Back on Track

-Dr. Sues

I have lost a total of 18 lbs.... I got hung up  around the holidays and can't wait to get back to shedding the prego weight. I have made my husband eat every last cookie, candy and calorie filled crumb in sight. The old elliptical is up and running smoother than ever (thanks to my handy husband). All systems are ready for take off.... okay... maybe it is not that dramatic.. but I am excited to hit my goals. After all summer is just around the corner. So as I get back on the horse I turn to my weight loss weapon.... "SWAPS". Just a recap on swaps... swaps are basically for people who want to still have their favorite foods while eating healthy. Take your favorite dish and make a healthy version by swapping the recipes high calorie parts with something lower calorie. Take a look at some of my favorite healthy products to "swap" with and some of the new recipes I cannot wait to try. Hope you try them with me :)

Parkay!

This product is great, I use it a lot swapping for butter products. However, when label reading please be careful... some products say zero calorie but are not necessarily that. Parkay is one of these products...

In fact, Parkay Spray has .8 calories in 1 spray and 4 calories in 5 sprays. Fat content is .085 grams in 1 spray, .4 grams in 5 sprays. That means that in the entire bottle there are 832 total calories from 93 grams of fat. "

Use this sparingly on toast, whole wheat waffle...etc.

Never under estimate the Egg Roll!

These things are amazing! Not only can you use them for numerous swaps, but they also are super cheap too. I use them for chips, taco shells, pot stickers, nice crunchy bits in a salad... the list goes on with the things you can stuff these with. Here are some great ideas for you to try:

If you have a crunchy craving that just won't go away try these. There are 170 calories in 3 egg roll sheets, take the sheets and cute them into fourths. Spray some olive oil on each chip (front and back) and bake them in the oven at 400 degrees. They will crisp up fast, so be sure to put them in for only a few minutes (checking on the frequently). Once they are done lightly salt and serve them up with some yummy guacamole or salsa.

Egg rolls as taco salad shells, you can fill these with anything.

Here is how to make them:

Use a muffin tin to accomplish the shell. Just pre-heat oven to 400 degrees and spray muffin tin with olive oil (I spray the wrapper with olive oil as well). These will only take a few minutes to bake.

Find Your Favorite Filling

 Stuff the eggroll with just about anything. Guacamole, chicken (buffalo style is amazing), eggs and turkey bacon. You can even make small bean burros or mozzarella sticks. Healthy yet yummy!

Bring on the Kettle Corn!

Love the mini bags, they are an easy 100 calorie snack that just takes two minutes in the microwave. Super easy for this Mommy who has her baby on her hip ;)

Needing a chocolate fix? I love Smart Ones!

Here are some great recipes I have been wanting to try:

 

Cheesy Sweet Potato Crisps

(see recipe at link below)

http://www.howsweeteats.com/2010/07/cheesy-sweet-potato-crisps/

Steak and Cheese Sandwiches  

            http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/08/steak-and-cheese-sandwiches-with-onions.html

BLT Macaroni Salad

http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/06/blt-macaroni-salad.html

I must remember to fit time in for me when Noah is sleeping or jumping around in his jumper.

Noah's First Christmas

You have to hold him up to see

The angel on the Christmas tree.

And even though he's still too small

To know the meaning of it all

You watch his eyes reflect the glow

Of colored lights that come and go

And feel him quiver with delight

At every new and wondrous sight.

 

There's Santa with his jolly face

Beaming from the fireplace.

And from the stocking hanging there

Peeks a cuddly teddy bear.

Bright ornaments and candy canes

Musical toys and wooden trains

There's just no end to the delights

Spread out for him this night of nights!

He points and grins from ear to ear

And then he yawns - his bedtime's near!

Dad gives him a kiss and you tuck him away

To rest up for the fun of his first Christmas Day!

 

Noah's first Christmas was so special to us. Although we missed spending it with family, Josh and I made sure Noah's first Christmas was a good one. He may not remember the lights, toys, stockings and things, but Josh and I will always cherish every moment and every smile. Merry Christmas Noah, may every Christmas fill your heart with love, happiness and joyful memories. Mommy and Daddy love you so much!

 

Noah trying to eat his Daddy's candy.

Not sure how this thing works :)

The jumper that Grandma & Grandpa Weston sent.

Noah watching Barney, listen for him laughing along...

On December 22nd, Noah turned 5 months old!!!! Someone tell my baby to stop growing! 

 Noah has started to eat solid food.  Some of his favorites are green beans, sweet corn, applesauce and anything with bananas in it.  He is loving books right now and will get very loud as if he is reading to you. Noah also enjoys anything that makes a crunchy noise, watching his Daddy play video games, bath time, petting Kalli and smiling in a mirror. He has found his voice... and loves to test how loud his vocals can be. He will definitely let you know when he wants or doesn't want something. Unfortunately for Mom and Dad his favorite show right now is Barney the Dinosaur (see video above). Noah is also attempting to crawl everyday, he can get his butt up into the air... but is still working on knowing what to do with his arms.

Noah and his friend Layla.