Greek-Style Twice Baked Potatoes - 4 Points

This is another Weight Watchers online recipe to satisfy that Mediterranean craving!  I made a full batch of these and had them as a side dish for lunches and dinners throughout the week.  I actually thought they were better as leftovers!  You can always switch out the yogurt for light sour cream, and use a different cheese, such as cheddar.  Throwing in bacon bits would be yummy too!  (This will affect points values)

• 20 oz potatoes, 4 Idaho variety, scrubbed
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese, at room temperature
• 1/3 cup low-fat plain yogurt, at room temperature (I used Greek yogurt)
• 1 Tbsp butter, melted
• 1 Tbsp chives, freshly snipped

1. Preheat oven to 425F (220C).  Bake the potatoes on the oven rack until a knife can easily pierce the center of each potato, about 45 minutes.  Remove potatoes and let cool slightly on a rack; reduce the oven heat to 375F (190C).
2. Split the potatoes in half horizontally (use oven mitts to protect your hands).  Scoop out the flesh from each potato half, leaving a 1/4-inch-thick layer still in the shell.  Transfer the potato flesh to a medium bowl.
3. Add the feta, yogurt, butter, and chives to the potato flesh and mash well.  Stuff the filling into the shells and arrange filling-side up on a baking sheet.  Bake until the filling is hot in the center and the edges are lightly browned, about 12 minutes.

Yields 2 potato halves per serving.

Baked Falafel Sandwich - 7 Points

In the spirit of Greek Week, and because Brian leaned over my shoulder one day and said, "I want some falafel!", I've decided to add a nice vegetarian option to the mix.  This recipe was taken from Weight Watchers online, and I absolutely recommend it!
One thing to note - this does not reheat well.  Leftovers are definitely not an option on this one.

Brian didn't like the Tahini sauce, but I thought it was a fabulously tangy addition to the sandwich.  Adding some tomatoes will give an extra bit of moisture, as this can be a bit dry (depending on the pitas you get).  Unfortunately, whole wheat pitas in Singers are on the dry side :(

This is Brian's sauceless sammich

• 15 1/2 oz canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (I used parsley - have I told you that I loathe cilantro?)
• 1 medium garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp Tahini (sesame butter)
• 2 Tbsp water
• 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 4 large wheat pitas
• sandwich vegetables, such as lettuce, tomato, red onion, cucumber, etc.  (I had cucumber, onion, and lettuce, while Brian had tomato, onion, and lettuce)

Combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt and baking soda in a food processor or blender.  Process until mixture is coarsely pureed and transfer to a large bowl.  Stir in flour; shape mixture into 4 large patties and let stand 15 minutes.

Preheat oven to 400F.

Heath oil in a large, ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.  Add patties and cook until golden brown, flipping once, about 2 minutes per side.  Transfer skillet to oven and bake about 10 minutes more.

Meanwhile, whisk together Tahini, water, and lemon juice in a small bowl.


To assemble sandwiches, add one falafel patty to each pita and drizzle with 1 Tbsp of Tahini sauce.  Add vegetables of your choice.

Not as strong as I thought...

Last week I got a call from my gym - they're offering a few free personal training sessions to existing members.  The last time I tried training at True Fitness, I wasn't impressed.  Peggy, my trainer in Houston, was amazing!  She kicked my butt into shape and really strengthened my core.  So when I said I'd do another trial round of training this week, I was skeptical, to say the least.

Apparently I was wrong!  Juliana, the woman who trained me tonight, really knows her stuff.  And she definitely kicked my ass!  I had no idea just how weak I am.  You'd think that a girl who spins, lifts weights, and is in overall good health wouldn't actually lack muscle.  But I do.  Turns out muscle mass burns more fat, and if I want that toned body, weights need to be more of a part of my weekly routine.

Not gonna lie, I doubt I'll walk like a normal person tomorrow.  It's highly doubtful.  I might have some strange kind of hobble, actually.  If I had a video camera that I could strap to my body in a way that I could video my walking abilities, I would - simply for your entertainment.  Alas, a camera I do not have, and you will be suffering with your own imagination.

So what's the verdict?  I scheduled another training session for Sunday.  If I like it then, she's going to show me the "damage" (what I like to call the ridiculous amount of money they charge people like me to have their asses kicked), and I'll make a decision from there.  If I do decide to start the training, we'll do some before and after pictures of Sarah in a bikini (and of course some progress pics along the way).  Aww, hell - even if I don't sign up we'll do progress pictures.  Screw it.

Not to mention my friend Kelly got me started on Pilates.  It's going to break her heart if I choose training over Pilates...I guess we'll find out next week.  I've got another trial Pilates class on Saturday morning.  If I was rich I'd just do both!

What do you think?  Pilates or Personal Training?

Easy Greek Salad with Herb Lemon Grilled Chicken - 6 Points

This is the perfect meal when you just haven't got the time to cook.  It's also a perfect way to use up those Greek ingredients you bought for Greek Week!  I decided to try out my go-to fish recipe on the chicken, and it worked quite well.  Brian didn't care for the chicken, but I thought it was perfect mixed in the salad.  You can substitute other herbs for your chicken to find your own perfect combination!
Salad and Dressing from Weight Watchers New Complete Cookbook.
Serves 4.
 

For the Salad:

• 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 Tbsp water
• 3 cups torn romaine lettuce leaves
• 1 tomato, cut into wedges (I diced mine)
• 1 cucumber, seeded and thinly sliced (I use telescoping cucumbers and don't seed them)
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 6 large Greek olives, pitted and sliced (I used Kalamata)

1. To prepare the dressing, in a mini food processor or blender, combine the cheese, lemon juice, oil, garlic, oregano, pepper, and water; puree.
2. In a large salad bowl, combine the lettuce, tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, and onion.  Drizzle with the dressing and toss to coat.  Sprinkle with the olives.

For the Chicken:

• 4 (3-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• dried parsley
• dried oregano
• salt and pepper
• fresh lemon juice

1. Coat a grill or cast iron grill pan with cooking spray and heat over medium heat, until a drop of water sizzles.  
2. Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper, parsley, and oregano, to taste (or other herbs of your choosing).
3. Grill chicken, basting with lemon juice midway through, until done.

Greek Week!

No, this isn't the kind of Greek Week where all of your sorority sisters and fraternity brothers get together on the esplanade to see who's better.  It's the Greek Week where we cook healthy, delicious, Greek and Mediterranean-inspired meals...obviously!

I completely skipped weigh-in on Tuesday, because that whole "Sarah's getting back on track and being good" thing from a couple of weeks ago failed miserably.  Sure, I've been tracking.  But I've also been giving in to temptation, overindulging, and skipping the gym.  Why do I do this to myself?  Why do I eat so many scones at my friend's brunch that I feel like I'm going to vomit?  Literally.  I did that.  Yesterday.

I'm counting down the days until Brian and I leave for Houston, and I desperately want to reach my goal before then.  At this rate, if I don't shape up, those last few pounds aren't going to ship out.  So I'm planning ahead - further ahead than ever before!  I've got meals written down and grocery lists made to last me through Thanksgiving, and I'm absolutely stoked to share some of my new recipes with you!  I'll take some from Gina, some from Weight Watchers online, a few from random websites.  And one of these days, before it's all over, I promise to develop one of my own.

So what's a girl to do when she wants so badly to reach her goals, but her own obsessive cravings and lack of motivation gets her down?  Pointers?  Tips?  Inspiring words?  Anyone???

Salmon Croquettes

Tonight's dinner was my own spin on a recipe I discovered online.  I've never thought about canned salmon (in fact I probably didn't know it existed) until I saw this recipe.  Poor, poor Brian.  He refuses to eat anything with salmon, and he severely missed out on one of the most delicious and easy meals I've had in a long time!

I had my croquettes with a mixed greens salad and aged balsamic vinegar.

