Sunday, August 26, 2012

Wake Up and Get Out!

Wake Up and Get Out!

Try these painless ways to get out of bed and into the morning workout habit.
4 Ways to Get Out of Bed and Get Moving
For night owls and anyone else who struggles to get out of bed when the alarm clock sounds, waking up for a morning workout is a lot easier said than done. However, completing your exercise regimen before your day even starts can boost your energy and may help you sleep better at night.
There are several ways to make getting up in the morning easier, according to Susan Zafarlotfi, PhD, clinical director of the Institute for Sleep/Wake Disorders at Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, N.J. "Seemingly simple things, from light exposure to taking a shower, can have a major effect on how tired you feel," says Zafarlotfi. "And, of course, the more awake you are, the more willing and able you'll be to hit the gym."
Try one or more of these techniques to help you jump-start your day:
1. Light up your morning.
"Your internal clock is regulated by light exposure," says Zafarlotfi. "When you're in the dark, your body wants to sleep. When you're in the light, it's a signal that you should be awake. That's why getting a dose of light — whether natural or artificial — can help you feel more energized." To brighten things up, Zafarlotfi suggests opening your curtains upon rising. If it's cloudy out or still dark, turn on bright, white-hued lights throughout your house.
2. Refresh your routine.
"The period in which you'll feel most tired is right after you wake up from a night's sleep," says Zafarlotfi. "If you just pull on your workout clothes and head out the door, your body and mind will struggle to get going. But having a refreshing routine — a little coffee and a bite to eat, a shower, even reading the paper — gives you a chance to wake up, and you'll feel more alert." A small snack or light breakfast provides glucose to fuel your workout.
3. Enlist help.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine reported that people who received a telephone call encouraging them to exercise were more likely to do so than those who didn't get a call. Stay on track by asking a friend or family member to call or text you in the morning.
4. Rethink your sleeping habits.
The single best way to make rising easier, says Zafarlotfi, is to make sure that you're well rested. "Sleeping too much, too little or poorly can have a major effect on the way that you feel in the morning," she explains. Her advice: Aim to get about seven to eight hours of quality shut-eye a night. For those without a hard-and-fast morning schedule, you can figure out your needs by going without an alarm clock for two weeks; the amount you sleep, on average, is the amount you probably need on a regular basis.
If you find yourself unable to fall or stay asleep, Zafarlotfi suggests cutting out slumber-sabotaging substances like caffeine after noon, and alcohol in the late evening. Adopt an anxiety-reducing ritual, such as keeping a journal or doing yoga stretches. Says Zafarlotfi, "Nothing will keep you tossing and turning all night like stress."
If you are exercise in the evening and find this to be a successful regimen don’t be discouraged. Exercising no matter what time of the day is beneficial, just as long as you can stick with it.

Cumin-Lime Confetti Salad

Cumin-Lime Confetti Salad
Cumin-Lime Confetti Salad
Weight Watchers Recipe
266 people rated this recipe
Ratings (266) Rate it
5PointsPlus Value
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 0 min
Serves: 10
This colorful, crunchy salad would be a great addition to any summer BBQ or picnic. Try it as a topping for fish tacos, too.

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine black beans, edamame, corn, peppers, onion and cilantro.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together vinaigrette ingredients.
  • Drizzle vinaigrette over bean mixture and toss to coat. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Yields about 1 cup per serving.

Notes

  • This salad can be made a day ahead - just refresh with additional lime as needed before serving.

Lemon-Rosemary White Bean Bruschetta

Lemon-Rosemary White Bean Bruschetta
Image of  Lemon-Rosemary White Bean Bruschetta
Weight Watchers Recipe
56 people rated this recipe
Ratings (56) Rate it
1PointsPlus Value
Prep time: 18 min
Cook time: 10 min
Serves: 30
These rustic bruschetta are reminiscent of a summery Tuscan day. Serve with grilled chicken skewers and some bubbly Prosecco.
  •                                    

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Arrange bread slices on a foil-lined baking sheet and lightly coat both sides of bread with cooking spray; sprinkle top side of bread with garlic salt. Bake until bread is crisp and lightly browned, about 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine remaining ingredients, except for cheese and lemon zest; mash with a fork to partially break up beans.
  • Top each slice of bread with a heaping tablespoon of bean mixture; sprinkle with cheese and zest. Yields 1 bruschetta per serving.

