Saturday, March 19, 2011

Slow-Cooker Veal Stew with Pearl Onions and Oyster Mushrooms

Slow-Cooker Veal Stew with Pearl Onions and Oyster Mushrooms
Course: main meals
PointsPlus™ Value: 7
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 25 min
Cooking Time: 360 min
Level of Difficulty: Easy


For a rich variation of this dish, stir 1/2 cup of fat-free sour cream into the veal stew just before serving (do not allow it to boil).

Details Read all reviews (2) Ingredients

1 spray(s) cooking spray, lemon-flavored
16 oz lean veal leg, boneless, cut into 1-inch chunks
1/2 cup(s) fat-free chicken broth
1 cup(s) carrot(s), baby, sliced
4 small uncooked potato(es), fingerling, sliced 1/2-inch thick
8 small onion(s), red pearl, peeled and halved lengthwise
1 clove(s) (medium) garlic clove(s), minced
20 small raw oyster mushrooms, coarsely chopped
2 1/2 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp dried sage, crushed
3/4 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions
Coat a ridged grill pan with cooking spray. Preheat pan over high heat until a drop of water sprinkled on pan sizzles. Add veal and sear 1 minute per side.


Place veal in a 4- to 5-quart slow cooker. Add broth, carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, mushrooms, lemon zest, sage, salt and pepper in order listed.


Cover and cook on LOW setting for 5 to 6 hours. Stir well before serving. Yields about 1 cup per serving. (Note: The addition of sour cream, as indicated in the abstract, does not affect the POINTS value of this recipe.)
Notes
Garnish this dish with 2 tablespoons of freshly minced chives.

Southwestern Slow Cooker Chicken and Potato Soup

Southwestern Slow Cooker Chicken and Potato Soup

Course: soups
PointsPlus™ Value: 7
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 15 min
Cooking Time: 420 min
Level of Difficulty: Easy


This spicy soup is packed with chunks of chicken, potatoes and corn, and flavored with cumin. Hearty and delicious.

Details Read all reviews (158) Ingredients

3/4 pound(s) uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 medium sweet potato(es), peeled, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 large onion(s), chopped
29 oz canned diced tomatoes, salsa-style with chiles, undrained
14 1/2 oz fat-free chicken broth
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp Durkee Ground Cumin Seed, or other brand
1 1/2 cup(s) frozen corn kernels, not thawed

Instructions
Mix all ingredients, except corn, in a 4-quart or larger slow cooker; cover and cook on low heat for 6 hours.


Stir in corn and cover slow cooker; cook on high heat until chicken is no longer pink in center and vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes more. Yields about 1 1/4 cups per serving.

Daily tips to success

DAILY TIPS TO SUCCESS:
1. Make an effort not to multitask during meals. If you're working, reading or watching TV while you eat, you won't truly appreciate your food.
2. Every time you sit down for a meal, sit down. Chew slowly and pay attention to flavors and textures. You'll enjoy your food more and eat less.
3. Put half the usual amount of food on your plate. Try half a bagel, half a sandwich, or half a cup of rice instead of the entire cup. See if you feel satisfied eating less.
4. Brush your teeth after each meal and snack. The minty freshness will be a signal to your mouth—and your mind—that you've finished eating.
5. Walk an extra 1,000 steps during the day. Adding even a little more exercise can boost your weight loss. Walk over to a co-worker's cubicle or office, rather than e-mailing

Friday, March 18, 2011

Kielbasa Bean Slow Cooker Soup

Kielbasa-Bean Slow Cooker Soup
Course: soups
PointsPlus™ Value: 4
Servings: 8
Preparation Time: 20 min
Cooking Time: 375 min
Level of Difficulty: Easy


Toss the ingredients into a slow cooker in the morning, and you'll be eating this delicious, almost effortless homemade soup for dinner.

Details Read all reviews (226) Ingredients

58 oz fat-free chicken broth, four 14.5 oz cans
16 oz low-fat sausage, smoked, or reduced-fat kielbasa, cut in half lengthwise and then sliced
15 oz canned pinto beans, rinsed and drained
15 oz canned black beans, rinsed and drained
4 medium carrot(s), chopped
3 stalk(s) (medium) celery, chopped
1 large onion(s), chopped
1 tsp thyme, fresh
14 1/2 oz canned diced tomatoes, undrained

Instructions
Mix all ingredients, except tomatoes, in a 5 to 6-quart slow cooker (crockpot). Cover and cook on low-heat setting at least 6 hours or until vegetables are tender.


