Friday, January 6, 2012

Diet Tips

Apples are a good source of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber not only contributes to a healthy digestive system and reduced cholesterol, but it also benefits smart eaters by yielding no calories while keeping them satisfied.

And there's something else about the fruit that might help you feel full. A study in the journal "Appetite" found that when women added either three apples or three pears to their daily meals, they lost more weight than people who added three oat cookies to their diets -- even though the fruit and the cookies contained the exact same amount of dietary fiber.

If you're looking for a tasty midday snack, a handful of almonds are a well-regarded option. A study in 2009 in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" found that women who ate nuts at least two times a week were more successful at keeping weight off than those who didn't eat this food.

If you're uncertain about fish, there's no need to fear. Seafood can be part of a healthy diet. And there's some evidence that the fat in foods such as salmon can boost satiety levels, says Aragon. For example, a study published in the "International Journal of Obesity" found that when dieters ate salmon a few times a week, they lost about two more pounds than those who didn't include seafood in their meals.

And in spite of the mention of salmon's fat content, the food is relatively low in calories. One 3-oz. serving has just 175 calories. Salmon is a good source of protein as well.


There's no doubt that protein, like fiber, has impressive satiating powers. And while eggs seem to have a bad reputation in some circles, there can be no contesting their ability to help keep your weight in check.

Research has shown that eating eggs at breakfast can help you fight weight gain all day long. A study reported in 2008 in the "International Journal of Obesity" found that when dieters ate two eggs for breakfast for five days out of the week, they lost 65 percent more weight than dieters who consumed a bagel in the morning. Although protein is likely to fill you up whenever you eat it, some scientists suspect that having more in the morning can keep you feeling fuller all day long.

It's true that most veggies make for great diet fare. Non-starchy vegetables in particular, such as carrots, celery and spinach, are filled with fiber. Like other foods high in fiber, they can help keep you feeling satiated.


Grocery List - Diet Week and soup Sunday

I've been doing good this week. I started out Monday January 2nd. For breakfast I have fruit or a cup of oatmeal, lunch fruit and 1/2 turkey sandwich; with just turkey, lettuce and a little mustard. I've also, been trying to drink lots of water. I've just lost a couple of pounds, but that's a start. Plus, I've come down with pneumonia, on meds and thank goodness, I had already cooked up this next weeks food. I might have to throw in a non-diet surprise. Natalie is still on her college break and has been the best nurse; plus has been cooking for me. What a delight that has been.

I hope you enjoy this weeks recipes, let me tell you I was so ready for the potato soup.

Grocery List - Diet Week
Skinny Fried Steaks w/Mushroom Gravy

cube steaks
Pam spray
1 pkg mushrooms - sliced
1/4 cup flour
Pioneer Fat Free Gravy mix (the dry package)
1 cup water
1 cup milk
garnish with green onions
 
Robin's Salad
1 green apple, chopped in bite size pieces
1 cup green seedless grapes, sliced in half
1 cup chopped walnuts
4 cups fresh spinach
1/4 cup feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped purple onion
2 boneless, skinless chicken breast
1/2 cup sugar free apricot jam
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon olive oil
 
Mexican Chicken Bow
l4 chicken breast, boneless and skinless
14.4 ounce Rotel
15 ounce black beans, drained
15 ounce whole corn, drained
14.4 ounce low sodium chicken broth
3 green onions, chopped for garnish
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cumin
1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
1 cup brown rice, cooked
 
Orange Chicken
1 orange, juice only
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon coriander
4 chicken breast, boneless and skinless
1 bell pepper, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
1 small can of crushed pineapples, drained
1 cup brown rice, cooked
 
Veggie Slaw
2 cups chopped cabbage
2 cups chopped cauliflower
2 cups chopped broccoli
1 cup carrot sticks
1 cup sliced grape tomatoes
1/2 cup fat free sour cream
1/4 cup fat free Miracle Whip
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
 
Potato Soup
8 potatoes
2 leeks
1 stick butter (I can't believe its not butter)
1/2 chopped onion
1 cup chicken broth, sodium free
2 1/2 cup 2 percent milk
1 cup bacon, about 5 strips fried and crumbled (microwave brand - avoids the grease)
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 tablespoon black pepper
1 cup cheddar cheese (low fat or laughing cow)

Be Sweet and Stay Sweet!
 

