As much as I LOVE salads, there are a few that seem to get repeated in our house over and over again like this VEGAN, Harvest Grain Salad.  The thing that makes this “pasta salad” amazing is the texture you get from combining all of the deliciously nutty, Harvest Grains.  They have a nice crunchy, chewiness that is offset by the tangy marinated artichokes and sweet sun dried tomatoes. 

Feel free to mix and match any of your favorite things ~ I know Tracey LOVES using marinated mushrooms, roasted red peppers and sometimes olives…..the options are endless!

Just make sure you finish with WHITE balsamic (brown makes it a funky color) to balance the salad out and give it that tangy, sweet finish.

This recipe only uses 1/2 the bag, but, I often double it whenever I am going to share it with others. 

HARVEST GRAIN SALAD (print it!)

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups Vegetable Broth
• 1 1/4 cups Harvest Grain Blend (Trader Joe’s or Make Your Own!)
• 7 oz marinated artichokes, roughly chopped
• 2/3 cup sun dried tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup chives, minced
• Big Dashes of TJ’s 21 Spice Salute, optional
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1.  In a medium soup pan, bring broth to a boil.  Reduce heat and add Harvest Grain Blend.  Boil for 10 minutes or until the sauce is almost absorbed.  The mixture may stick to the pan slightly and that is ok.

2.  While the Harvest Grains Boil, prepare the ingredients above.  Remove the cooked Harvest Grains from the heat and toss with the remaining ingredients (artichokes through black pepper).

3.  Serve warm or chilled.

Makes six 1/2 cup servings, 4 points+ each

Nutritional information per serving calculated at caloriecount.com

STEP – BY – STEP

This is probably one of the easiest pasta/grain side dishes you will ever make.  I LOVE this Trader Joe’s Harvest Grains Blend because it has a fantastic texture and is packed with so many nutritious grains.

No worries, if you do not have a Trader Joe’s near you to buy it!  At the request of all my Florida fans, last year, I re-created this mix from scratch. 

Check out this post If you would like to Make Your Own Harvest Grain Mix!

I LOVE all the different grains and such that are included ~ who knew they made Baby garbanzo beans?!

4 points+ per 1/2 cup serving, prepared!

Simply start by portioning out 1/2 the Harvest Grain bag (approximately 1 1/4 cups) and boil it for 10 minutes in the broth to cook it.

After the grains are cooked, remove them from the heat and all your favorite additions.  For this recipe, I LOVE using tangy marinated artichoke hearts, sweet sun dried tomatoes and chives for color! 

Feel free to mix and match any of your favorite things ~ I know Tracey LOVES using marinated mushrooms, roasted red peppers and sometimes olives…..the options are endless!

Just make sure you finish with WHITE balsamic (brown makes it a funky color) to balance the salad out and give it that tangy, sweet finish.

This salad can be enjoyed hot or cold ~ either way, it’s absolutely delicious.

One of my tell tale signs that healthy recipes pass the test is when The Husband LOVES them too.  He refuses to eat couscous (he says it’s just plain weird), but, he LOVES this salad and requests it all year long!

I will catch up with you all tomorrow with the recipe for my Strawberry Mini Muffins, Soup or My daily ~ it all just depends on how much time I have.  It is going to be a LONGGGGG day!

Night all!

It’s almost Super Bowl Time and several of you have asked me for some Weight Watcher Points Plus Friendly Recipes.  I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite blogger recipes and to browse my recipe section to give you all a bunch of ideas you could make or take to your Super Bowl Party!  I picked out everything from Grab & Go Appetizers to healthy salads, Main Dishes, grilling options, Slow Cookin’ and, of course, dessert!

The best part about these recipes ~ they are all points+/calorie friendly, easy to make and deeeeliciooouuus!!!!

TWO things I highly recommend that EVERY Weight Watcher have at their parties in addition to any of the treats below are BIG POWER FOODS TRAYS!! 

These two options give you something you can go back to over and over again!

VEGETABLE TRAY ~ Mix Fat Free Greek Yogurt with Ranch for a quick dip

FRUIT TRAY ~ Use your FAVORITE flavored Chobani Greek Yogurt for dip!

COCKTAILS!!

• All you NEED are these Summer Berry Pomtini’s ~ with or without alcohol, 3 points+
• Alternate 1 glass of water for each beer you drink to stretch your points+!

GRAB ~ N ~ GO

• Pizza Puffs, 1 points+ each!
• Taco Salad Cups, 1 points+ each!
• Pesto & Sun Dried Tomato Cream Cheese/Pesto Spread, 1 Point+ for 2 Tbsp
• Janetha’s Healthy Stuffed Mushrooms ~ 5 MUSHROOMS for only 2 Points+
• Low-Fat Lasagna Cups, 2 points+
• Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, 1 Point+ each
• Meatball Sliders, 3 points+ each!
• H-O-T Boneless Buffalo Chicken Bites, 3 points+
• The REAL DEAL, Baked Buffalo Wings, 2 points+
• Gina’s Skinny Baked Jalapeno Poppers, 1 Points+ each
• Marisa’ Breaded Cheese Stuffed Zucchini, 2 HALVES for 3 points+
• Better than Shrimp Cocktail ~ Shrimp Scampi, 6 shrimp for 3 points+
• TJ’s Mini Pizza Pockets, 10 for only 7 Points+
• Holly’s Garbanzo Guacamole 2 Points+ per 1/4 cup
• Susan’s Simple Salsa, 0 points+
• Spicy Bean Dip, 2 points+
• Party Bean Dip with Baked Tortilla Chips, 4 Points+
• Crispy Chipotle Potato Skins, 5 points+

