Funkadelic Chili Mac
2011 Hungry Girl. All Rights Reserved.
Serves:4 servings
1 (14.5-ounce) can stewed tomatoes, roughly chopped, juice reserved
1 cup canned red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup frozen ground-beef-style soy crumbles
1 onion, chopped
1 red or green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 cup chopped portabella mushrooms
1/3 cup tomato paste
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon chopped garlic
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
5 ounces (about 1 1/4 cups) uncooked elbow macaroni with at least 2g fiber per 2-ounce serving
1/4 cup shredded fat-free Cheddar cheese
Cayenne pepper, optional
To make the chili, bring a large pot sprayed with nonstick spray to medium heat on the stove. Add all of the ingredients -- including the reserved tomato juice -- except the macaroni, cheese, and optional spice. Stir thoroughly. Cover and cook until the veggies are tender, about 15 minutes, occasionally removing the lid to stir.
Meanwhile, in another large pot, prepare the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Once both are cooked, add the drained pasta to the pot of chili. Mix thoroughly. If you like, season with cayenne pepper, additional chili powder, and additional cumin, to taste. Evenly top each serving with 1 tablespoon of cheese and enjoy!
PER SERVING (1/4th of recipe, about 1 3/4 cups): 297 calories, 2g fat, 637mg sodium, 55.5g carbs, 9.75g fiber, 11.5g sugars, 19g protein
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
The Ups and Downs of Weight Loss
This is a great article and I would love you all to read it. Diana
The Ups and Downs of Weight Loss
Article By: William Sukala, MS, CSCS
Daily weight fluctuations
In our weekly fitness Q&A series, William Sukala, MS, CSCS, answers questions about fitness, from whether to eat before exercising to how to treat sore muscles.
Q: I am a Lifetime member and I have met my goal weight. My question is how much weight is okay to fluctuate?
A: First off, congratulations on achieving your goal weight! This is a great question because so many people associate their progress with their daily weight. In fact, you might be one of those people whose weight varies by several pounds from day to day or even within the same day. But fret not, this doesn't necessarily mean you're any fatter or leaner than yesterday.
Truth is, daily fluctuations on the scale are completely normal. Body weight will shift a bit depending on the status of your body's fluids and solids (e.g., how much food and water you've consumed, bowel movements, urination and sweat rate).
To further convince you that a few extra pounds on the scale is not fat, consider the following. One pound of stored body fat contains 3500 calories of stored energy. For example, in order for you to gain three pounds overnight, you would have to eat an additional 10,500 (3 x 3500) calories above and beyond your usual calorie intake! On the other end of the spectrum, losing three pounds overnight would require you to burn 10,500 calories, which would be the equivalent of a 105-mile run! The bottom line: try not to get too fixated on your daily weight. And when you do weigh yourself, try to make sure you do so under similar conditions each time (e.g., time of day, before exercise, before meals). Keep up the great work.
The Ups and Downs of Weight Loss
Article By: William Sukala, MS, CSCS
Daily weight fluctuations
In our weekly fitness Q&A series, William Sukala, MS, CSCS, answers questions about fitness, from whether to eat before exercising to how to treat sore muscles.
Q: I am a Lifetime member and I have met my goal weight. My question is how much weight is okay to fluctuate?
A: First off, congratulations on achieving your goal weight! This is a great question because so many people associate their progress with their daily weight. In fact, you might be one of those people whose weight varies by several pounds from day to day or even within the same day. But fret not, this doesn't necessarily mean you're any fatter or leaner than yesterday.
Truth is, daily fluctuations on the scale are completely normal. Body weight will shift a bit depending on the status of your body's fluids and solids (e.g., how much food and water you've consumed, bowel movements, urination and sweat rate).
To further convince you that a few extra pounds on the scale is not fat, consider the following. One pound of stored body fat contains 3500 calories of stored energy. For example, in order for you to gain three pounds overnight, you would have to eat an additional 10,500 (3 x 3500) calories above and beyond your usual calorie intake! On the other end of the spectrum, losing three pounds overnight would require you to burn 10,500 calories, which would be the equivalent of a 105-mile run! The bottom line: try not to get too fixated on your daily weight. And when you do weigh yourself, try to make sure you do so under similar conditions each time (e.g., time of day, before exercise, before meals). Keep up the great work.
Kick Start Your Success
Kick-Start Your Success
Article By: Diana Kelly
Rev up your weight-loss progress by re-focusing on your plan.
The holidays are almost here! Now's the best time to refocus your weight-loss goals to prepare for this holiday season. To start, it's always a good idea to go back to the basics. Reread the First steps section of the Plan and get reacquainted with the ins and outs. Sample new recipes and follow the Good Health Guidelines.