The finished product, ready for consumption!

My first bite - I'm excited to see how it tastes!

Mmm!  So Good!

Salmon Croquettes - 7 Points
Adapted from MyRecipes.com 
Yields 4 servings, 2 croquettes per serving


For the Croquettes:

• 2 Tbsp low-fat Greek style yogurt
• 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup scallions, finely chopped
• 2 Tbsp red bell pepper, minced
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/3 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp Cayenne pepper
• 12 oz canned pink salmon
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
• 1 Tbsp canola oil

For the sauce:

• 2 Tbsp low-fat Greek style yogurt
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (or more to taste)
• 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp capers, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp minced garlic
• salt, to taste

Combine all but last two ingredients for croquettes (through egg), stirring well.  Add panko; toss.
Shape mixture into 8 patties.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add patties and cook 5 minutes on each side, or until browned.
(I cooked the first side for 5 minutes, and the other side for 3).

Meanwhile, combine ingredients for sauce, stirring well.

Remove patties from oil and pat dry with a paper towel.  Serve immediately with sauce and a tasty balsamic salad.

Spooktacular Weekend!

As we all know, Halloween means candy, trick-or-treaters, and if you're a grownup - parties.  Loads of parties.  So when I looked at the calendar and realized I had parties on both Friday and Saturday, it was important to plan ahead for easy and healthy meals.
Both Brian and I love a good bowl of soup after a full night of drinking, so my idea to make Quick Chicken Noodle Soup for lunch on Sunday was very well received!

Saturday night was the Halloween Party Hopper - a coach-style bus lugging 45 awesomely dressed partiers from bar to bar.  Not only did we receive welcome drinks at each venue (and free flow at one!), but the organizers did an amazing job of stocking bottles of vodka infused something to pour down our throats while en route to the next spot.  Needless to say, Brian and I made it until 2am (early in Singapore) and decided to go home.  By some miracle I didn't have a hang over on Sunday, but the soup was still an amazing idea ;)
Brian definitely enjoyed it!

In case you're wondering, we dressed as Mia Wallace and Vincent Vega from Pulp Fiction...and we looked fabulous!  (I don't smoke - it was a prop that lasted all of 30 minutes until someone smoked it)

Oh, and here's the soup (5 Points per serving).  I froze the leftovers; I'm sure they'll come in handy for the next hang over!

OMG that's effing good

Gina has once again provided us with an impeccable recipe.  This time - Shrimp Scampi (lightened up).  I served it atop a bed of spaghetti and steamed broccoli, but I think it would be much better with angel hair or linguine.  I just happened to have spaghetti lying around :)

Shrimp Scampi over Pasta and Vegetables - 7 Points
Adapted from Gina's WW Recipes
Yields 1 serving

• 5 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tsp butter
• 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp seasoned bread crumbs
• 1 Tbsp white cooking wine (I subbed white wine vinegar)
• 1/2 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/8 tsp salt
• black pepper, to taste

• 1 cup of any veggie of your choice (I suggest broccoli)
• pasta of your choice, such as angel hair - should yield 1 cup when cooked

As the shrimp doesn't take long to cook, be sure to time your pasta and veggies appropriately so that all parts are ready at the same time.  I added pasta to boiling water just before I began cooking the shrimp.  Depending on your veggie choice, use discretion to cook it as well.

For the shrimp:
Heat butter and oil in a large non-stick skillet over high heat.  When the butter starts melting, add garlic.
Lower the heat; cook for 1 minute, stirring to prevent garlic from browning.
Add shrimp; cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add wine (or vinegar), lemon juice, salt and pepper; cook 2 minutes or until shrimp are cooked through.
Stir in bread crumbs and parsley.

Serve immediately with pasta and vegetables.

Hibernation Preparation

...That's what I'm calling the last three months.  My preparation for winter hibernation.  I've been filling my stomach with anything and everything, enjoying the Singaporean culinary arts, and my gym has been sending me "I Miss You" cards.  Ok, I lied about the gym...whatever.  I have enough food in my belly to keep me plenty full during the winter months, and that has got to change!  NOW!

Friends have recently joined Weight Watchers, and while I'm sitting a mere 3 pounds away from my goal of 127 (I somehow managed to maintain during my hibernation prep?!?), I figure it's about damn time to stop thinking and start doing.

You got it kids.  I'm back!  Official weigh-in happens tomorrow morning, and my scale is ready.  My squishy arms and legs and belly (and ass...ugh) are getting kicked into shape with some serious spin, body tone, pilates, and yoga exercises.  I'll keep you posted on my progress, the good eats, and what's new in the land of Singers.

New on the menu this week:
Raspberry Mustard Dressing
Salmon Croquettes
Quick Chicken Noodle Soup
Dijon Pork Chops

I'll let you know how they turn out :)

Sweet-and-Salty Salad with Apples, Red Peppers, Feta, and Chicken

I'm a salty-sweet person.  I like things like Snickers and Baby Ruth, chocolate-dipped pretzels, chocolate espresso beans, and M&Ms in my trail mix.  But any Weight Watcher knows that sometimes those sweet, salty, or sweet-and-salty treats aren't necessarily the best option... For our taste buds yes!  But for our waste lines, not so much.

Here is a healthy, delicious, and filling salad that gives you a bit of sweet, a bit of salty, and a bit of tangy zing in every flavorful bite!  At only 6 Points per serving, who could refuse!

• 1 cup wild rocket (arugula)
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1 (3 oz) boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1/2 small apple, sliced
• 1/4 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 oz feta cheese
• 1 Tbsp balsamic vinaigrette (I like Newman's Own, at 1.5 Points per Tbsp)

Tenderize chicken and season with salt and pepper.  Cook in a nonstick skillet until done.  Move to plate and set aside.
Place all other ingredients together in a bowl or Tupperware container.  When chicken is cool, slice and add to the salad.  Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette; mix well (or shake).
Bon appetit!

Spinach, Feta, and Sun Dried Tomato Balsamic Chicken Salad

A great way to turn last night's Grilled Balsamic Chicken Panini with Feta, Sun Dried Tomatoes, and Baby Spinach into a delicious salad for today's lunch or dinner.

Yields 1 serving; 5.5 Points

• 1 (3 oz) chicken breast and 1/2 oz sun dried tomatoes, cooked according to Panini recipe
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
• 1/2 oz feta cheese
• 1 Tbsp good quality balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp pumpkinseed oil (or good quality olive oil)

Place all ingredients in bowl and mix to combine.  Or, place in tupperware, drizzle with oil and vinegar, tightly cover, and shake until it's all mixed up!  Sprinkle with a bit of freshly ground black pepper (optional) and enjoy!

The Week of Paninis and Salads!

It's typically Thursday afternoon or Friday morning when I start pondering the next week's meal plan...  Hmm, I'm taking a break from work and it's coffee time and I'm going to check my favorite blogs, peruse WW online...there's got to be something I can make next week that's new and different!  Maybe something I can adapt to make my own...
So last week it hit me.  I love paninis, and I love salads - like mega love them!  Why not have a week of paninis for dinner, with corresponding lunch salads?!  So few ingredients, yet so many flavors.  Who couldn't love it!

Some inspiration credit must be given to Green Lite Bites for the first of this week's delicious panini sandwiches!  I served this with steamed green beans, and it was delicious!

Grilled Balsamic Chicken Panini with Feta, Sun Dried Tomatoes, and Baby Spinach

Inspired by Green Lite Bites Grilled Hummus and Feta Sandwich

Serves 1;  8 Points per serving

To prepare a corresponding salad for lunch the following day, double the chicken and sun dried tomatoes.