HEALTHY SALADS

• Build a Better Salad ~ 4 Super Easy Ideas!
• Crunchy Feta, Bacon & Pecan Salad, 4 points+
• A Healthier Potato Salad, 3 points+ per 1/2 cup
• Creamy Dill Macaroni Salad, 4 points+
• VEGAN Pasta Salad, 5 points+
• Harvest Grain Salad, 4 points+
• Sunomono, 1 Point+ per 1/4 cup
• Elise’s Very Berry Salad with 1 Tbsp dressing, 4 points + (count additional for AVOCADO & Goat Cheese)

MAKE IT A MEAL

• Build your own 7-Layer Dip, Personalized, 8 points+ each
• Lazy Chicken Enchiladas with Red Sauce, 6 Points+
• Biz’s Buffalo Chicken Chili, 6 points+
• Bubble Up Pizza Casserole, 10 Points+
• Sweet Potato BLTA Nachos, 11 points+
• Not-Cho Average Nachos!, 11 Points+ for an entire plate!
• Veggie-Terrains Cheese-less VEGAN Flat Bread Pizzas, Points+ depend on which you make, but, all are low.

SLOW COOKIN’

• Janetha’s Crockpot Taco Soup, 7 Points+
• Zesty Cook’s BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Asian Slaw, 8 points+ each
• Quick & Easy Slow Cooker Baked Beans, 4 points+
• Slow Cooked Chipotle Beer Baked Beans, 4 points+

EASY DESSERTS!

• Meyer Lemon Sugar Cookies, 1 points+
• Allie’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cereal Bars, 4 points+
• Easy Rocky Road Squares, 3 points+
• Just for fun ~ A RAINBOW CAKE OR CUPCAKES!  Make using the colors of your favorite team

Don’t forget, you can always COOK with BEER & drink it too!

RECIPES ~ QUICK TIP

If you click any of the recipe names above, it will take you to the recipe to Print it! or to the post if I have not added it to my recipes tab.  If you want to get the step-by-step for the recipe, then, click the Full Post on the recipe page as noted in yellow in the picture below.

What is your FAVORITE “Treat to Eat” On Super Bowl Sunday? 

Let’s all build one awesome list we can use to give each other ideas to be successful this “Football Season”!

Catch ya’all later!

Happy Monday all!  I was off running ~ “literally” this morning when I left the house with only 8 minutes before the train arrived.  Actually I am pretty sure running from the bedroom to the kitchen to the living room and out the door didn’t really let The Husband sleep in ~ oops LOL…..

I managed to park and run to the train stop just as it was pulling in.

NOTE TO SELF ~ tell my brain the train is arriving 10 minutes BEFORE it does so then I am never late, right? ha!

Even though I pretty much had no time, I still managed to throw a few things in my bag for my ride for breakfast.

Mixed Berries ~ I am IN LOVE with these organic berries we got at Costco ~ they are firm!

Plus an Egg-Wich (5 points+)

When I hopped off the train I created a little “competition” and “challenged” myself to walk as fast as I could to beat The Guys (my walking buddies) who took the shortcut route.

I did it ~ Girls Rule! I walked my 1.3+ miles in 17 minutes passing them before they got to the front door!

Work is really crazy busy still, but, we all still found time for our Holiday Party ~ Mexican Food that was catered!

I had 6 chips with salsa to start x’s 2 (4 points+).

We were all served up plates of Tacos ~ I think they know me too well already LOL.

Chicken Taco (5 points+) ~ my favorite!

Pork Taco (5 points+)

With Rice & Beans on the side (5 points+ for what I ate)

I had actually planned on passing up dessert but one of my co-workers delivered this Red Velvet Cupcake.  I thought of trying to take it home to The Husband but didn’t think it would make the train ride.  It was totally worth it (5 points+)

Since we already had our salad mix made up from last night, dinner only took about 10 minutes to make.

I have pretty much decide BACON, cheese and sunflower seeds totally go with grapes on top of salads ~ this combination made our salads creamy, crunchy, smoky, sweet and not like any “diet” salad you will ever eat!

SUPER EASY CHICKEN SALAD WITH BACON & GRAPES (print it!)

In the mix:

• Organic Mixed Greens & Organic Romaine
• Organic Shredded Carrots, Red Cabbage & Organic Broccoli Slaw
• Snap Peas, cucumber, mini bell peppers, GRAPES
• 1 Tbsp Sunflower Seeds (1 points+)
• 1/2 oz low-fat sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded (1 points+)
• 2 slices Trader Joe’s Bacon, crumbled (2 points+)
• 2 oz cooked chicken breast, (2 points+)

Drizzled with 2 Tbsp BoltHouse Yogurt Ranch (2 points+) ~ it tastes pretty close to homemade ranch!

• Total Daily Points+: 37 (not bad for a holiday party day & I feel good about using my WPA!)
• Total Activity points+: 3 for my power walks

Q’s

I cannot wait for The Biggest Loser Finale tomorrow night ~ who are you rooting for???