More Ways to Kick-Start Your Progress
Find an accomplice
Having a weight-loss "partner," who can keep you on track, is crucial. Join a challenge on the Message Boards for daily check-ins where you can share food and exercise tips. Or ask a friend, family member or colleague.
Be aware
Healthier eating becomes habitual, but you still need to maintain a heightened awareness of what you're eating. Use your Plan Manager to stay on top of your eating habits and weigh in at each meeting to see how you're doing. Track your weight loss using the Weight Tracker and Progress Charts.
Be communicative
Bring up any problems that you feel may derail you to people you feel comfortable sharing your experiences with. Sometimes others can help you make sense of what's going on. Discuss challenging strategies on the Message Boards.
Keep track
Tracking your food intake is crucial. Try writing down what you eat and drink every day. The amounts may surprise you!
Article By: Diana Kelly
Rev up your weight-loss progress by re-focusing on your plan.
The holidays are almost here! Now's the best time to refocus your weight-loss goals to prepare for this holiday season. To start, it's always a good idea to go back to the basics. Reread the First steps section of the Plan and get reacquainted with the ins and outs. Sample new recipes and follow the Good Health Guidelines.
More Ways to Kick-Start Your Progress
Find an accomplice
Having a weight-loss "partner," who can keep you on track, is crucial. Join a challenge on the Message Boards for daily check-ins where you can share food and exercise tips. Or ask a friend, family member or colleague.
Be aware
Healthier eating becomes habitual, but you still need to maintain a heightened awareness of what you're eating. Use your Plan Manager to stay on top of your eating habits and weigh in at each meeting to see how you're doing. Track your weight loss using the Weight Tracker and Progress Charts.
Be communicative
Bring up any problems that you feel may derail you to people you feel comfortable sharing your experiences with. Sometimes others can help you make sense of what's going on. Discuss challenging strategies on the Message Boards.
Keep track
Tracking your food intake is crucial. Try writing down what you eat and drink every day. The amounts may surprise you!
Friday, October 28, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
WW HUMMUS
Thank you Polly for sending me the recipe. Diana
Course: snacks
PointsPlus® Value: 1
Servings: 24
Level of Difficulty: Easy
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 clove(s) (medium) garlic clove(s)
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
14 oz cooked chickpeas
1 cup(s) Nonfat, plain Greek yogurt
3 Tbsp Durkee ground cumin
1 tsp table salt
Course: snacks
PointsPlus® Value: 1
Servings: 24
Level of Difficulty: Easy
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 clove(s) (medium) garlic clove(s)
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
14 oz cooked chickpeas
1 cup(s) Nonfat, plain Greek yogurt
3 Tbsp Durkee ground cumin
1 tsp table salt
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Halloween Candy PointsPlus Values
Almond Joy, Snack Size, 2 PointsPlus value
Baby Ruth, Fun Size, 2 PointsPlus value
Bit-O-Honey, 1 piece, 1 PointsPlus value
Bit-O-Honey, 6 pieces, 4 PointsPlus value
Butterfinger, Fun Size, 3 PointsPlus value
Candy Apple, 5 ounce, 5 PointsPlus value
Candy Corn, 20 pieces (41 grams), 4 PointsPlus value
Caramel Apple, 10 PointsPlus value
Charms Blow Pop, 1 pop, 2 PointsPlus value
Crunch, Fun Size, 2 PointsPlus value
Dots, Fun Size, 2 Points Plus value
Gummi Bears, 14 pieces (38 grams), 3 PointsPlus value
Heath Bar, Snack Size, 7 PointsPlus value
Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar, Snack Size, 6 PointsPlus value
Hershey’s Miniatures, (any flavor) 5 pieces, 6 PointsPlus value
Kit-Kat, Snack Size Bar, (three 2-piece bars) 6 PointsPlus value
Lemonhead, Fun Size, 1 pouch (11 grams) 1 PointsPlus value
M&M’s Milk Chocolate, Fun Size, (1 package) 2 PointsPlus value
M&M’s peanut, Fun Size, (1 package) 3 PointsPlus value
Mounds, Fun Size, 3 PointsPlus value
Nerds, 1 box (12.6 grams), 1 PointsPlus value
Oh Henry!, Mini, 2 PointsPlus value
PayDay, Fun Size, 3 PointsPlus value
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup (2 cups) 6 PointsPlus value
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, Fun Size, 3 PointsPlus value
Reese’s Pieces (51 piece/40 gram bag) 5 PointsPlus value
Skittles, Original Fruit, Fun Size, 2 PointsPlus value
Snickers, Fun Size, 2 PointsPlus value
