A smile is a curve that sets everything straight. ~Phyllis Diller

this week i have not been smiling as much as i typically do & i notice the difference in my overall mood.  im feeling quite tired and sluggish as well as dealing with some lingering pain so i am a bit cranky right now.  however, i typically try to walk with a smile & appear as though i am in a good mood, even when i am not.  when a student or colleague smiles back at me or when i exchange pleasantries with someone, for that brief moment, i am not wrapped up in negative feelings.  i truly feel good and happy.  i didnt realize that i was not smiling as much as normal until i read this quote.  smiling more begins right now! :)  ill snap out of this funk with a ear-to-ear grin! :)

moving on to what always make me smile.....food!! :)

monday, march 28, 2011

Morning
Coffee (1/4 cup fat free half & half, 2 tsp organic turbinado raw cane sugar, 6 cups black coffee)	2
7 Whole Grain Puffs (1 large banana, 1/2 cup trader joe's organic vanilla soy milk, 1/2 cup kashi 7 whole grain puffs cereal)	2
Subtotal	4
Midday
1/2 cup(s) strawberries (in yogurt)	0
1  medium nectarine(s)	0
1  medium pear(s)	0
1  large orange(s)	0
1/2 serving(s) Trader Joe's Organic Nonfat Yogurt French Vanilla	2
1/2 cup(s) fresh blueberries (in yogurt)	0
1/2 cup(s) pineapple	0
1  serving(s) Trader Joe's Organic Light String Cheese	1
1  medium baby carrots	0
Subtotal	3
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) Trader Joe's Cranberry, Walnut, & Gorgonzola Salad Dressing	2
Cheese Steak Sandwich (see recipe below)	8
Subtotal	10
Anytime
4  cup(s) Healthy Pop® Kettle Corn, Popped	3
1  serving(s) Edy's Slow Churned Thin Mint Ice Cream	3
1  Chocolate Marshmallow Madness (recipe in previous posts)	3
Subtotal	9
Food PointsPlus values total used	26

i realized the other day that i never posted a picture of my lunch.  the fruits may change, but the preparation and the appearance really doesnt.  as soon as i get home, i prepare my lunch for the next day.  it takes about 15 minutes and it is well worth it!

cheese steak sandwich
1/4 tbsp trader joes evoo
1/4 cup onions, long strips sliced thinly
4oz boars head italian roasted beef thinly sliced
2 tbsp trader joes lite shredded mozarella cheese

1 flatout light italian herb flatbread

• heat evoo in a frying pan for a few minutes.  cook the onions until caramelized.  put onions in a bowl.
• spray the same frying pan with trader joe's italian olive oil spray.  cook the roast beef.  2 minutes each side.
• place cooked roasted beef, onions, and mozarella in flatbread and roll up.

i was very surprised at how much i loved this sandwich!  it was yummy!  the picture is of the sandwich before i rolled it up.

tuesday, march 29, 2011

Morning
Coffee (1/4 cup fat free half & half, 2 tsp organic turbinado raw cane sugar, 6 cups black coffee)	2
7 Whole Grain Puffs (1 large banana, 1/2 cup trader joe's organic vanilla soy milk, 1/2 cup kashi 7 whole grain puffs cereal)	2
Subtotal	4
Midday
1  medium nectarine(s)	0
1  medium orange(s)	0
1/2 cup(s) pineapple	0
1  medium baby carrots	0
1  serving(s) Trader Joe's Organic Light String Cheese	1
1  large pear(s)	0
Subtotal	1
Evening
1  Mexican Potato Casserole (see recipe below)	9
Brussel Sprouts Bake (see recipe below)	2
Subtotal	11
Anytime
1  bag(s) Healthy Pop® 100 cal butter mini bag	3
1  serving(s) Jell-o Sugar Free Dulce de Leche	2
1  serving(s) Edy's Slow Churned Thin Mint Ice Cream	3
1  Chocolate Marshmallow Madness (recipe in previous posts)	3
Subtotal	11
Food PointsPlus values total used	27

mexican potato casserole
2/3 cup betty crocker cheddar & sour cream instant mashed potatoes
4oz trader joe's butcher shop ground beef 96/4
2 tsp 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 about 2 tsps of 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

brussels sprouts bake
1 1/2 cups brussels sprouts cut in half
2 tbsp progresso bread crumbs italian style
1 tbsp trader joe's grated cheese, parmesan & romano
italian seasoning
garlic & herb seasoning

• preheat oven to 375 degrees
• layer the bottom of a pyrex with the brussels sprouts
• sprinkle bread crumbs, cheese, and seasonings
• bake covered for about 20-25 minutes

delicious meal!!!

hope everyone is having a no guilt, smile-filled day!! :)