I am torn but I think I want Ramon to win or Antoine, but, not John

Night all!

Happy Monday all!  Thank you all so much for your get well wishes ~ you really made me sappy with each message you sent.  It really helped knowing I have so many caring friends out there.  I am doing a “little” better now but cannot wait to have an action plan to make my shoulder normal and pain free again.  I see the Orthopedic Surgeon on Thursday for another evaluation so my fingers are crossed I can get it “fixed” before our vacation.

Every year I ALWAYS have to buy a box of one of my FAVORITE pancake mixes out there….

Trader Joe’s Pancake & Waffle Mix ~ for the record, I’d totally make them as waffles if I had a waffle maker ~ kinda crazy that is one kitchen appliance I do not have

Yes, you could make these tasty pancakes from scratch, but, why mess with a good thing?!

The mix alone is 4 points+ per serving.  I mix 1 cup of the pancake mix with 3/4 cup FF milk and an egg (I omit the butter because you don’t need it).  It adds a little protein boost and brings the total to 5 points+ for 3 pancakes (each 1 cup batch makes 9 pancakes).

Topped with 1 tsp whipped butter, 1 Tbsp PURE Maple Syrup, 1 tsp unsweetened coconut flakes and 1/2 a banana (7 points+).

It’s like having a pumpkin spice muffin that is accented by hints of salty whipped butter, sweet maple syrup and creamy banana.

Another FUN FALL FAV ~ Cuties!!! Paired with a Chobani Peach Yogurt (3 points+)

Tracey of TJ’s Test Kitchen actually turned me onto this Asian Salad Mix you can pick up (or make at home) from Costco.

100% REAL ingredients that you can pronounce and recognize.

I LOVE that they break down all the components in the mix so you can calculate the stats.  For the record….

Salad Mix ~ 0 points+

1 1/2 Tbsp Crunchy Noodles & Almonds ~ 1 points+

1 1/2 Tbsp Ginger Sesame Dressing ~ 1 points+

YUP ~ you totally read that right ~ ONLY 2 points+ per serving and a little goes a LONG way!

I took 1 1/2 cups of the mix and added 1/2 cup shredded carrots with 1/2 a pear for crunch and sweetness.

Rounded out with 3 oz. of Rotisserie Chicken Breast (3 points+), green onions and 2 types of sesame seeds.

One HUGE salad that only took minutes to make! Sometimes I really NEED to remember that meals can really be THIS easy. 

I always buy the big bag of these mini peppers when I go to Costco too because they are great snacks and work for decorating salads and/or as peppers in any dish. They are sweet & crunchy (not spicy at all).

I measured the crunchies to make sure I kept myself in check.

Then, I measured out 1 1/2 Tbsp of dressing with 1/2 Tbsp of Rice Vinegar because I LOVE the kick it adds and it “stretches” your dressing further.

Commute snacks ~ Sargento Lite String Cheese & another cutie (1 points+)

When I drove up to our house I saw The Husband’s Mom waiting “in line”and The Husband was hard at work at the “Farmer’s Market”.

He is SUCH a clown!!! He knew I was bumming out a bit because I missed the last two days of our local Farmer’s Markets and have to wait until next year.

So, instead, he brought the Farmer’s Market to me

Can you believe he didn’t buy anything? Yup, this is only like 1/2 of what is in our fridge….what can I say ~ at least it’s “The Good Stuff”

He also said we should go to Chipotle for dinner so I could rest my arm…..um OK!

I decided to go with the 3 Crunchy Chicken Tacos because they fill them so much that you end up with a salad after you eat them.  I LOVE that! (15 points+ or 5 points+/taco)

* 3 crunchy corn taco shells with chicken, pico de gallo, corn salsa, cheese & lettuce

I will be working on catching up on all your emails and comments this week.  Thanks again for being patient since my arm has sort of made me slow down a bit. I also have some SUPER FUN giveaways coming up too!

Q’s

What is your FAVORITE thing to get at The Farmer’s Market or store?

I definitely change favorites each year, but, this year, I cannot get enough watermelon.

Night all!

Happy Monday all!  I put my foot down today (literally!) and said NO MORE!  No more pretending that the treadmill doesn’t exist or that I don’t need to do that whole “working out” thing.  The reality is I do NOT LOVE to workout, but, I LOVE the way I feel after. It’s completely empowering to know your body is capable of doing more than you think it can and there is just something about it that makes you feel so good about you AFTER.

So, I laced up my fancy new shoes and hopped on the treadmill after I don’t even know how many days/weeks? off.  Despite STILL being sick/congested, I huffed and puffed my way through a 40 minute jog/walk session ~ GO ME!

I can honestly say I have NEVER laced up my shoes, worked out and thought, WOW, I wish I didn’t do that.  The HARDEST part is convincing yourself to get out there, but, I guarantee after you do, you will be glad you did!

I was sort of in a rush to this morning, but, I made sure to refuel with a little protein (Morning Star Veggie Sausage ~ 2 points+) and a banana.

I totally earned more “steps” today because Tracey & I POWER shopped at the Napa Outlets.  I think I am “almost” officially done shopping for the new job, but, maybe just one more store and one more pair of shoes

After the outlets, we “refueled” at Oxbow Public Market.