Stir in tomatoes; cover and cook on high-heat setting until heated through, about 15 minutes more. Yields about 1 heaping cup per serving

15 Minute Chicken Gumbo

15 Minute Chicken Gumbo Favorites Add to PointsPlus™ Tracker
Course: soups
PointsPlus™ Value: 5
Servings: 4
Ingredients

1 spray(s) cooking spray
1 package(s) frozen gumbo-style vegetables, 16 oz, a mixture of okra, peppers and onions
29 oz canned diced tomatoes, with mild chiles
12 oz refrigerated grilled chicken breast fillet, cubed, about 3 cups
1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp Creole seasoning

Instructions

Coat a large skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Add vegetables and sauté over high heat, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute more.
Stir in tomatoes, chicken and Creole seasoning. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until hot, about 6 minutes. Yields about 1 1/2 cups per serving.

10 reasons to stay motivated

9 Hidden Reasons to Stay Motivated
Ways to Rediscover Your Drive
-- By Zach Van Hart
Everyone tells us to stay motivated. Our friends, our co-workers, our relatives say to keep going, don’t quit. Sometimes, though, you ask, "Why? Why try my hardest when it ends in disappointment? Why go through something when it’s going to hurt? Why?"

Because it’s going to be different this time! Because you can’t accomplish anything that you give up on. Disappointments and failures happen to everyone. The difference between those who reach their goals and those who don’t is staying motivated. If you’re motivated, you’ll keep going. If you keep going, eventually you’ll reach your goal.

Need more reasons? Here are 10 of our ‘hidden’ reasons to stay motivated. Use one or all of them to keep the fire burning inside you.

1. Confidence

How did it feel after that first jog around the block? Or when you finally walked the stairs at work without losing your breath? The more you accomplish, the more you’ll believe in yourself.

2. Fit into that dress

It’s been hanging up in your closet for two years now, just waiting to be thrown on for a night on the town. All it takes is for you to go that extra mile and stay on track. Before you know it, those two years will be ancient history.

3. Make the week easier

Ever felt like a week was taking forever? It feels like Friday, but it’s only Tuesday? This happens when you’re not working towards anything. When you have a goal in mind, you’ll want to cook that healthy dinner or go to the gym. The week will not only go faster, but be more enjoyable.

4. Gives you purpose

Every once in a while, we need a good reason to get out of bed. Here it is, right in front of you. Eat the healthy breakfast that’s going to jump start your day, go for your morning jog, or walk to the driveway and grab the newspaper. When you’re motivated, you have a reason to do what you do.

5. For your kids

And your grandkids. And their kids, too. The healthier you are, the longer you’ll be around to watch your kids grow and to spoil your grandchildren. They’ll want you to be around as long as possible; consider this just another present.

6. Power of momentum

It’s a scientific fact – something in motion tends to stay in motion. Momentum builds quickly and can lead to great results. Suddenly, you’re not only working for the goal, but also to keep your streak alive. Even more reason to reach your goals.

7. The ‘wow’ effect

Picture this: Walking into a bar, you run into someone from high school, and their eyes light up. They gasp, "Wow, you look great!" By sticking with your goals, this can happen. Watch the "wows" add up.

8. Spread the spark

When friends and family see how hard you’re working, they’ll wonder how they can reach their own goals. Guess who they’re going to look to for help? By staying motivated, you’ll not only help yourself, but others too.

9. Keep gaining experience

The more you do, the more you will learn and understand. You’ll discover which tactics work best for you and which ones don’t. It’s like weeding out the garden - not the most enjoyable job in the world, but when you’re done, all that’s left are beautiful flowers. Keeping sticking with it and soon it will be all flowers for you.

Beer Cheat Sheet

29 facts and tips to savor with your favorite malt beverage.


What’ll ya have?

There are thousands of different beers. Here’s a selection of popular brews. Some are smarter grabs that save PointsPlus™ values. All are 12 ounces.

