Food Health - Natal Day Happenings

Evening everyone, hope you’ve all enjoyed this wonderful holiday weekend! What a great day I had with the fam celebrating my Dad’s B-day. We made some travel plans for next Summer that are going to be a blast, more on that later. ;)

Started out the day with a pot of yummy oats. Organic oats made with almond breeze, sliced banana and flax seed. Topped with more sliced nanner, hulled hemp seeds, shredded unsweetened coconut, mini chocolate chips, a few goji berries, a spoonful of peanut butter & a drizzle of maple syrup.

We spent the morning in cleaning mode – kitchen was sparkling, all floors done, bathroom tidied and laundry done. Plus prepped the veggies and set out the table.

It was quite humid here, so I opted to wear a skirt and flowly top. Was nice to dress up a bit, even if we were just staying home.

Going With The Flow

Sometimes it just happens. You follow your plan all week and then an unavoidable, last minute invitation is extended. Last night was the perfect example.

We had to meet MIL to do a bunch of errands at Access Nova Scotia. I really did start the night off with such great intentions I tell ya! Beforehand I had picked up Subway so that we could have some supper before heading over to Nubodys for a sweat session after the paper work was complete. It’s nearing the end of my week. I had no WAP’s remaining and only 8 of my daily points left; my 6” veggie and baked lays would’ve been perfect. However, instead of that we ended up at Steak and Stein with MIL & BIL.


I was HUNGRY and tried to make the healthiest choice possible. I ordered a single Del Monico Derby-style steak with the garden salad. By it self, not that bad. But the meal was taking forever, so I had a piece of cheese garlic bread while we waited. And the small roll on my plate may have also been another innocent causality. Sorry guys, no food pics tonight.


It was a rare opportunity for us all to get together and we had a great time catching up and discussing the upcoming holidays.

But two hours later I was hungry again and the poor veggie sub didn’t stand a chance. Not just a little hungry either but real hungry.(I did check and try and listen to my body.) I need to dig out the tracker to be sure, but my best estimate is that I’m over by 10-15 points.

I know this post feels a bit negative but it’s actually not. Last night was a positive experience for me because I was able to chalk it up to life. Life happens. In this rollarcoaster ride that is weight loss there will always be situations that are out of your control. It’s what you do next that matters.

Therefore, my plan today is just to stay focused, on track, eat the best foods for my body, chug the h20 and get in some type of workout this evening.

I’m not worrying and I’m not punishing myself. I was hungry so I ate. If I have a small gain this week then so be it. Means I will work a little harder next week.

Happy Friday!

What a Weekend!

Hard to believe I’m sitting down to watch Brothers & Sisters already, weekends always fly by. I’m getting really excited for this coming week though, it’s going to be jam packed with tons of fun times with good friends, plus its Thanksgiving – my favourite holiday!

I got to bed a little later than usual last night but was still up by 5:30am because of our little furry babies… :-S Weekends are great though, because I can make Breaky a little later than usual and it eliminates my need for a snack mid-morning.

This morning’s grub was some yummy scrambled eggs and toast.


My scramble included 1 egg, 1 egg white, 15g melty old cheddar & 1 tbsp real bacon bits. Slice of crispy whole wheat toast.


My Mom came over later in the morning; she brought J his b-day card and was surprised me with a basket of fresh Autumn goodies too! Apple Crisp anyone?!


We had no real plans in mind so we headed over to the Farmers Market to pick up some fresh produce. On the way there I stopped for a much needed coffee. There really is nothing better than JustUs! Silly me bought some French Vanilla Maxwell House to try but I couldn’t even drink it this morning. Double YUCK! :-X I was quick to make a trip to the grocery store to pick up a bag of JustUs in time for my Monday morning coffee.


For lunch I whipped us up a batch of the wonderful Curried Cauliflower Soup that I discovered a few weeks ago. I really can’t say enough about this recipe, very tasty and 100% healthy; it was perfect for this chilly day.


With a generous slice of crusty Calabrese bread smeared with a bit of real butter for dipping.



Mom and I enjoyed a rather long lunch sitting around the table chatting, we eventually finished it up with some fresh coffee and a slice of heaven.


We moved into the livingroom for a old good old fashion game of Scrabble. Mom kicked both of our butts as usual. I sipped on some leftover Riesling while we played.


Dinner was more Better Butter Chicken w/ basmati rice & naan. I really enjoy cooking so much for now, it’s a blast whipping up yummy tasting healthy dishes!



I admit my weekend was full of indulgences but I did get a work out in this afternoon and I don’t feel guilty at all for celebrating the Hubby’s B-day. That cake was worth every single fantastic calorie! ;) FYI, the recipe is here for those wanting it.

Night!

Fifteen Point Five

Know what that is? The number of days left until my Christmas vacay starts! I’m off from the 24th at Noon and don’t go back until January 4th.

