So many updates, so little time!

Wow! Where did the week go? For starters, I made 3 really nummy recipes this week (actually last Sunday and Monday) - chili bake, low mein, and chocolate cupcakes from Green Lite Bites. They were sooo good! I took the cupcakes over to a friend's for dinner and they were a big hit! They are also super easy to make - a can of pumpkin, some water and a fudge cake mix. Easy + low points = fabulous in my book! While I was in the kitchen Adam gave the babies a "spa day". I had to post a pic because I do think they are the most adorable little things (and yes, I know they are dogs!). Frankie as usual sat there like the most precious little princess while little man was squirming every single minute - which is why Adam gets that job - they listen to him far better than I!

Weight watchers weigh in was today and I lost 2 lbs.! I have a long way to go but it was a great feeling because I have never felt deprived this week and had many treats within reason (aahem - Ritter's lite custard/yogurt, anyone? Sooo good!). Tonight we are going out to dinner but I feel like I am on a roll and will make good choices!

Everyone have a great weekend!

Spicy Pepper Shrimp/Garlic-Soy Spinach

I found this recipe in the hubby's "Men's Health" June 2009 issue. Not only was it delish, it was easy to prepare (perfect for a work night), and I had most of the ingredients (except for the hoisin sauce - that's new for me!). While I have the summer off from school, my goal is to try a new recipe each Monday, which is my day off. Adam is working late tonight, so I am hoping he likes it too!

Here are the recipes:

Spicy Pepper Shrimp
2 tsp peanut oil, 1/4 tsp red-pepper flakes, 1 cup bite sized pieces of red or green pepper (I cut them into 'fajita' style strips), 1/4 medium onion (I used a white onion), 1 Tbsp oj, 2 Tbsp jalapenos, 1 Tbsp hoisin sauce, 10 oz. medium cooked shrimp. Heat the oil and pepper flakes in a medium-hot skillet, and then add all the remaining ingredients except the shrimp. Cook the mixture 2-3 mins., stirring frequently, and then add the shrimp for another 2-3 mins. Serve over brown rice. (I also garnished with sesame seeds.)

Garlic-Soy Spinach
1.5 tsp sesame or peanut oil, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 bunch spinach (I used an entire bag of baby spinach), 1.5 tsp soy sauce, pinch sugar, 1 Tbsp sesame seeds.
Heat the oil in a wok or saute pan over medium heat. And the garlic and cook 1-2 mins. until it's very lightly browned. Add the spinach, saute, stirring, until the spinach is fully wilted, about 5 mins. (The spinach will cook down quickly to a much smaller portion.) Add the soy sauce and sugar, and cook another minute. Serve with sesame seeds on top.

Both recipes make two servings. For WW followers, 6 points for each spicy pepper shrimp serving w/out brown rice. For the garlic-soy spinach, 1 pt. per serving.

Don't stop believing....hold onto that feeeeling....

I have that journey song in my head today - probably because I want to still believe I can get back on track with WW -
Soooo.....
Today I went to WW for the weekly weight in - and GAINED a pound - but it was a struggle this week remembering how small a portion is, and to get used to eating whole foods and passing on those processed foods I love! (The hubby brining home fruity pebbles and double stuffed oreos didn't help either):) .

But....

I did get back on track today, attended my meeting, went and worked out and made a yummy lunch out of leftover veggies in my fridge. I have been on a kick recently with asian inspired foods - more posts on that later!

Today I simply stir-fried fresh mushrooms, broccoli and zucchini (sp?) in sesame oil and then a stir-fry sauce I got at Target that was SO good - and only 1 pt. per serving (see pic above). I served it over couscous and garnished it with toasted sesame seeds. It was like chinese takeout for only 8 points!