Sarah's Veggie Panini

The excitement due to my recently restored health is overwhelming, and with that excitement comes major cravings for foods that make me feel good.  Like veggies - veggies everywhere!  Brian and I picked up some delicious Rosemary Ciabatta from Gastronomia the other night, and with the leftovers I came up with a great sandwich.  It is savory and filling!

Sarah's Veggie Panini
Serves: 1
Points+: 9
Healthy Checks: 1 oil, 1-2 veggies, 1/2-1 dairy

• 3oz Ciabatta, or similar
• Assorted sliced, raw vegetables, such as:
• 1oz zucchini
• 5 sprigs asparagus
• 1/4 red bell pepper
• 1 Swiss brown mushroom
• 4 rings white onion
•  Olive Oil Cooking Spray
• Salt and Pepper
• 1T reduced-fat basil pesto
• 1/2oz soft goat cheese

Preheat oven to 400F (200C).

Slice vegetables and arrange in a baking dish.  Spray with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Roast vegetables in oven for 7 to 10 minutes, depending on your taste.

Meanwhile, slice Ciabatta in half and lightly spray each outer side with olive oil.  Prepare a pan or panini press.  If using a pan, spray it lightly with olive oil spray, and heat it over medium-high flame.

In a small bowl, toss vegetables with pesto.  Place on open Ciabatta.  Spread goat cheese onto the second slice of bread.

Cook panini until the cheese just starts to melt, and the crust is browned and crisp, flipping once.  By using a heavy pan or pot and pressing on top of the sandwich, you can achieve the same result as a panini press.

How Many Times Can a Girl Start Over?

Oops, I did it again.  Had surgery, that is.  Turns out the mushrooms had taken over multiple sinus cavities, and the doctor had to go back in last week to dig 'em out.  And no, once again, I am not joking.
Learning that your frontal sinuses, in your forehead, are completely filled and swollen shut sure does explain the excruciating headaches, though!

I've been on steroids for weeks.
My body looks nothing like it used to.
And I was sick for EIGHT MONTHS.

But the moment I awoke from anesthesia, I knew it was over.  My life can start again!  My exercise regimen can start again (well, when the doctor clears me)!  I can breathe again!!!

So did I lose 10lbs?  No, I gained.  I am unsure how much I gained (we'll find out this coming Friday), but I know I did.  And I don't care, because I'm finally healthy!
Bring it on!  Whatever you wanna throw at me - BRING IT!

But I tell you what, I am so motivated to get back on track.  Weight Watchers introduced PointsPlus 2012 last week, decreasing my weekly Points+ allowance (hallelujah!), and allowing me to customize my plan in so many new and exciting ways.
Who's ready to get this party started?!  The "Sarah's gonna rock the plan and achieve her dream body" party?!

Here's to health.

Love...

I believe that one of the greatest obstacles we face in life is our own self.  I could go on for ages listing out all of the possible, destructive reasons for a person's lack of self esteem and self-love.  It could be neglect, abuse, the fashion industry.  It could be anything really.  And I would venture to say that most people can't pinpoint that exact moment in time when they went from happy, carefree child, to weight-obsessed, I-think-I'm-ugly child/pre-teen/teen/young adult/adult/senior.  I can't pinpoint it myself, but I do know it's been a struggle for as long as I can remember.

Of all of the lessons I've learned throughout my own weight-loss journey, by far the most important has been to love myself, no matter what.
When I look into the mirror, I see a gorgeous, intelligent, funny, caring, and sexy woman.  I see a beautiful body, and I remind myself daily to appreciate those parts of my body that I wouldn't trade for anything.  My eyes.  My hair.  My legs.  My feet (yes, my feet,  I have awesome feet).  My collar bone.  The strength and broadness of my shoulders.  My smile.
I am amazing.

Yes, I want to lose weight.  Yes, I want to tone my body.  And yes, I want to look even better than I do today.  But does that mean that I don't love exactly who I am today?  Of course not!

Loving yourself is the best thing you can possibly do to achieve your goals.  When you look in the mirror and see all of the incredible things about yourself, both inside and out, you will feel amazing.  Motivation to achieve the goals you've set forth increases.  Confidence in your abilities increases.  Your sense of self-worth and your positive attitude radiate from within, so that every single person you come in contact with feels and sees just how incredible you are!

Only when you truly love yourself, for who you are at this exact moment in time, and who you always will be, will you be able to achieve your goals in life - regardless of what they are.