Take 5, Fun Size, 6 PointsPlus value
Tootsie Roll Midgets, 6 pieces (40 grams), 4 PointsPlus value
Twix, Fun Size, 2 PointsPlus value
Twizzler Twists, Fun Size, 4 PointsPlus value
Whoppers, Fun Size, 2 PointsPlus value
York Peppermint Patty, Fun Size, 1 PointsPlus value
Baby Ruth, Fun Size, 2 PointsPlus value
Bit-O-Honey, 1 piece, 1 PointsPlus value
Bit-O-Honey, 6 pieces, 4 PointsPlus value
Butterfinger, Fun Size, 3 PointsPlus value
Candy Apple, 5 ounce, 5 PointsPlus value
Candy Corn, 20 pieces (41 grams), 4 PointsPlus value
Caramel Apple, 10 PointsPlus value
Charms Blow Pop, 1 pop, 2 PointsPlus value
Crunch, Fun Size, 2 PointsPlus value
Dots, Fun Size, 2 Points Plus value
Gummi Bears, 14 pieces (38 grams), 3 PointsPlus value
Heath Bar, Snack Size, 7 PointsPlus value
Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar, Snack Size, 6 PointsPlus value
Hershey’s Miniatures, (any flavor) 5 pieces, 6 PointsPlus value
Kit-Kat, Snack Size Bar, (three 2-piece bars) 6 PointsPlus value
Lemonhead, Fun Size, 1 pouch (11 grams) 1 PointsPlus value
M&M’s Milk Chocolate, Fun Size, (1 package) 2 PointsPlus value
M&M’s peanut, Fun Size, (1 package) 3 PointsPlus value
Mounds, Fun Size, 3 PointsPlus value
Nerds, 1 box (12.6 grams), 1 PointsPlus value
Oh Henry!, Mini, 2 PointsPlus value
PayDay, Fun Size, 3 PointsPlus value
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup (2 cups) 6 PointsPlus value
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, Fun Size, 3 PointsPlus value
Reese’s Pieces (51 piece/40 gram bag) 5 PointsPlus value
Skittles, Original Fruit, Fun Size, 2 PointsPlus value
Snickers, Fun Size, 2 PointsPlus value
Take 5, Fun Size, 6 PointsPlus value
Tootsie Roll Midgets, 6 pieces (40 grams), 4 PointsPlus value
Twix, Fun Size, 2 PointsPlus value
Twizzler Twists, Fun Size, 4 PointsPlus value
Whoppers, Fun Size, 2 PointsPlus value
York Peppermint Patty, Fun Size, 1 PointsPlus value
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Defeating the Midnight Munchies
Defeating the Midnight Munchies
Article By: Darren Taffinder
You planned all your meals and tracked every second of the day. But what's this? It's late at night and you're in the throes of a snack attack! Here's how to deal.
The problem
Help. It’s midnight, I can’t sleep and I just want to snack. How can I stop the nighttime munchies?
The solution
Nighttime munchies are a scourge that has affected every dieter at one time or another — knowing how to successfully deal with late-night cravings is one of the keys to effective weight loss. No matter how good you have been during the day, something hits you at night, usually around 10 p.m., and you must eat, NOW.
Milton Stokes, a registered dietician and a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, offers some helpful strategies to help you control your late-night snacking urges. Surprisingly, he says, the best way to help avoid the nighttime munchies is to make sure you eat breakfast and lunch.
Snack-proof Tips
Here are some things you can do to stop the midnight snacking:
Make sure you eat a good breakfast and lunch.
If you feel like snacking, have a big glass of water first
Stay busy — a lot of nighttime eating is sparked by boredom. There are some great novels and films out there. Or, go for a nighttime ramble with the dog.
Keep PointsPlus value friendly snacks, like low-fat popcorn or rice cakes, handy for those times when you just have to treat yourself. To cure that crunch craving, try baby carrots.
"Establish regular meal times and patterns," says Stokes. "Erratic schedules and skipping meals, especially breakfast, set you up to overeat later in the day. I liken breakfast to fuel for a car. While we are able to run without proper fuel for a while, at a certain point each of us would 'crash' and start scarfing down any food within sight. That's when nighttime snacking comes in."
It's also important to understand the difference between true, physical hunger and emotional hunger or boredom. The urge to late-night snack usually comes from the latter and not the former.
"If you aren't physically hungry, then you may need to explore simple deterrents to eating," Stokes suggests. "One of the best is brushing your teeth and using a strong mouthwash. That will make anything you eat afterward taste bad. You can also go for a short walk, call a friend, answer email, organize your desk or just sit alone quietly for 10 minutes. Usually if you wait a few minutes, this desire to eat may subside. Lastly, you may just be thirsty. Thirst is easily confused with hunger. Have a sugar-free beverage and call it a night.”
