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.