I LOVE Oxbow because you can pick & choose from several AMAZING vendors when you can’t decide what you want.  I was pretty much STARVING so I pretty much did, just that!

Stop #1 ~ C-Casa for tasty Pork Tacos.

Mildly spicy shredded pork, topped with cabbage salad, pineapple, avocado & cilantro. 

SO FREAKIN’ GOOD! (5 points+)

Next up was my ALL TIME favorite place at Oxbow, Pica Pica!  for Venezuelan food.  It’s just as fun to say as it is to eat there.

~ First up ~ one of the BEST SALADS I’ve ever had ~ the secret is in that dressing!

Bululu Salad ~ roasted corn, red pepper, jicama, pineapple quinoa, daikon sprouts, mixed greens topped with a passion fruit vinaigrette.

I am pretty sure this is close to 0 points+, but, to be conservative, I am counting it as 3.

LOVE!!! Just seeing this picture makes me want to run back and get another.  This is quite possible my FAVORITE thing of all time…..I am totally going to try to make my own CACHAPAS (corn pancakes with fresh corn)!

Pabellon Cachapa ~ shredded salsa beef, queso, sweet roasted plantains all in a 100% Corn pancake.

10 points+ and worth every single one….I didn’t share this time

I snacked on two pair slices in the afternoon when I wanted something sweet.

Dinner tonight was something The Husband has been asking me to make for over a week now.  Whenever I buy that delicious Bill Bailey’s Carne Asada, he asks every night if we are having it for dinner until we do….can you tell it’s his favorite?!

I pick it up at Sam’s Club & sometimes Target ~ it takes 15 minutes on the grill and dinner is ready.

This is what my salad looks like while the camera is out…..

I built us HUGE @$$ Salads with tons of crunch, spice & flavor…..

• Organic Romaine & Organic Mixed Greens
• Red Cabbage & Shredded Carrots for crunch, color and taste!
• Organic Cherry Tomatoes from our garden!
• 1 oz LF Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (2 points+)
• 1/4 cup grilled corn (1 points+)
• 2 oz Grilled Carne Asada (2 points+)
• Cilantro, green onions & 2 Tbsp of colored tortilla chips (1 points+)
• 1 dallop of 0% Greek Yogurt (as our sour cream ~ 0 points+)
• 2 Tbsp Wholly Guacamole (1 points+)
• Salsa at dressing

One crunch, spicy, creamy, smoky Carne Asada Steak Salad for 7 points+!

Then, for fun ~ what happens to my salad (salsa attack!) AFTER I put the camera away

Since this is sort of a FUN WEEK for me before I start work next week, I am not sure what our weekly menu will be….Here are a few things I know I am making

* Summer Pasta Salad with No Cook Tomato Basil Sauce

* Butternut Squash Soup with Rosemary Sea Salted Focaccia

* BBQ Pork Ribs, Grilled Corn, Salad

* I do think that the Clean Eating Kung Pao Chicken & Stuffed Shells look good too!

* Another fun idea I want to try ~ enchilada muffin cups or tiny tacos or taco salad with won ton cups.

* Banana Chocolate Chunk Walnut Bread (points+ friendly!)

So…there you have my kinda, sorta, totally subject to change menu.

Q’s

I have to create a fantastic new recipe for a special guest post I am doing.  If you all could have me cook anything or any recipe, what would it be?

Night all!

Happy Saturday all!  I have to start off tonight by saying thanks for all the great compliments on my Feta-Tastic Recipes.  I wish there was a way I could’ve served you all a little taste with each post so you could all join in the fun too.  How cool would that be?!  LOL…..

Now that life is finally settling back down again, I am gearing up to get back into my routine. I was pondering tonight what to post…..

* Do I start back with my daily eats?

* Do I post a sort of week long recap of my eats?

* Don’t worry….I don’t have any more Feta recipes so you won’t need to get Feta-Up LOL…I actually really wanted to post twice a day and share each day with you all, but, I have to be realistic sometimes.  As much as I want to, I only have so much time…..

The funny part though….I NEVER stop taking pictures of what I am eating even if I know I am not posting.  Do you do that too or am I the only one?

As I was browsing my week’s eats in pictures, I realized I EAT A LOT of salad……

Have you ever wondered how many salads you eat in a week?

Let me count the ways…….this week alone…..

Double Crunch Turkey Taco Salad w/Spicy Peanut Dressing (8 points+)

I have found my standard BASE to every salad is this…..

* Organic Romaine and/or mixed greens ~ combined

* Organic Shredded Red Cabbage ~ color and crunch

* Organic Shredded Carrots ~ crunch, color & sweetness

* Any vegetables that sound good ~ usually 3-5

* Crunch, Crunch & more crunch……nuts, “fried’ onions, tortilla chips

* Chew ~ I LOVE dried fruits, cheese & protein…….

Mary’s Pizza Shack Salad w/Grilled Chicken & Real Deal Ranch (10 points+)

I also LOVE to savor a few crackers and/or a bready item whenever I am having salad because it really helps me feel satisfied with “just a salad”.  Sometimes thought, I just can’t resist it like these….

Mary’s Pizza Shack Pesto Bread Sticks (5 points+ each)

It doesn’t matter if I am dining out or on the run, I still find a way to make one meal a day a salad…..Hello Whole Paycheck Foods Salad Bar! (My salad base!)