Beers with 2 PointsPlus values

Miller Genuine Draft Light 64 (MGD 64)
Select55


Beers with 3 PointsPlus values

Bud Ice Light
Budweiser Select
Busch Light
Coors Light
Miller Light

Beers with More PointsPlus values

Budweiser
Busch
Coors
Miller Genuine Draft
Miller Highlife Beer bellies, the traditional male malady, are enough to put either sex off downing a cold one. But they're a myth, says Charlie Bamforth, PhD, chair and professor, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California, Davis and author of Beer: Health and Nutrition. "This is a silly myth. If folks get fat from drinking beer it's because their total calorie intake is too high and they are not working it off."

The Good News
Beer contains some B vitamins, antioxidants and minerals. It also has:

•NO cholesterol
•NO fat
•very little sugar

The bad news
While experts may pooh-pooh beer bellies, the fact remains that alcohol is one calorie-dense nectar, packing seven calories per gram. That's almost as much as fat, which has nine calories per gram. Don't blame the malt. "The most significant source of calories in beer is the alcohol itself," says Bamforth, "The stronger the beer, the more calories."

•Most 12-ounce beer with 5 percent alcohol by volume contains a PointsPlus value of 5.


•The typical 16-ounce draft pint contains a PointsPlus value of 6.


•Most 12-ounce "light" beers have a PointsPlus value of 3.


•A 1-pint draft of light beer has a PointsPlusvalue of 4.


•A 12-ounce non-alcoholic beer has a PointsPlusvalue of 2.


Can it improve your health?
Some studies show that moderate drinking may help lower risk of heart disease, particularly in women over 55 and men over 45. But what is moderate? For women, it's no more than one drink per day. For men, it's no more than two. Exceed your quota, and the risk of heart and liver disease, stroke and accidents negate any perks.

Don't follow the lite
The terms "light" and "lite" (or any other cutesy variation) have no legal definition. They could mean the beer is light in color or lighter than lead — or anything else the staff at the brewery decided.

Watch your low-carb language
If the labels reads "low carbohydrate," the beer must have no more than 7 grams of carbohydrates per serving. But any beer can tout "reduced carbohydrates" or "lower carbohydrates" on its label, just so long as the brewery makes a more carb-heavy beer. Shifty, eh?

Do suds wine-style
A tip that adds civility and can shave PointsPlus values: "There's nothing wrong with pouring a beer into two glasses at dinner like you would with wine," says George F. Reisch, brewmaster for Anheiser Busch, Inc. Yes, you read correctly. One of the guys who makes Budweiser takes his Bud in a white-wine glass. "I actually think people should share beers more," Reisch adds. "It's smart and your last sip will still be cold."

Nix the nuts
Those robotic grabs of peanuts or cheddar fish can add up to triple the calories and PointsPlus values of the beer you drink. Be prepared: Drinking can lead to snacking, so keep the right stuff on hand — or see if you can charm the bartender into stocking better choices. Instead of party mix, try:




Unsalted pretzels 1 oz 3 PointsPlus values
94% fat-free microwave-popped popcorn 5 cups 3 PointsPlus values
Radishes (a German favorite) 1 cup 0 PointsPlus values

About the Writer
Jeffery Lindenmuth is a fine dining writer and lecturer, who has written for Esquire, Wine & Spirits, Men's Health and Cooking Light.

Mediterranean Chicken

mediterranean chicken Favorites Add to PointsPlus™ Tracker
Course: main meals
PointsPlus™ Value: 6
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 15 min
Cooking Time: 20 min
Level of Difficulty: Moderate


Warmed chicken breasts topped with vegetable salsa give a whole new meaning to grilled chicken salad.

Details Read all reviews (114) Ingredients

2 tsp lemon pepper
1/3 cup(s) white all-purpose flour
1 pound(s) uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, four 4 oz pieces
4 medium scallion(s), chopped
3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, (juice of 1 lemon)
1/8 tsp curry powder, pinch
3 Tbsp diet italian salad dressing, 2 calories per tbs, fat-free
1/2 cup(s) (sliced) avocado, peeled
3 small tomato(es), plum, diced
7 medium olive(s), jumbo pitted,chopped

Instructions
Preheat oven to 400ºF. Coat a baking dish with cooking spray.


Combine seasoning and flour. Lightly coat chicken with cooking spray, then coat each breast with flour mixture. Place chicken in prepared dish and bake until cooked through, about 20 minutes.


