Tex Mex Chili

Alrighty then, I have a new favorite dinner meal.  The Tex Mex turkey, corn and black beans - awesome!  The flavors were excellent together and only 10 points for a generous serving.  I'm gonna call it "Tex Mex Chili".

I started flipping through Chris Powell's book "Choose to Lose" and found this dinner meal.  Most of the foods in this book are super simple - which is exactly what I look for and need.  I'm looking forward to trying more of these meals.

So, here's what's what on on this one...

• Brown 1 pound of turkey (don't overcook) and drain it.  

• Next, while the turkey is draining, put the corn (small can) and the black beans (reg size can) in the same pan the turkey was cooked in.  Mix it up.

• Add some salsa (I used medium Pace), and also some hot sauce - like 10 "drops" of so.  

• Put the turkey back in pan with beans/corn and heat until just barely boiling.  

• Serve with a roasted (or raw) red bell pepper.  

I spent maybe 20 minutes total from start to sit-down-and-eat.  It was outstanding and quite the serendipitous find.

Not my pic, but close
(I chowed down on mine and completely forgot about a pic - next time though)

The funny thing is, when I first purchased the book and started reading it, I found it pretty confusing because I didn't understand the whole carb-cycling thing.  I guess I still don't, but I'm reading more and more about it.  I also didn't think the meals sounded very appealing.  Guess I'm changing my tune now, huh?  As I learn more about carb-cycling, I'll share the info.  I love learning new stuff!

Two more days til the 5K!!!  Can't wait!  My left knee has been acting funky (no idea why), but I'm taking some motrin and drinking lots of water - not that that's the fix, but it certainly can't hurt.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.  First race report on Monday - yay!

WW Simply Filling Technique

Has anyone checked this out?  I was perusing the WW website the other day and noticed this.  I was curious, so I did some reading.  Not sure if it's for me yet.

Simply Filling

It's for those days when you don't want to track your food.  To follow this technique, you eat from a list of "Power Foods" and don't track any of it and have a couple teaspoons of oil that don't get tracked as well.  You eat portions that work for you - not too much, not too little.

Power Foods include:

• All fresh, frozen or canned fruits (with no added sugar)
• Most fresh, frozen or canned veggies (with no added sugar)
• Whole grains
• Non-fat dairy and dairy subs
• Lean Proteins (no processed meats, fish packed in oil, or meats with breading)
• And some other misc foods

NOTE:  The site lists many foods under each of those categories, I just listed the headings.

It sounds like plain ol' healthy eating to me.  The thing is, this technique can be used for a day, a week, a month or ever how long you want.  The nice thing is that you still get weekly points to splurge if needed, which of course gets tracked.  

The only thing that holds me back here is the sugar, or lack thereof.  I heart sugar.  Me and sugar go way back.  Our relationship is tight. 

Ok, yes, I'm addicted to sugar.   Ah sugar......

I'd like to say that I don't have that much, but when trying to lose the pounds even a little is probably too much.  The predominant areas that sugar resides are in my mornings.  I put sugar (or sugary creamer) in my coffee and I put it on my cereal.  Maybe 3 teaspoons total per morning.  I don't consciously put it in/on anything else.  

Oh wait, no, I take that back.  I put it in my tea.  I'm a sweet tea junkie.  I used to drink 2 quarts a day.  Now, I'm down to about 8 ounces in the evenings (decaf).

When I think of sugar I see this...

But I hear this!

It's difficult getting past sugar for me.  The artificial stuff tastes soooooo bad.  I've spent so much $$ on even the "natural" sugar substitutes like NuNaturals (non-bitter), to no avail.  I've gotten away from sodas, monsters and pre-made ice coffees for the most part.  I've tried the sugar-free and diet stuff, but nothing tastes the way I think it should without the white stuff.  When baking, there's a whole slew of yummy subs - honey, maple syrup, agave.  Those I like.  I wonder though, if these have the same effect on your body as the white stuff.  Hmmm, another topic to peruse...

Anybody else dealing with letting go of sugar?  Suggestions for someone who can't do the artificial?  Tips and tricks are much appreciated.

Well, that's it for tonight!  I've been dragging all week long.  I need some pep in my step.  Hopefully tomorrow brings it!  Take care all and g'nite!

A Familiar Face

I was watching an episode of Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition the other day and got an awesome surprise!  Drew Manning was in that episode.  I love Drew!!  I found his fit2fat2fit blog/website when he was halfway through his year long journey.  He talks about it some in the episode.  Check it out if you get a chance!  Season 3 Episode 9

He wrote a book also called "Fit 2 Fat 2 Fit - I haven't bought the book yet because there's so much available on his website.  There's no fee for the website or any hidden costs, just straight up good info.  Drew includes workouts, recipes, cooking videos, and a lot more on the site.