• 1 Ciabatta roll
• 1 (3 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1/2 oz sun dried tomatoes (not packed in oil)
• 1/4 cup fresh baby spinach
• 1 oz sliced feta cheese
• balsamic vinegar
• salt and pepper

1. Poke chicken breast with fork, place between two sheets of cling wrap, and pound with meat tenderizer until 1/4 inch thick.  Place chicken in shallow bowl, sprinkle salt and pepper, and marinate in desired amount of balsamic vinegar.  Set aside for 5 to 10 minutes.
2. Prepare sun dried tomatoes according to package instructions.  Typically, you will pour boiling water over tomatoes ~1 inch deep, allowing to soak for 10 minutes. 
3. Cook chicken in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until done.  Pat dry and set aside.
4. Layer ingredients on Ciabatta roll, keeping the feta on the bottom.  Drizzle about 1/4 tsp balsamic vinegar onto the top piece of bread before closing the sandwich.
5. To cook the panini, use a panini press or George Foreman.  Or... place panini in a skillet with olive oil spray.  Lightly spray the panini, and press it down using something heavy and flat (I used a full tea kettle).  Just before the panini is heated through, flip it, and continue to cook a minute or two more.

Breakfast All Week!

This week's meal idea revolves around breakfast - the most important meal of the day!  Loads of researchers (and I won't point you to any links or surveys, mostly because I'm lazy and don't want to dig them up) have discovered that eating a balanced and nutritious breakfast not only wakes you up and tastes good, it gets your day going.  A good breakfast sets your body in motion for the rest of the day - it speeds your metabolism, meaning you can and will burn even more calories just by sitting around, and it gets your brain into prime thinking condition.

If you're anything like me, you love breakfast food, regardless of the time of day.  But you also struggle to wake up on time and never give yourself the time necessary to cook a good breakfast before work.  So, you wind up eating a quick bowl of cereal, or maybe some oatmeal.  Some days you run out the door with a granola bar and banana in hand.  Although those are all perfectly satisfying and healthy breakfasts, why not try something new, filling, and tasty?

I took a few different meal ideas - some from Gina, some from myself, and some from my close girlfriend.  Put it all together, and I've stumbled upon something wonderful!
This is super easy to make, and lasts in the fridge all week.  So you can grab a quick breakfast in the morning, or indulge your cravings for lunch, a snack, or dinner!

Sarah's Mini Omelets - 2 Points Each

Adapted from Gina's Broccoli Cheese Mini Omelets and the amazing Shelby Dillon's Culinary Fantabulousness.  Try using different ingredients, like spinach and feta, bacon and cheddar, or asparagus and caramelized onions (note these will alter points value) to find your perfect breakfast!

• 4 eggs
• 1 cup egg whites (from about 5 or 6 eggs)
• 1 small zucchini
• 1 small red bell pepper
• 1/4 red onion
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• Nonstick spray
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Preheat the oven to 350F.
Using a food processor, chop the zucchini, red onion, and bell pepper until fine.
Heat a small pan over low heat and spray with nonstick spray.  Add veggies, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and saute until cooked through.
While veggies are cooking, combine the eggs, egg whites, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper in a medium bowl.  Coat a muffin pan with nonstick spray.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the veggies from the pan into 9 muffin tins (you should fill the tins about 1/4 to 1/3 of the way).
Pour the egg mixture over the veggies until the tins are nearly full.
Bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes (note that ovens vary - begin checking at 20 minutes).

Serve immediately.

Allow the remaining mini omelets to cool completely in the pan.  Once cool, remove the omelets and individually wrap them in foil or cling wrap.  Store in the refrigerator.
When you are ready to eat, simply pop in the microwave and enjoy!

Simply Apricot Chicken

I regularly check out the ideas on Simply Recipes.  They are always tasty, but often times very high in points as well.  For someone maintaining or not necessarily weight-conscious, the recipes would be perfect as-is.  But for those of us trying to drop a few of those old LBs, a few changes are often necessary.  I slightly modified the Simply Recipes version, and I am very satisfied with the results!

Simply Apricot Chicken - 5 Points

Adapted from Simply Recipes

*To make this recipe a bit quicker, chop 12 dried apricots and add them with 1/2 cup apricot jam in Step 4.  Skip steps 1 and 5.  Note this will increase the Points value to 6 per serving.

• 1 1/2 pounds apricots, roughly chopped, pits removed and discarded
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 Tbsp cider vinegar
• 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
• Salt, to taste
• 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
• Olive oil cooking spray
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups fat free chicken broth
• 1 Tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tsp Tabasco
• Black pepper, to taste

1.  Place the chopped apricots in a large bowl.  Stir in the sugar and vinegar.  Let sit while you brown the chicken in step 2.
2.  In a large saute pan, heat the butter with a bit of cooking spray over medium-high heat.  Working in batches, place the chicken pieces in the pan, without crowding, and brown them on each side.  Sprinkle salt on the chicken as it cooks.  Once browned, use a slotted spoon to move the chicken pieces to a plate or bowl.  Set aside.
3.  Add cooking spray to the pan and saute the onion until it begins to brown.  As the onion cooks, use a spatula to scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4.  Once the onions have browned, add the chicken stock and lower the heat to medium.

5.  Put 2/3 cup of the apricots (including juice) into a blender or food processor and puree.  Pour the puree into the pan.
6.  Add the cinnamon, rosemary, and Tabasco and taste.  The sauce may need salt.  Bring to a simmer, lower the heat, and gently simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, uncovered.
7.  When ready to serve, place chicken and remaining apricot pieces into the pan and simmer for 5 minutes.

Serve over steamed rice with your favorite veggies.

Yields 6 servings.

My first batch of this recipe came out wonderfully, however next time I'll adjust for less cinnamon (use 1/2 tsp instead of 1) and increase the Tabasco for more of a kick.

Another Countdown Begins!

My dad and brother have been in town for the past week and a half (they flew back to the US on Saturday morning)...so I haven't had much time to eat healthy or blog about it!
I feel like I lost quite a bit of muscle during their visit, and also like I put on about 80 pounds...the scale will reveal all in the morning.  I'm slightly nervous, not gonna lie.

But all's ok, because tomorrow starts a new week and a new goal!  Brian and I are going to Pulau Sibu with a group of friends the first weekend in November.  My close girlfriend told me Sunday that she wants to get her P90X routine into full spin so that she's uber close to her dream bod by the 3rd of September.  Sounds like an awesome goal to me!  And what better idea than to commit and finally reach my own goals alongside her?!

So there you have it.  The new countdown begins!  I want to have my goal body, my dream body, whatever weight that may be, by September 3rd.  I don't have far to go, and I know I can get there!  It's going to take a ton of hard work (like doubling the spin class schedule and really getting into this crunching pushuping thing!), and even more dedication.  But I know I can do this.  I know we all can do this!

Cross your fingers for tomorrow morning...the scale scares me.

And now, another 15 Minute Meal!

Way back when, I tried Gina's Thai Curry Sauce with some fish and rice, which was super yummy!  Well, lucky me I saved that delicious sauce (frozen in individual portions).
If you need something quick and easy on a busy week night, check this out!

Shrimp and Rice in Thai Coconut Curry Sauce - 6 Points

Adapted from Gina's WW Recipes

• 3 oz frozen, cooked shrimp (2 points)
• 1 serving Thai Coconut Curry Sauce (from Gina's recipe), thawed if frozen (2 points)
• 1/2 cup steamed rice (2 points)

Thaw shrimp by placing them in a collander under cold running water for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat the sauce in a saute pan over very low heat.  When the sauce is heated to your desired temperature and begins to thicken, stir in the thawed shrimp.  Cook the shrimp in the sauce, stirring often, until the shrimp are fully heated and cooked (approximately 2 to 3 minutes).  Be careful not to overcook the shrimp.
Serve over rice and enjoy!

Busy Weeks Call for Shorter Blogs!