In a bowl, combine scallions, lemon juice, curry powder, dressing, avocado, tomatoes and olives.


Divide chicken breasts between four plates and top with avocado salsa.

Mediterranean Chicken

mediterranean chicken Favorites Add to PointsPlus™ Tracker

Course: main meals
PointsPlus™ Value: 6
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 15 min
Cooking Time: 20 min
Level of Difficulty: Moderate


Warmed chicken breasts topped with vegetable salsa give a whole new meaning to grilled chicken salad.

Details Read all reviews (114) Ingredients

2 tsp lemon pepper
1/3 cup(s) white all-purpose flour
1 pound(s) uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, four 4 oz pieces
4 medium scallion(s), chopped
3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, (juice of 1 lemon)
1/8 tsp curry powder, pinch
3 Tbsp diet italian salad dressing, 2 calories per tbs, fat-free
1/2 cup(s) (sliced) avocado, peeled
3 small tomato(es), plum, diced
7 medium olive(s), jumbo pitted,chopped

Instructions
Preheat oven to 400ºF. Coat a baking dish with cooking spray.


Combine seasoning and flour. Lightly coat chicken with cooking spray, then coat each breast with flour mixture. Place chicken in prepared dish and bake until cooked through, about 20 minutes.


In a bowl, combine scallions, lemon juice, curry powder, dressing, avocado, tomatoes and olives.


Divide chicken breasts between four plates and top with avocado salsa.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

A woman's week at the gym.

A WOMAN'S WEEK AT THE GYM (Thank you Wendy for sharing)

If you read this without laughing out loud, there is something wrong with you. This is dedicated to everyone who ever attempted to get into a regular workout routine.

Dear Diary,
For my birthday this year, I purchased a week of personal training at the local health club. Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader 43 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try.

I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Christo, who identified himself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear.

Friends seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.
________________________________
MONDAY:
Started my day at 6:00 am. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Christo waiting for me. He is something of a Greek god--with blond hair, dancing eyes, and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!!

Christo gave me a tour and showed me the machines. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which he conducted his aerobics class after my workout today. Very inspiring!

Christo was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time he was around.

This is going to be a FANTASTIC week!!
________________________________
TUESDAY:
I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door. Christo made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air then he put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. His rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT! It's a whole new life for me.
_______________________________
WEDNESDAY:
The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot.
Christo was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members. His voice is a little too perky for that early in the morning and when he scolds, he gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying.
My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Christo put me on the stair monster. Why the hell would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Christo told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. He said some other shit too.
_______________________________
THURSDAY:
Asshole was waiting for me with his vampire-like teeth exposed as his thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn't help being a half an hour late-- it took me that long to tie my shoes.
He took me to work out with dumbbells. When he was not looking, I ran and hid in the restroom. He sent some skinny bitch to find me.
Then, as punishment, he put me on the rowing machine--which I sank.
_________________________________
FRIDAY:
I hate that bastard Christo more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic, anorexic, little aerobics instructor. If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat him with it. Christo wanted me to work on my triceps. I don't have any triceps! And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me the damn barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich. The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director?
________________________________
SATURDAY:
Satan left a message on my answering machine in his grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today. Just hearing his voice made me want to smash the machine with my planner; however, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel.
________________________________
SUNDAY:
I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my husband will choose a gift for me that is fun--like a root canal or a hysterectomy. I still say if God had wanted me to bend over, he would have sprinkled the floor with diamonds!!!

Slim Down St.Patrick's Day

Slim Down St. Patrick's Day

Article By: Natalie Nodecker

Use these tips to make this holiday fun and festive — with fewer calories.


Here are 10 fun tips for getting through the day without over-the-rainbow PointsPlus™ values.



Everyone loves a parade
Instead of sitting on the sidelines, get involved. Either join a group that's walking or march to your own beat.

Seeing green
Yep, it'll be everywhere, so go with the flow and start your own tradition. Every time someone around you mentions green, tack on an additional push-up or an extra minute of cardio to the next day's workout.

Find the true green
Taking a hike in the spring weather can be an excellent way to see some natural greens. Pack a lunch and hit the trails.

Pass the green tea, please
Besides all of the added health benefits that green tea can provide, drinking this green beverage puts you in your own holiday spirit — a relaxed one.

