Pictures

Books

I LOVE to read. My favorite types of books are mysteries and suspense. One of my favorite authors is Sue Ann Jaffarian. She has three series out now. She has been a friend of mine on Facebook for sometime, but recently contacted me after I had posted some weight loss journey pictures. She wanted to send me an autographed book which is a real treasure!!

Pictures

Pictures

The first picture of Eddie and I was taken in July of 2010 at Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. The second picture was taken July 27th 2011 in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. We go to Lava each summer. A quaint little town with small shops to visit, an olympic size swimming pool and natural hot springs.  We rent a house, so that we can cook our own meals. It's very peaceful and relaxing.=)

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Lay's Baked Chips, Wasa multi grain crispbread and Quaker rice snacks. These are all good as a side to sandwiches or salads. I have to be careful with the rice snacks because they are very good. Count out your portion and put the bag away! I just bought some of the bigger rice cakes in chocolate flavor. I have not tried them, but my daughter likes them topped with reduced fat peanut butter.

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Baked Tostitos scoop chips and Chachies mango peach salsa. This makes for a good snack. You can also top your chips and salsa with some fat free sour cream. This salsa is the best I have found and is also very good on tacos and fajitas. I have found it at Walmart over in the refrigerated section next to the deli counter. I have also found it at Fresh Market ( formally Albertson's ) next to the cheese. Costco also sells it.

Pasta with hamburger

Here is another "made up" recipe...I do this quite often. I take regular recipes and add and subtract a few things to make them healthy.

1 lb. extra lean hamb.
1/2 of a yellow onion, chopped
2 T. minced garlic
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. dried thyme leaves
1 tsp. dried rosemary leaves
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 box of cooked whole wheat penne pasta
1 jar of ragu lite tomato basil, sugar free spaghetti sauce
1 1/2 cups fat free cottage cheese
1 cup reduced fat grated cheese ( I used the weight watchers reduced fat mexican style grated cheese )
reduced fat parmesan cheese

Coat the bottom of a skillet with olive oil. I have found that when browning the extra lean hamb., it tends to stick to the pan if you don't use a little bit of olive oil. Add minced garlic and onion, cooking until onions have softened. Add hamb. and cook until browned. Add spices, stirring well to coat beef. Stir in spaghetti sauce and cottage cheese. Add cooked pasta and mix well. Pour into baking dish. Top with grated cheese and a little bit of reduced fat parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 for 20-30 min. until bubbly and hot. I served this with steamed veggies and whole wheat rolls.