I don't have much time tonight...we're leaving tomorrow for a weekend dive trip to Tioman and Aur, Malaysia!  But I need to report my Crunch Attack progress, and throw in some new recipe ideas!

So...Week 1 of Crunch Attack went well.  I'm not as crunchalicious as I thought I would be, but that will change in time.  Somehow managed to misplace my measuring thingie, so I'll report next week about my waist n' hips n' thighs :)

Weds:
50 crunches (30 center, 10 right side, 10 left side)
10 leg lifts
6 sun salutations (this was meant to be an arm workout)

Fri:
30 crunches (10x10x10)
10 tap n' rolls (these are tough and even tougher to explain...)

Sun:
50 crunches (30x10x10)
Mon:
2 center planks (30 sec. each); 2 side planks (30 sec. each side)
15 center crunches
30 cycle kicks (also tough to explain)

Week 1 Lessons Learned:
Any sort of ab workout or push-up attempt after spin class is ROUGH

So this week I'm not upping the anty - just continuing the effort.  Go me ;)

 ______________________________

I've been slacking on the new recipes and cooking lately, so this week I decided to try something new!

BBQ Chicken with Sauteed Veggies - 4 Points

From Cooking Light

 I got this BBQ Chicken recipe from CookingLight.com (a great website with tons of fabulous recipes!).  Here I served it with sauteed veggies, but it would go quite well with potatoes, cole slaw, or a salad.  I included a side of baked beans (1/2 cup = 2 Points) for some added protein and yummy flavor!

For the veggies:
Heat a skillet over medium heat; spray with olive oil spray.  Add your favorite chopped veggies, sprinkle with Kosher salt, and cook until desired doneness.
This week I chose onion, zucchini, and carrots.  Dee-lish!

Fun Ideas and a New Challenge!

I've spent the past couple months pondering a new direction for Smuggling Budgies, now that the Smugglette has been unleashed into the wild.  Each week I'll dig into a new food topic, something fun and exciting (like roasted chicken!) and throw quick meal ideas out into the open.  Sound like a plan?

So, as mentioned above, this week's item:  Roasted Chicken
I absolutely friggin' love these things.  How could you not love them???  Unless of course you are cursed with that strange affliction that my friends Heath and Brittany suffer from - they can't eat anything on the bone.  That means no bone-in chicken, no bone-in steak, no wings!  Seriously, it's devastating.  But even for them these meal ideas are possibilities.  If you suffer from "I can't eat bone-in foods" syndrome, simply ask a friend or loved one to remove the chicken from the bone prior to your entering the kitchen or dining room.  You will not know it was ever actually attached to an animal.  And perfecto!

If you live in the US, my personal favorite roasted chickens are Tyson brand, which can be purchased at your local supermarket (and comes in varieties!).  If you reside in Singapore, swing by your neighborhood Cold Storage and grab either a honey or black pepper chicken from the deli.
So what do you do next?  Well, let's see...

How about a big salad of your favorite veggies, some roasted chicken, and your salad dressing of choice?  Here is my personal favorite:

Yummy Salad with Roasted Chicken Breast - 7.5 Points

This is a large salad with 3 servings of veggies.  It is incredibly filling and tasty!  Great for salad-lovers :) 

• 2 cups romaine lettuce, torn or sliced
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1/4 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cucumber, halved and sliced
• shredded carrots
• Pepperidge Farm Seasoned Croutons, 12 pieces
• 1 roasted chicken breast, skin removed and chopped
• 2 Tbsp Homemade Hidden Valley Ranch

Combine all ingredients on large plate.  Mix well with dressing, or dip individual bites, and enjoy!

What to do with the rest of your roasted chicken???
You could make a Roasted Chicken and Bow Tie Pasta Salad, which happens to be delicious, and will feed you for days.  Recipe = 6 Points per serving; yields 6 servings (remember to remove the skin).
Heat up a chicken breast or thigh, and serve along side veggies of your choice and steamed rice or cauliflower puree.
Slice the chicken into thin pieces and make a delicious sandwich!

All of these meals and ideas are super-quick and super-tasty (falling into the new 15-Minute Meals category) - perfect for staying on track when you're busy.

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So what's this challenge I keep referring to???
A fellow blogger has recently started a Crunch Attack challenge with her readers.  So...I'm following suit!  Click here to explore the challenge in more detail and join in on the fun!  Basically, I will do crunches (or ab workouts) and/or pushups at least 3 days each week, and then I will increase my repetitions as the weeks progress.
I will keep a log of my exercises and report back each week - and I'll even throw in some body measurements!  Week 1 started Tuesday...I will set some goals for myself next Tuesday after I've determined just what I can do!  I would love it if y'all did this challenge with me - the more support we've got, the easier this life change can be!

Good night, and go buy some chicken!

Sarah's Homemade Hidden Valley Ranch

I have an addiction to ranch dressing, and one of my favorite at-home fixes is Hidden Valley.  You can purchase the salad dressing packet from your local supermarket (if you're in Singapore, try an expat-friendly Cold Storage, such as Great World City or Tanglin Market Place).

Sarah's Homemade Hidden Valley Ranch - 2 Points

Adapted from Hidden Valley Packet Instructions

Serving Size = 2 Tbsp

1 Packet Hidden Valley Ranch mix
1 cup skim or low-fat (up to 1%) milk (I use Lactaid brand, as I'm lactose intolerant)
1/2 cup regular mayo
1/2 cup light mayo

Mix ingredients well in a medium or large bowl.  Cover and refrigerate to thicken; lasts up to three weeks in refrigerator.

15-Minute Fish and Veggies

How often do you end up working late?  You get home, hurry to the gym, have an amazing work out, and by the time you reach home again, you're exhausted and starving?  The last thing you want to do is slave in the kitchen, and you especially don't feel like cleaning dishes!

How about some 15-Minute Fish and Veggies?  My go-to fish dish happens to be Gina's Broiled Fish with Garlic.  It's simple to make for one person (with some slight adaptations because I love garlic), and takes no time at all!

Broiled Fish with Garlic for One - 4 Points

Adapted from Gina's Weight Watchers Recipes - www.skinnytaste.com

• 1 5-ounce fish fillet (I used Cream Snapper, which is similar to Tilapia - note that using different fish may alter the Points)
• 1/2 tsp olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Dried oregano
• Dried parsley
• Freshly ground pepper
• Kosher salt
• Lemon wedges/slices

Preheat broiler.  Line a pan with aluminum foil.
Rinse fish and pat dry; place on foil.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste (I give a few good shakes).  Then sprinkle with oregano and parsley (Gina's recipe calls for a set amount, but I like to shake it on there to taste - depending on what I'm in the mood for).
Drizzle olive oil on top of fish, and top with garlic.
Broil for 7 minutes, or until cooked through; be careful not to overcook the fish.  Squeeze lemon juice over fish, and you're ready to eat dinner!

While your fish is broiling, saute some veggies on the stove for a quick and tasty side dish.  I chose to make Roni's version of Sugar Snap Peas (1 Point per cup), but you could use this technique for other vegetables, like asparagus or zucchini (these would be 0 Points).

Simply heat olive oil spray (I use Pam Olive Oil) over medium heat in a nonstick skillet.  Add sugar snap peas, sprinkle with Kosher salt, and toss regularly until cooked the way you like it!  So easy...and so good!

The Sick Diet?

I realize it's been ages since my last post, and I'm truly sorry about that.  Last weekend (like 10 days ago) I got sick.  Mega sick.  I don't come down with things often, but when I do it's like hell freezes over and all life stops.  Not to mention I get incredibly needy and I groan about everything.  I'm just lucky that my mother has to love me no matter what - otherwise she would have given me away ages ago!
I'm not sure why Brian stuck around and took such amazing care of me for those 4 days, but he did, and I'm grateful!