My plans for those days are to get some QT with the immediate family and relax and pamper myself. Hubby has to work for most of it (stat holidays off only) so I’ve got a list of books to pick up, some wonderful bubble bath just waiting for me and of course I plan to make good use of the gymbo too. I’m excited to be able to go to a few of the day time classes. Maybe get my hair cut and pick up some new shoes too. :)

I’m also really looking forward to going to my parents house for a day or two and hanging with them, hubby and my brother. Lobster, wine, few board games and a yummy turkey dinner the next day. What could be better?

Do you have time off over the holidays? What plans are you looking forward to the most?

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I cooked up a fantastic dinner last night that I just had to share! When I saw Angie’s Cran-Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken a few weeks ago I knew this was something that I wanted to re-create.

My version was a little different but generally the same idea. I slit two boneless skinless chicken breasts down the middle, dipped in egg whites and coated with bread crumbs. Then stuffed with a mixture of:

1/2 chopped granny smith apple

2 tbsp Original Craisins (dried cranberries)

30g goat cheese

sprinkle of dried rosemary

Baked for 25 mins at 375 degrees and voilà – a healthy, tasty meal!


It was delish! I served with a side of mashed tasters and fresh steamed green beans.

The only thing that would have made it even better was a glass of wine. Next time for sure! This meal is definitely a keeper.

Plans for the evening include snuggling on the couch with hubby and watching the Biggest Loser Finale. No cooking tonight, instead I’ve got a yummy veggie pizza on the way.

Mother - Daughter Day

This morning I headed up to my parents place to spend the day with my Mom. It was a beautiful sunny drive to the middle of nowhere. ;) We’ve been having quite the cold streak so it was nice to open the door and see this:

Followed with several of these:

Awww, warmth. Just Us French blend.

Was a great day; we spent hours talking, browsing the family photo albums (I may have snagged a few pics, fun scans to come!) I really cherish all the time we have together. Life is precious so it’s important to make every minute count.

Mom also showed me my grandfather’s journal from 1940 when he was a soldier posted in England. It details how he met my grandmother and their wedding 6 months later. Pretty neat eh?! She gave me a paper copy that one of my Aunt’s had transcribed. I can’t wait to dig in!

Lunch was comfort food. I could smell the turkey bones simmering when I arrived. Add a few handfuls of veggies, herbs and voilà:

I used some of the turkey meat and made us a sandwich to split. Turkey, light mayo, sundried tomato dressing & cheddar cheese on whole wheat bread.

Comfort Food Kinda Weekend

I managed to sleep in this morning until a little after 7am. Whoot! That is awesome for me, usually I’m a 5am kinda gal. Plus, I got to bed before 9pm last night; my body obviously need the sleep. I’m all rested up and full of energy again. Good thing because I’m scheduled for 13K today.

For breakie I made us homemade fried egg sammies.


Pan-fried egg on a ww bun w/ a bit of melted old cheddar, crispy slice of ham, tomato and a handful of baby spinach.



Side of juicy, fresh pineapple. Soooo good!


Going to back track a bit to yesterday….
I got out for my scheduled 3K run and came back and inhaled my lunch. I think this was the best pot of chili that I’ve ever made! On Friday night, I browned the lean ground beef & veggies and then threw everything in a pot and simmered on the stove top instead of the usual slow cooker method AND I used a better quality chili powder. Really made all the difference in the world.


My chili includes: lean ground beef, red, green & yellow peppers, onions, mushrooms, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, fresh ground pepper, paprika, & garlic powder.

Looking forward to enjoying the leftovers all week!



My pictures always seem to come out so much better when there’s a bit of sunlight. The kitty kats seem to enjoy it too.

After lunch, I threw a gigantic 10lb chicken in the oven. (Seriously, I’ve had smaller turkeys!) and prepped the veggies for dinner w/ the fam.


Mid-afternoon Mom & I got to work on dessert. I didn’t want anything too heavy so I suggested that she pick up an angle food cake and some cool whip. This is what we came up with:


We created a filling with fresh pineapple, cool whip, shredded coconut & chia seeds and used it to make a layer cake. Sprinkled the top with chia & hulled hemp seeds.



Mmm a fantastic dinner! I had chicken breast w/ homemade gravy, healthy mashed taters, carrots & baked squash. Was nice to enjoy a yummy meal and have some QT with everyone. :)


Yup, it truly has been all about the comfort food lately. Anyways, can’t believe the weekend is almost over already. Plans for the rest of it include:

• Cooking a pot of homemade chicken soup
• 13K LSD run
• QT w/ the hubby
• Preparing a post of my shoe collection (!!!)
• Preparing a post on running/weight loss plan

Hope you’re all having a fab weekend too!