Salad topped with salad because this has enough “flavor” it acts as my dressing too.

Plus a little protein power (herb roasted chicken) (8 points+)

I also had a few “real meals” too.  We grilled up a Jennie-O Southwestern Turkey Loin (4 ounces = 3 points+ ~ DEAL!)

Served with the new Bird’s Eye Steam Fresh Chef’s Favorites Primavera Vegetable Risotto we received as part of the Foodbuzz Taste Maker Program.

The things that I really liked about these new Chef’s Favorites that are coming to stores in September is that they contain no preservatives since they are flash frozen & you cook them in the bag.

I have to admit, I did get a little excited that I could eat half the bag for 5 points+ too.

I found that a 1/2 cup serving was actually “enough” because it was rich (translation super cheesy/alfredo like) and sticks to your ribs.

Next time, I’d definitely “bulk” it up by adding a bag of steam fresh veggies too.

The organic corn we have been picking up at the farmer’s market this year is amazing.  It’s delicious on the cob or cut into ~ drum roll….wait for it, MORE SALADS!

Sometimes I branch out into other salads though……

Like my Healthy Potato Salad (1/2 c = 3 points+)

Plus my FAVORITE salad of all time ~ My Must Try Harvest Grain Salad (4 points+)

Served with veggie tray veggies to make up for not having a “base salad”.

Ok, here we go……I think salads on top of salads make the BEST SALADS of all

4 Bean Salad (this is jarred, but, it’s on my list of must create!)  (1 points+)

Chew ~ Harvest Grain Salad! (4 points+)

Garden Fresh Cherry tomatoes for my random veggie along with bell pepper

Grilled Sweet Maple Cinnamon Apple Chicken Sausage from Trader Joe’s (3 points+)

CRUNCH x’s 2 ~ 1 Tbsp Sunflower Seeds + 2 Tbsp “fried” onions (2 points+ for both!)

All on top of my BASE salad blend! You really do not “need” dressing when you put salads on salads, but, if I need more I usually just drizzle a little balsamic or rice wine vinegar.

Q’s

Have you ever wondered how many salads you eat in a week?

How do you “build” your salad?

See you all tomorrow with an actual “Danica’s Daily!” LOL my weekly menu w/some tasty new ideas and if I find enough time to post it ~ another giveaway!

Night all!

Happy Wednesday all!  I knew better than to do it, but……I was trying ~ really trying to be good…..

Last night I was HUNGRY at like 8 PM, but, I figured it would go away.  I drank water and more water.

When I decided to go to bed at 10 PM, I was STILL really hungry.  I thought about a string cheese or maybe some fruit, but, decided I wanted sleep more than food.

LESSON LEARNED! 

I think last night’s hunger made today one STARVING DAY…as in NOTHING at all satisfied me.  As in, by the time I got to work, I was ready to chew my arm off……Note to self…if you are genuinely hungry at night, have a snack already!

It is days like today that I know better than to drink my calories, but, I had already planned on making my very own BISCOFF LATTE!!! And, honestly, how to you say NO to that.

Insert 1 Tbsp of Biscoff Spread into an extra hot small latte, let it melt a little and swirl

~ 5 points+ and worth every cinnamony brown sugar sip.

This totally takes having your cookies & milk to a whole new level!

I couldn’t wait at all today to dig into breakfast.  I had originally planned on using my bread to make an Egg Sandwich at lunch, but, knew my breakfast needed more.

2 slices Trader Joe’s FF Multi-Grain bread topped with 1 Tbsp Whipped Butter (5 points+).

Protein power ~ Morning Star Veggie Sausage (2 points+)

Plus a TON of watermelon/pineapple.   The part that was crazy….I was STILL hungry.

I managed to wait about 2 hours then busted into a Pre-Yoga Snack.  Yes, I could’ve made a better choice that was less points+ but I went with what I wanted.

Salty, crunchy, cheesy plus more cheese!

Annie’s Organic Snack Mix in a 1 oz pack with 1 Lite String Cheese (5 points+).

We had a sub instructor today at Yoga and she was AWESOME!  It always amazes me how Gentle/Hatha/Restorative Yoga seems to ring out all the stress you have going on.

On my way back, I decided to grab Tacubaya because I felt like I needed something with staying power.

I spent WAY TOO MUCH time in line because I changed my order in my head about 5 times.

I ended up getting TWO of their Crunchy Chicken Tacos. (10 points+)

“Taco de Pollo- crispy taco filled with shredded organic chicken, cheese, cucumber-tomato salsa and cilantro.” 

Plus the salad I am IN LOVE with!  This is only a HALF salad ~ crazy huge (3 points+)

“Ensalada de Primavera- mixed greens, shredded cabbage, carrots, red onion and avocado tossed in a lemon vinaigrette, sprinkled with toasted pumpkin seeds.”

The BEST PART ~ I was finally full!  The worst part….um, that whole points+ thing.  I know I still have WPA left, but, I hate being at the end of my points+ for the day BEFORE dinner.