Trust yourself, believe in yourself, love yourself.

Starting Over

Considering most of my readers are friends, you more than likely know all of the dirty details of the past 6 months of my life.
Long story short - I got sick.  Really sick.  When I caught what I thought was a cold in mid-April during a trip to Sydney, Australia, I didn't think it was much of a big deal.  But five months of exhaustion, constant headaches, an inability to smell, taste, or breathe properly, feeling lethargic and depressed, and generally just being ill, will cause a girl to well, umm, gain weight.
Remember all of that amazing progress I made 1.5 years ago?  All of those inches I shed, and how happy I was?  It really hurts to wave goodbye to all of that progress, but not have the energy to do anything about it.  I slipped into a spell of self-loathing, which of course led me to chocolate, which then led to more self-loathing.  Shocking, I know.
Ultimately it came down to surgery.  At the end of August I underwent a full sinus surgery, including a 3-day hospital stay and 2 weeks of at-home recovery.  They found mushrooms in my sinus cavities.  And no, I am not joking.  No wonder I felt like crap for months!
Only now am I able to work out full-throttle, smell things, taste things, breathe the air around me!  I'm still recovering, though.  This morning the doctor gave me one more week of meds, one more week of steroids (I HATE STEROIDS), and one more week to really get well before we do another CT of my head.  I'm not healing as quickly as he'd hoped, although I'm staying incredibly optimistic that these meds will in fact kick this crud for good.
So, with all of that in mind, and beginning the 3-month countdown of my repatriation to Houston, I find myself starting over.  The new Weight Watchers Points Plus program is not awesome, if you want my honest opinion, but I know it will probably work.  They wouldn't have switched over to it had they doubted the plan, right?
This past week I tracked as best I could, stayed away from booze, and really kept myself motivated.  But those damn 40mg daily doses of steroids don't exactly aid in the weight loss process.  In fact, they do nothing other than add weight.  A 2.5lb gain this week was not what I expected to see on my scale, but alas I must deal with it.
So what's the plan going forward?  If I bite it, I write it!  Too much cheating goes on in my daily eating, and I refuse to do it any longer.  Every single bit of food that goes into my mouth is going to be documented in my Points Tracker.  Period.  End of discussion.
But the biggest change I am going to make defies the plan WW has set forth for me.  Apparently a person of my age and size (27, 141.5lbs) gets a daily points plus allowance of 29.  Well, that is simply ridiculous, especially when one considers fruits are now "free", or zero points.  I am sorry, but why on earth should I be consuming 29 points per day, when a person who weighs 220lbs should consume the same?  Which one of us do you suppose is going to lose weight?  Hmm?
Starting today, my new allowance is 26 points per day, with only two free servings of fruit.  If I consume more than two fruits, I have to track them as having points.
I'm going to give this new points plan two weeks and see how it goes.  With any luck, the weight will slide off like it used to, and Sarah will get her groove back!  I mean, really people, I miss my clothes!  I bought so many new, pretty things when I lost weight, and now I'm 10 stinkin' pounds heavier!  They don't even button up!

Obviously, We Chose Steak

In the spirit of celebration, last Monday night's meal had to be amazing.  Rather, it had to be the most delectable extravagance that we'd ever had touch our sensitive and discerning palates.  And of course, it had to be easy on the points ;)

This filet mignon will not break your Points+ bank, it will not leave you feeling heavy and regretful.  Instead, as you eat each spicy and savory bite, you will "mmm" and "ahhh", wishing it could last longer.  The amount of steak is up to you - one ounce of raw, trimmed filet mignon equals one Point+.   But the butter - the butter is where it's at!
Kelly and I each had a 6oz filet mignon with 2 tsp butter, for 8 Points+.  We served this with plum tomatoes wrapped in fresh basil leaves, grilled alongside the steak, and a serving of steamed green beans.  Topping the beans with some of the Chipotle Butter is divine!


Grilled Filet Mignon & Chipotle Butter
From Weight Watchers New Complete Cookbook
Makes 4 Servings
Points+ value = 1 per tsp butter; 1 per ounce raw filet mignon
(A 5oz raw filet mignon with 1 tsp butter = 6 points)

• 4 tsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 small chipotle chile in adobo sauce, finely chopped, about 1/2 - 3/4 tsp
• 1 tsp grated lime zest
• salt
• ground pepper
• 4 filet mignons, trimmed of all visible fat

1. Combine the butter, chipotle, lime zest, and 1/8 tsp salt in a small bowl; mix well.  Wrap in plastic wrap, rolling to form a small cylinder.  Freeze 10 minutes.
2. Set up a grill for medium-hot indirect heat; and spray a nonstick skillet with nonstick spray; or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.  Sprinkle the filets with salt and pepper, to taste.  Grill the steaks to desired doneness and transfer to serving plates.
3. Slice the butter into 4 discs and top each filet with a disk; serve immediately.

