Weight Loss, Exercise and Goals

I haven't been around in a while. Life's been crazy, but I really want to commit to maintaining my blog. I have determined to reduce posting to once a week as I was finding the internet process very time-consuming. I have been busy enough that I actually haven't had a chance to catch up on reading blogs, and I do miss everyone. I will be popping in to say Hi to everyone shortly and hope everyone is doing well.

December looks like it's going to be equally busy. Most WW members know that there are some program changes in store. I'm very excited about these and looking forward to introducing the changes in a couple of weeks. All of the leaders and receptionists who have tried this are really psyched.

Well, in spite of not giving this month my best efforts I have succeeded in losing 0.2lbs in 6 weeks (my last weigh-in). I have not exercised one ioto (is that a word?) and, as a result, have puffed back up into size 10's. Yeah, I know, terrible stuff. Well, last year I actually developed a Holiday Eating plan (which I've moved to the top of the blog again) and will update it for this year. Also, last year I began with Phit-n-Phat. I'm ready to give 'er a go again. So, I expect to maintain through the holidays and then would like to get to that ellusive 140 by the end of March. Something new to look forward to.

So, back to year-end preparation. I have 2 weeks and 3 weekends to pull a lot of stuff together - wish me luck if you're reading. The life of a corporate accountant - ugh.

And, to leave you with todays inspirational quote:

I cannot do everything, but still I can do something.
And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do something that I can do.
- Helen Keller

Plan. And Plan to succeed. That is something you can definately do.

It's Officially Cold. Need Soup?

The 10 year old loves this. I whipped up a batch on Sunday. Personally, I thought it could have used more veggies and had decided to take half the recipe and add another can of tomatoes with some carrots, cauliflower and cabbage. Unfortunately, there's not enough left...

Mexican Bean and Lentil Soup

POINTS® Value: 3
Servings: 17
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Course: soups

This makes approximately 17 - 1C servings. If preparing ahead, do not add the final 4 ingredients and freeze in portions. When ready to serve, simply re-heat desired portion and add coriander, lemon juice, s&p prior to serving

Ingredients
2 tsp olive oil
1 cup onion(s), chopped
2 garlic clove(s), minced
2 Tbsp chili powder
28 oz canned tomatoes
3/4 cup dry pink lentils
6 cup Low Sodium Chicken Broth
2 cup water
19 oz canned garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
19 oz canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
19 oz canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1 Tbsp cilantro, fresh
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions
1. Heat oil over med. heat; cook onions, garlic, chili powder, stirring occ. until softened.
2. Add tomatoes, vegetable stock, water and lentils. Bring to a boil
3. Reduce heat to med-low and simmer until lentils are soft (approx 20 mins.)
4. Add beans and cook (approx. 15 min) - This is the bake ahead stage where you can freeze portions.
5. Stir in Cilantro, lemon juice, salt and pepper.

Dance, Dance, Wherever You May Be!

Oh, the things I could talk about with this title...

First, I get to go to dance again this week after having to miss the past two. Hubby is back on days, so YAY!!! Looks like he'll be laid off this week for sure - not bad though, since we were expecting it as early as early September. The run has been pretty good this fall.

Secondly, the 10 yo is in a dance competition this coming weekend. We're looking forward to the trip - it's around 5 hours away. The 5 yo is staying with my mother, so we'll really get to spend some quality time and also get to enjoy watching a lot of dancing from other groups. More on that next week:)

Finally, how can this song not make you happy? It is completely filled with happiness and hope for the future. I LOVE it! And being happy inside and out goes a long way in this journey.

Get out there and dance. Have fun and smile. It does you more good than you can imagine.

Have a great week.