Easy Turkey Tetrazzini

Another great recipe to use up those Turkey Leftovers.

Here is what you need:

8oz spaghetti

1/2 cup butter

1 small yellow onion, diced

1 8oz container of white mushrooms, cleaned and sliced

2 cups peas

1/2 cup parsley

1 1/2 cups of milk

1 1/2 cups  vegetable or chicken stock

1 cup Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup Pecorino Romano

Salt & Pepper to taste

4 cups cooked turkey meat or 1 1/4 lb

1/2 cup seasoned bread crumb

1 TBSP Olive oil

 

 

Step 1: Cook pasta according to package directions, once cooked drain and set aside.

 

 

Step 2: Clean and slice mushrooms, then chop onion and parsley and set aside.

 

 

Step 3: Melt butter in pan, then saute mushrooms, onion, peas and parsley, add pepper and salt to taste. Then remove mushroom and pea mixture from pan and let cool in a bowl.

 

 

Step 4: Next make your roux by mixing 1/4 cup butter with 3 tablespoons flour. Cook roux until light tan.

 

 

Step 5: Then add milk and stir until smooth then add cheeses and stock until all the cheese is melted. Then add mushroom mixture and turkey meat to cheese sauce and stir until combined.

 

 

Step 6: In a small bowl; mix Olive oil, bread crumb and grated cheese together.

 

 

Step 7: Next butter your baking dish, then add cooked pasta, top with cheese sauce mixture, then top with bread crumb mixture.

 

 

Step 8: Bake for 15 minutes at 400. Then enjoy!

 

FROM Living Well Spending Less

 

Week 14 - Starting Over Again

I LOVED writing my blog last week. (The Desire To Find a Way)

I was feeling very motivated and thinking a lot about a real exercise routine. with a trainer, at the Y, or at a workout facility very close to my house.
I have been feeling I need structure, a routine, and someone to keep me accountable.  Although I thought about it all week, I never took the first step to making it happen.

I have been slipping back into my old habits.  Eating delicious savory meals and enjoying high calorie beverages.  Needless to say, I am making NO progress.

I have been feeling discouraged and disappointed in myself. 
Yes, I’m still feeling out of it, but not defeated.

I need to revisit what it is that I really want.  
I know I can do better.  I want to do better.  I NEED to do better.

I know we all have access to far more power, authority, and influence over our lives than we often believe.  The power of our mind is truly great.

I need to be focusing on how I'm feeling, what I'm thinking, and how I plan to respond.
I have to remember to have faith and continue to take one step at a time. 
Even the tiniest possible step is progress. 

Our beliefs direct our choices, behaviors, and actions.

I believe I can overcome my addictions and bad habits.

When I first started changing my diet I was focused and determined.  And honestly I thought at the time, that it was easy. I eliminated the foods that I knew were unhealthy for my body. 

I wasn't hungry because I was feeding my body healthy foods.

And my scale was going down regularly.  How exciting is that!  

When I evaluate my progress up to this point, I appreciate the progress I have made so far.

I revisited WEEK 7.

Week one I lost 4 lbs. - It felt good to see the scale go down.
Week two,  Just 1 more pound down. I noticed I was leaving the table not feeling stuffed.  I was still taking too many liberties with my choices and I wanted faster results.  So I focused on paying closer attention.
Week three, down 2 more pounds.  I'm choosing far fewer adult beverages.  I am making better food choices.  This week I noticed that my nice shorts are much more comfortable.  I remember thinking, I must have lost a full inch in my waist.
Week four -  My scale is down 9 pounds in four weeks,  I'm starting to really feel it in my clothes now.  My routines are getting a little easier.  I'm not fighting hunger and food cravings like I was before.
Week five -  A Labor day party.  It's easy to get derailed.  I reminded myself that I've got this.  Keep going, don't give up.

