat reduced-fat ice cream. I find it to be just as enjoyable as the full-fat version; however, you are quite limited in your flavors. If you are a vanilla or chocolate person you'll have no problem making the switch. I even found a delicious reduced-fat peanut butter cup ice cream at Target. I just have a problem paying twice as much for some specialty reduced-fat bars, and that's where all the variety is, unfortunately.

And then yesterday when I went grocery shopping, there was absolutely nothing to choose from! I was so disappointed. My choices were chocolate, vanilla, or coffee. And I'm not one of those vanilla or chocolate people. I like a little more personality in my ice cream. I almost went for the regular chocolate chip cookie dough, but I didn't. I decided, heck, if those are my only choices I might as well try the fat free vanilla. Yes, you heard me correctly: FAT FREE.

I grabbed that Breyers Fat Free Vanilla, fully expecting it to be disgusting. Honestly, how could fat free ice cream be any good? So when I got home, I tried a spoonful. I was too curious to wait! Had I just wasted $2.50 that could have been spent on chocolate chip cookie dough?!

The results are in. It was actually good! It was creamy, and tasted just like vanilla should taste like! Well, then it must have a ton of sugar in it right? Actually, no!

Let's compare a serving of Breyers Fat Free Vanilla to the Breyers Natural Vanilla:
Fat Free Vanilla - 120 calories, 0 g fat, 4 g protein, 27 g carbs (4 g fiber & 16 g sugar)
Natural Vanilla - 130 calories, 7 g fat, 4 g saturated fat, 3 g protein, 14 g carbs (all sugar)

Okay, so it's a little more sugar, but you get fiber and another gram of protein, all for 10 fewer calories. Not bad for ice cream. I've seen sherbet, which people somehow think is healthy, that also has no fat, but twice as many grams of sugar!

When it comes down to it, I still need a few more choices. You won't be seeing plain, boring vanilla in my cart every single time. Although, if I need some vanilla for sundaes or next to some birthday cake, I'll be picking up a carton of my new favorite fat free treat.

Quick 'n Easy Mexican Bowls

I don't miss a lot of things about Rexburg, ID, especially not the weather. Or climbing over the 7-foot-tall snow mountains that American Manor Apartments would shovel in the middle of my path to campus. One thing I do miss, however, is Bajio's. Sure, they have Bajio's in other states, but not here in Colorado. We didn't go a lot, but when we did I'd always get one of their bowls, loaded with rice, beans, cheese, chicken, and all sorts of other yumminess. I know Bajio's isn't real Mexican food, and neither is my "recipe," but I'm a gringo and it's the closest thing to Mexican food you're gonna get from me.

This isn't really a recipe, it's mostly just a list of things I throw together to resemble those Bajio's bowls. I had it for dinner tonight, so it's fresh on my mind!

Chicken breasts
Salsa
Black Beans
Corn

Cooked brown rice
Reduced-fat shredded cheese

I start by placing the chicken breasts in an oven pan, then covering them with as much salsa as you want and baking for about 20 to 30 minutes at 350 degrees. The time will differ depending on the size of the chicken breasts. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it or cut it into bite-size chunks. This allows the chicken to pick up the flavors of the salsa. If you already have plain cooked chicken breast, you can use that also and just top it with some salsa.

Spoon the chicken, corn, and black beans over the brown rice in a single-serving bowl. Sprinkle a tiny bit of shredded cheese over everything, just enough to get a little cheese in every bite, but not so much that you can't see the food underneath. Microwave just long enough to melt the cheese. Repeat for each bowl.

That's it! But I don't want to hear about anyone cheating and not using brown rice. It takes longer to cook, but I just throw it in my rice cooker while the chicken is baking and it's done. I've never been sorry about my rice cooker investment. I love that thing. Once you start eating brown rice instead of white, you'll realize it's got some personality to it. It's a little nutty, and it adds a different texture too. I miss my white rice on occasion, but brown rice really is so much healthier.

If you don't over-do it on the cheese, these bowls are pretty healthy for you, and filling too. We all know that chicken breast is a wonderful lean protein, and that beans are great for us too. Salsa is an excellent low-cal topping, so add as much as you want. Corn isn't exactly the healthiest vegetable, but I like it in Mexican dishes. You can always replace it with onions, peppers, or any other vegetable you like.