So, what’s a girl to do? I turn to my BESTEST FRIEND all year long ~ HUGE Salads

You see ~ I can pile a ton of 0 points+ veggies in a big bowl and layer on just a few things that I LOVE for very little points+

* Organic Mixed Greens & Organic Romaine

* Organic snap peas, cucumbers, orange sweet peppers, cherry tomatoes & green onions

* 1/2 a grilled corn cobb from last night (1 points+)

* 1 Tbsp Dry Roasted Sunflower Seeds (1 points+)

* 1 Tbsp Newman’s Lite Lime Vinaigrette + 1 Tbsp White Balsamic (1 points+)

As much as The Husband LOVES steak, he also LOVES Big Build Your Own Salads…..

Plus what he couldn’t fit on his salad ~ His Anti-Pasta Bowl LOL.

Since I am FINALLY content, I am sure I will not need anything else. If I do, there is watermelon calling my name

You still have time to ENTER TO WIN YOUR VERY OWN PASTA MAKING KIT!

Q’s

When you are running low on points+/calories or have nothing left for the day, what do you do?  Do you make a low points+ meal or skip it?  I’d love to know your ideas

Night all!

Happy Monday all!  Today was completely mind boggling, amazing, awesome and something I cannot even begin to put into words.  To say The Great Fundraising Act was a success seems like such an understatement!!!

We all joined forces together raising over $26,432 for Susan to fight cancer!!!  Seriously…..I LOVE being part of such an amazing community that at just an emails notice would come together to help each other other.

A HUGE Thanks to everyone who participated, donated, bid, cheered us on and more….it was definitely one huge LOVE FEST that each and everyone of you made possible.

Keep checking back over at Meals & Moves for an update on all the final bids, how to pay and more importantly for your chance to buy more things if you didn’t get the chance to today.

I woke up early to make sure I got in my bid & of course to help out Janetha….Since I was glued to my computer (The Suspense!), I didn’t want to take too much time to make up breakfast.

2 oz Low-Fat Smoked Turkey Sausage (2 points+)

1 oz Low-Fat Sharp Cheddar Cheese (2 points+)

Fresh Organic Berries!

Don’t worry, I don’t work at Hillshire Farms ~ promise   Ohhhh, but, I wish I had some of that Spicy Cranberry Mustard now lol…..

I continued my FAST theme for lunch with a quick salad topped with protein!

The folks over at Gorton’s asked me awhile back if I wanted to give their new pre-marinated Grilled Shrimp a try.

I LOVE shrimp, I LOVE marinated/grilled things and I LOVE that you get half the bag for only 3 points+ a serving.

The shrimp goes straight from freezer to pan and cooks up in under 15 minutes.

I had visions of making a “Mexican” type salad with toasted pumpkin seeds and this Cilantro Dressing from Trader Joe’s.

2 Tbsp for only 1 Points+…I WISH I LOVED it, but, it’s just ok to me.

I put half the package of shrimp on top of a BIG salad topped with 1 Tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds, 2 Tbsp Cranberries & 2 Tbsp’s Creamy Cilantro Dressing (7 points+)

I knew The Husband was working late so I decided to have a snack that actually turned into dinner.

Have you all seen these NEW Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Tortilla Chips?!

I couldn’t resist buying them….FUNNY FACT about me ~ I pretty much buy every single corn chip I see that has a “trace of lime” ~ like that’s the selling point or something for me LOL.

4 points+ for 1 ounce (weigh it, don’t’ count it ~ you get more!)

I ALWAYS make sure I measure then, seal the bag BEFORE any go in my mouth.  I know that if I sample “just one” it will turn into “just two, three, four” that don’t count because you know they weren’t on the plate.

I find that if I have a tasty dip or salsa to go with my chips, it really satisfies me and I don’t feel the need to go back for more and more….sometimes!

I LOVE this Trader Joe’s Ranchero Egg White Salad because it is only 1 point+ for HALF and 3 Points+ for the entire container!

5 points+ ~ totally satisfying and filling.  I LOVE that you can actually taste the sweet potato in the chips and the spice in this salad makes it quite possibly my favorite new snack.

After my snack that turned into dinner, I got to work on a few new recipes using Zucchini that I have been wanting to try.

Both were completely tasty for my first go round….I still think I can make my muffins better.

Recipe & points+ coming up soon!  I think both recipes will be less than 4 points+/serving!

I definitely sampled each of my new creations as my post dinner – snack – snack.

1st NEW Zucchini Recipe attempt ~ Zucchini & Corn Fritters!!!

2nd NEW Zucchini Recipe attempt ~ Zucchini Banana Nut Muffins.

For the “Non-Zucchini” lovin’ Husband ~ 5 points+ Brown Sugar Banana Nut Muffins.

NEW AT FRIENDS FOR WEIGHT LOSS

* Shannon shares another fantastic recipe ~ Vanilla Bean Ice Cream w/Blueberry Sauce!

Q’s

What is your FAVORITE use for Zucchini or favorite zucchini recipe you would like to see made healthier? 

We have a ton of Zucchini’s coming out in our garden and I plan to use them to try new things using Zucchini.

I am thinking Zucchini Pineapple Bread, Zucchini Fettuccine and maybe Zucchini Parmesan like Eggplant Parmesan for new to me things.

Night all!

Happy Wednesday all! My day started out in the usual way….coffee, train and then, I rocked run #2 of 4 this week.  After my 33 minute run/walk, I couldn’t wait to dig into breakfast.

I never really thought about how I feel about Jelly/Jam until my co-worker asked me the other day if I ever use it.