Week six -  I got into a pair of jeans I hadn't worn in years.  And a favorite top is not puckering at the buttons.  I am getting into my old favorite clothes again.   Now I am really starting to get excited.
Week seven - I am now down 13.5 pounds.   I tell myself that if I don't eat or drink this thing I'm craving, that the scale WILL go down tomorrow.  It is my motivation.  I think my face looks thinner too.  I did see a picture of myself this week that I didn't like, which only reminded me that I am not where I want to be. 

Today I am still 16 pounds down.  That is worth celebrating.

I will make a plan this week to start working with a trainer.  I want to be stronger and have more endurance.

I believe in Visualization too.  I visualize myself healthy and strong.

I say to myself, “My body is getting stronger every day!”
It’s amazing how our body quickly responds to this thought. 

We are Human, which means we falter, we doubt, and we feel pain sometimes.

But, TODAY, I am ready to start anew!

Week 13 - The Desire to Find a Way

Have you ever told yourself, I'll get started next week when I have time. A hundred “next weeks” later and you’re a couple of years down the same road, still getting the same tired results, wondering why you can’t break through, why things can’t be different.

Thoughts like;

"I really want ________, but I can’t because ________________."
"I would _____________, but then ___________ might happen."
"I really need to ______________, but I am too busy with ________ right now to make the change that would free me up and take me to the next level."
"What if _____________ happens – then what?"
"I don't have time to _________."

These patterns become like dead end roads we drive down regularly

The good news is – We can change it, starting right NOW. 

Step out of the role of "I can't do this", and into the role of "I am in charge".

We have to find the strength inside of us.  That PURPOSE.  That DRIVE that lives inside of us.

I was told, if I want one principle to gain success, it is:

THE DESIRE to FIND A WAY to make it happen… 

Because if you really have the DESIRE to FIND A WAY, you won’t be looking for ONE magical THING.

  
You’ll just be READY and WILLING to do whatever it takes to reach your goal.

When you really have the desire, you’ll be willing to LEARN whatever you need to learn to get there.

 

You’ll be willing to WORK however many hours you need to work to get there.

 You’ll be willing to KEEP GOING, when you hit rock bottom, when you suffer setbacks, when it seems impossible.

It’s that self-motivation that can only come when you have a powerful reason. A reason that drives everything you do.
 Find that PASSION inside you.

If our DESIRE to find a way is UNBREAKABLE 
, then it is only a MATTER OF TIME before we reach our definition of success. 

And yes, WE DEFINE success, no one else.
 What success is to another may not be what success is for you or me.

  

The real questions of success are:
 

AM I LIVING UP TO MY FULL POTENTIAL?
 

AM I LIVING THE LIFE I WANT TO LIVE?
 

DID I SETTLE or DID I FIND A WAY?

Repeat to yourself every day:
LIFE won’t always go my way, 
BUT I WILL ALWAYS FIND A WAY
There is NO DOUBT IN MY MIND.
I WILL ACHIEVE MY GOAL!

I WILL PERSEVERE! 

Everything we want in life is waiting for us, AND SO MUCH MORE! It just requires a decision. It requires COURAGE to make that decision. It requires DEDICATION to commit to that decision. It requires sacrifice along the way. It requires STRENGTH most don’t have to see through all the challenges along the way.

It's time to take charge.

Start now and reap the benefits in 2020.

Week Twelve - Unstoppable

This was a good week!
I lost the 3 pound increase I had last week plus another half pound.  I am at 16.5 lbs down in 12 weeks (or 3 months.)

Isn't it funny how a good week vs. a bad week can sometimes depend completely on our food intake.
Which is another good reason to choose nutritious options.  It helps our attitude, mood, and overall self confidence.

I have said before that I will adopt the philosophy:
"I will not eat anything that isn't healthy, and beneficial to my overall health!"
I will eat to fuel my body.

To stay motivated I have thought a lot about WHY I want to lose weight.
I know health is at the top, but appearance is my best motivator.  I want to look good in my clothes.  I want to wear cute and fashionable outfits.  I want to look professional in my clothes.  And I don't want to be uncomfortable.
I want to be able to cross my legs while sitting.  (I can now)
I want to be able to bend over and paint my toenails.
And being able to wear my jeans!  I am fitting in my largest size jeans.  (I have more sizes to get into just waiting in my closet.)