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Brian's Three Star Stew

My husband went to Three Star Muffler, here in Little Rock, to get his muffler fixed. Brian told him, if I would feature his "Three Star Deer Stew", he would give him a deal. So here  you go Brian and thanks. It was delicious!



Brian's Three Star Deer Meat Stew
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 onion, chopped
2 cans french green beans
1 can corn
abou 6 to 8 new potatoes
2 packages of deer steak or you could use stew meat or even cube steaks

Dump it all in the crock pot, and cook on low heat for eight hours.

I have to give it to Brian, this turned out scrumptious! Thank you for sharing this with me and my followers.

Be Sweet and Stay Sweet!

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Things to look forward to in 2012

Ya'll I'm so excited about this coming year. I'm in the test kitchen trying out new things. I know I'm suppose to be on a diet, but I'm just going to have to  use portion control and do good for my breakfast and lunch.

Things to look forward to this year:
*Diet Recipes and tips I've found
*Veggie Eaters Week
*Meats then leftover Sandwiches
*Ravioli Week
*Chicken Around the World Week
*Budget week for 2 with a Roast
*Budget week for 2 with a Ham
*Super Bowl Slider Week
*Valentine's Week
*Soup Sunday's - featuring a soup every Sunday
*Spring Break Vacation @ the beach
*Easter Week
*Spring Veggies
*Start the Grill
*Graduation finger foods
*Barbecue and Fixings
*Breakfast foods


That's just for starters. I want to thank each and everyone of you for following me. I truly get so excited every time I see a new country has visited. I'm up to 39 different countries. We have 196, so I have a ways to go and I'm here for the long haul. I love coming up with new recipes and venturing out a bit.

I'm taking tomorrow off to re-load and re-stock the kitchen. Come back for your grocery list and I've come up with some tasty diet recipes.

OH...remember the memory gift I do for Natalie each year. This year, I took her baby clothes and clothes through out the  years, and made her a patch work blanket. Turned out great and she loved it.

Stay Sweet and Be Sweet!

Easy Barbecue Crock Pot Pork and Cole Slaw

Easy Barbecue Crock Pot Pork
1 1/2 pound pork loin
12 ounce barbecue sauce, use your favorite



Just dump it in your crock pot, and cook it on low for 8 hours. Come  home and either shred it with a fork or cut it.

Cole Slaw
1/2 head of cabbage chopped
1 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup chopped fine onion
1/4 cup sour cream
1 cup Miracle Whip
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt


Mix all together in a large mixing bowl and refrigerate until your ready to eat it.

This meal is so simple and quick. Great to serve the pork on a bun or just as  it is. Its also pretty yummy while your watching your favorite football team play.

Be Sweet and Stay Sweet!

Monday, January 2, 2012

Sunny Jo's Spinach Hog

My niece Sunny Jo gave me this recipe, so delicious. I call her Sunshine, because she has a smile and personality that can put a smile on any ones face. She's a country girl living in the big city of New York now, but she still knows her Arkansas roots; that's why she named  them "Spinach Hogs" after the Arkansas Razorbacks. You will love this recipe.

Spinach Hog
6 pork loin cutlets
4 ounce cream cheese
1 cup fresh chopped spinach
one garlic, minced
1/3 cup chopped pecans
Teriyaki Pineapple marinade
6 strips of bacon

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees and spray your baking dish with Pam cooking spray.

Marinate cutlets in teriyaki pineapple for at least 45 minutes, in the refrigerator.
In the mean time, you can mix up the cream cheese, spinach, garlic and pecan.


Spread on one side of the cutlets and roll them up.

After you have rolled it up, wrap a strip of bacon around it, and insert toothpick to keep it together. Repeat until all are wrapped. I poured a little more of the teriyaki pineapple marinade on top. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes.

This was a hit and a must keep recipe.

Be Sweet and Stay Sweet!

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Happy New Year's!!!

Happy New Year's Everyone!



Have you made your resolutions for the year? I've been thinking about mine. I know I have to loose weight and get healthier. So, I'm having a count down diet until my birthday March 13th. I want to loose 30 pounds. I've tried every diet in the book. Let's see the Carb diet, HCG diet, dexatrim (back in the day), you name it I've tried it. So, I've decided the best is portion control and eating healthy. Now, I will have to have my cheat day and we're going to have Sunday soup day this coming month. Nothing like good hot soup during the winter time, to warm you up. It's like a comfort food to me. I know, I need to exercise, so walking is on my list.