I think when you have really good natural peanut butter on delicious bread, like Bay Muffins, you need nothing else (other than maybe banana “chips” on top!) (7 points+)

Or super sweet pineapple.

I think that I should’ve maybe had a pre-workout snack because I was hungry ALL DAY long.  Only ONE more day and I get to hit up the Farmer’s Market to restock ~ yes!

I snacked on these Weight Watchers Cinnamon Pops about an hour later (2 points+)  I LOVE these ~ it’s the “frosting” on top that makes them just melt in your mouth.

Lunch involved more Sucotash & Potstickers (7 points+).  I think this actually tastes even better the next day because all the flavors blend in.

Spicy Asian Peanut Slaw (2 points+)

All week LONG I have been dreaming of my Iced Coconut Dirty Latte, but, there are 0 Starbuck’s near work. I pondered riding the bikes to get one, but, couldn’t figure out how to carry my drink back

Instead, I settled for a medium Peet’s Iced Dirty Latte ~ it’s ok, but, not the same (4 points+)

What made it worth it was they had MORE of Jo’s Dark Chocolate Sea Salted Caramels.  They go so well with coffee (2 points+)

This afternoon we were all invited to the “Lemonade” stand at work.

Pink Lemonade, Grapes Galore…..made with REAL FRUIT JUICE!

Plus Organic Fruits from the Orchard….

That were used to make up the new Annie’s Organic Orchard Fruit Snacks!

The NEW Orchard Fruits are made with REAL FRUIT & each package contains 1 serving of fruit.

The perfect healthy 2 points+ treat whenever a sugar craving hits.

Which fruit would you pick?

Strawberry, Cherry, Apple or Grape?

Can you believe we had a Fruit Snack Party and I haven’t tasted any?! 

I saved mine to try them with The Husband because they are his favorite and I wanted to share them with him…

Now that, my friends, is LOVE!

Just a few of the many reasons why I LOVE Annie’s! 

Speaking of things I LOVE…..

I didn’t have to cook at all tonight ~ I just pulled out our delicious Grilled “Sticky” BBQ Chicken that I made last night. 

This is the EASIEST chicken you will ever make for only 3 points+ a drumstick!

All I do is grill our drumsticks for 35 minutes, then, cover them in BBQ sauce every 3-4 minutes coating them twice.

If you are firing up the grill, make extra so you don’t have to cook the next night!

Trader Joe’s Baked Onion Rings (2 points+)

Crunchy, colorful salads…..

Start with 0 Points+ options to “build” in the crunch…..

* Organic Romaine

* Organic Red Cabbage (I LOVE the color & texture!)

* Organic Broccoli Slaw + Organic Shredded Carrots

* Organic Yellow Bell Pepper

* A few Organic Cherry Tomatoes

Add in a few treats that make your salad something you want to eat

* 1 Tbsp Dry Roasted Sun Flower Seeds (1 points+)

* 1/8 Avocado (1 points+)

* I had 1 oz LF Sharp Cheddar, but, ummm, I ate it before it was on the salad (2 points+)

Flavor it up with your favorite low-fat dressing

* Topped with 2 Tbsp Newman’s Light Lime Vinaigrette (2 points+)

The secret to a great tasting salad in my book is adding a few “fun” things to eat like sunflower seeds and creamy AVOCADO to go with all that crunch!

I made The Husband’s into a BBQ Chicken Salad with Baked Onion “Croutons” to make it easier for him to eat…..both versions are awesome and take 10 minutes or less to make!

NEW AT FRIENDS FOR WEIGHT LOSS

* Lexy of Fire Lites Fire shares how she lost 52 lbs!! She is only 2 weeks away from Lifetime and a total inspiration! Check out her story here!

Q’s

Name one thing you are absolutely LOVING right now!

Night all!

Yesterday was seriously a whirlwind, but, ridiculously FUN day! My morning was ultra-productive. 

I cleaned the house, did laundry and kept up with my commitment to my AMAZING friend to do the Couch to 5K. 

She is running her 1st 5K (Turkey Trot at Thanksgiving) and I am doing the C25K with her. SHE is the reason I get my run on most mornings and she is 100 million % rockin’ it!

After running, I was craving the craziest, but, tastiest breakfast I’ve had in a awhile.

I knew TWO things I wanted…..my FAVORITE hummus ever from The Hummus Guy.

I pick this Black Bean with Chipotle Harissa Hummus up at my local Farmer’s Market.

1 points+ for TWO Tablespoons.

Plus a “Crispy” Morning Star ChikPatty ~ I LOVE these because they really do taste like “fried chicken”. (4 points+)

All on top of two slices Trader Joe’s FF Multi-Grain Bread (8 points+).

It’s totally like a Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich with a creamy sauce and sweet bread.

After breakfast, I was off to pick up Tracey of TJ’s Test Kitchen to head off to the First Ever Fit Bloggin’11 Nor Cal Meet up.

The Fit Bloggin’ Local MeetUp is an extension of the annual Fit Bloggin’ Conference held by Roni.  She encouraged everyone for all over the world to host their own local meet up on July 9th to continue the fun.

Thanks to Susan ~ Foodie McBody for hosting it at her house.

Her house is absolutely amazing ~ it’s totally like being in a cabin in Lake Tahoe.