Each time I see the scale go down (usually just a 1/2 pound) I have a feeling of accomplishment.

I have dieted my whole life and the bottom line (for me) is reducing my calorie intake.  Reducing Portion sizes.  Reducing the frequency of snacking. Remove completely the fried foods, desserts, sugars and all processed foods.

To stay really present I must write down what I am eating.  This isn't for the rest of my life.  It is for today!  It helps me measure my progress, I can identify my triggers and it does hold me more accountable.  I believe my weight gain last week was related to salt intake.  I was hungry and I ate a whole sleeve of Ritz crackers.  Bad choice, Shelly!

When I eat meals that includes a protein, a fat, and a low-card vegetable, I feel full much longer.
Also eating foods with more fiber is important.  This week I want to research recipes that incorporate high fiber foods.

I can always do better. 
I need more exercise.  (just walking)
I need more vegetables (fiber)
I need less alcohol.  (this week I had an amazing Orange Blossom Vesper Martini. I'll have to tell about that in a different blog.)

Lastly, look at the bright side.
I told my girlfriend this week to "Get over it".  Stop worrying.  It doesn't really matter.
Be grateful and count your blessings.  I also try to pass on my blessings. It feels really good to be able to give joy to someone else.
I want to laugh.  A good belly laugh burns calories too.  But it just makes us feel good.  And smile. Consciously remind yourself to smile.  Just that alone will put us in a better mood.  Be happy and spread joy.

Now let's reward ourselves with a new outfit, instead of a big fat meal.

Week Eleven - Handling Disappointment

Stay Positive!

I have been dieting, eating less, journaling my food, and seeing my scale go down, for a full 11 weeks now.  I was at 16 lbs. down last week.  This week I gained 3 pounds overnight! and I have not yet seen it drop back down.  Wow.  I was shocked because I felt like I was not changing "that much" in my routine.   Was it a delayed reaction from traveling recently?  Were my choices really that bad?  I guess they were.

Obviously, I have been letting old habits sneak back in.  In reality, I was not focusing.  I can't tell you what I was eating differently, because I was getting very lazy journaling my food choices.  I wasn't focusing on adding more activity, and most of all, I don't think I have been drinking enough water.  I KNOW that I have not been drinking enough water.  And then there is the vegetables.  The vegetables that I'm not eating.

So that's it.  I wasn't doing what I know I need to be doing.  The crazy thing is that I feel it ALL in my belly.  My belly was actually starting to feel flatter.  I've noticed in the past, and again this time, that as I lose weight, my stomach seems to go down first just under my breasts, and then slowly going down into my mid section and then finally my lower belly, at my hips.   It has been noticeable and I have been SO excited feeling the changes.

It's time to get excited again.
It's time to revisit what it is that I really want.
I will not give up.  "Winners never quit and quitters never win."

I know you've heard it said before, "Nothing tastes as good as thin feels." 
It's SO TRUE!  
I have already been feeling "thin", as I am experiencing my clothes fitting loser.  When I eat the right portion sizes, I leave the table feeling satisfied, not like I need to unbutton my pants. 

I am being told that a plateau is a part of weight loss. (I know that)  And that it is an important part of the weight-loss process.  Sometimes the scale isn’t moving simply because your body is adjusting to change.  Fat-loss never occurs in 30 days or anything magical. It’s a process.