Eat your greens
Celebrate by eating all the verdant veggies you can get your hands on: spinach, broccoli, green beans, lettuce.

Plan a picnic
Weather permitting, get outside and into the grass to hunt for four-leaf clovers.

Throw a party
Invite friends to your place and require that each bring a healthy dish. With you in control of the food and the drink, it won't take any luck to get you through the holiday.

Get creative with food coloring
Use green food-coloring to make healthy and festive snacks for you or your kids. Low PointsPlus value green milkshakes, anyone?

Make yourself a personal pot of gold
Write your accomplishments on slips of paper and keep them together in a little black pot. One day, that pot of success will make you feel rich.

Celebrate Non Scale Victories

Celebrate Non-Scale Victories

Article By: Melissa Sperl


The scale isn't the be-all and end-all for feedback on your weight-loss efforts.


It's easy to get caught up in the numbers when you're weighing in every week. You worked so hard! You want that scale to say your hard work is … well, working.

There's a danger in depending solely on the scale for feedback, though. If it shows that you didn't lose or that you gained, you might feel disappointed. It might even feel like a setback.

But if you put the scale in perspective and focus on other achievements, your weight-loss journey will feel a lot less hit or miss. Imagine how your potential would soar if you were in tune with other signs of progress! The resulting positive attitude could make you a winner in the long run. And that's what this is really about.

The pounds are the plus
Maybe you've seen the abbreviation "NSV" in the Community — it means "non-scale victories," the small, everyday indicators that mark your new, healthier life. Sounds like fun, right? Sort of like an added bonus to the pounds dropping away?

But try thinking of it this way: The NSVs are what your hard work is really about, and the numbers on the scale are the added bonus. Sure, keeping track of the weight lost is an important part of the Plan. But also acknowledging your progress in other areas can help keep you positive.

For example, here are some non-scale victories that are well worth celebrating:

Your clothes fit better
It's easier to walk up stairs and play with your kids
You have more energy
You feel more positive and better about yourself
You're noticing that you eat more vegetables and drink more water. You're acting like a healthy person!
It's important to recognize changes, even if you consider them small as they are happening. If you focus on those NSVs, the pounds will take care of themselves. You'll realize that you're progressing in behaviors, attitudes, skills and choices that will last you a lifetime at a healthy weight.

Enchilada Zagna

Enchilada-Zagna (Thank you Polly, Eldersburg)

Adapted from a recipe found in the weekly flyer...it’s really tasty.

6 servings = 8pp

8 servings = 6pp

Ingredients

1 can Old El Paso enchilada sauce (3pp)
1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream (9pp)
6 oz fat-free evaporated milk (4pp)
1 cup(s) low-fat shredded cheddar cheese (WW Mexican-Style - 6pp)
* 6 corn tortillas, Approx 7" diameter (8pp)
12 oz cooked ground beef, (I use 93% fat free) (12pp)
2 oz Green Chile strips, (1/2 4 oz. can, undrained) (Opt.)



Instructions

PREHEAT oven to 350 F. Grease 8x8 inch baking dish.

Brown and drain ground beef. COMBINE enchilada sauce and sour cream in medium bowl.
Combine evaporated milk, cheese and chiles in medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until cheese has melted and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.

SPREAD 1/2 cup enchilada sauce mixture on bottom of prepared baking dish. Layer with 2-3 tortillas, 1/2 cup enchilada sauce mixture, 3/4 cups beef, 1/2 cup cheese sauce; repeat layers one more time, starting with tortillas. Top with remaining tortillas, enchilada sauce mixture and cheese sauce.

BAKE for 40 minutes. Cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

TIPS:

Original recipe was doubled and served 10-12 in a 9x13 baking dish

Different brands of enchilada sauce may have different heat levels.

A hotter enchilada sauce can be used if a spicier dish is desired.



* Different brands of tortillas will change the points total. I calculated this using Mission brand corn tortillas which have 2 g protein, 22 g carbs, 1.5 g fat and 3 g fiber @ either Wal Mart or Food Lion (@ 3PPs per serving).



