Pam's Place ~ Getting Healthy

How to make Smoothies with Missy Lapine

2011-06-23T08:02:00.000-07:00

Iced Pumpkin Muffins

2010-11-16T11:29:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

Muffins
1 cup Fiber One Original bran cereal
1 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
1/2 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granulated)
1/4 cup brown sugar (not packed)
1 tbsp. baking powder
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp. salt
One 15-oz. can pure pumpkin
1 cup club soda
1/2 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters Original)
1/4 cup sugar-free pancake syrup
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 cup raisins, chopped

Icing1/4 cup Cool Whip Free, thawed
3 tbsp. fat-free cream cheese, room temperature
1 tbsp. Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granulated)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 10 cups of a 12-cup muffin pan with baking cups and/or spray with nonstick spray. Set aside.

Using a blender or food processor, grind cereal to a breadcrumb-like consistency. Transfer crumbs to a large bowl.  Add flour, Splenda, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mix well and set aside.

In another bowl, combine pumpkin, soda, egg substitute, syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly. Add mixture to the large bowl and stir until blended to form the batter.

Slowly sprinkle and stir chopped raisins into the batter. Evenly distribute batter among the 10 prepared cups of your muffin pan. (Batter may be piled high... This is OK!)

Bake in the oven until muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of one comes out mostly clean, about 30 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Meanwhile, combine all icing ingredients in a small microwave-safe bowl. Mix until smooth and blended. (Refrigerate icing if you don't plan to serve muffins right away.)

Remove cooled muffins from the pan. Just before serving, warm icing in the microwave for a few seconds and drizzle it onto the muffins (or simply spread it on evenly). Enjoy!

MAKES 10 SERVINGS

Serving Size: 1 iced muffin
Calories: 137
Fat: 0.75g
Sodium: 260mg
Carbs: 32g
Fiber: 6.75g
Sugars: 9g
Protein: 5.5g
WW POINTS® value 2*

Credit for this recipe goes to
~Hungry Girl~

~blessings everyone~

Snack Foods

2010-11-05T07:21:00.000-07:00

The Snack Food Makeover

Article By: Leslie Fink, MS, RD
Find out what one Weight Watchers Meetings leader thinks about some popular weight-loss snacks.
"Snacks equal treats in many people's minds. Snacks do not equal fuel," says Liz Josefsberg, Director of Brand Advocacy for WeightWatchers.com and a Weight Watchers meetings leader in New York City. But as Liz can tell you, there's no reason that a snack can't satisfy your cravings and still give your body more than just empty calories.
Some people load up on sugary snacks, such as jellybeans and licorice. "People think they're great snacks because they're fat-free," Liz says. But they're loaded with simple sugars that don't fuel you for very long. The same goes for diet cookies and ice cream bars — two popular snacks among Weight Watchers members.
Some savory snacks, such as microwavable kettle corn and individual packs of crackers, don't give your body much more than a rush of carbohydrates.
Clean up your snack act

So what sorts of snacks get Liz's seal of approval? "I'm always telling people to think about food combining when they're choosing a snack. Consider the Weight Watchers Good Health Guidelines and try to achieve several within each snack," she says

Here are some smart snack ideas to get you started:
Enjoy yogurt with almonds and fruit — you'll get the benefits of dairy, fruit, protein and some healthy fat.
Pair an apple with low-fat cheese (and you've got some dairy, fruit and protein covered)

Add low-fat cheese to your favorite salty carb snack. Or team it up with some peanut butter or bean-based dip and you've upped your dairy or protein intake. Keep in mind that many soy-based chips give you a leg up over potato chips when it comes to protein and fiber, so that's a big plus, too.