So...needless to say, I didn't exactly count points, track anything, cook anything, or feel like blogging.  Then from playing catch-up at work, still feeling a bit weak, attempting to get back into the gym, and also attempting to eat healthy, the last thing I wanted to do at home was turn on my lappy.  Not happening.

When I weighed in last Tuesday morning, not at all surprised to see a low number on the scale (tends to happen when one hasn't eaten in three days), it stared back at me with a beautiful 131.5!  Thank you to Brian for reminding me that it was "the sick diet".  Well, I don't love the sick diet, because that number simply means that I feel like poop, I'm dehydrated, my body needs nutrients, and if I poke around I'll feel soft and squishy.  Yes.  Soft and squishy, people.  That's what your stomach and arms and quads and butt feel like if you poke them after missing the gym for a week or two...yick!

So what was my goal for last week?  Maintain that 131.5 while regaining my strength, eating healthy, and making my way back into the gym!  And you know what?  I did it.

 

Even Fingers Can Get Skinny

I wrote this draft last week, and then forgot to post it!  A little late is better than never :)  Here goes!

A long, long time ago I used to be 12.  I know - shocking.  As I quickly approached my 13th birthday (one of extreme importance in the Jewish faith), still carrying baby fat with a bit of extra fat to go along, I thought about my Bat Mitzvah.  And, like any nearly-13 year old Jewish girl, I wasn't exactly thinking about the service, or the meaning, or my faith.  I was instead thinking about my party, and thinking about my gifts!

When my amazing cousin Melysa had her Bat Mitzvah two years before, my family had given her a birthstone ring - a beautiful sapphire and diamond setting on a gold band.  I loved it.  I wanted it.  So when I had my own special day, I was the happiest and most ecstatic little 13 year old on the planet when I received my very own birthstone ring.  My Auntie Jill, Uncle Rodger, and cousins Melysa and Jessa had given me a gorgeous emerald and diamond birthstone ring.

So what's the point of this, you may ask?  Well, until this morning, I have never worn this ring.  I have spent the past 13 years with a size 8 ring finger.  Now, I don't think that necessarily constitutes "fat fingers", as numerous women wear a size 8 ring; but this particular birthstone ring is smaller.  I'm not sure of the exact size, but I would venture to guess that it's around a 7.

So today, the 10th of June, 2010, I am officially thin enough to wear that ring.  And it feels amazing.

Still a teensy bit tight, but it fits!  Sorry for the poor quality - I took this picture on my BlackBerry :)

Getting Back on the Horse

My favorite woman in the world recently commented.  She wants more Smuggling Budgies, and asked what's in store for us next.  Well, I have no idea.  May was a month full of travel, restaurants, and fun.  But it was also a month lacking routine, tracking, and motivation.  When you spend a weekend in Thailand, the following weekend celebrating your birthday, the weekend after that showing your boyfriend's family the sights (and eats) of Singapore, and the next week trekking Beijing and The Great Wall, it's a bit tough to stick with it!

So here I am, having fallen from my horse - I'm ready to get back on.  Weigh-in is tomorrow morning, and I have no idea what's in store!  The second to last weight was 135 (up 2lbs from pre-Phuket), but last week was 134.  Considering the events of the past three weeks, I'll take 134 any day!  I am fairly certain tomorrow morning's result will be in the 135 range - this past weekend was none other than a food-fest.

And although I got back on track today, counted every single thing I ate, and am ready to start this week, I'm struggling to find a new goal.  I am a girl of goals!  I want something to work for!
On the one hand, my dad and brother will be here in just over a month.  They're flying all the way from Houston and arrive in Singapore the evening of July 14th.  We leave for Bali, Indonesia on July 19th, so I'd say that's a pretty kickass motivator.  But somehow it just doesn't do the same thing as Phuket and a tiny bikini.

So what's next?  What should I work for?  How about working to reach the goal I've always had, but never reached?  Regardless of what the scale says tomorrow morning, I am ready to commit to this (again) and stay on track through June and the first half of July.  The week my family is here will be full of good eats, but that's ok.
If at that point I've reached my goal, I'll work on maintaining.  If not, I'll keep on trucking along!

It's your comments, your phone calls, your emails, and your love that keeps me inspired.  Please continue to send me updates, and send me your own progress so that I can brag about your successes.

Birthdays ROCK!

Just after writing the previous post, I made my way down to the mailbox area.  I figured it was my birthday and there was definitely going to be something special in there, right?!?!  Well there was.  There totally freaking was.  I call my friend Lynette my "fun new friend", even though we've known each other for a couple years.  It wasn't until she moved to Taipei that we started getting close, which is totally weird, but worked out well!  She moved back to Texas recently, and happened to send me the best unintentional birthday gift to ever exist!  I only say "unintentional" because I am fairly certain it hadn't occurred to her that this present would arrive on my birthday.  I was just lucky!  So there I am, staring at this package from my friend, wondering what the eff is inside!  Is it a book?  It kind of feels like a book...what the heck is this???

That's right, people.  My amazing and fantastic friend Lynette bought me STRAWBERRY CAKE MIX!  Strawberry Quick Cake here I come!!!  ...if only I could finish the lemon!  I'm considering pawning it off on Brian ;)
If you haven't got a clue what I'm referring to, you can check it out here.

On another note, I'm completely and utterly worried about weigh-in tomorrow morning.  My weekend was ridiculous, I ate everything in sight, not to mention drinking what feels like an entire swimming pool of booze.  Last night, standing (swaying?) over my kitchen table at 9pm I decided it was a grand idea to open the box of chocolates from a friend and eat a bite of each one to "sample the flavors".  Needless to say I invented a totally filling and healthy dinner that didn't lack in the flavor department.

Strawberry Balsamic Salad - 5.5 Points

• 1 1/2 cups baby spinach
• 1/2 cup arugula (rocket)
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1 1/2Tbsp red onion, chopped
• 1 1/2 Tbsp pecans, chopped
• 2 Tbsp Newman's Own Balsamic Vinaigrette (or similar)

Toss all ingredients together and serve!

So back to weigh-in...I'm preparing myself mentally for the scale.  I will take it like a pro, whatever it says.  I have done this to myself willingly, and it was worth every minute!  But now I must get myself back on track and set some new goals.
Now that the Smugglette is out of the way, I think it's time to find a new "something".  Any ideas???  We can count down to my next Bali trip (when my brother and dad arrive!!!), or maybe July 4th?  I want something good!  ...though I don't know if I'll ever top a trip to Thailand and a teensy bikini

Royales with Cheese are GO!

I did it.  I mean I actually did it.  We landed in Phuket last Thursday night, I downed enough booze to throw inhibitions out the door, and I put on that damn Smugglette!  The bottoms were tiny, but I don't think I looked half bad in the thing!

Phuket was an amazing place; our villas were INCREDIBLE, the Thai people are beautiful, and we had one hell of a birthday bash for my friends!

I did skip weigh-in on Tuesday.  I was definitely feeling like a fat kid, and considering my lack of exercise over the past week (I did however use the villa's elliptical for 20 minutes - gasp!), it just wasn't happening.  So I'll wait until next Tuesday and hopefully maintain.  I'm not shooting for any extreme weight loss goals this week either...

Today I am 26.  That's right - it's my friggin' BIRTHDAY!  So tonight I'm celebrating with good friends, Singapore's best version of Mexican food, and lots of margaritas!  And of course what better way to end a birthday weekend than with champagne brunch with 21 of your closest friends?  Needless to say, I'm binging this weekend - lots of food and lots of booze!  Love it.

So for now I'll leave you with the proof...

A not so great shot, but there you have it!  Me in a Smugglette!

One of our beautiful villas (this one is where Brian and I stayed)

The views from our villa - spectacular!

Saturday lunch - Thai fried rice with chicken, spicy beef salad, and the freshest cucumbers I've ever had...delicious!

