*@#$%^*(*#^*)*(^

UP 1.8lbs YESTERDAY!!! I am feeling a little frustrated…(but maybe a little better now that I swore…even if it was in print!)  I feel like I am never going to reach my 40lb milestone – it is feeling like a mile-boulder at the moment!! I am going to use the fact that I quit smoking about 3 and a half months ago as my feel good thing today!  I guess I should be happy to have not GAINED 40lbs doing that, huh?!?

Ok on to a little Freaky, I mean Fiesta Friday stuff!  Hope you all have a great weekend!

Chicken Fajitas

4 Points Plus

8 Servings

Ingredients

12 oz Chicken breast without skin, roasted, this is one pound cut into thin strips raw - this (chopped)  

1 large onion, cut in slivers from pole to pole  

1 large green pepper, cut in slivers, pole to pole  

1 large sweet red pepper, cut in slivers, pole to pole  

4 garlic cloves, finely chopped (medium)  

2 T chili powder  

3 t ground cumin  

1 t black pepper  

ground red pepper, to taste  

table salt, to taste  

8 item(s) Mission® Carb balance whole wheat tortillas - fajita size, or something comparable that is only 1 Points Plus  

Instructions

Spray wok with cooking spray, generously. Cook the chicken slices until done, stir regularly. Add everything except tortillas. Mix well. Cook covered. Stir every few minutes. It's done when the peppers are tender and the vegetables are starting to get browned in spots. Serve with warmed flour tortillas. 

You could also eat 2 of these for 8 Points Plus if you were so inclined...

Sideways Wednesday, or halfway to the weekend….

In my world anyway!  How is everyone’s week going?  I tried this new thing this morning…stepping on the scale at home rather than waiting for weigh in day…I am not sure I liked it and nearly had to go out in the back yard and retrieve the scale, because that is where it ALMOST ended up!!! Let’s just hope that it just zero’s out different than my happy little WW scale at the meeting place does!! I am really wanting to make the 40lb mark tomorrow, but I am almost afraid that would entail getting on the treadmill tonight after work and just staying on their continuously until bedtime, AND THEN AGAIN WHEN MY ALARM GOES OFF IN THE MORNING UNTIL IT IS TIME TO SHOWER FOR WORK!! I have everything crossed that is humanly possible…and then some!!  Send me some good thoughts, mojo, karma, prayers etc, please!

Haven’t tried this yet but it sounds yummy to me, although a little garlic and onion would go a long way in my book baby!

Chilled Summer Squash and Tomato Orzo Salad

4 Points Plus

6 Servings

Ingredients

1 1/2 c uncooked orzo  

1 tsp red wine vinegar  

1 medium zucchini, diced  

1 medium yellow summer squash, diced  

1 1/2 c grape tomatoes, halved  

black pepper, to taste  

salt, to taste  

1 basil, to garnish  

Instructions

1. Cook the orzo according to the package directions. Drain.

2. In a medium skillet, add the cooking spray and red wine vinegar and sauté the diced zucchini, diced yellow squash and halved tomatoes for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Toss the cooked vegetables with the orzo.

4. Chill at least two hours in the refrigerator before serving.

5. Serve summer squash and tomato orzo Salad for a light lunch, or for dinner with a side of grilled chicken or fresh fruit.

From www.5dollardinners.com, modified by me!

Sloooowww Monday anyone?

I say that because I am feeling slow, DESPITE THE FACT that I set my alarm for 5:45 (I know, right – middle of the night!!) and got up and walked 20 minutes on the treadmill!! While I know 20 minutes might not seem like much BUT BELIEVE YOU ME AT NOT EVEN 6 AM FOR A PERSON THAT HAS NEVER REALLY EXERCISED REGULARLY….IT’S A MILESTONE!.  I have also been on it every day since Thursday, except Saturday day when I took an actual bike ride with the family (yes on real bikes, OUTDOORS!).

My good news for the week is that I was down a whopping 2.2lbs for a total of 38.2!! I am hoping to hit 40 this week!!  Another thing I was just realizing is that I have now been back on plan for over a year straight!  Do ya think maybe I am starting to figure out that I have to live the plan, not just use it when I need/want it and then toss it aside…. Does anybody else have any milestones they would like to shout out....I am all for acknowledging a "mile-pebble" THEY ARE ALL MILESTONES IN MY BOOK!! 

Here is a little slow fun for you…have I mentioned that I need a new one, you know, the kind with the probe and the auto-shift setting thinamajiggy, do any of you have those kind?  I am sometimes frustrated with overcooked food after my 10 hour absence on a regular work day!

Shall we get a little spicy today?

Buffalo Chicken Breasts

4 Points Plus

4 Servings

2 Chicken, breasts, raw, without skin & bone, split into 4 pieces  

1/4 c hot pepper sauce (I like Frank's!)

2 T vinegar  

2 T light butter  

1 t paprika  

Instructions

Place chicken in slow cooker. Mix together remaining ingredients and pour over chicken. Sprinkle with paprika. Cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours.

I would recommend a smaller slow cooker, just enough for everything to fit!

Substitution, you can also use Worcestershire instead of vinegar!