Up Instead of Down

I thought I better let you know that I did actually go to Weight Watchers this past Saturday to weigh in.  I was dreading it because I already knew that my weight was up from the last time I weighed.  But I forced myself and went.

Ugh - yes, I was indeed up - over a pound.  And I was up the last time I weighed - I'm heading in the worng direction!  I'm trying to get back in control this week though I had my anniversary over the weekend.  Of course that means we ate out and had fabulous desserts, etc.  Now I have to try to recover from that and try to lose something...anything!  I've been making healthier food and watching portions the last couple of days, but I still haven't actually tracked my food.  The tracking is what really seems to work - it holds me more accountable.  So, tomorrow the tracker is coming out for the rest of the week.  I'll see what happens!

How have you been doing?  Does it get harder to stay on track as we approach the holidays?  Once I hit Thanksgiving, then I really struggle so I need to work on it now!

If you've been doing great - keep up the good work!!  If you've been struggling - don't give up; start fresh today!!  We can do this!  Let me just remind myself here - I can do this!

Have a healthy day!

Lisa  :)

Healthy Recipe: Meaty Chili Verde

It's the time of year when soups, stews, and chilis sound so good!  This is a chili recipe that my family really likes and it's actually a Weight Watcher's recipe!  I got it out of their magazine a couple of years ago.

Meaty Chili Verde

2 teaspoons canola oil 
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 pound lean ground beef
3 tablespoons chili powder **
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup mild green salsa
1 (4-oz) can chopped mild green chiles
2 (15-oz) cans white hominy, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro


1.  Heat the oil in a large nonstick Dutch oven over medium-high heat.  Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.  Add the beef, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and salt; cook until browned, stirring with a spoon to break up the pieces, about 6 minutes.


2.  Stir in the broth, salsa, and chiles; bring to a boil.  Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the flavors are blended and the mixture thickens slightly, about 20 minutes.


3.  Stir in the hominy and return the mixture to a boil.  Reduce the heat and simmer until the chili is heated through, about 2 minutes longer.  Remove the Dutch oven from the heat; stir in the cilantro and serve at once.


** I use half the chili powder called for!  When we used the full amount, it was WAY too spicy for us.
Serves 4.  Per serving (1 1/4 cups): 299 cal., 11 g fat, 8 g fiber, 6 WW pts

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I always at least double the recipe and even triple.  I like to have leftovers and freeze some if there's extra.  I hope you give this one a try!

Have a lovely and healthy Fall day!

I'm linking this up to Tasty Tuesday at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam - lots of yummy recipes there!

Lisa  :)

Fitness Friday: Lovin' The Wii Fit Plus

I know it's been a while, but I actually have something to post about fitness! Stop over at Wii Fit Mommies to read more fitness posts!

I hadn't even realized that Wii Fit Plus was coming out. Last month, my 10 yr.-old son (who loves Wii Fit) was searching Amazon for things to buy with a birthday gift card. He happened across a preview of Wii Fit Plus which would release on 10/4. He loved all the fun new games they were showing (flying around in a chicken suit, riding a Segway, skateboarding and more), so he decided to pre-order it.

I am so glad that he bought it - LOL!! It has everything that Wii Fit had, but lots more fun games added in. Also, it now tells you how many calories you have burned. Sometimes I like knowing that and sometimes it depresses me that it's so low!

My favorite part though is that you can use preset routines to accomplish your goals or set up your very own customized routine to save and do again and again. Want to trim your hips? There's a routine for that. Improve your posture? There's a routine for that too. What I like about these routines is that they "force" me to add in more of the yoga and strength moves.

Some other features are that you can challenge another player and that you can quickly switch from one Mii to another. I also think that some of the new games are really entertaining. My faves right now are Rhythm Kung Fu and the hip-bumping game (can't remember the name!). My son's fave is the obstacle course.

Overall, we really like the Wii Fit Plus and the new routines are enough to make me get the board back out and start working out again!

Have you exercised this week? Have you made a workout plan for next week? Remember, it's better to start with small attainable goals (hello - talking to self here!).

Have a great weekend!!

Lisa :)