Salud!

Endorphins

She looks sweet and innocent, but you are being deceived!!!

This morning I woke up in a rotten mood. I was tense, impatient, and everything my sweet girl did frustrated me. Of course I did have to save her from a falling easel mirror that she pulled on top of herself by trying to climb it like Spiderbaby or something, but that's beside the point. I needed to chill out.

On the way to the gym I said a quick prayer to keep me from killing my child. It was something along the lines of begging for some patience because I can't seem to muster up any on my own today.

I finished my workout, got my toddler from the daycare section, and went on my merry way. I didn't even notice, but I was happy. I was talking sweetly to her, and once again she was an angel.

In the words of the ever-so-brilliant Elle Woods (Legally Blonde): "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands. They just don't!" That goes for toddlers too.

So the next time you think you may just lose it, think of Elle, and take a walk.

Get to Class!

Until a few weeks ago I had been going at this totally alone, and in the wrong way. I worked out at home, doing the same thing because, well, I live in a condo. I don't have the space, or the money, for more than one machine, and that one machine is currently in our office with two desks, a couple of bookcases, two dumbbells, and just about enough floor space to do crunches. I could buy a running stroller and try that, but I don't have the room for another stroller either. And I hate running. Especially outside.

I'd even stick my kid in what I call "jail," which is a hexagonal play yard fenced off with baby gates. She really, really hates it. And I can't hear my iPod or my Law and Order: SVU episode over her screaming and the dramatic hurling of herself from side to side as she shakes the walls of the play yard. Let's face it, I can't wait until she takes a nap to work out because then I've given up my allotted shower time. Working out, and then giving up my shower is not an option. I think my friends, family, and the general public would agree with that one.

I started slacking off. It was too hard to wake up before the baby because she kept waking up earlier and earlier, and I'm the kind of person that cannot wake up early unless I absolutely have to. I tried working out when she was awake, but that was a disaster because either I put her in "jail" or she would reach for the elliptical arms or pick up the dumbbells and hurt herself. At that point, working out was kind of hit and miss for me; sometimes I'd get to it, sometimes I didn't.

Something had to change. I mean, this was just not working. As luck would have it, I talked to one of my friends (who is a personal trainer at a gym) about my goals and such, and she suggested I look into joining a gym. I really liked the idea of the daycare because I am in desperate need of some "me" time. You may think I'm cruel for wanting to get away from my toddler, but believe me, if you are the only one with your child 24/7 it's in the best interest for both of you. Anyway, the more I thought about it, the more I liked the idea.

So I did it. I joined a gym, but I kept doing everything myself. I'd do my cardio; I'd do my strength training, but I wasn't trying anything new. I wanted to try some classes, but I was kind of nervous. How would I look? What if I was the worst one there? What if it was too hard? I just kept talking myself out of it since I was still seeing results doing things my way.

Then this past Wednesday I finally tried a class: BodyVive. Cardio, resistance training, pushups, abs, flexibility...a little bit of everything. The hour went by quickly and I left feeling pretty good. I pushed myself, but I wasn't exhausted afterward. Then Thursday morning came, and I got out of bed and almost fell on my face. What the heck happened to my calves?! I could not walk. My legs hurt, my arms hurt, my chest hurt...everything hurt. It was awesome! I knew I had to do that class again. Obviously that class was working muscles I wasn't getting on my own. At that moment I was hooked.

My calves were still hurting a little this morning, but I went again anyway. There's just something about going to class that makes you push yourself harder. I would never do pushups on my own, but when I'm in class, I do it. I do anything that instructor tells me.

I'm definitely an advocate of going to class. I believe you'll get results you'd never get on your own. It's fun, the time goes by fast, and you have the support of the instructor and all those classmates. Who cares if you look like a fool? No one's looking at you anyway. So if you have the opportunity, see what's offered and get to class!

Healthier Chocolate Chip Pancakes

I'm not delusional enough to tell you that chocolate chip pancakes are healthy, but I can give you are recipe that cuts down the fat and calories! Once in awhile, these pancakes are a nice alternative to my usual bowl of whole grain/high fiber cereal.

Doesn't that look delicious?!