Prevention.com reminds us to;
Stay Hydrated
Don't feel pressured to eat your entire plate
Go Meatless at least once a week
Eat Wholesome foods, eliminate processed foods
Cook at home
Use Smaller plates for portion control
Limit distractions during meals.
Curb your sweet tooth.
Eliminate refined cards - avoid breads, crackers, cereals, pasta, and baked goods.  Choose whole grains.
Limit alcohol - or cut it out completely. ~ (ya, I know)
Add Fiber - 25 grams per day in the form of 3 servings each of fruits and vegetables.
Start stepping - improve your health, boost your mood.
Get enough zzz's
Get intimate.  Getting it on more often can serve as an excellent cardio workout while boosting your mood and lowering stress.
Build a support network - a workout buddy.
Keep track of your progress. Every day, every week, every month.  Also write down your feelings, challenges, and setbacks.
Stock up on healthy snacks

Cathy and Michele - 2011

Focus on lean protein.
Consider high-intensity interval training
Meal Prep - Make a double batch for busy weeknights.
Avoid snacking at night
Sign up for a 5-K run/walk.
Eat a healthy breakfast every morning.
Combat stress.  meditate, walk, take a relaxing bath, listen to soothing music, exercise.
Bike to the office.
Don't sit still

"If you fall off the horse, get right back on it."

Remember, "Nothing tastes as good as thin feels."

Week 10 - Mindfulness

Mindfulness means focusing on the present moment.
Mindful eating is taking the time to stop and really focus on and enjoy your food.

I want to think of food more as sustenance, but eating for me has always been a source of gratification; it's a social activity; it's a reward.  It's a comfort to my thoughts and feelings.  It all comes into play where food is concerned.  I want a higher level of consciousness.  I want to continue to learn and have a greater understanding of how food affects my body.  I want to be aware and mindful with my choices.  

There is still no question in my mind that we each have the potential to achieve our goals by putting one foot in front of the other and moving forward.

We will Persevere. 

Losing weight is really hard to do, and many people fail many times before they succeed. I won't give up and don't you give up either.  Each day, commit to eating a little bit less, reducing our calorie intake. If we get off track, recommit the following day and just keep at it over time.

Last week I was in Washington state and Victoria, Canada.  As far as eating while on vacation, I did fair.  I still consumed too many high calorie beverages, but I tried to make really healthy food choices, choosing several seafood options and eating smaller portions. I enjoyed the occasional hot buttered roll.  I was also able to walk more than I do normally.   After returning home, my scale was exactly the same. Then two days after traveling home, my scale dropped another pound.    

Perhaps I could have consumed less calories while on vacation, but rather, I chose to indulge at times.  Without taking a backwards course, I am still committed to pursuing my weight loss goals.

Yesterday has passed and tomorrow has not yet arrived.  Today is what is important.  This moment in time.

Recommit, Decide.  No matter what, we are going to do this. Continue to pull your strategies together to prepare your path versus just going with the flow.  Refocusing on this decision will boost  motivation, trigger our imagination, and inspire us with new ideas.

The power of possibility.  Don't let time or resources dictate your choices. It is possible for me to walk 30 minutes each day.  Just do it.  Physical exertion always triggers a positive mental change for me. Exercise is the best medicine.  Don't sit so much.  While I'm on the phone, I can stand up and walk around. When watching TV, I can stand and pace during commercials. Instead of sitting at my makeup table, stand up. In general, I will strive to get on my feet every 30 minutes.
Take a look at what else you can do.

Envision. Have intention.  Mind over matter.  We can impact our life by what we believe is possible.  If you truly believe it is possible, you're half way there.  Never give up on what you want to achieve. "Concentrate on your strengths, instead of your weaknesses. On your powers, instead of your problems." -- Paul J Meyer

Believe that you can.  The first person you have to convince is yourself.  When our choices demonstrate our commitments, we are able to access a deep well of confidence that is inside of us all.  Choose to face every event with a positive mental attitude.

Be proactive.  Tackle the unexpected twists and turns of life as they come, but don't let them impede on your focus.  "If you don't see, in your mind's eye, a picture of yourself winning - then you won't win; And not because you can't." -- Summer Sanders

Stay present to this moment.  Awareness itself will help us to consider what’s possible before aggravation can takeover and overturn our resolve.

"Put your heart, mind and soul into even your smallest acts. This is the secret of success".

Olympic National Park

- Swami Sivananda.

We attended the wedding of Hannah and Kyke Kutz

Lake Crescent, Olympic National Park

The Falls we hiked to.