This Calls for a Celebration!

Have I told you that my friend Kelly is living with me?  She moved in at the end of February, and we're having the most incredible time.  Not only is Kelly a true friend, totally hilarious, and fun to be around, she's also following the WW plan, enjoys cooking, and has a gym membership with me!  We motivate each other each and every day to make healthy choices, and burn those calories!

Kelly also introduced me to the Couch to 5K program.  There are free Podcasts available on iTunes (my favorite being "Podcasts for Running" by Robert Ullrey.  Over nine weeks, you walk/run three times per week.  In the first week, which I just completed, you alternate 60 second running intervals with 90 second fast-paced walking.  This is sandwiched between a 5 minute brisk warm-up and easy cool down.  Week 2 started on Tuesday night, and I'm super excited that I can handle it just fine.  Instead of 60 second running intervals, it's now 90 second runs with 2 minute walking breaks.  It's the same total amount of running as Week 1, but a bit tougher.  Never thought I'd be a runner...

Do you remember my trip to Sri Lanka over the Chinese New Year holiday?  Well, Kelly was with me there as well!  In fact, the trip wouldn't have existed if it weren't for her.  I bought three sapphire gemstones while in Sri Lanka, and this past weekend they came to life - in a beautiful, custom-designed, hand-made 18 carat gold ring setting with 28 small diamonds.  I'd say that's something to celebrate!  Pictures of the ring are coming soon!

But the real celebration arose on Friday night when Kelly sent in her resignation.  That's right, folks, my amazing friend is leaving Singapore.  It's depressing, of course, but it's also incredibly exciting!  She is coming to a crossroads in her life, a point where the current journey ends, and a new adventure begins.  She will be seeking out that new home and that new life that I spoke of just a few days ago (yes, I was feeling sappy).

In the spirit of celebration, Monday night's meal had to be amazing.  Rather, it had to be the most delectable extravagance that we'd ever had touch our sensitive and discerning palates.  And of course, it had to be easy on the points ;)  Obviously, we chose steak.  Get your mouth watering and be ready...it's coming soon!

The Definition of Home

A lot has changed for me over the past two years.  For one, I packed up everything I owned and moved from Houston to Singapore - kind of a big deal.  It's not exactly easy moving from one city to the next, and it's especially more difficult when that city happens to be in another country, on another continent, literally on the other side of the globe.

Over time, we find chemistry with new friends, get into the groove of a new life, and the old life fades into memories of the past.  Luckily, there are those few people that we always hold on to - the ones we still call regularly, email often, and especially the ones that, after not speaking for six months, somehow pick up right where they left off.  In a way, these life changes make the best of friendships even greater.

So at what point does the old life become past, and the new life become present?  I realize this is a strange question, but for the longest time I considered Houston to be my real home.  Singapore was just a temporary place, comparable to college.  I am here for so much time, and then I go back.  Back home.
But since my last trip to Houston in December/January, I've come to realize that Singapore is my home.  This is where I live.  This is where I've formed my life.  Am I ready to leave that life?  Am I ready to leave my friends?  My main pool of friends aren't in Houston any longer, they are here with me.  Of course I miss my family, my friends in the US - but what of my life here?

When I do move back to Houston at the end of this year, I will leave my home, and I will begin a new life, build a new home.  Houston won't be the same, I will develop new friends, and only a fraction of my old Houston life will still be there waiting for me.  So many of my friends have moved on, to new places and new adventures.
That is what my journey is as well - a series of adventures.  And when my Singapore adventure ends, I know that I will have the strength to begin a new one, to build a new life once again.  But I also know that my adventure here will never be forgotten, and the relationships I have made, the places I have seen, and the incredible things I have learned will stay with me forever, having transformed me into an even more spectacular individual.

Singapore, I love you.

Asparagus, Bacon and Cheese Strata

Do you like French toast?  Do you like bacon?  How about asparagus?  Cheese?  Did you ever think there could be something so completely delicious, including all of these ingredients?  Imagine it - a savory, cheesy, rich strata, that you can eat for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner!