Notes

  • Try this recipe with any fresh herbs you have on hand - dill, oregano and/or mint would all be tasty.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Summer Menu Makeover

Summer Menu Makeover

Liven up a "lazy" summer menu with fresh and delicious seasonal recipes.
Have you considered that one of your favorite light summer recipes might be just what someone else needs to bust out of a menu rut? Or perhaps one of your fellow meeting members has an idea or cooking technique that can revive one of your once-loved summer classics? If you're like most members, chicken and mixed greens are in heavy rotation during the warm-weather months. But how many times can you prepare the same old grilled chicken breast recipe for dinner or eat a no-frills green salad for lunch?
Wake up your taste buds!
You don't have to reinvent the wheel to give summer classics a fresh twist. For example, something as simple as swapping a spice or an herb can make a difference. Or roasting and grilling to bring out the natural sugars in foods, rather than boiling or steaming. Seasoning food before cooking it, as well as properly salting water for rice or pasta can dramatically boost flavor. And using fresh seasonal produce is a great way to highlight different flavors and textures in your recipes.
What are some of the foods you look forward to eating this time of year? Salads? Jazz them up by topping your greens with meat, seafood or chicken leftovers. Corn? Roast and season kernels for a light and flavorful finger-food snack. Watermelon? Blend it into a frozen cocktail. And sure, grilling may be the unofficial cooking technique of the season because you can get food on the table quickly and keep the house cool, but using a toaster oven is a comparable alternative. And if your slow-cooker is on the shelf or in the closet gathering dust, pull it out, place it on the counter, and use it to create fuss-free weeknight dinners

SPRING SALAD WITH STRAWBERRIES AND GOAT CHEESE


SPRING SALAD WITH STRAWBERRIES AND GOAT CHEESE  (Points Plus value per serving:  3)
       (Thank you Patty from Columbia)


1       Tbsp orange juice      ¼ tsp black pepper            ¼ cup crumbled semisoft goat cheese

 1 Tbsp canola oil              ¼ tsp table salt                  2 Tbsp salted dry-roasted pistachio nuts,

2       tsp aged                      4 cups mixed greens                       coarsely chopped              

balsamic vinegar       1 cup sliced strawberries

In a cup, stir together juice, oil, vinegar, pepper, salt; set aside.  Arrange mixed greens in a large shallow bowl; top with strawberries, cheese and nuts.  Just before serving, stir dressing and drizzle over salad; toss gently but well.  Yields about 1 ¼ cups per serving.                                                                                                                                                               

ROASTED SWEET POTATO WEDGES


  ROASTED SWEET POTATO WEDGES (Points Plus value per serving:  2)



1       large sweet potatoes, washed and patted dry

1 tsp olive oil

¼ tsp table salt

¼ tsp dried rosemary, crushed

1 rosemary sprig, for garnish (optional)

Preheat oven to 425 F.  Cut each potato into 8 lengthwise wedges and place on a nonstick baking sheet.  Drizzle with oil; sprinkle with salt and dried rosemary.  Roast for 15 minutes; toss and roast until potatoes are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes more.  Spoon potato wedges onto a serving plate and garnish with fresh rosemary.  Makes 4 servings.  Yields 4 wedges per serving.

(I cut them a little smaller, and bake accordingly.)

Pineapple Angel Food Cake


       PINEAPPLE SQUARES (Points Plus value per serving:  2) (Thank you Patti from Columbia)

1 package angel food cake mix, about 16 oz

1       can crushed pineapple, about 20 oz

Preheat oven to 350 F

Combine cake mix with pineapple (do not drain).  Pour batter into an ungreased 9 x 13 inch baking dish; bake for 30 minutes.  Cool and cut into 24 pieces.  Makes 24 servings.