Lake Crescent

Michele and Cathy in Victoria, Canada

The Empress Hotel, Victoria

Finn's Seafood Restaurant, Victoria

Finn's Seafood Restaurant

We visited Craigdarroch Castle, Victoria

We visited Butchart Gardens, Canada

  Butchart Gardens

 Butchart Gardens

Breakfast at the Victoria Regency Hotel

Seafood Nachos at Nautical Nellies Restaurant

Week Eight - Traveling and eating right

This week, I had comments from people that had not seen me in a while, and they asked if I had lost weight.  I am down 15 pounds in 8 weeks. As I mentioned before, my goal is to lose 60 pounds.  I am one quarter of the way there.  Amazing.  I do NOT want to stop the momentum.

Tomorrow, I am headed out of town for 8 days.
We will fly to Seattle and then we will be attending the wedding of one of my relatives.  After that, we plan to explore Victoria, British Columbia.

How does a person diet on vacation?
Should a person even try to follow a diet plan on vacation?

The answer is, "What do you want most of all?"

I have been successful and I have also been unsuccessful on vacations.
When I have given myself permission to splurge, I have had a harder time focusing upon returning home.

So, today, my plan is to continue making healthy choices and eating within my calorie range to the best of my ability.

I will have an opportunity to be more active, walking as we explore different areas.

It may be a little more difficult to eat in new restaurants, with new cuisines available.  And I don't want to deprive myself.  I will have an appetizer as a meal, or split a meal with someone.  I also know that I can ask to have something prepared differently, and restaurants are more accommodating than ever with special requests.  If I have to taste something, I can just have a bite from my mother's plate.
I will also eat VERY slow and really savor every bite.

If I can avoid alcohol, I will definitely make better food choices.  Certain situations just call out to me to enjoy a beverage along with a spectacular view.  This will really be my most difficult challenge.  Even before I leave town, I am on the fence, thinking "will I" or "won't I"?

 I will continue to drink my water.  I will FOCUS!   I will DECIDE ahead of time to skip the adult beverages.

I will make sure that I have a healthy snack available.  A piece of fruit, a protein bar or protein drink mix in case I am feeling hungry between meals.

Have you ever "hit the gym" at the hotel?  A lot of people do that, but I am not usually that person.  It IS an option to consider.  I will also have a girlfriend with me and she will always hit the gym on vacation.  She may influence me to go with her. 

I plan to make this vacation more about filling my days with activities rather than food. 
I have already made a lot of changes to my routines.
I can do this!
I am not going to stress about anything.  Just relax and enjoy the adventure.

And when I return, I will rejoice with another loss at the scale.

What do you want, most of all?

Top 10 Tailgate Tips

Harter House makes it easier than ever for all you sports fans out there to enjoy the craziness that is Game Day!

There is nothing more American than a picnic or tailgate party. One of the best things about tailgating and summer picnics is getting out of the house and dining al fresco (outdoors). Whether it’s at the backyard picnic table, on the screened-in porch, on a tiny terrace for two, at a favorite park, in the parking lot at a baseball game or a football game, it’s one of the best ways to enjoy life.

1.Determine the menu. Start at Harter House Supermarkets and keep it simple. Do as much party planning and food preparation as possible ahead of your party. This will allow you to make the most of the weather and atmosphere -- enjoying a relaxing meal outdoors (al fresco) with family and friends.
It’s easier to make a lot of only a couple of foods, rather than a little of a lot of different foods.
A satisfying menu includes a crunchy appetizer (for people to eat while you’re getting other foods ready), meat or sandwiches, a side dish or two (such as potato, pasta or fruit salads because they are dressed beforehand) and a dessert.
Take both hot and cold drinks. If it’s chilly, a thermos of hot coffee or cocoa will be very welcome. Be sure to include hot beverage cups.
It’s the “little things” that can make all the difference. Keep the surprises coming throughout the party.