If this was my table, you would totally see so many of my food pics on it ~ I LOVE it!

Then again, I pretty much want her kitchen too   Is it funny to say that the kitchen (especially if it has a pantry) is my FAVORITE room in the house.

After everyone came back from a 3 mile hike around the park, the food came out. 

We decided to do a “Potluck” so everyone could bring and share one of their favorite HEALTHY treats.

Oh….all the cameras came out as soon as the food hit to table too.  I LOVE Food Bloggers!!!

Here is the lowdown on all the deliciousness that was served.  I WISH I had room to try it all, but, I really tried to focus on the things I couldn’t get all the time and that I really wanted.

Chobani showed up for the party too

Plus some Booty!

I was intrigued by the little notes/recipes that everyone put up to show how to eat their treats.

I am ALL over trying anything that will change my life!

I have to admit that the combination of the creamy, yet, tart greek yogurt topped with the caramel like brown sugar and crunchy, sweet strawberry is incredibly delicious.

It might just be my new thing to eat this summer.

My Vegan Pasta Salad ~ only 4 points+ a cup.

Brown Rice ChickPea Salad

I will be the first to admit I was a little scared to try Shrimp Ceviche because it made me think of Gazpacho which I do not really dig too much.

However, I have to say I am  HUGE fan of THIS Shrimp Ceviche from Cooking Light ~ it was slightly spicy, slightly sweet and totally refreshing like shrimp cocktail.

Tracey’s fantastic fruit display with marshmallow yogurt dip!

You when Tracey & I first met, I knew we were meant to be really great friends because together we have a matching place setting.

She has the bowl and I have the coffee cup, salad plate and dinner plate.  

The ironic part, we both only have one each that we bought to show food pics ~ ;like minds!

Desserts!

I do LOVE that we unintentionally put the veggie tray in the midst of all the desserts….lol.

Angel Food Cake!

Banana Nut Bread topped with Nutella!

Fresh Strawberry Pie!

Lemon Bars!

The Red, Dark & Blue + Red, White& Blue Cookies Tracey and I made (2 points+ each)

My Plate #1 ~ everything I was craving and that I knew the points+ for. (4 points+ for all of this!)

LOVE!!! I am totally making this…..I wish I could give you all a sample right here to try.

BBQ Chicken Mango Aidell’s Sausage (4 points+) plus a little taste of the brown rice salad.

Dessert!  What can I say ~ I am IN LOVE with the Red, White & Blue Cookies….(4 points+)

I think what it is that makes them so good is that it’s like having this buttery, melt in your mouth oatmeal cookie with yogurt covered cranberries and blueberries ~LOVE!

After lunch, I did my little presentation that was about Taking Your Blog To The Next Level.  It was a combination of everything I have learned from all my conferences and tips that I received to share from Zesty Cook.

I had a blast meeting everyone and having new friends that live near by to meet up with.  I cannot wait to get together with these girls again for lunch, shopping, blog chats and more.

Thanks again Susan for being a fantastic host!

Make sure you check out all their blogs ~ if I missed anyone, please let me know and I’ll be glad to add you to the list.

• TJ’s Test Kitchen
• The Healthy Engineer
• Pancakes and Postcards
• Food food body body
• Journey To Marvelous
• Marlene’s Mantra
• Attune Foods
• Terre Pruit ~ the NIA Instructor!
• Weight for Deb
• Way To Wild

Annielies at Attune gave us all these super cool BPA Free Recyclable bowls and Attune Food Pro-Biotic Chocolate Bars!

If you all know Tracey, she LOVES coffee….especially in the afternoon.  But, I learned today she LOVES The Apple Store more….she wanted to go there BEFORE we went to Starbuck’s.

Venti Iced Coconut (2 pumps with 1/2 & 1/2) Americanos (2 points+).

Tracey took me to Eco~Shoppe…I think I might be IN LOVE with store.  There are so many great, environmentally friend things.

We both ended up buying these super cool BPA Free Iced Tea Makers….but, what I LOVE is that you can use them for so much more….INFUSED Water, Lemonade, etc.

After our shopping excursions, we realized we were next to the BEST SUSHI PLACE of all time ~ Yokoso Sushi.

Even on a summer day ~ Miso Soup seems to always hit the spot (2 points+)

Japanese Miso Salad ~ Their dressing is SO GOOD I almost think I could lick the bowl the way I want to every time I have Trader Joe’s Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette…..it’s probably a good thing we were in public or I might have (3 points+)

We shared Edamame ~ I think its AWESOME you get 1/2 cup edamame in their pods for only 1 points+.

This is the roll I DREAM about…..I could eat this a couple of times a week and NEVER get tired of it.

TUNA STEAK ~ Spicy Crab Meat Topped with Ahi, Avocado, Green Onions, Tobiko SRIRACHA and special sauce made extra spicy for me = LOVE!!

I estimated this based off a Spicy Tuna Roll at 1 points+ a piece.  (8 points+) 

We are busy helping our friends move into their new house today so menu planning may happen tomorrow.  My goal is going to be to shop from our fridge/freezer!

See you all tonight over at Friends for Weight Loss for our 1st challenge to help reach our Labor Day Goals, a new tip and guest recipe.

Have a fantastic Sunday all ~ off to burn some calories movin’ it !