And finally, the perfect ad for Budgy Smugglers (I'm on the right)

Losing for Treats!

I decided around 2pm today that I deserved a pedicure.  I always deserve a pedicure honestly, but today I really deserved one...for no particular reason.  I ditched spin (ohmygodno!), which is quite unlike me, left work a bit early, drove home in the beautiful sunshine, and walked to the new salon near my apartment, called Buff and Rubz.  And no, I'm not joking.  This is 100% for serious.  The place is actually called Buff and Rubz, and it sounds totally dirty.
They do nails and waxing and massage therapy all in this tiny place, that by the way smells like amazing aromatherapy, and the girls working there are absolute dolls!  Not to mention the prices are completely reasonable, and I get a free manicure for my birthday, which I can use any time during May.  Wa freaking hoo.  No really.  Wa freaking hoo!
I think that, whenever I reach a really fantastic goal, or am feeling wonderful about my progress (or maintenance in the future), I will treat myself with pampering!  Not too shabby, huh?

Afterward, I strolled home (happy as a clam of course), and prepped the kitchen for some fun cooking time.

Tonight I tried out Hoisin Pork and Snow Pea Stir-Fry, but swapped 1/2c. of jasmine rice for the rice noodles.  I just wasn't in a noodle mood, what can I say?  This dish would go equally well with chicken or beef in my opinion, but for the first try I decided to stick with pork.  And since I'm a bad little Jewish girl and have a love for bacon and ham and mixing meat with dairy (on the rare occasion that I actually eat dairy), I stuck with the pork.
Unfortunately, the pork was a bit tough (perhaps I overcooked it?), so next time I am using the chicken...or maybe beef.  Who knows!
Regardless, this recipe gets one and a half thumbs up from me.  Not the best I've ever had, but quite tasty!  I'm looking forward to my leftovers!  I don't usually eat meals that are more than 7 points, as I only get 20 per day and snacking is very important to me, but this one was worth it (and not too far over).

•  Stir-Fry (excluding noodles or rice) = 6 points per cup
• 1/2 cup rice = 2 points

I will also use the sauce but switch out the vegetables to mix it up a bit.  Who knows, maybe next time I'll have beef with broccoli and baby corn!  Ok that sounds good...I'm sold :)

I Think My Scale's on Crack.

There are a few different Weight Watchers blogs that I keep up with (Bitch Cakes and OK Just One More Beer are my faves!), and recently they've talked a lot about change.  What are the steps to change?  How can we adjust to change?  Our environment has so much to do with making the right choices and staying on track.  For instance, my environment this weekend was definitely NOT conducive to healthy change.  I had three different desserts in my kitchen, I had jelly beans in the house, I had an entire loaf of fresh-baked rye bread on the counter!  The BBQ I attended on Saturday night was full of delectable and unhealthy goodness (and I perfected the act of gorging that night), and Friday and Saturday weren't exactly points-friendly either.

All said and done, when I stood on the scale this morning, I was certain I was still dreaming.  Could this be real?  Did I seriously lose this week?  You have got to be kidding me...I ate Jelly Bellies and drank red wine, I drank white wine, I drank vodka, I ate a hot dog!  I ate three Swag Bars on Sunday!  Holy CRAP!  I stood there for a few minutes, and realized something:  my brain hasn't completed its transformation.  My self image hasn't, to be more specific.

I am happier than I have ever felt in my life.  I live differently, I love differently.  Yes, it's true, I am a changed person, and I am definitely not the same Sarah I was three years ago.  My self esteem has most definitely changed (I actually have it now)!  I walk into a room and I'm no longer self-conscious, I feel attractive, and I can tell (and I love) when people are looking at me!

So what's the problem?

The chubby little girl inside of me, the girl the neighbors used to call "Shamu" (they actually did - it was traumatizing), still exists.  When I look in the mirror, I recognize that skinny girl staring back.  But when there is no mirror, it's so easy to forget.  My mind wanders into its old state sometimes.  My friend Courtney in Houston used to tell me that my body was losing weight, but my mind hadn't caught up.  I now finally understand what she meant.  I have to think when I'm shopping for clothes.  My first instinct is to grab that large top, when now I'm actually a medium, and sometimes even a small.  Granted, I don't go for the size 12 pants anymore, but it took awhile for me to switch over from 8 to 6.  Now the size 4 is fast-approaching, and I'm still training my brain to pick up the 6!

I leave in two days for the amazing (and occasionally dreaded) trip to Phuket.  The trip that started this whole blog; the trip where I will (possibly) wear an itsy bitsy teenie weenie Royales with Cheese Smugglette bikini.  Have I reached my goal?  Not yet.
But I am ecstatic at the prospect of that goal!  I am thrilled with my progress!  I am happy!

My Smugglette is still in transit, being carried to Singapore by a friend in Oz, and I'm hoping that when I do receive it, that Aussie size 10 will fit like a charm.  And though my stomach may still need a bit of flattening, and my thighs a bit more toning, I hope that I can rock out in that bikini this weekend.

Hell, the scale's not on crack.  I am not dreaming.  I really do weigh 133 pounds.  Holy shit.

You've Got Some Smooth Moves!

So far so good this weekend!  Yesterday I got to leave work early, and I took that as an opportunity to veg out on my couch!
After a good hour of Heath Ledger in A Knight's Tale I decided to hit the gym and actually make something of my Friday evening.  I absolutely love my walk to the gym...it gives me a chance to clear my head, pump myself up, and enjoy the extreme humidity surrounding me on a daily basis.  No but seriously, I get to walk along the Singapore River, which is actually quite beautiful when I'm not listening to jackhammers, and it's a nice experience.

First of all, the girls at the front desk now officially know me.  I walk up, they greet me, they know my name, they know the classes I take, they think I'm sweet.  This makes me feel happy.
Second, I now rock at the elliptical machine.  Freaking sweet!  I upped the level, I went faster, I worked harder.  It was AWESOME!
After dropping too much money in the bookstore (and snagging Avatar on BluRay), I decided to trudge home in the rain.  I shouldn't say this as though it was a bad thing.  Sometimes I like the rain, and living here one can't exactly be shocked when it's pouring on you.

After drying off a bit (a lot), I decided that my stomach deserved a break, and that I should treat it to something new and exciting.  Senegalese Peanut Stew with Spinach and Sweet Potatoes.  It's a recipe from WW online, and I am shocked at it's deliciousness!  I will post the recipe tomorrow, so be on the lookout!

This morning I tried out another new recipe that I adore!  I will be making this on a very regular basis!  Good smoothies are sometimes hard to find, and this one takes the cake!

Strawberry Mango Smoothie
From Weight Watchers Online
Servings: 2
Points per serving: 3

• 8 oz unsweetened frozen strawberries
• 4 oz low fat vanilla yogurt
• 1/2 cup mango fruit juice
• 1 Tbsp honey

Place everything in a blender or food processor and blend on high until you get it where you want it!  SO EFFING GOOD!

I just got home from a walk in the Botanic Gardens with my friend Meg (it was so great and we got so sweaty!), and tonight I get to splurge at Curry Gardenn (yes, it has two "n"s) with Brian.  Butter Chicken and Paratha here I come!
Till next time...enjoy that smoothie!

Tasty Hummus

This is perfect as a sandwich spread, or a dip for fresh veggies and pita slices.

Anyone who lives in Singapore understands how difficult it is to find good hummus.  Luckily, one of my favorite cookbooks, 1000 Jewish Recipes, has a few to choose from!  I took tidbits from each recipe and adapted them into my own, delicious version.  You can add lemon juice and/or water to achieve your desired consistency, without affecting the points value.  Adding olive oil will increase the total points (1 point per tsp).
You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the hummus - note this will affect the points value.