2.Gather the equipment you will need.
If you plan to grill meats or vegetables, make sure you take the grill, the charcoal or gas, tongs, etc.
If you plan to make frozen drinks, take your blender plus an appropriate power source. Consider purchasing a power inverter that converts 12-volt DC power from your car’s battery into 110/120-volt AC power for appliances.

3.Make a list and check it off.
Don’t forget to take a blanket, plenty of paper or plastic plates, napkins, plastic flatware, serving utensils, plastic cups and glasses and/or tumblers, a bottle opener, a corkscrew, condiments, clean-up cloths and trash bags.
Pack a first-aid kit with sunscreen, insect repellent, Band-Aids and wet wipes. Remember to include any necessary medications.
Don’t forget the radio/CD player.
Include a cover in case of rain and a flashlight if it gets dark.

4.Keep Cool: Take at least two insulated coolers.
One cooler should be filled with ice, water and plenty of other cold drinks.
The second cooler should be used to keep perishable foods like meats cold until cooking time. It’s also best to keep chilled pasta, potato or fruit salads cold until serving time in a cooler.
Travel with your cooler inside the air-conditioned car rather than packing it in the hot trunk.

5.If grilling meat, chicken or fish at the tailgate, add extra flavor by marinating the meat in the refrigerator before you go.
Use resealable plastic bags for easy transport and clean-up. (I recommend Ziploc brand bags.) Simply discard the bag after use. Keep marinated meats in the cooler until ready to cook.
Cook meat, fish and poultry thoroughly. See the following guidelines from the USDA on proper meat temperatures to ensure safety:
Poultry (170° F for white meat and 180° F for dark meat, juices should run clear)
Beef (145° F in the center)
Pork (160° F, with the center remaining slightly pink)
Ground Meat and Poultry (160° F, measured through the patty)

Never place grilled meat on a plate that has had raw meat on it.

6.Be safe. Food safety is extremely important.
As always, wash hands and work areas before preparing food.
Pack a jug of water, antibacterial soap and wet cloths for washing your hands before and after handling raw foods, such as chicken, beef, pork or fish.

7.Keep hot foods, hot! Keep cold foods, cold!
Keep hot foods in an insulated jug, a slow-cooker plugged into your car battery, or in an appropriate pan sitting on the hot grill. (See Tip #2 above.)
Use insulated heat-and-tote containers (such as Pyrex Portables) to transport hot or cold foods to the tailgate party. These will keep foods hot or cold for a few hours.
To keep foods cold while serving, place salads and desserts in a smaller container, then place the smaller container in a larger container. Fill the larger container with ice to surround the smaller one.
Remember that foods such as meats and dressed salads should not be left out for more that two hours or you run the risk of food poisoning.
Do not leave any leftover food out on the tailgate or picnic table. Put leftovers back in the cooler as soon as you're finished eating. Replenish the ice if it melts. Keep leftover food only if there is ice still in the cooler when you get home.

8.Take enough food to feed your group of friends and to share with your fellow tailgaters. Invite others over to taste your creations and share your favorite stories; it’s a great way to meet new friends. Remember that eating outdoors can make people extra-hungry.

9.Show your colors by using thematic plates, napkins, plastic flatware and decorations. Don’t forget the matching tablecloth. Baskets of fresh fruit make beautiful, edible centerpieces. Then have fun, fun, fabulous fun!

10.Clean up thoroughly after your tailgate party or picnic.
Take your trash home with you. Put out any hot coals, etc. from the grill. Leave the site as you found it. Be kind to your neighbors.



 Don’t forget to bring the chairs, burger or your tickets EVER again. Make sure to mark things off as you pack them up so you don’t show up to the tailgate without that crucial piece of tailgate equipment!

Week Seven - My Body is Changing

When was the last time you remember walking past a window and you caught a reflection of yourself in the glass?   What did you think?  Not too long ago I remember thinking, "Wow, I'm looking really fat!" 

I have been paying attention to the reflections lately. 
As I pass the front windows walking into work and also in the freezer aisle of the grocery store I can see my reflection.  This week I found myself thinking, "I'm looking better.  My stomach does not look as round.  Yay!"