Original recipe called for 1-1/2 cup shredded chicken.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Costco and Sam's Club Nutrition Information

Here are the links that Portia sent to me with Costco and Sam's nutritional information on-line for their products? Click on these links.
http://www.livestrong.com/thedailyplate/nutrition-calories/food/costco/

http://www.livestrong.com/thedailyplate/nutrition-calories/food/sams-club/

Friday, March 4, 2011

Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread

Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread
Makes 1 round loaf (8 slices).
Serving size: 1 slice (1/8 loaf)
PointsPlus™ value per serving: 5Ingredients
3/4 cup low-fat buttermilk
2 Tbsp canola oil
1 cup plus 1 tsp all-purpose flour, separated
1 cup whole-wheat flour
1/3 cup golden raisins
4 tsp caraway seeds
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
1.Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 325ºF.
2.Whisk the buttermilk and oil in a medium bowl; set aside.
3.Whisk 1 cup all-purpose flour, the whole-wheat flour, raisins, caraway seeds, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Stir in the buttermilk mixture with a wooden spoon until thoroughly moistened.
4.Dust a clean, dry work surface with the remaining 1 teaspoon flour. Turn the dough out onto work surface and knead for 30 seconds, just until it coheres. Shape into a round loaf about 6 inches in diameter and 1 inch high. Use a sharp knife or a new razor blade to cut an "x" about 1/2 inch deep in the top of the loaf.
5.Lightly spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray, place the loaf on it, and bake until lightly browned and crusty, about 45 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Beef, rice and Mushroom Stew

And we cannot celebrate St.Patrick without stew so here goes one to enjoy without the guilt.
Beef, Brown Rice and Mushroom Stew
Makes 6 1-cup servings
PointsPlus™ value per serving: 7Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray
1 1/2 pounds bottom round, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 medium onions, halved and thinly sliced
1 pound cremini or white button mushrooms, cleaned and thinly sliced
2 tsp stemmed fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp caraway seeds
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
2 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth
One 12-ounce bottle Guinness stout
1/2 cup uncooked brown rice
Instructions
1.Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
2.Spray a large casserole or oven-safe saucepan with nonstick spray and set over medium heat. Add the meat (working in batches if necessary) and brown on all sides, turning occasionally, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
3.Spray again with nonstick spray and add the onions. Cook, stirring often, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the mushrooms and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until they release their liquid, about 4 minutes.
4.Stir in the thyme, caraway seeds, salt and pepper; cook until aromatic, about 15 seconds.
5.Pour in the broth and beer, stirring until the foam dissipates. Stir the beef back into the stew and bring to a simmer. Cover and place in the oven to bake for 30 minutes.
6.Stir in the rice. Cover and bake until the meat and rice are tender, stirring once or twice, about 1 more hour.

Only One Pound

Only One Pound!

Hello, do you know me?
If you don't, you should.
I'm a pound of fat,
And I'm the HAPPIEST
pound of fat that you would ever want to meet.
Want to know why?
It's because no one ever wants to lose me;
I'm ONLY ONE POUND, just a pound!
Everyone wants to lose three pounds,
five pounds, or fifteen pounds, but never only one.
So I just stick around and happily keep you fat.
Then I add to myself, ever so slyly,
so that you never seem to notice it.
That is, until I've grown to ten, twenty, thirty or
even more pounds in weight.
Yes, it's fun being ONLY ONE POUND OF FAT,
left to do as I please.
So, when you weigh in keep right on saying,
"Oh, I only lost one pound”)
As if that were such a terrible thing.)
For you see, if you do this,
You'll encourage others to keep me around because
they'll think I'm not worth losing.
And, I love being around you -
your arms, your legs, your chin, your hips and
every part of you.
Happy Days!!!
After all, I'm
ONLY ONE POUND OF FAT!!!

Author Unknown

Do it Yourself 100 -3PointsPlus bags-

DIY 100 Calorie Snacks (source: www.Hungry-girl.com) (Thank you Cathy, Mount Airy)
14 almonds
PER SERVING (about 14 whole unsalted nuts): 100 calories, 9g fat, 0mg sodium, 3g carbs, 2g fiber, 0.5g sugars, 3.5g protein -- PointsPlus™ value 3*

25 pistachios
PER SERVING (about 25 dry-roasted unsalted nuts): 100 calories, 8g fat, 0mg sodium, 5g carbs, 1.75g fiber, 1g sugars, 3.5g protein -- PointsPlus™ value 3*