Take it one snack at a time

Changing what you eat and how you perceive food is tough, so it's important to take it slowly. Replace a high-sugar item with something more nutritious, one snack at a time, Liz recommends. Then assess how you feel: Write down how long you feel full, how long the snack affects your energy level or how long you can concentrate at work. It's easier to make changes when you can "see" the benefit.
That said, it's not necessary to steer clear of all your favorite sweet treats. Deprivation can sometimes lead to its own cycle of overeating. Get the max from sugary snacks by:
Freezing small, individually wrapped candy bars, since frozen foods take longer to consume.
Opting for automatic portion control such as a Weight Watchers snack bar — a crutch for Liz when she's really craving chocolate.

Choosing items with long-lasting eating-power like lollipops and sucking candies (and don't forget about gum).

Skinny Sweets: Easy Cheesecake Squares

2010-06-08T18:09:00.000-07:00

Skinny Sweets: Easy Cheesecake Squares

Prep: 25 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Chill: 1 hour
Makes 36 squares

Ingredients:
Cooking spray
2 (8-ounce) blocks 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 (8-ounce) cans reduced-fat refrigerated crescent dinner roll dough, divided
1 large egg white
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:
Chill the bottom layer of dough to help the cream cheese spread more easily.
1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Coat a 13- x 9-inch baking pan with cooking spray; set aside.
3. Combine cream cheese and next 3 ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well.
4. Unroll 1 can of dough, and press into bottom of pan. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the dough.
5. Whisk egg white in a small bowl. Unroll second can of dough, and place over cream cheese mixture. Brush top of pastry with egg white.
6. Combine sugar and cinnamon, and sprinkle over pastry. Bake 25 minutes, or until pastry is golden and puffed.
7. Chill in refrigerator 1 hour, or until cool; cut into squares. Store up to 3 days in fridge. (Serving size: 1 square)

Nutrition:
Calories 97 (48% from fat); Fat 5g (sat 2g, mono 1g, poly 0g); Cholesterol 15mg; Protein 2g; Carbohydrate 10g; Sugars 6g; Fiber 0g; Iron 0mg; Sodium 156mg; Calcium 11mg

Eat (Yes, Eat!) to Lose Weight - Health.com

2010-06-08T09:05:00.000-07:00

Eat (Yes, Eat!) to Lose Weight - Health.com

Ultra-Healthy Mexican Chili

2009-05-27T17:10:00.000-07:00

I got this recipe from the book I have been reading, "Naturally Thin" by Bethenny Frankel.

Ultra-Healthy Mexican Chili
This serves 1(double, triple or quadruple to serve more people)

1/2 medium onion, chopped
nonstick cooking spray
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. cumin
salt and pepper to taste
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 each red and yellow pepper (or just chop half a bell pepper of any color)
1 8 oz. can of pureed tomatoes or tomato sauce
1/2 cup zucchini, chopped
1/4 lb. ground turkey breast
1/4 cup red pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1. Over medium-high, saute' the onion in a nonstick skillet coated in cooking spray until soft. Add the chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper.
2. Stir in the garlic and bell peppers, and cook until peppers are soft and garlic is golden but not burned. Stir in the tomato sauce and the zucchini.
3. When all the vegetable are soft, add the turkey breast and beans. Let the chili simmer for at least 10-15 minutes. The longer you simmer, the better the flavor.

*** I used ground chicken breast instead of turkey and I browned the chicken breast with the onion before combining with the rest of the ingredients.

This chili is very delicious and healthy!

Healthier Recipes

2009-05-08T09:24:00.000-07:00

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a group of family or friends, you should always try to put together the healthiest meals possible. You can create dishes that are lower in cholesterol, fat, and sodium just by changing a few ingredients.