1 large egg white, lightly beaten
1/2 c low-fat buttermilk
1/2 c whole-grain oat flour (I used unbleached all-purpose, which eliminates any fiber, but it's all I had!)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp salt
2 tbs mini chocolate chips
cooking spray

1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees.
2. Whisk egg white, buttermilk, flour, baking soda, vanilla, and salt in a small mixing bowl. Stir in 1.5 tbs water until well incorporated. Then stir in the chocolate chips and let stand for 10 min.
3. Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When a spritz of water causes the skilled to sizzle, working in batches and respraying between each batch, mist the skillet with spray and pour ¼ c of batter per pancake onto the skillet.
4. Cook until there are bubbles on the top and bottom is golden brown, about 2 min. Flip each pancake and cook until lightly golden brown on the bottom, about another 2 min.
5. Transfer the finished pancakes to an ovenproof plate, cover with foil and keep them warm in the oven until they are all cooked. Serve immediately.

Makes 4 pancakes, which was perfect for my daughter and me.  You can easily double or even triple the recipe if you need to.  Each pancake has 105 calories, 4 g protein, 16 g carb, 3 g fat, 1 g sat fat (assuming you use the whole-grain oat flour).  Go by your gut, if you are satisfied with one pancake, don't eat two!  I served two of these with a side of fruit and a glass of milk (I've switched to skim), and that amount was perfect for me.  I think my daughter could have eaten all four though...

Today I'm going to share just a few tricks I've learned on how to use less and get the same taste, just like we did when using the mini chocolate chips rather than regular sized chips in these pancakes.  

1. Finely shredded reduced-fat cheese

Look for that word "finely."  When you use finely shredded vs. regular shredded you can cover a much larger portion with less cheese.  Looks matter when it comes to food.  Create the appearance of using much more cheese than you really have.  You'll still get cheese in every bite, and use much less.

2. Brushing or spraying on oil

Instead of frying with oil, lightly brush the foods or spray the foods with oil (there are actually spray bottles designed for this, so don't think I'm talking about Pam here).  It will still make your food moist and give it that richer flavor, but it's a lot healthier.  I always brush on a light layer of olive oil when I bake plain chicken breasts, or oven fries.

3. Half oil and half applesauce

Some of you may have heard that you can replace oil with applesauce, specifically when baking.  I find that sometimes that really takes a certain quality out of things, not as moist, different texture.  However, many times I have done half oil and half applesauce and that really seems to improve things.  Not only do you get the fat-reducing quality of the applesauce, but you still keep close to the same texture in your baked goods.

4. Egg whites

You can use egg whites to replace a full egg in a lot of different things, but I'm just going to give the example where I use it the most.  To me, replacing egg yolks works the best when you are just eating eggs: scrambled, egg salad, omelets, etc.  If I make an egg salad, I use some sort of light dressing and 2 whites for every 1 yolk.  I use that same ratio for other cooked eggs, and it works really well for me.  I actually prefer the taste of egg whites anyway, but you do get a lot of nutrients from the yolk, even though it has all the fat, so don't completely eliminate it from your diet.

Eating right can be very hard when you first get going.  I was quite addicted to high-fat/high-sugar foods.  It was extremely difficult to start eating right because I craved those foods all the time.  They have addictive qualities.  Once you get them out of your system you won't crave them so much.  Now it is much easier for me to eat healthy than it was 6 months ago.  I didn't get more willpower, I just got all the crap out of my body.  

I wish I would have known then that you can ween yourself off, and this is a great way to do it!  You don't have to cut out all the foods you love.  Start by making small changes in the foods you already eat, and soon fat and sugar won't have such a hold on you.  You'll be able to eat highly nutritional foods most of the time, and have the willpower to treat yourself on occasion.

Dangerous Fad Diets

As many of you know by now, my method of weight loss is strictly diet and exercise. I don't count calories, but I do use portion control. I don't spend hours in the gym, but I do make my time there matter. I am committed to being healthy, not necessarily being "thin."

If you came to me and said, "Sara, I am only going to eat 500 calories a day," I'd tell you that's not such a great idea. If you then told me, "But I'm going to take a daily injection of HCG too," I think a little red flag would go up in my brain and a siren would go off screaming DANGER!!! And then you might hear me say a few choice words describing whoever came up with this insane diet, and that if they have a medical license it should be revoked.  