• 3-4 medium cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 15-ounce cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 3 Tbsp tahini (sesame paste, or sometimes called sesame butter), stirred before measuring
• 1/4 cup strained fresh lemon juice (start with this and add more to taste)
• 1/2 cup water
• salt, to taste
• cayenne pepper, to taste
• 2 tsp olive oil

1. Mince garlic in food processor.  Add chickpeas and process to chop.
2. Add tahini to food processor.  Add 1/4 cup lemon juice and 1/4 cup water; puree until finely blended.  Add more lemon juice if desired.  Add more water as necessary so that the hummus has consistency of a smooth spread.
3. Drizzle with olive oil; season with salt and cayenne

Total Points = 30
Don't ask me how, but Weight Watchers online determined the following...
Points per serving (for 10 servings) = 2
Points per serving (for 8 servings) = 3

Mom's Tuna Salad

This is an all-time favorite from my mom's house, and only 2 pts per serving!  I was feeling nostalgic this week, and decided to have a Saturday lunch to make me think of home.  I guessed at ingredients and came up with something pretty close, and very tasty!
There are numerous ways to serve this - in a pita with cucumber slices (as I did today), on whole wheat with some baked lays (Mom and I love it that way!  Actually put the chips on the sandwich to add some crunch!), or even just over a bed of spinach salad.

• 1 package StarKist Chunk Tuna in Water
• 1 1/2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 Tbsp red onion, chopped
• Grated carrots (I didn't have these on-hand, but they are a wonderful addition)
• 1/4 to 1/2 lemon, juice of
• 2 Tbsp reduced-fat mayonnaise
• salt and fresh pepper, to taste

Mix all ingredients together until well-blended.
Yields 3 servings.
2 Points per serving.

Enjoy!

Yum Yum Yum Yum!

I had one hell of a weekend, to say the least.  Aside from the extreme party at the US Embassy on Friday night, hosted by the Marines, with numerous canned Bud Lights (so gross now that I drink Sapporo and Asahi constantly) and a double whammy of Jager Bombs, the weekend could be described as intense.  Saturday night we attended a friend's Fondue Party, only after I hosted pre-drinks and an assortment of dips (including a hummus recipe which I proudly perfected) at my place.  Needless to say I was feeling like a fatty times seven when I woke up on Sunday morning!

I then proceeded to make Egg McSarah's...English muffin, topped with scrambled eggs, a slice of SmartBeat American (if you happen to be lactose intollerant), and one MorningStar Farms "sausage" pattie.  A whopping 7 points and worth every single bite!  Brian got real bacon, but I'm not complaining.

We spent the rest of the afternoon walking and sweating out the previous night's food and drink intake at the Japanese and Chinese Gardens.  I had never been, and it was fabulous!
Me and Brian at the top of the pagoda in the Chinese Gardens

That night I tried out Zucchini Casserole, which was a huge hit!  Brian doesn't usually comment on my food without me prying for his opinion.  That night, mid-bite, he looked over and said, "This stuff is friggin' good, baby!"

We also chowed down on some Cuban Beef Picadillo and a failed attempt at Italian and Greek style tomatoes.  Once I've got those where I want 'em I'll post the recipe for your enjoyment!

This is me slaving in the kitchen (still sweaty from the gardens) to make the picadillo.

And this is the finished product! 

All said and done I managed to maintain 135.5 - despite the weekend extravagance.  And of course this week I have the appetite of a horse and Cold Storage has Reduced Fat Wheat Thins.  Dear God, those are totally my weakness.  Well, that and anything delicious.  I also splurged on the Snack Packs, but went ahead with the Fat Free Chocolate just to be safe.  Ahh hell, I got the Triple Layer Chocolate Caramel ones too.

Keep your fingers crossed for next Tuesday morning's weigh-in.  Only 14 days until Phuket and I'm starting to freak out...mega time!

Sweaty is the New Sexy?

Work has been super stressful for the past couple weeks (like it's turning me into a psycho).  This could definitely be a bad thing, considering Sarah = Stress Eater (maybe now Stress Eating Psycho, but whatever).  But do you know what is so wonderful about my life these days?  I take that stress, and I spin it into something positive.  I use it as motivation to eat healthier, work out harder, and even relax!  If there is anything I can offer from these past weeks at work, and I have spent a hell of a lot of time at work, it's this:  don't let the stress get you down.  Use the stress to motivate, to inspire!

I weighed in on Tuesday morning....dun dun dunnnnnnn

135.5!

Dude, seriously?!  Yes, seriously!  I'm so happy and so proud of myself!  Two pounds down this week, and I even went to Morton's Steakhouse!  I'm sorry, but rib eyes are like the best tasting, fattiest piece of cow on the planet.  Bragging rights?  I think so!

I finally made it to the gym tonight for the first time since body tone last Thursday.  Let's just say spin was ROUGH.  There's no better way to describe it.  I was struggling, panting, dripping with sweat. But now I feel amazing.

So now I want you to imagine what I looked like immediately after class.  Really picture it - drenched, hair all over the place (not to mention stuck to my forehead), purplish reddish splotchy face.  Yeah, so attractive.

The greatest and best compliment I have ever received was tonight, and no one said a single thing to me.

I got checked out at the gym.  Not once, not twice, but three times, by three different men - looking like that!  Shocking.

I realize that this is the braggiest bragging post you have ever read, but if my week could spin around like that, it should help everyone out there alter their perception during times of stress.

Take that stress, and flip it around to something good!  Work it out!

Last but not least, I demand that every single one of you buy two things on your next trip to the grocery store - cake mix and angel food cake mix.  No I'm not joking.

I found this "recipe" on Gina's quick snack ideas page, tried it for the first time tonight, and I'm in HEAVEN!

1 box Angel Food cake mix

1 box any other flavor cake mix

Mix it all together, store it in an air-tight container.  When you want a sweet snack, scoop 1/4 cup into a coffee mug, add 2 Tbsp water, stir it up, and microwave on high for 1 minute.

WHOA!  So freaking good!

1/4 cup with 2 Tbsp water = 2 pts

1/3 cup with 3 Tbsp water = 3 pts

This time I used lemon cake mix - light, fluffy, slightly tart but totally delicious.  I desperately want to try strawberry.  Please send me strawberry cake mix!  Singapore doesn't have any!!!  Gah!

Over and out. 

Green Beans with Tomatoes and Garlic

I make String Beans with Garlic all the time, but I've been looking for a good way to mix things up (and lighten things up a bit).  Then I found something on Plan To Eat that got me thinking!  What about tomatoes???  It's shocking, I know!  Sarah...eating tomatoes?!
Thanks to Brian, I eat 'em!  Definitely not raw - eew.  But cooked, bring it!

Adapted from Gina's Weight Watcher's Recipes - String Beans with Garlic and Oil (see link above)
Servings:  4
Points:  1 per serving

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 2-4 cloves garlic, slivered (depending on your taste)
• cherry or grape tomatoes, halved (use however many you want!)
• salt and freshly ground pepper

Steam green beans until tender; remove from pot and briefly run under cool water.
Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet; saute garlic and tomatoes.  Shut off flame, add green beans, and toss to coat.  Season with salt and pepper.

YUM!

Weight Watchers Italian Meatballs

Italian Meatballs
From Weight Watchers
Servings:  8
Points:  3

I know they look wimpy and pathetic, but these are incredibly tasty!  They are perfect by themselves as an appetizer, with some pasta and sauce for dinner, or simply mixed up with a bunch of other options, as I did for dinner on Sunday (with Quinoa and Spinach, and Green Beans with Tomato and Garlic).

• 1.5 tsp butter
• 1.5 tsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, minced
• 1 pound raw lean ground beef
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, minced (or 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning - I did this)
• 1/4 cup beef broth, or chicken broth (I used beef)
• 1/4 cup white wine

In a large skillet, melt butter and oil over medium heat.  Add onions; cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to caramelize, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Remove onions to a large mixing bowl and add beef, egg, red pepper flakes, salt and parsley (or Italian seasoning); mix well to combine.
With damp hands, roll forty-eight 1/2-inch meatballs.