Oh and in case you haven't heard of Drew, he's a trainer who wanted to empathize with his clients, so he went without exercise and healthy eating for 6 months and ended up gaining around 70 pounds.  Then he started exercising slowly and eating healthy again and 6 months later, he was back in shape and had a bit of insight on what it feels like to be overweight.  He knows he hasn't gone an entire lifetime being out of shape, but he has way more of a clue now.

Here's Drew's before during and after pics:

Oh yeah, about that weigh-in

I've lost another half pound.  It's not much, but I'm glad it's still heading in the right direction.

And here's my very simple menu for this week.  (Can you tell I was pressed for time?)

Breakfasts:  Cereal w/fruit OR Yogurt w/granola & fruit

Lunches:  Leftovers or Sandwiches

Snacks:  Fruit, veggies, homemade Trailmix, Protein shakes

Dinners:
Mon - Ground turkey w/brown rice, cauliflower & broccoli, & unsweetened applesauce
Tue - Roast Pork Tenderloin w/mashed potatoes & broccoli
Wed - Spaghetti w/spinach & strawberry salad
Thu - Tex Mex Turkey w/corn, black beans & roasted red bell peppers
Fri - Pita pizza w/ pineapple, mushrooms & ham
Sat - Subway Sweet onion chicken teriyaki on flatbread

I haven't figured out points yet because the WW website was having some issues since some server crash this weekend.  I'll update this post later with the points.

Only 5 days 'til the 5K!

Oh and here's me rockin' the Waldo/Wenda costume - shirt, hat & glasses!  I'm glad I won't be the only one wearing this - it's sooooo flattering.

Registered for 5K - Check!

The Waldo Waldo is this Sunday, October 27.  Can't wait - this will be my first ever 5K.  I haven't really trained for it due to the whole calf injury, but even if I walk the whole thing I will still have a first and lasting memory.

This is the second annual Waldo Waldo Colorado Springs charity walk/run.  With the registration fee you receive a "Where's Waldo?" costume to wear and support the community.  Proceeds will go to the restoration and maintenance of Waldo Canyon as well as other parks, local trails and open spaces in Colorado Springs.  

I hiked Waldo Canyon several years ago and it was beautiful.  I'm so happy to be able to support the restoration efforts.

There's also a World Record at stake - trying for the largest gathering of people dressed as Waldo.  The current record is 3,872.  It would be so cool to see that happen and especially be a part of it!  So if you live near Colorado Springs, come join us!!  

This is not a timed race, and I'm ok with that - especially since it's my first one.  I will be timing it myself though using the Map My Walk app.  

Like I said earlier, I haven't been training for this event, though I do walk quite a lot.  However, this morning I actually ran for a little bit.  Yes, you read that correctly - I said "RAN"!  

It was all rather awkward actually.  I needed to go to the vet to pick up Coal's meds.  So I decided me and the pups could use some exercise.  It was a bit cold - in the lower 40s - ice on the road in some places, but no wind.  We walked there, picked up the meds, said "Hi!" to the doc for a social visit again for the pups and then headed back home.  

After we got off the road and onto a dirt path, I started running.  This is where the awkward part comes in - I had two dogs on two leashes (those fast plastic-handled retractable kind) in one hand and a plastic bag with the meds in the other.  I let the leashes all the way out so the pups could run ahead or stay back as they liked, but that was a mistake because Gabbie kept coming up from behind on my right and Coal was running on my left.  Plus the plastic bag was swinging all over the place.  I definitely should've thought this out more, but it was still fun.

The path was on a slight decline so it wasn't too hard.  Coal loved it and ran with me but the Gabster wanted to stop and smell the roses weeds.  With Coal and I running though, she decided it was in her best interest to keep up with the pack.  I'd say we ran a little over a quarter mile before I decided it was time to walk again.  The main thing is I tried out my calf and there was no pain whatsoever!  I'm so happy!!  

Winter is quickly approaching but I really don't want to use the treadmill for running just yet.  I'd like to find a good comfortable pace for me and then transfer to the treadmill when it's too cold or slippery to run outside.  I think I'll set a minimum temperature and wind condition for outdoor exercise.  If it's not windy, 30 is ok, but if it's windy then probably 45-50.  The wind here is what makes it seem so cold.  In fact, I've seen crazy dedicated people out running in <20 degree weather with no wind, dressed only in shorts and a jacket with steam coming off the tops of their heads.  They've probably layered their clothes, but still - shorts!  Anyway, I hate being cold, so I'll be sticking with the treadmill on those days.

What's the worst weather you've exercised in?  What's worse for you?  Cold or heat?