However, if you are actually physically hungry, you should eat.
"Depriving yourself of food when you’re truly hungry can lead to binge eating later on," Stokes warns, "which is much, much worse than simply having a nighttime bowl of cereal."
Stokes also recommends a rice cake with a little cashew butter on it, a small apple with a slice of low-fat cheese, a cup of yogurt or even a handful of mixed nuts. (Just don't eat the whole jar.)
If, after all this, you just can't stop the night munching and you're waking up in the middle of the night and snacking, you might be suffering from a rare eating disorder called night eating syndrome. Albert Stunkard, MD, professor of psychiatry at the weight and eating disorders program at the University of Pennsylvania, sheds some light on this unusual condition.
"Night eating syndrome is characterized by overeating during the evening and waking at least three nights a week to eat," says Stunkard. "The evening overeating has to be at least 25 percent of the daily caloric intake after supper, and there has to be a minimum of three nighttime awakenings during the week. It's important to distinguish these awakenings from binges. The average caloric intake of a nighttime digestion is 280 calories, which is not a binge by any means."
If this describes you, then you should consult your physician. Treatments include a form of anti-depressant that works through serotonin, a neural transmitter, and cognitive behavior therapies.
Article By: Darren Taffinder
You planned all your meals and tracked every second of the day. But what's this? It's late at night and you're in the throes of a snack attack! Here's how to deal.
The problem
Help. It’s midnight, I can’t sleep and I just want to snack. How can I stop the nighttime munchies?
The solution
Nighttime munchies are a scourge that has affected every dieter at one time or another — knowing how to successfully deal with late-night cravings is one of the keys to effective weight loss. No matter how good you have been during the day, something hits you at night, usually around 10 p.m., and you must eat, NOW.
Milton Stokes, a registered dietician and a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, offers some helpful strategies to help you control your late-night snacking urges. Surprisingly, he says, the best way to help avoid the nighttime munchies is to make sure you eat breakfast and lunch.
Snack-proof Tips
Here are some things you can do to stop the midnight snacking:
Make sure you eat a good breakfast and lunch.
If you feel like snacking, have a big glass of water first
Stay busy — a lot of nighttime eating is sparked by boredom. There are some great novels and films out there. Or, go for a nighttime ramble with the dog.
Keep PointsPlus value friendly snacks, like low-fat popcorn or rice cakes, handy for those times when you just have to treat yourself. To cure that crunch craving, try baby carrots.
"Establish regular meal times and patterns," says Stokes. "Erratic schedules and skipping meals, especially breakfast, set you up to overeat later in the day. I liken breakfast to fuel for a car. While we are able to run without proper fuel for a while, at a certain point each of us would 'crash' and start scarfing down any food within sight. That's when nighttime snacking comes in."
It's also important to understand the difference between true, physical hunger and emotional hunger or boredom. The urge to late-night snack usually comes from the latter and not the former.
"If you aren't physically hungry, then you may need to explore simple deterrents to eating," Stokes suggests. "One of the best is brushing your teeth and using a strong mouthwash. That will make anything you eat afterward taste bad. You can also go for a short walk, call a friend, answer email, organize your desk or just sit alone quietly for 10 minutes. Usually if you wait a few minutes, this desire to eat may subside. Lastly, you may just be thirsty. Thirst is easily confused with hunger. Have a sugar-free beverage and call it a night.”
However, if you are actually physically hungry, you should eat.
"Depriving yourself of food when you’re truly hungry can lead to binge eating later on," Stokes warns, "which is much, much worse than simply having a nighttime bowl of cereal."
Stokes also recommends a rice cake with a little cashew butter on it, a small apple with a slice of low-fat cheese, a cup of yogurt or even a handful of mixed nuts. (Just don't eat the whole jar.)
If, after all this, you just can't stop the night munching and you're waking up in the middle of the night and snacking, you might be suffering from a rare eating disorder called night eating syndrome. Albert Stunkard, MD, professor of psychiatry at the weight and eating disorders program at the University of Pennsylvania, sheds some light on this unusual condition.
"Night eating syndrome is characterized by overeating during the evening and waking at least three nights a week to eat," says Stunkard. "The evening overeating has to be at least 25 percent of the daily caloric intake after supper, and there has to be a minimum of three nighttime awakenings during the week. It's important to distinguish these awakenings from binges. The average caloric intake of a nighttime digestion is 280 calories, which is not a binge by any means."
If this describes you, then you should consult your physician. Treatments include a form of anti-depressant that works through serotonin, a neural transmitter, and cognitive behavior therapies.
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