Place same skillet over medium-high heat.  Add meatballs, broth and wine; simmer until cooked through, gently turning meatballs once during cooking, about 20 minutes.


Yields 6 meatballs per serving.

Quinoa and Spinach

I just discovered quinoa this weekend when I tried this recipe.  The best word to describe it is unique.  I've never had anything quite like it...and I think it's pretty good!
Lucky for me, quinoa happens to be incredibly healthy, high in fiber, gluten-free, and SO easy to make!

From Weight Watchers
Servings:  8
Points:  1 per serving

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, minced
• 1 medium garlic clove, minced
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes (optional - I used them!)
• 4 cups baby spinach, packed, coarsely chopped (I didn't chop it)
• 1/2 tsp salt

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.  Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring frequently, until onion is tender, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Add quinoa to skillet; cook, stirring frequently, until quinoa starts to turn golden brown, about 2 minutes.
Add broth, black pepper and red pepper flakes to skillet; bring to a boil.  Cover skillet and reduce heat to low and simmer for 13 minutes; stir in spinach.
Cover skillet and cook until spinach and quinoa are tender and liquid is absorbed, about 3 to 5 minutes; season with salt.

Yields about 1/2 cup per serving.

You Win Some, You Lose Some

I'll start by saying that Bali was amazingly fantastic, and every person on the planet should make it there at least once in their life.  But I'll also say that the quantity of booze and delectable food is hard core and it would be tough for even the most committed of weight watchers to follow the plan while vacationing in this lovely part of Indonesia.

Photo courtesy of my friend Ellen - taken during our drive from Jimbaran Bay to Tulamben

I step on the scale this morning, eyes closed but slightly peeped open as if I'm watching a gory movie, crossing my fingers and muttering to myself, "Please oh please oh please MAINTAIN!"
Mother trucker.  137.5.  Great.  Fanfreakingtastic.  Awesome.  So then of course I start beating myself up over this measly little one-pound addition to my gut, only to realize that's no way to learn from this, and I alter my perception to one of lesson-learning and motivation for next week.
Then I spent the better part of the morning coming up with all of the different excuses I could give to my blog readers about why I didn't weigh in this week - a simple attempt to keep you all from knowing about my tiny blip.
Yeah, that would have been silly anyway.  So I sit here, Sarah Koopersmith of Singapore, attempting to lose weight and look hot in a bikini, admitting to the world that I was unable to maintain a weight of 136.5 pounds while living it up in Bali for three days.  I'm fairly certain all will be ok, and life will go on as usual.

This week, however, it's on like freaking Donkey Kong!
I will track every day.
I will eat all of my fruits and veggies.
I will work out harder and longer.
I will lose at least one pound.
I will stay motivated and inspired.
And damnit I WILL enjoy every minute of every day!

So there you have it.  Take that, excess flab!  I'm kicking you to the curb.

Smuggling

I'm heading to the airport in literally half an hour, but I wanted to squeeze in a quick blog before leaving ... for BALI!  Yes, I will throw that in your face at every single opportunity.

So...while I'm in BALI this weekend, I won't have an easy time counting points.  But I do know the points value of certain foods, and I do know when I'm eating a fruit or veggie.  Sarah's plan this weekend - find fruits and veggies, listen to my stomach, and don't overdo the booze (the third one will be tough).

But, the real reason for this blog post is Smugglettes.  We ordered them today, and I'm totally freaked out!  I've never tried Aussie sizes before, and the online conversion says I'm a 10.  Royales with Cheese size 10 here we go!  Keep your fingers crossed that when the time does come (check the bottom of my blog for a countdown!) my skinny ass is going to fit perfectly into those budgy smugglers!  ...I think I can I think I can!

Whew!  And off we go!  ...to BALI!

Chag Sameach!

Wow.  I am exhausted.  Completely and utterly!  Spin class tonight kicked my ass, but I pushed hard the whole time and even turned up the resistance!  I'm always amazed at the amount of sweating I do in that class...I'm not completely sure that it's normal!  Some of the ladies in my class go straight from spin to the 7:30pm Body Tone class.  They are clearly on crack.

So I tried my best to lose but not lose too much this past week, and I ended up just staying right in the same spot.  I know it could be worse (I could have gained!) but I was still totally disappointed on Tuesday morning when the scale looked up at me with that big 136.5.

A few different things could have led to it, and honestly I know exactly what it was.  Was it the movie theater popcorn I had on Friday night?  Yeah.  Was it the scrambled eggs with toast and potatoes at Epicurious for breakfast on Saturday morning?  Probably.  How about the high tea buffet lunch at Lao Beijing with dan dan noodles, black pepper chicken, fried noodles, and dumplings?  Yep.  Or maybe the splurge on a few glasses of wine, breaking that 2-week detox, alongside the cheese and sausage platter at Wine Company that evening?  Totally.

Sunday morning I desperately needed some healthy goodness, so I went for a Baked Banana.  YUM!  You basically bake a banana drizzled with cinnamon and honey/agave nectar.  I prefer it for breakfast, but it would be fantastic with ice cream for dessert as well!

This was my first time using the agave, and I definitely prefer it to honey.  The banana comes out a bit sweeter, and there is less of a sticky mess :)

Monday evening was the start of Passover, so I've had to watch my intake this week.  I had no idea that one sheet of matzo is 2 points.  I could eat a whole box of those things!  Given that Passover is my favorite holiday of the entire year, and I have a secret love of matzo, this whole points thing has been a mega issue for me the past couple days.  Today I just subbed matzo for my usual wrap with turkey.  It's the greatest and best wrap on the planet.
1 whole wheat wrap (2 pts)
2 oz turkey (1 pt)
1 tsp basil pesto (0.5 pts)
romaine lettuce (0 pts)
1/4 cup semi-dried tomatoes, drained of oil (1 pt)
Seriously - try it.  You'll love it.

I had this plan to adapt Passover recipes from my cookbook, but I'll have to postpone that idea - I leave tomorrow night for BALI!  It's going to be super tough counting points, but my goal this week is MAINTAIN!  If I can spend three days in Bali, come home, weigh in, and still be 136.5 I will be a very happy camper!

Before I get to packing, there are a few noteworthy items from this past week that every single one of you needs to know about!
1.  Cilantro Lime Rice - made it, ate it, loved it!  Try adding some chopped fresh jalapenos for an extra kick!
2.  Broiled Fish with Garlic - I used Cream Snapper, loved it!
3.  Chocolate Dipped Macaroons.  Holy shit.  Amazing!  Perfect for Passover, but be very careful - you'll be tempted to eat the whole batch!  (And my dumb ass forgot to take a picture...oops)

Chocolate Dipped Macaroons
From Weight Watchers
Points = 1 per serving
Serving Size = 1 macaroon
Yield = 32 servings

• 3 large egg whites
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
• 2.5 cups packaged shredded coconut, unsweetened
• 3 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped into small bits (I used semisweet mini chocolate chips and it was fine)

1. Preheat oven to 350F.  Line one or two large cookie sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk egg whites with sugar.  Add vanilla and coconut; stir to combine.
3. Scoop up a level tablespoon of batter and form into a ball with your hands; repeat with remaining batter.  Place each ball about 1-inch apart on the prepared cookie sheet.
4. Bake until tops just start to turn light tan, about 15 to 18 minutes.  Remove cookies to a cooling rack for about 30 minutes.
5. Place chocolate in a double boiler or heavy pot; melt over low heat, stirring occasionally (do not allow to burn).  Keep chocolate warm and pliable as you dip tops of cookies into chocolate.  Place dipped cookies on a metal tray; freeze until chocolate sets (about 20 to 30 minutes).