I ate one slice the night I made this.  Then I let it cool, individually wrapped each slice in aluminum foil, and froze them in a Ziploc freezer bag (I find it helpful to date my frozen foods, and throw them out after 3 months if they haven't been eaten).  Whenever I want a slice, I simply thaw it in the fridge over night or during the day, and pop it into the toaster oven at about 430F for 10-15 minutes.  Voila!  Delicious strata in no time flat!  What a wonderful make-ahead meal that you can enjoy for the whole week, or for weeks to come.


Adapted from WW Online
Makes 6 servings
Points+ value = 7

• 2 tsp olive oil (this can be omitted if you get enough grease from the bacon, but does not decrease the Points+)
• 4 slices uncooked bacon, diced
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 2 cups asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Nonstick cooking spray
• 6 slices light whole wheat bread, day-old is best
• 4 large eggs
• 4 large egg whites
• 3/4 cup skim milk
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard (I used about 2 1/2 because I love Dijon)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground pepper
• 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 cup low-fat shredded cheddar cheese

Heat a large oven proof skillet over medium heat.  You can choose to add the oil now, or you can wait to see if you get enough fat from the bacon.
Add bacon and cook, stirring, until golden brown, about 4 minutes.
Add onion and asparagus (if you didn't get enough grease from the bacon, you can add oil now); saute until vegetables are soft, about 3 to 5 minutes.  Remove vegetables from pan and set aside.

Preheat broiler.

Off heat, coat same skillet with cooking spray.  Arrange bread slices tightly in bottom of skillet.

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, egg whites, milk, mustard, salt and pepper; pour over bread and allow milk mixture to soak in entirely (like when you make French toast).  Sprinkle with 1 Tbsp of Parmesan cheese.

Place skillet over medium to medium-high heat.  Cook, shaking pan frequently to promote even cooking, until almost cooked through to the top, about 4 or 5 minutes.

Place skillet under broiler to set eggs, about 2 minutes.  Remove skillet from broiler; top with bacon-veggie mixture, cheddar cheese, and remaining Tbsp of Parmesan cheese.  Place skillet under broiler again until cheese melts, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Slice into 6 pieces and serve!

What a Week!

This has been one hell of a successful week.  Why, you ask?  Well...!

For starters, I went back to training.  Ok, yeah, whatever.  I know you're disappointed in me, upset, think I'm a moron, whatever.  To be honest, I missed training, I missed my trainer, and I can't put the blame entirely on her.  I'm the girl who didn't say "ouch" when my calves were in excruciating pain.  So after a good long discussion, she and I have come up with a great way of moving forward.  So far so good!
And did I mention that I completed an entire spin class on Wednesday...with zero pain?  Rock on sista!

On March 5th I'm squeezing into a beautiful Asian-style ball gown for the annual George Washington Ball.  We are some high-rollers, people.  The theme is "Diamonds and White Tie".  You can bet your butt Brian will be in white tie...not so much diamonds for me.  If you think this is silly and I should wear the diamonds, please feel free to send me some.  I will gladly accept and wear them.
The problem?  I bought said beautiful gown in September, when I weighed 130 pounds.  Whoops!  Yes, the dress zips, and yes, it still looks fabulous.  But I would so very much like to breathe, and I would definitely like to eat!  So I'm on a mission - eating like a super healthy freak this week and next, and Juliana is doing nothing but perfecting my abs, arms, and shoulders for the event.  Plus, we're just too scared to work my legs at this point.  Upper body it is!

My cooking has noticeably improved, and I'm not actually sure why.  This week's accomplishments include Sauteed Shrimp and Zucchini, Dijon Roasted New Potatoes, and the most incredibly savory and melt-in-your-mouth-delicious Asparagus, Bacon, and Cheese Strata.  Dear lord those were some good meals!
Who knows, maybe my cooking's improved so that I can make the world's most amazing meal with my NEW LE CREUSET!!!

Isn't he handsome?!

Aren't they gorgeous?

Oh yeah, that's right...my adorable, caring, funny, intelligent, and incredibly thoughtful boyfriend gave me a new gadget for Valentine's Day!  And of course a bouquet of my favorite flowers too :)


I'm giving myself a massive pat on the back, and I'm crossing my fingers that tomorrow's weigh-in provides brag-worthy results.