It's called the HCG Diet. You might be familiar with it. You might even do it. If you do, I beg you to read this, and keep an open mind.

What is HCG? HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is a hormone, more specifically a hormone present in pregnant women that ensures that the fetus gets enough nutrients regardless of the mother's caloric intake. It does this by using the mother's fat reserves. It is also used to help boys with pituitary problems develop their otherwise underdeveloped genitals.

The guidelines of the HCG Diet, as explained on the Discovery Health website are as follows:
1. Each round of treatment lasts a minimum of 26 days. The first 23 days require a daily injection of HCG.
2. A round of treatment cannot last longer than 40 days, so that the user does not develop an immunity to HCG.
3. Users must restrict their daily calorie intake to 500 calories, but not until after the third shot. The HCG is supposed to eliminate the extreme hunger pangs one would be feeling as they basically starve themselves. However, after reading through certain forums on the subject, most people still felt hunger.
4. Food should be restricted to proteins, with very few carbs and fats. Alcohol is forbidden.

How do people obtain HCG? A lot of people are actually finding doctors to prescribe this to them! So it must be approved by the FDA as a weight-loss aid, right? Wrong. It's approved by the FDA as a fertility drug. Anyone want an even higher risk of getting pregnant? If you are taking birth control at the same time, that's almost a guarantee you're screwing up your body chemistry. Sure, it's safe for pregnant women to take HCG, but that's because they are supposed to have it there in the first place. There are reasons why we have the hormones we do, but let's not get side-tracked.

There are risks, of course: blood clots, headaches, restlessness, depression, not to mention an array of side-effects resembling pregnancy such as swelling, water retention, and breast tenderness. HCG can also cause a potentially life-threatening condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. I've been pregnant. I can't say I was too fond of having feet the size of watermelons. So far, I'm seeing all of these scary risks, and I'm not seeing any risks or nasty side-effects from eating healthy and exercising.

"But, gosh, if it works, I could lose 30 pounds in a month!" Um, yeah, about that... Independent studies showed that there was absolutely no difference in weight loss between the HCG group and the placebo group. Both groups restricted their caloric intake to the 500 outlined in the diet. Also, both groups reported feeling hunger pangs. Gee, imagine actually being hungry with a whopping 500 calories a day! It was concluded by the American Medical Association that HCG was ineffective as a weigh-loss aid, since it did not enhance the effectiveness of the rigid 500-calorie diet. Think about it, if you wouldn't starve yourself to get thin, why would you starve yourself and take ineffective shots of dangerous hormones?

Another thing that scares me about this diet is one of the people behind it. His name is Kevin Trudeau. Ring any bells? This man is one of the biggest frauds on the face of the planet. Apparently the federal government thinks so too, because he's previously been convicted and imprisoned on charges of fraud and larceny. He wrote a book about this diet called The Weight Loss Cure "They" Don't Want You to Know About, where he describes the plan originally designed by A.T.W Simeons.

Regardless of what results people have seen on this suicide mission er, I mean, diet, they will eventually have to start living a healthy life of eating right and exercising. You can crash diet all you want, but at the end of the day, unless you want to crash diet the rest of your life and live in perpetual hunger, I suggest you learn how to eat right and exercise to maintain your weight loss. It's just not healthy to eat so few calories! Once you stop, you'll gain all your weight back, plus more, because your body has slowed your metabolism to a screeching halt.

I know we all want to lose weight quickly, but we shouldn't be trashing our bodies to get the results we want.  Slow and steady is the way to go.  I feel great everyday because I eat foods that provide me with nutrients and energy. Losing weight can be enjoyable, you just have to find healthy foods you like to eat and exercises you like to do.  Remember, if health is your goal, appropriate weight loss will come from it.

Anniversary

Today is my two-year anniversary of marriage to my best friend.
And he's not even here with me in person to celebrate it.
The closest thing I got to some lovin' was hearing "muah!" over voice chat and reading "muah!" over an instant message when the voice chat failed.

The me of my past life would grab the ice cream out of the freezer, and dump the biggest scoops I could manage into a bowl the size of my head. And I'll tell you one thing, it certainly wouldn't be reduced-fat.

