Taking the First Step...Again.

I started this blog a little less than a year ago....while I initially thought that it would be a great outlet for documenting my weight loss journey, that didn't quiet pan out.

 

So now I find myself sitting here 9 months later, carrying around more weight, and no blogs documenting ANY journey - apparently this is what they call life.

 

The official "before" Picture!

 

I'm happy to say, it's time for this journey to really begin!

 

It's no secret that I love food - um, hello...I didn't just wake up overweight! Luckily, I'm just as passionate about finding delicious ways to make HEALTHY foods. Thank the lord for Pinterest and all health conscious friends I'm surrounded by (sorry guys, I'm not ready for cross-fit/paleo/gluten free/5k's....maybe one day!). While on the subject of friends (yes, i'm aware of how ADHD my writing can be at times - bare with me!) I'm beyond thankful for the friends I have who have jumped on this wagon with me, encouraging me and unknowingly motivating me.

 

Working out is a whole other story....I'll talk more about that later - no matter how much I currently dislike it, I'm convinced I can find a FUN way to exercise and slim down. Suggestions welcome! This week I'll be focusing on Cardio and the gym has a beginner Zumba class so me & L (my lovely roomie) will be participating...wish us luck! She lacks Rhythm and I lack being in shape - it's a rough combo haha.

 

So now we get to my motivation - the thing that I will say to myself in my moments of frustration...My whole life my dad was encouraging me to get healthy - some days it was said gently, and others very bluntly. Last weekend was the 5 year anniversary of him passing away, besides the obvious ways, this is one of the greatest ways I could make him proud. I can hear his voice in my head and I can imagine that big smile and hug I would get with each accomplishment. So on those days where I would rather sit on the couch or eat that extra bite of some unhealthy food, I will hear his voice and get my ass up and work out, or put the damn fork down. I truly believe he's watching over me and I look forward to him looking over me and watching me the entire way. As much as this is for me, this is for you too Papa Lukes!

 

Wish me luck!

Italian Layer Bake Adventure

 

 

 

Thanks to Mr. Food, I found this recipe for Italian Layer Bake which I've been wanting to make for a few weeks!

I finally ran to the grocery store the other day and picked up the simple ingredients and made it this morning - pretty delicious if I do say so myself!

It's easy to make, easy to bake, and easy to eat - although not super healthy so watch the portions!

I'll be making this for the next staff potluck at work!

 

Recipe:

 

Ingredients:

 

1 (8-ounce) container refrigerated crescent rolls

8 slices (1/2 pound) deli turkey

8 slices (1/2 pound) deli ham

12 slices (1/2 pound) deli hard salami

8 slices (1/2 pound) Swiss cheese

1 (12-ounce) jar roasted peppers, drained

4 eggs, beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Unroll crescent roll dough without separating triangles. Separate dough into 2 squares along center cut line.
   
2. Place 1 square of dough into an 8-inch square baking dish; using your fingertips, press dough to fit bottom of dish.
   
3. Layer with half of each of turkey, ham, salami, Swiss cheese, and roasted peppers. Pour half of beaten eggs over peppers and repeat with remaining meat, cheese, and peppers.
   
4. Place remaining square of dough over peppers. Pour remaining beaten eggs over dough and cover lightly with foil.
   
5. Bake 20 minutes, remove foil, and bake an additional 20 to 22 minutes, or until golden and heated through. Let cool 15 to 20 minutes then cut and serve.

Enjoy!



Doing Something About It

I decided it's time to go back to WW...
Which works out nice since my sweet friend Tara decided the exact same thing.
Oh, AND my work is going to have weekly meetings on site which is totally amazing as I'll happily take all the support I can get!

The whole system really clicks with me, and it felt so nice to feel like I'm headed in the right direction. 

In an effort to prepare for a week full of fruits and veggies - the roomie and I headed to Costco...OH.MY.GOSH! They had a HUGE selection of fruits and veggies for super reasonable prices. I felt crazy but couldn't help shouting out prices and gawking at how delicious each fruit and vegetable looked.

Once we got home it was my night to cook so I whipped up a delicious dinner for only 9 points+ (of course I found it on Pinterest)

Thanks to Kristen from Iowa Girl Eats 

[Via: Iowa Girl Eats]

Skinny Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo

(Serves 4 - 9 Points+ per serving)

Ingredients:

2 chicken breasts, seasoned with salt & pepper then cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups cooked broccoli
8oz rotini
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 Tablespoons flour
1 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup milk (any kind, I used 1%)
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
salt & pepper
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking water before draining. Set aside.

2. Heat extra virgin olive oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until golden brown, about 1 minute. Sprinkle in flour then whisk to incorporate and cook for 1 additional minute.

3. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then milk. Whisk in Greek yogurt, salt and pepper, then turn the heat down to low and let the mixture simmer until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Turn the heat off then stir in Parmesan cheese, then chicken. Pour over cooked pasta then add broccoli and stir well. Add a little reserved pasta cooking water if sauce is too thick. Serve.

I highly suggest this pasta - you can't tell a difference in the Alfredo Sauce - it's tasty!

Hope You Enjoy as much as we did!

Thankful

Had this exact thought when I sat back and took a deep breath today...

So Thankful for today and the people i'm surrounded by.

Celebrating the Sisters Engagement!

Last weekend we celebrated Kali's engagement to Trevor.
10 years later and they are finally making things official!

I never decided on a theme, I just knew I wanted a mimosa bar...which lead us to brunch. I put my heart into it and it totally paid off! Thanks to the ladies at  Kojo Designs, I had a great starting point with my mimosa bar. When I originally told Kali about my idea she seemed a little hesitant but once she walked through the door and saw it she instantly smiled. (Shopping list will be at the bottom).

*I promise we had Champagne, it was in a separate ice bucket which was next to the table*

We were blessed with some delicious food made by my sweet Momma. She made her famous Green Chili Egg Casserole, Potatoes, Brueggers Bagels (cut into bite size piece) and of course a yummy fruit tray.

For dessert, my Granma picked up our favorite Fruit Tarts  - SO DELISH!!

It was so nice to spend some time with Kali.

 I can only imagine how proud our dad would be of her and how happy he must be watching over her as she takes this next step in life.

She got some awesome gifts (I'm super jealous of her "Salad A Day" cook book!)

I'm so glad we were able to share this day together and I'm counting down the days until her beautiful  Nor Cal wedding in August.

Love you Sis!

Mimosa Bar Shopping List:

3 Glass Bottles (Ikea)

4 Square Glass Bowls (Dollar Store!)

7 Place Card Holders (My Aunt brought them but you could find some at Target or Pier 1)

Champagne

Pink Moscato (optional)

Orange Juice (Simply Orange)

Raspberry Lemonade (Simply brand was delicious)

Grapefruit Juice (Again, Simply brand)

Strawberries

Blueberries

Pineapple

Cranberries (I got frozen as they kept the Champagne cold)

Serving utensils for each fruit

Enjoy!!!