Dijon Roasted New Potatoes

Tonight I had an epiphany.  While eating my delectable home-made meal, it hit me - why do I love cooking?  As I've said time and time before, Singaporeans find it unusual to cook.  They say to me, "Wow...you cook?  Why???"  Simply walk outside of your home, your work, your gym - there's food everywhere in Singapore.  And it's cheap.  So when they ask why, my typical reason is "I enjoy it" or "I'm on a special diet".
But that's not the true reason, is it?

I cook because, after that very first bite, when I close my eyes and savor every flavor, every texture, and every single bit of that food, I know that I made it.  I accomplished that dish.  I put my own time, and my own energy into creating something that is not only healthy, but tastes amazing.  And lately, everything has been tasting amazing!

Did Weight Watchers develop better recipes?  Or did Sarah just become a better chef?  I'll go with the latter.

Tonight's delectable and savory delight takes so few ingredients I guarantee you'll find most of them sitting in your kitchen.  It's also incredibly easy, not at all hands-on, and tastes like a million bucks!

They look fried, but they're not!  Delicious!

A Weight Watchers Online recipe
Makes 4 servings; Yields about 1 1/4 cup per serving
Points+ value = 4

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 3/4 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds uncooked new potatoes, red or white, quartered or halved  (I used red)

Preheat oven to 425F (220C).  Coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, whisk together mustard, oil, paprika, salt, thyme, and pepper; add potatoes and toss to coat.

Transfer potatoes to prepared baking dish and roast 15 minutes; stir and roast until tender on inside, about 15 to 20 minutes more.

*If your potatoes do not get crispy enough, coat them with cooking spray and then bake them for a few more minutes.

Sauteed Shrimp and Zucchini

Wow!  I have so many older recipes to share with you all, but this one just takes the cake!  I had to put it first in line!
Do you ever just want something absolutely delicious, tasting like you paid for it at a top notch restaurant?  But you want it in your home, within your PointsPlus allotment, and you would rather just make it quickly yourself?  This is most definitely your recipe!

Keeping frozen, peeled and deveined, uncooked shrimp in the house is a must.  Not only shrimp, I keep all sorts of frozen fish - tilapia, salmon, snapper.  With shrimp, simply place it under cold, running water for 5 minutes to thaw.  For fish, I typically place it in the refrigerator when I leave for work in the morning, and it's ready to cook by the time I'm home from the gym!

Put these ingredients on your next grocery list - you'll thank me!

Makes 4 servings; Yields about 1 1/4 cups per serving
Points+ value = 4

• 1 Tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1 medium zucchini, cut into 1/4 inch slices
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp minced garlic
• 1/4 cup water

1. Heat 2 tsp oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.  Add zucchini in a single layer; increase heat to high and cook until bottoms are golden, about 2 minutes.  Flip zucchini an cook until golden on other side, about 2 minutes more.  Remove zucchini to a plate with a slotted spoon.
2. Heat remaining teaspoon oil in same skillet.  Add shrimp; saute 1 to 2 minutes.  Add tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper; saute until shrimp are almost just cooked through, about 1 minute.  Stir in garlic and water; saute, stirring to loosen bits from bottom of pan, until shrimp are cooked through and tomatoes are softened, about 1 to 2 minutes more.  Return zucchini to skillet; toss and serve.

Scrumptious Blueberry Parfait

I always keep low fat granola and frozen fruit* in my house - they are staples that keep me full and work perfectly for nibbles.  They also work perfectly when I'm craving a parfait!  I'm an eater - I actually enjoy chewing my food.  So when I buy things that are smooth, I usually add something crunchy to the mix.  On the odd occasion that I eat yogurt by itself, I always get yogurt with chunks of real fruit.  Otherwise I don't feel as though I'm actually eating!  That's what perfects the parfait - you add smooth and creamy to deliciously crunchy, top it off with fruit, and voila!  Magnifique!

Makes 1 serving
Points+ value: 6

• 6oz Yoplait Light Blueberry Yogurt (or other brand)
• 1/4 cup low fat granola
• 1/2 cup frozen blueberries (or fresh)

Layer ingredients into a cup or bowl as you like and enjoy!  Mix up the flavors by changing the fruit and yogurt flavor, or by substituting flavored granola and vanilla or plain yogurt.  (Note this may affect Points+).

*I find it best to run cold water over the frozen fruit to remove the ice buildup, then add them to your dish immediately, still frozen.  They thaw quickly, won't get mushy, and taste so good cold!

Sour Cream, Chive, and Garlic Mashed Potatoes

I have this tendency of buying 5lb bags of potatoes, using two or three, and letting the bag sit on top of my microwave and rot.  So this past week, I used up most of my remaining potatoes and tried this Weight Watchers online recipe, with a bit of a Sarah twist.