Try these suggestions to make your recipes healthier:

* Always use lean cuts of meat such as chicken, fish, or lean cuts of pork and beef.
* Use small amounts of vegetable oils when stir frying and sautéing dishes.
* Bake, broil, or steam fish instead of frying.
* Take the skin off chicken and throw it away.
* Try using more herbs to enhance the flavor of dishes like garlic, black pepper, or onion powder. Stay away from seasoning packets full of MSG.
* Have fresh fruit or raw vegetables for a snack instead of chips and cookies.
* Try using nonfat milk and less sugar in coffee and tea.
* Put a variety of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables into your meals.

from www.everydayhealth.com

~Black Bean Salad~

2009-05-04T09:37:00.000-07:00

Black bean salad

Black beans are high in both fiber and protein, which help stabilize blood sugar and curb hunger pangs. Fiber can also help lower cholesterol. Tomatoes and other veggies add a variety of important nutrients as well as fiber. Rinse a 15-ounce can of lowest-sodium black beans under running water and drain well. Mix the beans in a medium bowl with 1/2 cup chopped fresh tomatoes, 1/2 cup chopped cucumber or celery, 1/2 cup chopped green-bell pepper, and 1/4 cup peeled, cubed avocado. Stir in 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, 1 clove minced fresh garlic (or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder), 1/8 teaspoon salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serving size: 1/2 cup salad.

Nutrition information—Calories: 57, Total Carbohydrate: 10.6 g (4%), Dietary Fiber: 4.0 g (16%), Sugars 1.3 g

From~ www.health.com

Healthified” Spinach Dip with Artichokes

2009-01-02T09:09:00.000-08:00

Healthified” Spinach Dip with Artichokes
50% less fat • 50% less sat fat • 36% fewer calories than the original recipe—see the comparison. Whether party food or family fare, this dip won’t weigh you down. Slimmed down in calories and fat, it boasts much more spinach for an extra punch of vitamins. From eatbetteramerica.
Prep Time:15 min
Start to Finish:45 min
makes:10 servings (1/4 cup each)

4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, slightly packed (4 oz)
1 package (8 oz) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel), softened
1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
4 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese (1 oz)
1/4 cup fat-free (skim) milk
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained, chopped
Baguette slices, if desired
Assorted raw vegetables, if desired
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 1-quart shallow glass baking dish or 9-inch glass pie plate with cooking spray.
2. Place spinach in 2-quart microwavable casserole; add 1/4 cup water. Cover; microwave on High 2 minutes. Drain well, pressing spinach with paper towels to remove excess liquid. Chop spinach.
3. In large bowl, beat cream cheese with spoon until smooth. Beat in mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons of the Parmesan cheese, the milk, garlic and basil until well blended. Stir in spinach and artichokes. Spread evenly in baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining tablespoon cheese.
4. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through. Serve with baguette slices or raw vegetables.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): No change.

Nutritional Information
1 Serving: Calories 120 (Calories from Fat 70); Total Fat 8g (Saturated Fat 4g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 20mg; Sodium 280mg; Total Carbohydrate 6g (Dietary Fiber 2g, Sugars 1g); Protein 5g % Daily Value*: Vitamin A 30%; Vitamin C 6%; Calcium 8%; Iron 4% Exchanges: 0 Other Carbohydrate; 1 Vegetable; 1/2 High-Fat Meat; 1 Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 1/2 MyPyramid Servings: 1/2 c Dairy, 1/2 c Vegetables
*% Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

from www.eatbetteramerica.com

Enjoy!!

Fabulous Fall Food: Apples

2008-09-26T07:59:00.000-07:00

Starting this month, most varieties of apples will be in abundance. And while there's no concrete proof that an apple a day will keep the doctor away, apples do provide respectable amounts of fiber, some vitamin C, and potassium. Plus, apples are a good source of quercetin, a flavonoid that may help protect against heart disease.

Of the 7,000 varieties of apples available worldwide, only a few make their way to the produce section of your grocery store. Some of the most common varieties include Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Fuji, McIntosh, Pink Lady, Braeburn, Winesap, and Golden Delicious.

Buying: The skin of an apple is not always a good indication of its quality, so try to shop for apples by touch instead of appearance. Avoid wrinkled, bruised, or soft apples. Remember that each apple has a distinct flavor: Some are better for baking, while others are better for eating. If you're not familiar with the different varieties, ask your grocer for recommendations.