(I serve warm with canned or fresh peaches and 2T Cool Whip Lite, for 1 additional point)

Berry-Berry Cake

Thank you Cathy from Mount Airy for this recipe.  I cannot wait to make it.  Diana

Berry-Berry Cake
4.2(83)
time prep: 20 min             total:  1 hr 35 min
servings total: 12 servings  - PointsPlus per serving=4 per serving

Berry-Berry Cake recipe
photo by:
kraft
 

What You Need

1/3 cup PHILADELPHIA 1/3 Less Fat than Cream Cheese
3/4 cup sugar, divided
2 egg whites
2 tsp. lemon zest
1 cup plus 2 tsp. flour, divided
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/3 cup BREAKSTONE'S FREE or KNUDSEN Fat Free Sour Cream
3 cups mixed fresh blueberries and raspberries, divided
1-1/2 cups thawed COOL WHIP FREE Whipped Topping

Make It

HEAT oven to 350°F.
BEAT reduced-fat cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar in large bowl with mixer until blended. Add egg whites and zest; mix well. Combine 1 cup flour and baking soda. Add to cream cheese mixture alternately with sour cream, beating well after each addition. (Do not overmix.) Spread onto bottom and 1 inch up side of 9-inch springform pan sprayed with cooking spray.
TOSS 2 cups berries with remaining sugar and flour; spoon over cream cheese mixture to within 1/2 inch of edge.
BAKE 40 to 45 min. or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Run knife around rim of pan to loosen cake; cool before removing rim. Spoon remaining berries over cake. Serve topped with COOL WHIP. 
    Calories
150
2 g
105 mg
16 g
Protein
3 g
Vitamin A
4 %DV
Vitamin C
8 %DV
2 %DV
Iron
4 %DV

Eggplant Pamigiana


Eggplant Parmigiana (Thank you Pat for bringing it in last Saturday and Brandi for typing it)

Makes 4 servings

• 1 Eggplant (about 1½ pounds), pared and sliced ½ inch thick
• 1 Egg white, lightly beaten with 2 Tbsp. water
• ½ cup seasoned Italian bread crumbs
• 1 cup reduced-fat spaghetti Sauce
• ¾ cup shredded fat-free mozzarella cheese
• 3 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Spray 2 baking sheets with non-stick cooking spray.

Coat eggplant slices with egg white, then breas crumbs.  Aranage on prepared baking sheets; bake 30 minutes.  Turn slices over; bake until browned on both sides, 10 minutes longer.  Remove from oven; leave oven on.

Spread ¼ cup sauce over bottom of 8x8 baking dish.  Arrange half the eggplant in a singel layer over sauce; top with half of the remainign sauce, then half the cheeses.  Repeat layers.  Bake, coverd, unil heated through and cheese is meled, 30-40 minutes.







Saturday, August 11, 2012

Black-and-White Summer Bean Salad


Black-and-White Summer Bean Salad (Thank you Dawn G. - Lonza)

PointsPlus™ Value: 3

Servings: 4

Preparation Time: 20 min

Cooking Time: 0 min

Level of Difficulty: Easy



A sweet, just-picked tomato is key to this refreshing salad. If none look great, use naturally-sweet grape tomatoes instead.



Ingredients

1 cup(s) Beans, white, canned, drained and rinsed

1 cup(s) Beans, black, canned, drained and rinsed

1 large Tomatoes, fresh, diced

1 small Onion(s), uncooked, diced

1 stalk(s) Celery, raw, diced

1 Tbsp White wine vinegar

2 Tbsp Parsley, Italian, minced

⅛ tsp Salt, table, or more to taste

⅛ tsp Pepper, black, or more to taste



Instructions

In a large bowl, combine beans, tomato, onion and celery. Gently stir in vinegar and sprinkle with parsley; season to taste with salt and pepper. Yields about 1 cup per serving.