You may find it slightly bland, but adding extra salt and pepper, and maybe a saucy topping from an accompanying dish will do the trick.  These are super light and fluffy, and hit the spot for my mashed potato craving!  I served them with left over Teriyaki-Marinated Chicken and Gina's Roasted Asparagus (note the Points+ value = 1).  Yum!

Serves 4.
Points+ value: 4

• 1 1/4 pounds uncooked potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced in half
• 3 Tbsp fat-free sour cream (I used light instead)
• 3 Tbsp chives, chopped
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

1. Combine the potatoes and garlic in a large saucepan; add enough water to cover.  Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer, covered, until the potatoes are tender, 20-30 minutes.  Drain, reserving 3/4 cup of the cooking liquid.
2. Mash the potatoes and garlic in the saucepan.  Stir in the sour cream, chives, oil, salt, and pepper.  Gradually stir in enough of the cooking liquid, 2 or 3 tablespoons at a time, until the potatoes become creamy.

Yields about 3/4 cup per serving.

Healing Muscles

I had a follow-up appointment with Dr. Goh this afternoon (he's my sports injury specialist).  He's of course happy to see me walking normally, especially considering he'd never seen it before.  Poor guy had only seen the raptor stance!
So I get in there, we chat a bit, and onto the ultrasound table I go.  The muscles are improving, though he can still see a bit of damage.  I'm allowed to get back into the gym, "light exercise" only as he says.  We'll find out tomorrow around lunch whether or not my CK and liver enzymes are back to normal.  He's certain they will be - says I'm making a good recovery.  So I'll find out mid-day tomorrow if I'm allowed to attempt spin class in the evening.  Oh boy - I can see it now.  Me.  On a spin bike.  After all this time.  Holy lord.

Speaking of blood work, I have to go to the diagnostics lab on the fourth floor of the medical centre to have my blood drawn.  This is my third visit in two weeks, so I'm not exactly worried about it.  So far the two women I've seen knew what they were doing with a needle and it was a totally smooth process.  Well...not tonight!  No way!
I get called into the blood cubby, as I like to call it.  Not a room, just a cubby.  There's a desk and a chair and some kind of medical table thingie.  No door or anything.  The woman in the lab coat smiles and puts the band around my upper arm, tells me to make a fist.  This is nothing out of the ordinary...though the previous two times I had a fun squeeze toy.  Not gonna lie, I wanted the squeeze toy!  She taps on my vein, wipes the area with an alcohol pad, and then she just grabs the needle.
Whoa whoa whoa lady!  What the hell do you think you're doing?  You're going to pick up that needle, shove it into my arm, and draw my blood?  YOU DON'T HAVE GLOVES ON WOMAN!  Nor did I see you wash your hands.  You've been fondling all sorts of crap in here and you haven't even washed your hands!  Who the hell do you think you are?!?!  Who taught you that AIDS are a lie???
I say nicely, "Are you going to use gloves?"
"No, do you want me to use gloves?"
"Uhh, yes, when blood is involved I would most definitely like gloves.  In fact, I'll take gloves at all times please."
"I don't use the gloves because I can't feel your vein if I use gloves."
Who are you?  Do you even have medical training?  Is this going to be like a 5-year-old sticking needles randomly into my arm until my blood shoots out???
"Ok well I would still like for you to use gloves."

At this point another lady, who happens to be standing in the cubby and also happens to have drawn my blood before (quite well if I say so myself), turns around, tells the stupid disease-loving woman to leave, washes her hands, puts on gloves, and gets to work.
She tells me "the other lady is a lab technician, so she doesn't really know to use gloves".
Are you telling me that a lab tech was about to operate on my inner elbow and you were just going to LET HER???

Moral of the story - I miss America.

Teriyaki-Marinated Whatever You Want!

Last week I had a bunch of chicken in the fridge, but I wasn't sure what to do with it.  So I busted out the good old Weight Watchers cookbook for the perfect marinade.  The Teriyaki Marinade recipe jumped out at me, and I had every ingredient in my kitchen - what more could you ask for?

You could use this marinade on anything - chicken, steak, pork, fish.  Whatever!  I also recommend drizzling it as a sauce after your dish has finished cooking.  Marinating your meat/fish for at least one hour will ensure a fork-tender entree with superb flavor.  Another idea is to toss all of the marinade in a large ziploc and marinate with multiple servings of chicken breast (or other meat of your choice).  When it's ready, cook up what you want and freeze the remaining pieces.  You'll have perfectly marinated Teriyaki meals ready to thaw and cook!

