Monday, January 24, 2011

Couldn't leave sleeping dogs lie......

without taking a few snapshots.
This was definitely the Christmas that kept on giving. While most were packing up decorations...we were still joyfully receiving holiday guests including my grand-pups. I'm always amazed at how those pups can wear us out!! Hubs and I look at pup sitting as the minor leagues training for the major leagues of grand parenting.




This years Christmas tree was cut from our backyard.
We have a few trees growing awaiting their turn to be "axed" and adorned for the holiday.
The only major issue...trees that grow outside appear a whole heck of a lot smaller in the great outdoors.
Needless to say.....being that it had turned into a tumbleweed it was more difficult removing "TREEZILLA!"
The branches had dried up a bit, trapping our Christmas lights in it's clutches!
I'm happy to report they were eventually freed.





I'll have to admit.....I may have over indulged a tad over the holiday, but I've got a sure fire way to get back on track.
Join me and I'll fill you in on my recipes for success.




It starts at my fridge with not just healthier choices, but
convenient ones. Cause, face it's easier to reach for a bag of chips or cookies....achieving instant gratification at lightening speed!
So, here it goes.....
I start the week off by dicing a large variety of veggies.
Storing them in a airtight container.
I separate the tomatoes and cucumbers (into their own container) because of their higher moisture content. This prevents that moisture from turning the other veggies soggy after the first day, (if  they're stored together).
To save time I purchase the bagged chopped cabbage, along with Romain heart leaves.
When my tummy starts to grumble I can put my salad together in a snap!
I add fish, poultry or beef for my lunch/dinner.



Second Recipe....The POWER SHAKE

This also satisfies my chocolate milkshake craving.
  It's a great breakfast especially for on-the-go.

In a blender combine the following ingredients.

1-2 heaping cups of ice (I prefer mine thick)
1-2 cups unsweetened chocolate soy milk
1 frozen banana
1 scoop vanilla Slimfast powder (yes vanilla)
1 scoop chocolate Slimfast powder
or any chocolate vitamin (protein opt.) powder.
Blend 
This makes 2-4 servings.

This recipe is a great substitute from most 
yogurt and or fruit smoothies, which can contain over 32g. of sugar.
Equaling the same amount of sugar as one can of soda pop. 
(YIKES)



I just found these bars at the grocery store


Yup, still looking for what can satisfy the "not so healthy choices."
 I bought the brownies to try.
I have to say...they were delish.
The texture and flavor (in my opinion) were spot on.
Enjoying it with a cup of herb tea was perfect.
It kept me from reaching from the boxed brownie mix, which speaks volumes.







The day of "l'amour" is fast approaching.
To help you get started here are a few links to some amazing ideas.
Heather Bullard

19 comments:

Kristina P. said...

You never disappoint with the sweets!

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Hello Sara! Thank you so much for coming by to say hello! So glad you did! Yes, we mirror a lot of the same things! Looking forward to seeing more of your postings!

Hugs,
Maryjane

Michelle said...

That is the SWEETEST picture (no pun intended) of your hubby and the pups! Hope you are doing well, Sara!! :) xoxo

Chatty Crone said...

Oh my gosh I loved this. Such pretty pictures and information. I must say though - that is one big cat! lol

sandie♥

Anonymous said...

Love your tip about the "instant salad!"

Lisa said...

Great dieting tips! And the brownies look yummy!

Sue said...

Oh I love those Atkins bars, Sara! I buy them for the husband since he is a diabetic. But I sneak one every now and then. I love the one that tastes like a Snickers! Glad you came by. I am still very behind in my reading and visiting. Your tree DID look a bit like a tumbleweed, albeit a very giant sized one! LOL
I will try your shake- just need to pick up some Slim Fast. I love sweet tasting anything, but know I should limit the aspartame too. Aah... what's a dieter to do to remain healthy?
:-) Sue

wendy said...

The photo of the dogs is great.
I'll have to try your smoothie recipe.

I am giggling to myself as myh word verification says "flart".

The Quintessential Magpie said...

I am so glad to see you! And oh, how I can identify with the weight gain. Sadly, I didn't eat sweets to gain this, but comfort food. Mac and Cheese. Pizza. You know the drill! I was sick for a month and trapped inside, so I indulged. Now, I'm paying for it. I have a drink that is all natural (it does have sugar), but it is a protein drink that is delicious. I buy it online. Chocolate. Easy. Mix with water (or in my case goat milk) and wallah! ;-) Yours looks thicker and a lot more festive!

Wishing you the best of the new year!

XO,

Sheila :-)

bj said...

Hi, Sara..
I actually love salads, especially for lunch. I do just fine on one for lunch but I have to have something with it for dinner or else I am snacking before bed time. :))

Anonymous said...

Hi Sara! Oh, that grand pup is so cute all tuckered out! That does look like a big tree!
Now I've just had a big ole Mexican Food dinner and I'm feeling so ashamed after reading your post! ;) Those are some good tips about chopping all the healthy stuff up before you put it away.
Thanks for popping in to see me.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Tara said...

I put on a few pounds the last couple months too. All those fresh veggies sound so yummy and so does the shake. The real trees can be messy when you take them down, but they still smell good!

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

I want to try the shake and the brownies! Yum!

I'm going to do Valentine's Day decorating tomorrow! I've been in a blogging slump lately!

Katherine

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Nothing cuter than a sleeping puppy! I am back on Weight Watchers, might as well be AA LOL, wight watchers new plan is all about reducing Carbs, I am going to have to take a look at the atkins bars, because I too need to satisfy that sweet tooth! I would be honored if you would add me to your blog roll! I have been promised pictures of Timmy's great honeymoon adventure, I will post them if i get them...Sould be funny!

Carol

xinex said...

Good example of what to eat. I should follow your example...Christine

Cora said...

Awww...we grand-pet sit too. Our daughter's kitties!
I love anything thats easy and quick to get to for lunch! I'm looking at lot like that kitty there..lol!
Looks like the tree maght have gotten the best of you!
Have a great week!

Anonymous said...

Poppin over to wish you a happy birthday! I think I am a little late but then you should feel like your family because that is the way it tends to be with me and Birthday wishes!!!

Hope you had a great day!

bee blessed
mary

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

Good luck with your healthier eating...it is a "sweet" way to eat!

A Bite of Country Cupcakes said...

Hi There....Sara I had my Baby!
A premmie doing ok but a long road ahead.
He is still in Hospital hopefully home in month.
Wow! That Christmas tree is huge!