See the recipe online here:




Sent from Weight Watchers Kitchen Companion for iPad. To learn more go to http://www.weightwatchers.com/mobile

Prevencal Beef Stew


Provencal Beef Stew (Thank you Dawn G. - Lonza)

PointsPlus™ Value: 5

Servings: 6

Preparation Time: 20 min

Cooking Time: 425 min

Level of Difficulty: Moderate



Pureed beans add a wonderfully thick texture to this robust beef stew. It's a simple, nutritious way to thicken any bean-based soup.



Ingredients

16 oz Beef, round, lean only, raw, cut into 1-inch cubes (London Broil)

1 spray(s) Cooking spray

1 small Onion(s), uncooked, chopped

2 cup(s) Mushrooms, fresh, sliced

2 clove(s) Garlic, fresh, minced

2 large Carrots, uncooked, sliced

15 oz Beans, pinto, canned, drained and rinsed, divided 1½ cup(s) Beef broth, canned, divided 14½ oz Canned crushed tomatoes ½ tsp Dried oregano, crushed ¼ tsp Dried thyme, crushed ½ tsp Salt, table ¼ tsp Pepper, black

2 Tbsp Thyme, fresh, or 2 whole sprigs, for garnish (optional)



Instructions

1. Place beef in a 5-quart slow cooker.

2. Coat a 12-inch nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Add onion, mushrooms and garlic; sauté over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Add onion mixture to slow cooker; add carrots.

3. Place half of beans in slow cooker; place remaining beans in a blender. Add 1/2 cup of broth to blender and puree; spoon mixture into slow cooker. Add remaining broth, tomatoes, oregano, dried thyme, salt and pepper to slow cooker.

4. Cover slow cooker and cook on high setting for 6 to 7 hours. Garnish with fresh thyme before serving. Yields about 1 1/4 cups per serving.



See the recipe online here:




Sent from Weight Watchers Kitchen Companion for iPad. To learn more go to http://www.weightwatchers.com/mobile

Roasted Vegetables


Roasted Vegetables (Thank you Dawn G. - Lonza)

PointsPlus™ Value: 1

Servings: 8

Preparation Time: 15 min

Cooking Time: 30 min

Level of Difficulty: Easy



Serve these delicious roasted vegetables with any main dish. Or chop them up and add to pasta and rice recipes.



Ingredients

4 spray(s) Cooking spray, olive oil, divided

2 medium Peppers, sweet, red, raw, cut into 8 thick strips

1 medium Pepper, green, cut into 8 thick strips

1 medium Yellow summer squash, cut thickly on the diagonal

1 medium Zucchini, raw, cut thickly on the diagonal

1 medium Onion(s), red, cut into large wedges

12 oz Artichokes, hearts, canned, without oil, drained and halved

1 Tbsp Thyme, fresh, fresh, minced

½ tsp Salt, table, or to taste

¼ tsp Pepper, black, freshly ground, or to taste



Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 450ºF. Coat 2 large baking sheets with cooking spray.

2. Arrange peppers, squash, zucchini, onion and artichokes on prepared baking sheets and coat with cooking spray; sprinkle with thyme, salt and black pepper.

3. Roast until vegetables are tender and golden brown, shaking pan once or twice during cooking, about 25 to 30 minutes. Yields about 3/4 cup per serving.



See the recipe online here:



Sent from Weight Watchers Kitchen Companion for iPad. To learn more go to http://www.weightwatchers.com/mobile

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Easy Meal ideas from this week's meetings

Here are some of the ideas we talked about in the meeting this week.


Easy Dinner

Mix brown rice, corn, beans, cilantro and lime juice; serve in tortilla.  Add leftover chicken, beef, etc.

Crock Pot Dinner

Place frozen chicken on bottom of crockpot.  Add a can of black beans and salsa on top.  Cook on low.