Teriyaki  Sauce / Marinade
Makes 6 servings (1 1/2 Tbsp each)
Points+ = 1

• 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 3 Tbsp orange juice (I used fresh squeezed, but either would be fine)
• 1 Tbsp packed dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp Asian (dark) sesame oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 Tbsp minced peeled fresh ginger (for a less potent ginger flavor, use old ginger, rather than young)

In a small jar with tight-fitting lid, combine all the ingredients; cover and shake well.

Chinese New Year - Sri Lanka Style

This past weekend was the Chinese New Year celebration, so Thursday and Friday were public holidays here in the Sling.  I took off to Sri Lanka for the long weekend with 5 friends (Kelly, Kristen, Alison, Kat and Chris) and we had an amazing time!

We landed around 2am on Thursday morning (after flying BUSINESS!) and hopped in a van - ahem, the rattiest stinkin' van to exist with only three real seats in the back and no a/c - to our hotel in Colombo to catch some z's before our 7:30am (much nicer) van pickup.  The first stop after Colombo (there's not much to see there other than weird - but way cool - hotels with private butlers who constantly ask to give you head massages, though you know the only person he wants to touch is Kristen) was the Pinawala Elephant Orphanage.  Baby elephants are the cutest freaking thing you ever saw.  Although I will say that when Kelly showed me the picture of the blind grandfather elephant with a hard on (I was off in wonderland and missed it) I nearly had a heart attack and got a whole new meaning of the word "elephantiasis".  Jesus I never want to see that again. After purchasing some paper products made from elephant dung, we were off to Kandy.

In Kandy we saw a pretty sweet cultural dance show, complete with men walking on hot coals just after rubbing fire all over their entire bodies (mouths included).  At this point we're basically one full day into the trip and already Kelly and I just want some western food - cheese and tomato sandwiches with french fries for dinner!

From Kandy we left for Unawatuna, stayed on the beach, and had a fabulous time.  Can't really complain - the views were spectacular, the people friendly and smiling, the food came out hot and the beers came out cold.  I've had just about enough rice and curry to last me a long time, to say the least.  It's the food of Sri Lanka and they are damn proud of it!  My goal is to replicate the curry we had at The Lucky Tuna restaurant on Unawatuna Beach.  It had quite a bit of coconut milk, but there was a sort of sweet and spicy zing to it - I kept tasting nutmeg.  So weird.  Be on the lookout for future attempted rice and curry blog posts (whether it's a success is a totally different story).

View of the ocean from Lucky Tuna Restaurant - Unawatuna, Sri Lanka

Ali and Kristen, enjoying some Coronas on the beach.

We took a day trip to Galle Fort as well, did quite a bit of shopping, ate...wait for it...rice and curry, drank some Sri Lankan tea, and watched the sunset.

Good times had by all!

And now, only because I promised...the results from last Tuesday's weigh-in.  Ugh, I just want to cry.  How much weight has Sarah gained?  Do I really have to say it?  135.5.  Dear God ONE THIRTY FIVE POINT FIVE!  It wasn't very long ago I was hanging out at 130 and feeling wonderful!  Now I just feel fat and sassy.
So, I've got some new rules and some new challenges:

1. Change weigh-in day to Friday for a pick-me-up, and so that I can use all of my extra points from the start and be a good girl for the rest of the week!
2. Start measuring inches lost in addition to pounds, every other week or so.
3. Remove all junk food from house!  NOW.
4. Post Smugglette pictures every other week or so, when measuring, so that all of you readers can keep up with my progress.  If putting pictures of myself in a bikini for all the world to see isn't motivation, I don't know what is!
5. No clothing purchases until goal has been achieved.  This is going to be the hardest part.  I am a shopping fanatic!

First round of Smugglettes:

So when am I supposed to reach this goal?  Giving myself plenty of time for ups and downs, I'm setting my 27th birthday, May 14, as goal day.  Bring it!