Storing: Apples can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three months. They should be kept in a plastic bag with holes for ventilation. Check them frequently and remove ones that are bruised or brown. One bad apple can spoil the whole bunch. If you keep your apples in the refrigerator, try to keep them away from strong-smelling foods, as they will absorb the odor. If you keep your apples out of the refrigerator, put them in a cool, dry place and eat them within a couple of weeks.

Eating: Always clean the skins thoroughly before eating. Washing will remove dirt and pesticides, but only a good scrub or produce cleaner will remove the built-up wax. Wait to slice your apples until just before you're ready to eat them. Cut apples will turn brown if exposed to the air for too long. You can prevent this by dipping the sliced apples into a bowl containing one part lemon juice and three parts water.

Enjoy apple slices with natural peanut butter, dipped in plain or artificially sweetened low-fat or nonfat yogurt, or atop crisp salad greens; and don't forget the whole fruit makes an ideal on-the-go snack.

~South Beach Diet Site~

Apple Pie Oatmeal

2008-09-11T16:34:00.000-07:00

For all you oatmeal lovers!

Apple Pie Oatmeal

Serves: 1

1 cup water
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1 dash salt (optional)

Apple Pie Topping:
2 teaspoons SPLENDA® Brown Sugar Blend
1 tablespoon chopped apple
1 dash apple pie spice

Directions

1. Stove top Directions: Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir in oats and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, over medium heat 5 minutes.
2. Microwave Directions: Combine water, oats, and salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover tightly with heavy-duty plastic wrap; fold back a small edge to allow steam to escape. Microwave on HIGH 2 1/2 to 3 minutes; stir well.
3. Top oatmeal with SPLENDA Brown Sugar Blend, chopped apple and spice.

Note
Serving Size: 1 recipe

For a creamier oatmeal, substitute skim milk for water; proceed as directed.

Enjoy!

Wow, Did You Miss Me Here?

2008-09-09T10:16:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted here in awhile, wow! Anyway, I am doing well. Over the Winter/Spring I lost weight and I am happy about the number I see on the scale. :o)
I have been doing a lot of walking, I try to walk everyday. I also watch what I eat sticking with foods lower in fat and carbs. I found this neat web page today, so thought I would share it with you.
http://www.prevention.com/100calories

Be Blessed!

I Want To Get Back To Normal

2008-01-29T20:42:00.001-08:00

I miss exercising, I miss walking on the treadmill at the gym. Physically I haven't felt like exercising. My right knee has been getting worse. I posted about it on my main blog a few days ago. I don't like sounding like a whiner, but it seems that I am in pain all time except when I am sound asleep.
So, I finally made a doctor appointment for this Thursday. Hope to get a solution for this!

My eating plan has been OK. I am pretty much satisfied with my weight so I haven't been real strict 100% of the time. I still follow a low carb diet for the most part.

Take care everyone!

TIPS FOR AN EXCEPTIONAL, SUPERB & POWERFUL LIFE!

2008-01-19T12:41:00.001-08:00

TIPS FOR AN EXCEPTIONAL, SUPERB & POWERFUL LIFE!

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate
antidepressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Spend time with God. Buy a lock if you
have to or go outside in nature.

3. Buy a Tivo (DVR), tape your late night shows and get more sleep.

4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is
to________ today.'

5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.

6. Watch more movies, play more games and read more books than you did last year.

7. Always pray and make time to exercise.

8. Spend more time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of six.

9. Dream more while you are awake.

10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less foods that are manufactured
in plants.

11. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli ,
almonds & walnuts.

12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

13. Clear your clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing
energy into your life.

14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past,
negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy in the positive
present moment.

15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part
of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class .......but the lessons you
learn will last a lifetime.

16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid
with a maxed out charge card.

17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energy vampires away.

18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

22. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

23 Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is
all about.

24. Ladies - Go on and burn those 'special' scented candles. Everyday is special.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?