I almost weigh as much as I did when I gave birth to Natalie. When I got pregnant I weighed 115 pounds, just a skinny little thing. I do not want to get that skinny, because then I will get wrinkles. ha! I say my fat pumps out my wrinkles and they don't show. My biggest craving while pregnant was Reese cups and Dr. Pepper, and I wonder why my child is so hyper. ha! The funny thing was after I had her, I was lying in the hospital bed and I raised the covers up and looked down, thinking I would be skinny again. NOT! Ya'll my face swelled, my nose spread out, my lips were swollen, my feet grew a half size, I was HUGE. But it was all worth it, because I have my sweet baby girl. I totally got off the subject there, but that's kind of how I feel right now. I'm out of control! ha

Enough of diet talk, lets get to my main resolution. I've really been thinking what do I really need to change about myself. I'm happy go lucky gal, I've got a wonderful family and friends. I'm sure not lacking in food. So what do I need to change? When I really thought about it, my spiritual life came to mind. I want God's light to shine in me, so when people look in my eyes they see I'm a child of God. I want to be a better witness to others. Amy Grant had a song out years ago, "My Father's Eyes", I want my Godly fathers eyes. I want His light to shine so bright in me. So, that is my prayer, plus have my quiet time everyday reading the bible and praying. My life hasn't always been easy. I've been through all kinds of trails in my life, the one thing that got me through it all was God carrying me. I have a verse taped to my computer. Romans 15:13, Ask  God to increase your trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope. I read it everyday to remind me.

I need to watch my tongue. Have you ever said anything on facebook or in an email and the person took it the wrong way? Boy, I have - I wish people would use the telephone or talk face to face more. I think it has a lot to do with the tone of their voice or how they say it, so a lot of times when you write it, it can come out sounding wrong. Also, gossiping,  putting someone down. I just read the book Christmas Wedding by James Patterson. The mother in the book was wonderful. Her kids described her this way: If I wanted to wear an orange dress and it made me look bad, she never told me. She would say, honey that looks fine, but the navy one with the black blazer looks fabulous on you. It was the way she would turn it around and make them feel good about themselves. I want to strive to be better about that, to watch my tongue. Did you know your tongue is the strongest muscle in your body? It's also the most dangerous. Words can hurt more than anything. They stick to you for some reason.

I read this devotion and wanted to share it with you. Its by In Touch Ministry, Dr. Charles Stanley. I love his sermons and devotions.

         


December 15
Spending Our Inheritance
Ephesians 1:11-22
The word “inheritance” usually brings to mind the money and real estate handed down from one generation to another. But God has an even greater legacy to share with His children—one that they are given the moment they enter His family.
Galatians 4:7 tells us that believers are God’s heirs. First among our priceless treasures is a living hope in Jesus Christ that cannot be taken away (1 Peter 1:3). What’s more, He pledged to supply our needs according to His riches (Phil 4:19). In other words, we already have all that we need for an abundant and victorious life.
However, some folks get stuck in spiritual poverty because they refuse to view themselves as adopted children. Failing to tap into their inheritance, they’re like a man who sees himself as a poor, sinful creature: he wanders through this big angry world hoping to hold on to his meager scrap of faith until he’s lucky enough to die and go to heaven. Of course that man misses the blessings available in this life, because he’s not looking for them.
How differently people see themselves when they look through the eyes of Jesus. Christians who live like the beloved, empowered heirs that they are will lavishly spend their inheritance of grace to benefit everyone they meet.
God gives all believers a pledge of inheritance out of the unsurpassed riches of His infinite grace. We are spiritually rich citizens of heaven who have nothing to fear in this world. Choose to live boldly for Christ, and see how abundantly God pours out blessing from the legacy already set aside for you.
For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.

I hope all of you are having a wonderful day. We lay around eat and watch football, or sometimes the girls sneak into the other room to watch a movie. Its New Year's day and the best day of the year to be lazy.

I have some good recipes coming up this new year, and you also get to count down my weight with me. I'll be taking a picture every month to see if I've lost any. Wish me luck, I've never been good with diets. But, I'm hoping with spices and herbs I can flavor it up.

Be Sweet and Stay Sweet!