Things are a-Changin'

I realize it was quite a hiatus I took for home leave and muscle breakage, so plenty has gone missing in the blog world.  For starters, the Weight Watchers Points system changed.  And when I say "changed", I mean it got a severe makeover.
If you keep up with Weight Watchers blogs, the entire ordeal has already been covered in great detail.  I won't bore you with specifics.  Basically, we've moved into the Points Plus scheme (which is why you'll notice my new posts include the Points+ values).  I'm not one of those overachievers who goes back through all of her old posts and recalculates points+ values.  Whatever - call me lazy.  And I'm also not one of those crazy bloggers who calculates both new points and old points in all of her new posts.
However...if you see an old post, and desperately want to know the new points+ value, comment on that particular recipe.  As soon as I get your comment, I will revise that particular post for points+.  Deal?

Whew!  It's sorted.

And since we're already on the topic, how do we all feel about this points+ crap?  I mean REALLY?!  I'm supposed to eat 29 points every single day?  I've got my meals planned for tomorrow, and I'm sitting at 21 with no clue how I'm going to keep eating.  I would just drink a 7 point glass of wine, but the whole "your muscles have also damaged your liver enzymes and you should avoid alcohol like the plague" thing puts a bit of a damper on that.  What the hell is a girl supposed to eat for 7 points when she's trying to lose weight???

I'm still scared of my scale, but I'll be stepping on it Tuesday morning.  Shit, this is going to suck.  I can tell you right now that my stomach has taken a turn for the worse, and I'm betting a good 7 pounds have been added to my midsection over the past two months.  Way to go, Sarah, way to go...
So I guess we'll just start all over with me trying to reach a goal and you inspiring and motivating along the way.  Tuesday morning I'll take a self-portrait standing in front of a full-length mirror in nothing but my Smugglette.  Then you can see what I'm talking about.
Till then, go eat some green beans!

Lemon-Sauteed Green Beans with Parsley

I can finally walk like a normal person!  It's AMAZING.  As of this morning, there was no pain and no tightness in my calves, and I've got a spring in my step.  Clearly this got me uber excited for some healthy cooking.  Digging into the fabulous Weight Watchers cookbook (courtesy of my amazing friend Lauren), I found this tart green bean recipe and couldn't wait to dig in.
I left my beans long, and used dried parsley rather than fresh; I do think this would taste even better with fresh herbs, though.  When subbing dried herbs for fresh, you want to quarter what the recipe calls for.

Makes 4 servings
Points+ value:  1

• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 pound green beans, cut into 2-inch lengths
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp water

In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat the oil.  Saute the beans until bright green, about 3 minutes; add the parsley.  Cook, stirring frequently, 3 minutes.  Stir in the lemon juice and water.  Reduce the heat and cook, covered, 2-3 minutes.  Uncover and cook, stirring frequently, until the beans are crisp-tender, 2-3 minutes longer.

Boredom.

Remember that personal trainer I told you about?  Well, I signed up with her.  And the next time I'm at the gym I'll be un-signing with her.  Last Thursday she had me do 120 calf raises with 30 kilos on the resistance.  I hadn't worked my calves in years.  Woman is a complete idiot.  Hell, I'm a complete idiot!  60 reps in you'd think I would scream and tell her it hurt too much - but I didn't.  Because I want to look like this:

No really though, this is my dream body.

Friday morning I felt a bit of soreness, but I jumped on the plane to Bangkok anyway.  By Saturday I was traipsing around Thailand with my fabulous friends, feeling some hard pain and walking like a silly person, but I dealt with it.  By Sunday morning I was nauseous my calves hurt so bad, and I couldn't put my feet flat on the ground.  No joke, I looked like a raptor...especially when I made my arms super short and did a crazy dinosaur face.
Monday I went to the doctor.  Long story short, I have Rhabdomyolysis, but my kidneys are fine.  Today I did a 1-hour ultrasound Doppler study to rule out deep vein thrombosis, which I don't have.  And did I mention that I'm not allowed to work all week?  I've been sitting on my couch watching old episodes of CSI and NCIS.  BORING.  I haven't been this bored in ages.  Throw in the inability to walk and you've got hell in your own house.  No joke.

Moral of the story?  Check your personal trainer's credentials before you let them severely hurt you.

So after three weeks of nothing but Mexican food in Houston, I gained about 4 pounds.  Not too terrible, considering I hadn't worked out more than once.  But now I've put on another 2 pounds and I'm actually scared of my scale.  I refuse to step on it for at least another week.  No way in hell.  As soon as I can walk again I'll start cooking, and the doc says swimming is my best exercise option for now.  Good thing I live in Asia - the land of hot.  But I'm feeling fat and sassy, and the cheesecake they sell downstairs is calling my name.  I won't do it, but I'll tell you how badly I'm craving it.  BADLY.

How about a new recipe or three?