16 Popchips
PER SERVING (about 16 chips, average of all flavors): 100 calories, 3.25g fat, 235mg sodium, 16g carbs, 1g fiber, 1g sugars, 1g protein -- PointsPlus™ value 3*

15 Guiltless Gourmet Tortilla Chips
PER SERVING (about 15 chips, average of all flavors): 100 calories, 2g fat, 156mg sodium, 17.5g carbs, 1.5g fiber, 0g sugars, 1.5g protein -- PointsPlus™ value 2*

12 hard pretzel sticks (not rods)
PER SERVING (about 12 small plain sticks, average): 100 calories, 0g fat, 460mg sodium, 23g carbs, 1g fiber, 1g sugars, 2g protein -- PointsPlus™ value 3*

19 hard pretzel twists
PER SERVING (about 19 mini twists, average): 100 calories, <0.5g fat, 400mg sodium, 20.5g carbs, <1g fiber, <0.5g sugars, 1.5g protein -- PointsPlus™ value 2*

5 cups 94% fat-free microwave popcorn
PER SERVING (about 5 cups popped corn, average): 100 calories, 0.5g fat, 204mg sodium, 22g carbs, 4g fiber, 0g sugars, 2.5g protein -- PointsPlus™ value 2*

13 Quaker Quakes Rice Snacks
PER SERVING (about 13 mini cakes, average of all flavors): 100 calories, 2g fat, 223mg sodium, 19.5g carbs, 0g fiber, 3.5g sugars, 1.5g protein -- PointsPlus™ value 3*

4 Hershey's Milk Chocolate Kisses
PER SERVING (about 4 pieces): 100 calories, 5.5g fat, 15mg sodium, 10.5g carbs, <0.5g fiber, 9g sugars, 1g protein -- PointsPlus™ value 3*

4 teaspoons mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
PER SERVING (about 4 tsp., average): 100 calories, 5.25g fat, 5mg sodium, 12g carbs, 0.5g fiber, 10.5g sugars, 1g protein -- PointsPlus™ value 3*

27 Reese's Pieces
PER SERVING (about 27 pieces): 100 calories, 4.75g fat, 38mg sodium, 12g carbs, 0.5g fiber, 10g sugars, 2g protein -- PointsPlus™ value 3*

45 mini marshmallows
PER SERVING (about 45 mini marshmallows, average): 100 calories, 0g fat, 25mg sodium, 25.5g carbs, 0g fiber, 18g sugars, 0.5g protein -- PointsPlus™ value 3*

1/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries
PER SERVING (about 1/4 cup, average): 100 calories, <0.5g fat, 1mg sodium, 26.5g carbs, 2.5g fiber, 21.5g sugars, 0g protein -- PointsPlus™ value 3*

25 jelly beans (like Jelly Belly)
PER SERVING (about 25 small jelly beans, average): 100 calories, 0g fat, 14mg sodium, 25g carbs, 0g fiber, 20g sugars, 0g protein -- PointsPlus™ value 3*

HG's Super 100-Cal Snack Mixes!

Using your newfound knowledge, make your own mixes! Or try out ours...

Jelly Bean 'Stach Snack
PER SERVING (10 small jelly beans + 15 pistachios): 100 calories, 4.75g fat, 7mg sodium, 13g carbs, 1g fiber, 8.5g sugars, 2g protein -- PointsPlus™ value 3*

Candy 'Mallow Popcorn
PER SERVING (9 Reese's Pieces + 8 mini marshmallows + 2 1/2 cups 94% fat-free microwave popped corn): 100 calories, 1.5g fat, 120mg sodium, 19.5g carbs, 2g fiber, 6.5g sugars, 2g protein -- PointsPlus™ value 3*

Chocolaty Caramel Crunch Mix
PER SERVING (2 tsp. mini semi-sweet chocolate chips + 6 Quaker Caramel Corn Quakes): 100 calories, 2.5g fat, 130mg sodium, 17g carbs, <0.5g fiber, 8.5g sugars, 1g protein -- PointsPlus™ value 3*

Berry Nutty Twist Mix
PER SERVING (1 1/2 tbsp. sweetened dried cranberries + 5 almonds + 5 mini pretzel twists): 100 calories, 3g fat, 105mg sodium, 16g carbs, 1.5g fiber, 8g sugars, 1.5g protein -- PointsPlus™ value 3*