That's how I used to cope.
Crappy day: "Oh, I deserve some ice cream after the way today was!"
Really crappy day: "I don't care if I gain 10 pounds, I'm finishing off this ice cream!"
So crappy, you can't even imagine: "Nothing else matters except feeling better right now. Gimme the ice cream."  

Okay, so maybe I exaggerated a bit for your benefit, but I really did cope with food. It was there for me when no one else was. I had issues. I still have issues. Part of the process I had to go through to get to where I am now is figuring out ways of coping with life that didn't have to do with food.

So that's where you all reap the benefits of my hard work. I'm going to share some of those ideas today, not in any particular order.
1. Take a bubble bath. 

It's a much better stress-reliever because you don't feel guilty afterward.
2. Get a hobby.

One reason I over-ate was boredom. Once you find something that you really look forward to doing, you won't be so likely to reach for a cookie. This one takes time, though. You may have to try 10 different things before you find one you really enjoy.
3. Exercise.

Don't be so quick to dismiss this one. Exercise is a wonderful stress-reliever! Even just exercising once a day, and not necessarily the moment stress hits, can help put you in a happier, more relaxed mood all day.
4. Write in your journal.

Feeling a little frustrated with the day? With the kids? With the husband? With the job? Write it down. Releasing negative emotions into writing can be quite therapeutic.
5. Read a good book.

Heaven knows fantasy is often better than reality.
6. Call someone you can really talk to.

We all need a good "vent" every now and then. Food won't ever help solve your problems, but a good friend can.
7. Listen to some calming music.

Lay back, close your eyes, and focus on the music. Don't think about your day. Don't think about your problems. Let the music bring your blood pressure down and erase that list of worries.
8. Take a nap.

This one is important! Sometimes when I've completely had it with the day I'll take a nap at the same time as my daughter. Lack of sleep can make you irritable and impatient. No? Not you, you say? I guess it's just me then!
9. Pray

And I mean really pray. Let it all out. No one knows you better than Heavenly Father, and certainly no one is a better listener. All these years I chose my way of healing, which consisted of sugars and fats, when I should have chose His way of healing, which actually works.
10. Serve others.

I know I have a long way to go before I'm an expert at serving others, but I definitely know the power of service. If your problems are feeling a little too heavy, it could be because they are your central focus. Try on someone else's problems for size and you might not notice the weight of your own as much.

These are just a few! There are many other things that can help you deal with life. All of them are better than self-medicating with food. Maybe none of you have this problem, but my instincts tell me that some of you do. What are some healthy ways you cope with life?

And while it's still my anniversary, not to mention my blog, I claim a brag moment: I weigh less today than I did on my wedding day. How many people can say the same, 2 years and 1 baby later?!

Crispy Chicken Tenders & Tunes to Keep You Pumped

I kind of have an obsession with Chili's Chicken Crispers.  If you've ever had them, you'll know that you can taste the oil oozing out as you bite into one.  Not a good sign.  And by "good" I mean healthy.  Sure, they are delicious, but they make me feel so guilty, not to mention sluggish.  Here's a recipe for chicken tenders that is sure to give you the energy that a lean protein should, in an appetizing way!

I cannot take pictures of food to save my life.  So these are from Google, but they really do look like what you'll be making.

2 cloves garlic, smashed
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaf
2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 c nonfat buttermilk
1 lb chicken tenders
1.5 c cornflakes, crushed to medium crumbs
Nonstick cooking spray


Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray lightly with cooking spray.
In a medium bowl (I used a gallon-size Ziplock bag)  combine garlic, spices, and buttermilk.  Add the chicken and turn in the marinade.  Cover and refrigerate 1 hour.
Place cornflake crumbs on a plate. Drain the chicken and coat each tender in the crumbs, pressing addition coating on the sides.
Place on prepared baking sheet in a single layer and bake until firm, about 15 minutes.


The red pepper flakes do add a bit of spice to these, so if you like a little kick then these are for you.  I found it to be a bit too much for my toddler, so if you have kids consider leaving them out.