27. FORGIVE. Forgive everyone for everything.

28. What other people think of you is none of your business.

29. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time!

30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch with
them.

32. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

33. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need. God provides, remember?

34. The best is yet to come -- (in Heaven)

35. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

36. Do the right thing!

37. Call your family often.

38. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: 'I am thankful
for __________. Today I accomplished _________.'

39. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

40. Enjoy the ride. Remember that this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a
fast pass. You only have one ride through life, so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.
Then make sure you are on your way to Heaven and will receive a new body in Christ
Jesus! LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH. LIFE'S A GIFT ... UNWRAP IT!

Have a Blessed day.

Dessert for South Beach Phase I

2008-01-16T12:06:00.000-08:00

Jelled Ricotta Pudding
(Makes 4 servings, recipe shared by Janet Davis and tested by Kalyn.)

1 pkg sugar-free Jello, any flavor that appeals to you
(this recipe is for 4-serving size package, double it for larger box of Jello.)
1 cup boiling water
2/3 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup cold water

Put ricotta cheese into bowl and stir with fork or wisk until it's slightly softened. Have four glass dishes (slightly over 1/2 cup each) ready on counter to pour the hot Jello mixture into.

Put powdered Jello from package into large glass measuring cup, pour in boiling water and wisk for 1-2 minutes, until all Jello is dissolved in the water. Stir in ricotta, then cold water and mix together. Pour into glass bowls and place in refrigerator to set. I waited about 2 hours until the mixture was partly firm, then covered it with cling wrap.

Serve cold, from individual dishes.
**I use low fat Ricotta

Turkey Day! lol

2008-01-14T09:22:00.001-08:00

Today Dan and I are having turkey for our lunch/dinner. I am cooking a small turkery and boy does it smell good! We won't have all of the high calorie and high carb side dishes, such as stuffing and mashed potatoes. It will be green beans, salad, and Dan will have a baked potato as well. No pumpkin pie, Boo Hoo!

I plan on doing some exercising out in the garage later this afternoon. I am mainly focusing on my abs.

Take care!

Happy!

2008-01-09T17:23:00.000-08:00

Dan bought a set of weights and a weight bench yesterday. He is starting to work out, eat healthy and is getting into shape. He has been dieting for a couple of weeks and so far he has lost 10 pounds! I am very proud of him. :o)

He was demonstrated for me an exercise using his new exercise equipment that is good for the abs.

Today for lunch, which is our big meal of the day, Dan had broiled Walleye (fish), med. baked potato and large tossed salad with shrimp. I skipped the fish and potato. I had a large tossed salad with shrimp. I sauted the shrimp in garlic and olive oil, very yummy. I also had 2 pieces of Wasa fiber crispbread with 1 wedge of Laughing Cow French Onion Cheese (light). Delicious!

I didn't get on the scale over the holidays, in fact I didn't get on the scale until yesterday! lol I happy to say right now my weight is the same as it was before the holidays. I would like to get rid of about 5 more pounds.

Feed a cold?

2008-01-03T16:17:00.000-08:00

I have a cold and all I want to do is eat! What's up with that? lol

I wanted to get back to the gym this week, but haven't felt well, so didn't make it there.

Back to Reality

2007-12-30T13:53:00.000-08:00

I am back to my low carb lifestyle after indulging myself over Christmas. I ate Christmas cookies, candy and other yummy treats. I tried not to over do it, but I have to say I am happy that all of the Christmas goodies are finished, done and over with in our house! At least for this season!

No Sugar Layered Pumpkin Cheesecake

2007-11-15T12:13:00.000-08:00

I am trying to be good! Thought I would try this recipe for our Thanksgving feast!
I found the recipe at Kaylyn's Kitchen.