Time passes really quickly, as we all know. And my progress has really amazed me in a relatively short period of time. Every single week something is changing in my body and I can see and feel it.

Week one I lost 4 lbs. - It felt good to see the scale go down.

Week two,  Just 1 more pound down,  but I was still determined to focus and make changes.  I noticed I was leaving the table not feeling stuffed.  I was still taking too many liberties with my choices and I wanted faster results.  So I focused on paying closer attention.
Week three, down 2 more pounds.  I'm choosing far fewer adult beverages.  I am making better food choices.  This week I noticed that my nice shorts are much more comfortable.  I remember thinking, I must have lost a full inch in my waist.
Week four -  My scale is down 9 pounds in four weeks,  I'm starting to really feel it in my clothes now.  My routines are getting a little easier.  I'm not fighting hunger and food cravings like I was before. 
Week five -  A Labor day party.  It's easy to get derailed.  I reminded myself that I've got this.  Keep going, don't give up.

Week six -  I got into a pair of jeans I hadn't worn in years.  And a favorite top is not puckering at the buttons.  I am getting into my old favorite clothes again.  I have so many sizes in my closet.  With every smaller size, I have cuter and better fitting choices.  Now I am really starting to get excited.
Week seven - This week!  I am now down 13.5 pounds.  I hop on the scale every morning, and more times than not it is again 1/2 pound down .  I tell myself that if I don't eat or drink this thing I'm craving, that the scale WILL go down tomorrow.  It is my motivation.  I think my face looks thinner too.  I did see a picture of myself this week that I didn't like, which only reminded me that I am not where I want to be.  Keep going!


My favorite dinner this week, (I had it twice) was 1 piece of 5 oz. Sole rolled with scallops & crabmeat stuffing, with some Santa Fe Style vegetables. Of course we sell it at Harter House. (Republic Road for sure)  I found the nutritional info for the sole and was actually surprised at the calorie count.  It is really rich and delicious.
Serving 1 piece -  Calories 250.  Calories from fat 110.
Total fat 12g,- Carbs 20g - Protein 16g

The key to losing weight and keeping it off is finding out what motivates you.I want to look good in fashionable clothes.

Don't think of this time as taking stuff away.  Rather, we are adding new and healthy habits that will enhance our life and make us healthier and stronger.

I will continue to recite daily positive affirmations.  It may seem corny, but I know it works. "I can do this!"

So remember:  You're a winner, and nothing is impossible.

Grilled Potatoes with Rosemary Mushrooms & Onions

If you're looking for a great side, this might be a great dish.

I have made similar recipes, cooking the potatoes, mushrooms and onions in a Reynold's foil package.

But now, at Harter House, we have the Creamer potatoes from the Little Potato Company.

Oven/Grill varietals are packaged in a handy foil pan that’s big enough to fit all of the vegetables. Plus, no dirty dishes to clean because the foil package can be placed directly on the barbecue grate or in the oven.

Start by following the package direction – tossing the naturally sweet little potatoes with olive oil and the enclosed seasoning (reduced sodium and no artificial flavors) – then sprinkle half of a chopped red onion over top. While the potatoes and onions are getting toasty and tender on the grill, chop the mushrooms and toss them with olive oil, crushed rosemary and a pinch of salt. Stir them into the potato mixture and cook until the mushrooms are tender and the potatoes are starting to brown.

Great herb flavors, caramelized, tender and downright delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 package Little Potato Co. Oven/Grill Ready Creamer potatoes (I used Garlic Herb)
• ½ red onion, cut into ¾-inch pieces
• 2 tbsp + 2 tsp olive oil, divided
• 8 oz. Cremini mushrooms
• ½ tsp crushed rosemary  
• ⅛ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp minced flat-leaf parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Alternatively, preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
2. Remove the cardboard and plastic covering from the potato package. Add the onion pieces, 2 tablespoon of olive and the seasoning packet. Stir to coat.
3. Place the foil package directly on the grill (or in the oven) and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
4. In a medium bowl, stir together the mushrooms, 2 teaspoons of olive oil, rosemary and salt. Stir the mushrooms into the potato and onion mixture. Cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 12 to 15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
5. Garnish with parsley. Serve.