Now on to one of my favorite topics: music.  It can really make or break a workout.  I gotta have something I can feel, something pushing me to move faster.  Here are some of my favorite picks for a workout playlist, in no particular order.
1. Obsessed - Mariah Carey
There's just something about singing, "Boy, why you so obsessed with me?" that makes you feel like the hottest thing in the gym.
2. Supermassive Black Hole - Muse
This beat will get you moving.  If it doesn't, you may want to check your vitals.
3. Abracadabra - Steve Miller Band
I just can't get enough of this song!  Maybe it's cheesy, but I don't care!
4. The One - Mary J. Blige
Another self-esteem booster.  "Them other girls you done been with, none of them got nothing on me..."  Okay, so the grammar isn't the best, but the beat is awesome.
5. Twilight Omens - Franz Ferdinand
Aside from the fact that Franz Ferdinand is my favorite band OF ALL TIME, and that my brother (away on his mission, my best friend, I miss him terribly...) absolutely loves them as well, this song just rocks.  Even my toddler dances to this song!  
6. Coming Undone - Korn
You can really feel the beat in this song.  It'll get you pumped for sure.
7. Must Have Done Something Right - Relient K
"We should get jerseys 'cuz we make a good team.  But yours would look better than mine 'cuz you're outta my league."  This song is cute.  Way cute.
8. Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) - Eurythmics
You may not recognize the song from the title or author, but trust me, you've heard it.
9. Gimme All Your Lovin' - ZZ Top
Classic rock, baby.  My little girl loves bobbing her head to this one.
10. Call Me - Blondie
You won't need to beg for phone calls when you're moving to this song.  You'll be beating those boys off with sticks.
11. Sweet Dreams - Beyonce
I'm assuming I look like a completely idiot when this song hits my earbuds because I can't help but shake it a little more on the elliptical.
12. Like a Boy - Ciara
Talk about girl power!  This song will have you wanting to inflict pain on every sleazy ex you've ever had.
13. Self-Esteem - The Offspring
This song may not be for everyone, but I love it.  It just makes me wanna jump, and the lyrics are always stuck in my head the rest of the day.
14. I Need to Know - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
I love a little Tom Petty.  This song has some good energy to it.
15. You Spin Me Right Round - Dead or Alive
I'm an 80's girl.  I LOVE 80's music.  You better have some 80's music in your workout playlist.


If you don't know some of these, you'd be doing yourself a disservice if you don't check them out.   Most of the time, if you type the title and author into Google you can listen to a sample clip of the song.  Some of the time they even have the entire song available!


Update your playlist and I guarantee you'll have one of the best workouts in a while because you'll be looking forward to all the new songs.  What are some of your favorite songs to work out to?

Stuffed Shells & My Philosophy

Time for a recipe!  I tried this out the other day, and it tasted great.  I loved it.  My toddler loved it.  Life was good.  Who doesn't love pasta stuffed with cheese?

Disclaimer:  Totally not the ones I made, but they look very, very similar :)

12 dried jumbo shells

1 cup fat-free or low-fat ricotta cheese


4 ounces (about 1.25 cups) shredded low-fat mozzarella


3 tbs grated regular or reduced fat parmesan cheese


1 large egg white


1.5 tsp chopped fresh parsley


1/4 tsp garlic powder


salt and pepper


2 cups low-fat marinara sauce



Preheat oven to 350 degrees.


Cook pasta according to package directions, drain.


Place a sheet of wax paper large enough to hold 12 shells on a flat work surface.


Mix ricotta, mozzarella, 2 tbs parmesan, egg white, parsley, and garlic powder. 

Season w/ salt and pepper to taste.


Place shells on wax paper and spoon the ricotta mixture evenly among them, about 2 heaping tbs each.


Evenly spread about 1/2 c marinara sauce in a 10-in round or an 11x7-in ovenproof baking dish.


Lay stuffed shells side by side in one layer, open side up.


Spoon remaining marinara over the top and sprinkle remaining parmesan evenly over the marinara.


Cover w/ foil and bake for 20-25 min. 


Let stand for 5 min, then serve.

Okay, so now that we've all got a new healthy recipe to try, let's dive into my philosophy for health and other related topics.  This is what works for me.  Some things are based on fact, others are just my own opinion.  Feel free to take it or leave it.  

I feel a DOs and DON'Ts list coming on:

DO eat, preferably 3 meals and 1 or 2 snacks. 

