It Always Comes Down To Choices

i think weight watchers really started to work for me when i realized the importance of choices and consequences.  weight watchers has it right because its truly a lifestyle change.  there is not a specific guideline and you are not stuck with certain foods & certain amounts.  you really can choose to eat whatever you want.  however, you must take into consideration the consequence of your choice.  its the "what would i rather" game.  i would rather have ice cream at night than an extra serving of potatoes for dinner.  i would rather have a hamburger with fries at a sports bar & eat fruits, veggies, very low point meals, etc. the rest of the day than spread out my points evenly for every meal & eat low point snacks.  in either scenario, i understand the consequences and make the decision based on my wants.  i never feel deprived or have major cravings because i satisfy them always!  i also accept weeks when the scale isnt kind.  typically, after i reflect back on the week, it makes sense that i gained.  i definitely feel disappointed, but its more of a learning experience for me.  but, even if i cant make sense of it, i try hard to focus on the overall successes opposed to one unexplained disappointing week.  reflecting is truly a fantastic way of analyzing choices and figuring out how to make a better choice that will not leave you deprived.  its not easy and i think it takes time to start viewing food as a choice & to reflect honestly but before you know it, its natural & very empowering! :)

monday, april 18, 2011

Morning
Coffee (1/4 cup fat free half & half, 2 tsp organic turbinado raw cane sugar, 6 cups black coffee)	2
Honey Nut o's (1 large banana, 1/2 cup trader joe's organic vanilla soy milk, 1/2 cup cascadian farms organic honey nut o's cereal)	2
Subtotal	4
Midday
1/2 cup(s) grapes	0
1  large pear(s)	0
1  medium orange(s) (in yogurt)	0
1/2 serving(s) Trader Joe's Organic Nonfat Yogurt French Vanilla	2
Subtotal	2
Evening
1  cup(s) mixed greens (trader joe's organic romaine lettuce, trader joe's organic broccoli slaw, grape tomatoes, red onions, and cucumber)	0
1  serving(s) Olde Cape Cod Toasted Sesame Soy & Ginger Salad Dressing	1
1  serving(s) Trader Joe's Fat Free Crumbled Feta (in salad)	1
1  Mexican Potato Casserole (see recipe below)	9
Subtotal	11
Anytime
1  bag(s) Healthy Pop® 100 cal butter mini bag	3
1  serving(s) Edy's Slow Churned Thin Mint Ice Cream	3
1  Brownie Cupcakes (see recipe in previous posts)	4
Subtotal	10
Food PointsPlus values total used	27

mexican potato casserole
2/3 cup betty crocker roasted garlic instant mashed potatoes
4oz trader joe's butcher shop ground beef 96/4
1/2 tbsp taco seasoning
1/2 cup trader joe's low fat vegetarian refried beans
1 tbsp trader joe's reduced fat mexican cheese

• preheat oven to 375 degrees
• spread prepared mashed potatoes across the bottom of a pyrex sprayed with trader joe's italian olive oil spray
• spray a frying pan with trader joe's italian olive oil spray (frying pan has been on medium-low heat for a few minutes) & cook the ground beef.  as it is cooking, break up the meat into small bits.  once the meat is cooked, add about 2-3 tbsp of water to the frying pan with taco seasonings.
• when the water has completely evaporated, add the refried beans to the pan and cook for about 2 minutes.
• spread meat/bean mix on top of mashed potatoes
• sprinkle cheese on top
• bake uncovered for about 25 minutes

tuesday, arpil 19, 2011

Morning
Coffee (1/4 cup fat free half & half, 2 tsp organic turbinado raw cane sugar, 6 cups black coffee)	2
Honey Nut o's (1 large banana, 1/2 cup trader joe's organic vanilla soy milk, 1/2 cup cascadian farms organic honey nut o's cereal)	2
Subtotal	4
Midday
10  item(s) baby carrots	0
1/2 serving(s) Trader Joe's Organic Nonfat Yogurt French Vanilla	2
1  medium orange(s) (in yogurt)	0
1  medium nectarine(s)	0
1/2 cup(s) grapes	0
Subtotal	2
Evening
1  serving(s) Trader Joe's Butcher Shop Boneless Center Cut Pork Chops (broiled)	5
1  serving(s) Trader Joe's Creamy Corn & Roasted Pepper Soup	3
1  cup(s) mixed greens (trader joe's organic romaine lettuce, trader joe's organic broccoli slaw, grape tomatoes, red onions, and cucumber)	0
2  Tbsp Fat Free Chunky Blue Cheese Salad Dressing	1
Pork Chop Marinade (see below for recipe)	1
Subtotal	10
Anytime
4 1/2 cup(s) Healthy Pop® Kettle Corn, Popped	3
1  serving(s) Breyers Fat Free Creamy Vanilla	2
1  Brownie Cupcakes (see recipe in previous posts)	4
Subtotal	9
Food PointsPlus values total used	25

below is the link to the marinade.  i love allrecipes.com for many reasons, but one of the best features is you can change the serving size & it will do the math for you!  even though i love math, i am lazy too! :)   personally, i didnt like this marinade as much as i thought i would.  it needs more flavor.  my gut is saying more soy or a1.  please let me know if you have any suggestions.  the soup, on the other hand, is delicious!!  its a weekly must at this point!!

http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/marinated-baked-pork-chops/Detail.aspx

hope everyone is having a wonderful no guilt day! :)