No-Sugar Layered Pumpkin Cheesecake

2 packages (8 oz. each) light cream cheese (not fat free)
1/2 cup Splenda
1/2 tsp. Vanilla extract (I used a bit more)
2 eggs
1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling which contains sugar)
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. apple pie spice (recipe called for pinch each of nutmeg and cloves, but I didn't have any cloves)
non-stick spray for baking dish (use very sparingly or it makes it hard to spread the cheesecake)
whipped cream (optional, I didn't think it needed it)

Preheat oven to 325 F. In large bowl combine softened cream cheese, Splenda, and vanilla. Beat with electric mixer until smooth. Blend in eggs, one at a time. Remove one cup of batter and spread into bottom of glass or crockery baking dish which has been sprayed very lightly with non-stick spray. (I sprayed my dish too much and had a hard time getting the first layer spread evenly. Next time I would put a very thin layer of chopped pecans over the nonstick spray.)

Add pumpkin and spices to remaining batter and stir until blended. Carefully spread pumpkin layer over first layer. Bake in preheated oven 35-45 minutes, or until center is almost set. Allow to cool, then chill several hours or overnight. Serve with whipped cream if desired and wait for compliments.

I used a 10" by 8" glass baking dish to cook this. Next time I think I would double the recipe and only increase to a 9" by 13" baking dish to make a thicker cheese cake. This would show of the layers better. Some cinnamon dusted on the top would have been a nice touch.

~~ Will let you all know how this turns out for me!

Getting Back On Track

2007-10-28T17:01:00.000-07:00

I was out of town for a week visiting my son, daughter in law and newborn grandson! What a wonderful time I had. But...I didn't eat as well as I intended too. Seems like this trend has continued the past few days since I have been home. I have decided to take charge, pray, and get back to my healthy eating routine. Will let you know how it goes!
~Blessings~

Whole Wheat No Sugar Added Banana Nut Bread

2007-10-13T14:00:00.000-07:00

I have been doing good with my healthy diet. Dan and I had lunch at Lonestar Steak House. I had the grilled chicken breast, replaced the potato with broccoli and caulifower. I did eat one small dinner roll and a small amount of spinach dip with tortilla chips.
Trying out this recipe today. It is the oven baking right now! It makes two loaves, so I am taking one of them to church tomorrow for our after service fellowship time.

WHOLE WHEAT No Sugar Added BANANA NUT BREAD

2/3 cup canola oil
1/2 cup Splenda
1/4 cup Sugar Free Vanilla Syrup (DaVinci's - the kind for coffees, etc)*
2 tsp Vanilla extract
4 eggs
2 cups mashed bananas
3 1/2 cups Whole Wheat flour
1 tsp salt
2 tsp baking soda dissolved in 1/2 cup hot water
1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, beat oil, Splenda and syrup together. Add eggs and mix well. Stir in bananas and vanilla extract. Stir in flour and salt. Add the baking soda/water mixture and blend. Stir in chopped walnuts.
3. Spread batter in 2 greased loaf pans.
4. Bake for 50-55 minutes. Cool on wire rack before slicing.
*if you don't have the syrup, change the Splenda to 3/4 cup

The Creation

2007-10-05T20:37:00.000-07:00

Got this in an email this evening from Susan, just had to share it!

In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the
Earth and populated the Earth with broccoli,
cauliflower, spinach, green and yellow and red
vegetables of all kinds, so Man and Woman would live
long and healthy lives

Then using God's great gifts, Satan created Ben and
Jerry's Ice Cream and
Krispy Creme Donuts. And Satan said, "You want
chocolate with that?"

And Man said, "Yes!"
and Woman said, "and as long as you're at it, add some
sprinkles."
And they gained 10 pounds.
And Satan smiled.

And God created the healthful yogurt that Woman might
keep the figure that Man found so fair.
And Satan brought forth white flour from the wheat,
and sugar from the cane and combined them.
And Woman went from size 6 to size 14.

So God said, "Try my fresh green salad." And Satan
presented Thousand-Island Dressing, buttery croutons,
and garlic toast on the side.
And Man and Woman unfastened their belts following the
repast.