DON'T skip meals thinking you are doing yourself a favor.  Skipping meals sends your body into "starvation mode" which means that your body chooses not to burn your calories as quickly as it could, and eventually you just end up using all of your muscle for fuel.  I don't think flabby and weak was the look you were going for.

DO sweat.  It's not unladylike, I promise.  When you exercise, get moving and then get on with your life.

DON'T waste time.  I see way too many chicks chatting with their friends while they walk as slow as a snail on the treadmill.  I'm glad that seems to work for them, but if they moved their skinny little butts a little faster they could easily burn twice as many calories in the same amount of time.

DO strength train.  I'll be going over different strength training exercises in the future, but crunches, push-ups, lunges, and using dumbbells properly are a few common examples.  Strength training builds lean muscle, and the more lean muscle you have in you body the more fat you burn all day long.

DON'T be a cardio queen.  Some of you may be thinking, "But you just talked about cardio..."  Yes, I did, but just like everything else in life, we need balance.  It is important to incorporate cardio into your workout, but don't let that be all you do.  Remember, cardio may burn a lot of calories while you are doing it, but strength training gives you the muscle you need to burn more calories all day long.

DO listen to some naughty tunes while you work out.  Now, I'm not talking raunchy here, just something that makes you feel sexy.  A little "Buttons" by The Pussycat Dolls or "Rewind" by Toni Braxton never killed anybody, and it just might make you move faster.

DON'T listen to the same ol' playlist day after day.  If that works for you, awesome, but I'm not as motivated by a beat if it's the same beat I've been moving to all week long.

DO use a little light butter.  Obviously, use it sparingly, but it's a good thing to have when baking.

DON'T use margarine!  That crap will kill you, and I'm not exaggerating.  It's a giant murderous stick of trans fats.  Just say no!

DO indulge a little bit.  Dessert is my kryptonite.  Can't live with it; can't live without it.  I tried giving it up and I ended up snacking more trying to hit the craving.  I've decided ONE SERVING of reduced fat ice cream was acceptable for me to have once a day.  It enables me to eat healthy all day long because I know I'll treat myself later.

DON'T feel guilty.  If you eat something that maybe you shouldn't have, enjoy it for goodness sakes!  What was the point if you are going to torture yourself about it later?!  Just don't let a "slip-up" become a habit.

DO figure out what works for you.  Everybody, and every body, is different.  Just because I need a sugar hit every day doesn't mean that you do!  Maybe you love chips, or fries.  Buy baked chips!  Learn how to make oven fries!  Find healthier ways to eat the things you love and you'll find it easier to stick to a new healthier lifestyle.

DON'T hate on your body!  We all do it.  I cannot tell you how many times I heard a college roommate say, "Ugh, I'm sooo fat!" when, quite frankly, she wasn't.  Not only is that obnoxious to the rest of us, but it's no good for your self-esteem or motivation.  Our bodies do so much for us, so why do we hate them so?  Respect your body for all it does for you.  Treat it right and it will treat you right.

Well, that's all I've got for today!  I'm sure I'll have more DOs and DON'Ts for all of you later.  Do you have any rules that you live by?  

My Story

I'd like to kick this off by sharing why healthy living has become so important to me.  Before anyone reads this and immediately becomes offended, I'll say that I am not here to pass judgment on anyone or boast and feel superior for my decisions or progress.  I'm simply here to share ideas and support, and maybe even motivate others to make changes they've been wanting to make.

Less than 6 months ago I weighed the most I had ever weighed in my life.  I blamed it on pregnancy, childbirth, surgery, being too busy, stress, anything that took the focus off of the real problem.  Certainly those things are a huge factor in body shape and size.  Anyone who's ever been pregnant can tell you that your body is never quite the same afterward.  And stress...don't even get me started!  Deep down, though, I knew I needed to change my lifestyle if I wanted to lose weight.  Unfortunately, aesthetics weren't a big enough incentive for me to put in the kind of effort necessary to change.

Then I found out that my dad had cancer, and that obesity can increase the risk of getting that type.  It scared me.  It scared me for him, and it scared me for my future.  I could just see myself getting bigger and bigger with every pregnancy, and I knew I had to do something.  It was like reality just sort of slapped me across the face and said, "Get with it!"  That's when I made the decision to be a healthier person.

So now I'm here, 30 pounds later, ready to keep going!  Who's ready to join me?