Week Six - Re-program Your Brain

A diet is saying yes to the skinny jeans 

by saying NO to the donuts.     

Blake Lewis and I danced in a flash mob

performance last Saturday at 

The City Market on Commercial.Street.

We will perform the same dance again

this Saturday, 

at The City Market on Commercial Street.

with 10 other couples, 

Sept 14, 2:45 pm, 

at

 Springfield CultureFest

This week I put on a pair of jeans that I have not been able to wear for a very long while. And also a top that did not pucker at the buttons.  Boy was that exciting.

As you can see from my picture, I am still quite thick in the mid section, but I AM losing inches around my waist, chest, and hips, slow but sure.

I have lost just 1 more pound in the last two weeks, for a total of 10.5 lbs.  I need to stay focused and not lose my way.

Phil McGraw said, "Successful weight loss takes programming, not willpower."  I agree.  Getting our head on straight is the most important factor in changing our habits.  We must have a clear vision of what we really want to accomplish.

"When it comes to ideals of beauty and body image, we are incredibly hard on ourselves.  We need to program our minds to believe that we are healthy, thin, and beautiful already.  Now we can go out and make healthy choices that will keep us beautiful.

Consciously.....
Stop eating mindlessly and start eating mindfully
Plan your meals in advance
Organize your kitchen
Eat more protein
Use smaller plates… and bowls
Serve yourself 20% less
Cut your food into small pieces
Eat with the wrong hand
Eat Slowly
Go for a Walk
Don't eat in front of the TV
Switch your snacks.  Even water and chewing gum can be an appetite suppressant. Choose 100 Calorie snack packs.
Keep a journal - Food, emotions, cravings, thoughts, etc.

We must use our conscious mind to reprogram our subconscious mind. THAT IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS. 

We need to re-focus on WHAT WE WANT, on our NEW desire, new behavior, and on our new CHOICES. Here we need a real REASON, a DESIRE which drives us to make different choices.
A WHY that is so much bigger than that piece of cake or processed junk food…….

• Is it better health?
• Is it being better looking?
• Lighter? Sexier?
• More mobility?
• More energy?
• More confidence?
• WHY do you want to lose weight?
• In what way will your life be different after you achieve your desired weight? 

Are you aware that only 10% of your day is governed by your conscious mind? That means 90% of your daily choices and behavior come from the stories, or the neural pathways already carved in your brain, making choices FAST.

Our job is to create the new programming that will manipulate our choices when will-power runs out. To do that, we use the power of our imagination.


VISUALIZE
YOU CAN Live the life of your dreams NOW. 
You can see it. 
You can CONSCIOUSLY start taking steps to turn that vision into your new reality.
You can visualize yourself being a smaller size, feeling elegant and attractive.  Go ahead and visualize that you are rich as well.  And we should remember always that we truly are rich in Love, friendship, intelligence, etc.  The things we can't put a price tag on.

Imagine how you FEEL buying new clothes. FEEL how they touch your healthy elegant body. 

Tell yourself positive affirmations.
I nourish my body with healthy food.
I enjoy going for daily walks to help my body become strong, fit, and healthy.  
I LOVE my body.
I am strong.  I am powerful.  My arms are not flabby, they enable me to achieve my goals.
I am strong in mind and body.
I am living a healthy lifestyle which enables me to…………..OR so I can………..

To reprogram you MUST

• See these affirmations regularly.
• Post these affirmations on Post-it notes around the house, in the car, OR
• Set these messages as daily reminders in your phone.
• Read it and FEEL IT.

Repetition is the key to creating new neural pathways so when you go to make a decision around food or exercise, your subconscious programming will start to take over, helping you move forward to a successful outcome!!