God then said, "I have sent you heart healthy
vegetables, and olive oil in which to cook them."
And Satan brought forth deep fried fish and
chicken-fried steak so big
it needed its own platter.
And M an gained more weight and his cholesterol went
through the roof.

God then created a light, fluffy white cake, named it
"Angel Food Cake," and said, "It is good."
Satan then created chocolate cake and named it
"Devil's Food."

God then brought forth running shoes so that His
children might lose those extra pounds.

And Satan gave cable TV with a remote control so Man
would not have to toil changing the channels.
And Man and Woman laughed and cried before the
flickering blue light and gained pounds.

Then God brought forth the potato, naturally low in
fat and brimming with nutrition.
And Satan peeled off the healthful skin and sliced the
starchy center into chips and deep-fried them.
And Man gained pounds.

God then gave lean beef so that Man might consume
fewer calories and still satisfy his appetite.
And Satan created McDonald's and its 99-cent double
cheeseburger.
Then said, "You want fries wit h that?"
And Man replied, "Yes! And super size them!"
And Satan said, "It is good."
And Man went into cardiac arrest.

God sighed and created quadruple bypass surgery.

Then Satan created HMOs.

Couldn't Resist

2007-10-03T12:11:00.000-07:00

OK, this is not a joke, I haven't been able to resist this stuff the past couple of days! Every store I go into it is there and yes, I bought a bag. Thank God I didn't eat the whole thing. I ate some of it and threw away the rest. What do you do to resist treats that you love?
Other than that, I have been doing well sticking with my healthy diet plan. I made some Spiced Flaxseed Muffins, they turned out good.

Spiced Flaxseed Muffins
3 eggs or 3/4 cup Eggbeaters
1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. Canola oil
1/4 cup Splenda or 1/4 cup sugar free syrup, such as DaVinci
2 tbsp. water
1 tbsp. vanilla
1 cup flaxmeal (ground flaxseeds)
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
2 Tbsp. cinnamon (could also use some nutmeg, ginger, cloves, etc.)
1/8 tsp. salt

In med.bowl beat eggs with a fork. Beat in oil, syrup or Splenda, water and vanilla. In small bowl combine remaining ingredients, then stir that into egg mixture. Let stand 5 minutes. Spoon into well greased muffin tin cups (without paper). Bake at 350 F 12-15 minutes. Remove from tin at once to cooling rack. Store in fridge.
Makes 7-9 muffins.

Approximately per muffin ~ 250 calories, only 3 net carbs and very high in fiber!

Breadless Frenchtoast

2007-10-01T09:40:00.001-07:00

I tried this morning and it was actually pretty good!

Breadless Frenchtoast
2-3 eggs (I used 2 eggs)
2-3 tablespoons cream ( I used Land O Lakes fat free)
dash of salt
2 dashes of cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla

Mix well, pour in hot skillet, cook until firm, flip and cook other side, sprinkle Splenda on top.

Healthy Humor

2007-09-30T14:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to the doctor for my yearly physical.
My blood pressure was high, my cholesterol was high,
I'd gained some weight, and I didn't feel so hot.
My doctor said eating right doesn't have to
be complicated and it would solve my physical
problems. He said just think in colors...
Fill your plate with bright colors... greens,
yellows, reds, etc.

I went right home and ate an
entire bowl of :

Time To Get Serious

2007-09-28T20:19:00.000-07:00

My doctor told me a few weeks ago that my cholesteral was too high. She strongly suggested that I eat the South Beach way...low carbs, low fat. So, that is what I am doing! I started the South Beach Diet on September 7 and have lost close to 10 lbs. I still have the occasionally treat if we go out, etc. But for the most part I am sticking to eating low carb and following the South Beach Diet. I would like to lose another 5-10 lbs. that is my goal.
I rejoined the gym awhile back. I haven't been going as much as I would like. Hopefully I can get back into that routine next week, working out 4 times a week.