Jello Salad


Jello Cottage Cheese Salad

1 lg container Fat Free Cottage Cheese

1 lg box Sugar Free Flavored Jello (use the powder only)

1-20 oz can Pineapple Tidbits – in own juice – drained

1-15 oz can Mandarin Oranges – in water – drained

1-8 oz container Free Cool Whip

Mix jello powder into cottage cheese; fold in rest of ingredients.
8 servings = 4 PointsPlus        6 servings = 6 PointsPlus

Low Fat Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread


Low Fat Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
(thank you Jill, Mount Airy)

Servings:  16                 Serving Size:  1 slice                    Points Plus:   3 pts

Ingredients:

·        1 c all purpose flour

·        1 c whole wheat flour

·        ½ c brown sugar (not packed

·        1-1/8 tsp baking soda

·        1 tsp vanilla

·        ½ tsp salt

·        ½ c chocolate chips

·        1 large egg, beaten (I used liquid egg substitute)

·        2 T melted light butter

·        1 cup apple sauce (I used chunky)

·        1-1/2 c shredded zucchini (not packed)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees

Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.  Mix well.

Add chocolate chips and gently mix to combine.

In a medium bowl, mix egg, vanilla, melted butter, apple sauce and zucchini.  Add to the flour mix and stir until just blended. 

Pour into a 9/5 loaf pan, lightly sprayed with PAM.

Bake 45-55 minutes until toothpick comes out clean

Cool 10 mins; remove from pan – cool and slice

Watermelon Slush


Watermelon Slush



PointsPlus Value:       0



Ingredients:



2½ cup watermelon cubes

1 cup ice

2 fresh mint leaves



Process in blender to desired consistency.  Serve in tall glasses.

Skinny Baked Broccoli Macaroni & Cheese


Skinny Baked Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese



Servings:                     8

Serving Size:                1 cup

PointsPlus Value:       8



Ingredients:



12 oz high fiber elbows like Ronzoni Smart Taste

1 tbsp butter

1 tbsp light butter

¼ cup flour

¼ cup minced onion

2 cups skim milk

1 cup fat-free chicken broth (vegetarians use vegetable broth)

8 oz (2 cups) Sargento shredded reduced fat sharp cheddar

Salt and fresh pepper to taste

12 oz fresh broccoli florets (I used pre-cut bag)

1/8 cup grated parmesan



Cook pasta and broccoli together in a large pot of salted water, according to package directions for al dente (or slightly under cook 2 minutes).  Spray a baking dish with cooking spray.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees.



In a large, heavy skillet, melt butters.  Add onion and cook over low heat about 2 minutes, add flour and cook another minute, or until the flour is golden and well combined.  Add milk and chicken broth and whisk, raising heat to medium-high until it comes to a boil; cook about 5 minutes or until the sauce becomes smooth and thick.  Season with salt and pepper.



Once the sauce is thick, remove from heat, add cheese and mix well until cheese is melted. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, add cooked macaroni and broccoli and mix well.  Pour into a prepared baking dish.  Top with grated cheese and bread crumbs.  Spray a little more cooking spray on top.



Bake for 15-20 minutes then broil for a few minutes to get the bread crumbs golden.

Basil Peach Chicken Breasts


Basil-Peach Chicken Breasts



PointsPlus Value:       5

Prep time:                   45 minutes

Cook time:                  20 minutes

Serves:                        8



Ingredients:



4 breast(s) uncooked boneless skinless chicken breast(s)

1¼ tsp kosher salt

2 Tbsp canola oil

1 cup(s) fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth

1 tsp ground ginger

4 large peach(es), pealed and sliced into 1/4 –inch thick slices

2 clove(s) (medium) garlic clove(s), minced

1 medium uncooked shallot(s), thinly sliced

12 leaf/leaves basil, finely chopped

½ tsp Gefen Black Pepper, Ground



Instructions:



1.     Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2.     Season chicken on both sides with salt and pepper

3.     Heat oil in a large, ovenproof skillet.  Cook chicken over medium-high heat 2 minutes on each side or until browned. Remove chicken from skillet, reserving drippings in skillet.

4.     Reduce heat to medium.  Add shallot to hot drippings and sauté 3 minutes or until tender.  Add ginger and garlic; sauté 45 to 60 seconds or until fragrant.

5.     Add basil, chicken broth, and peaches.

6.     Return chicken to skillet and turn to coat.

7.     Place skillet in preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until done.