{Expecting a Blessing}

Most of you already know by now that Stephen and I are expecting our first baby in September. Pregnancy has been such a wonderful experience for both of us.  I personally have enjoyed pretty much every minute of being pregnant...the past 7 1/2 months have been amazing and I wanted to share with you some of the highlights of our journey thus far...

{First Trimester}

The first trimester was full of so many changes for us.  After finding out we were expecting, we immediately went into overdrive with research and planning, almost as if our baby was due the next week.  Excitement and joy flooded our hearts right away, we almost couldn't contain our secret from family and friends.  After our pregnancy was confirmed by our doctor, and we had that sweet ultrasound in our hands, we HAD to tell our families - it was still pretty early, but we couldn't wait.  I did experience a few rough patches in the first trimester, but nothing that I couldn't handle.   I had a few food aversions, particularly the smell of meat cooking - ick!  But thankfully that didn't last long.  I also experienced some cramping, which somewhat scared me at first... {As a side note: DON'T read blog posts to try to figure out what's wrong with you when you're pregnant- it'll scare you even more!} I feel so bad for my hubby, another side effect of my first trimester was moodiness - my hormones were out of control.  Crying over nothing - freaking out over everything.  Poor guy did his best to console me.  He's been such a rock star husband during this entire journey, but especially my first trimester.  Don't know what I would do without that man of mine.  One of the BEST highlights of my first trimester: no morning sickness.  Not once.  Thank you Jesus!

{Cravings:  Refried beans, oatmeal, sandwiches}

{The Gender}

We paid extra at our doctor to find out the sex of the baby early.  I mean, seriously, who can wait another minute to find out something THAT major.  Looking at the ultrasound screen with Stephen by my side holding my hand was the best.  The baby was very stubborn that day, moving around and crossing its legs - the tech had a hard time getting a good view...but finally, there it was...it's a GIRL!  All along we were hoping for a boy - so to hear it was a girl was a shock to say the least.  But we were happy, a healthy baby is all that truly matters - and God had blessed us with a healthy baby girl.  Gracie Eyvon Munana would be her name.  Two days later, on my way to work, I was involved in a hit-and-run accident. I called my doctor and they told me to go straight to the ER, just to make sure the baby was okay.  Upon arrival, they did a urine and blood test and rushed me back to see an Ultrasound tech.  Stephen was with me and once we arrived in the dark Ultrasound room, the tech asked us if we had found out the gender yet.  We excitedly told her, yes, a girl.  She looked at us and said, "That's not what I'm seeing."  I looked at Stephen with big eyes, and he had the biggest grin on his face.  Ear to ear.  The tech continued, "Yeah, it's definitely a boy."  We were literally freaking out.  I exclaimed, "Show us!"  She zoomed in on the "boy parts" and showed us clear as day, our baby boy.  We were stunned.  Couldn't believe it.  We had just gotten used to the idea of our Gracie.  Luckily, we already had a boy name picked out too....Samuel.  Samuel Anthony Munana.  Stephen gets his boy after all.   

{Second Trimester}

The second trimester in one word....wonderful!  My skin, nails and hair, perfect.  My mood - even better. Easy doctor appointments, the glucose test was a breeze {not sure why so many women complain about it..I had that sucker chugged in 30 seconds}.  My doc did tell me to amp up my iron and protein - no problem!  The slight fatigue I was feeling was immediately put at bay with a simple iron supplement.  Late in my second trimester, my doctor ok'd me to get back into the gym - and I've never felt better.  It was the missing piece of my "feel good" puzzle.  Although, I do get lots of questions and odd stares, even some comments about me working out while pregnant.  One in particular: "You better be careful or that baby will pop out any minute."  And my response, "Actually my doctor  strongly recommended I come back to Zumba - it's good for me and the baby."  I honestly try my best to not get offended by people who give me their "two cents" on my pregnancy. 

{Cravings: ice cream DRENCHED with Hershey's chocolate syrup, oatmeal, Rib Crib chicken strips}  

   

{Third Trimester}

This is it.  Last trimester.  Where the heck did the time go?!  Are we ready for this?  Ah!  Mild Braxton Hicks are occasionally hitting me, but it's not too bad at this point.  My appointments have now started becoming a bi-monthly affair, and soon they'll be weekly.  We get to pre-register for our hospital stay and epidural in just a few weeks.  And our baby shower is just a week away!  It's getting real.  I'm still feeling great, and loving my baby bump - no stretch marks!  My favorite thing is feeling Samuel kick and push inside my belly.  It's become our nightly entertainment.  Stephen talks to my belly and "boom" he kicks.  He rubs my belly and there he goes, moving around.  It's the most amazing thing.  I often wish Stephen could experience what it feels like.  My linea nigra is darkening more and more, and I love it.  It's now created a ring around my belly button and is traveling up towards the top of my belly.  We've learned no matter where we go, we must locate a bathroom at all times - peeing is my new hobby.  And my feet have just started swelling if I'm on them too long or get too hot - but it's nothing an ice pack and a foot rub from hubby can't handle.  Lately indigestion and heart burn have crept up on me - but trust me, I'm not complaining - I just look at it as our little Sam must have a lot of hair like mommy and daddy!

{Cravings: to be determined}

Xox,

Mrs. Munana

{Clean Burrito Bowl}

Over the last few months, my husband and I have been transitioning into an even healthier lifestyle by incorporating "clean eating" into our diet.  It's been an incredible learning experience for us both and has really transformed our outlook of what we eat.

One of our new favorite weeknight dinner meals is our "Clean Burrito Bowl".  My husband grew up eating his mom's authentic Mexican/Spanish food {she is an excellent cook}, so this is a HUGE hit with my hubby.  We make this at least once a week, and it's so easy to make that my hubby is able to cook this on his own!

Healthy, "Clean", Guilt-free, and satisfying....You'll be "cleaning" your bowl with my clean burrito bowl recipe!

{Clean Burrito Bowl}

Organic Chicken Breast(s)
Bell Pepper, sliced
Fresh Jalapeno, sliced (optional)
Red Onion, diced
Ezekiel Tortilla (can find at Whole Foods)
Nonfat Greek Yogurt
Fresh Lime
Cilantro
Tomato, chopped
1 Can Reduced Sodium Black Beans, warmed
Avocado, mashed
Herdez Salsa
Mrs. Dash Chili Lime Seasoning

Directions:  Cut chicken breast(s) into thin slivers.  {This helps reduce cooking time and makes it easier to eat in the bowl.}  Cook chicken in skillet sprayed lightly with olive oil spray.  Add bell pepper and jalapeno slices; cook until tender.  Season with Mrs. Dash seasoning (go light on the seasoning).  Toast Ezekiel tortilla on a small skillet until warm.  Place tortilla in bottom of a bowl.  Add all other ingredients on top.  Finally, dollop a small amount of Nonfat Greek Yogurt on top and garnish with fresh lime juice and cilantro!  Voila! 

 

Xox,
Mrs. Munana

{Business Lunch Survival}

On occasion at my job, I go on business lunches with our customers.  It's always fun and I enjoy meeting new people, touring foundries and connecting with my customers.  It can be challenging to stay on track during these business lunches, but it isn't impossible.

I've comprised a list of ways YOU can survive your next business lunch:

{1}  Be prepared.  Know where you're going ahead of time and do some prep-work.  Google the restaurant and check out their menu in advance.  Most restaurant websites nowadays list the Nutritional Information directly on their site!  Preparation is the key to staying on track and being successful.

{2}  No munching.  Skip the tortilla chips or bread basket.  Mindless munching is a quick way to add loads of calories to your meal.  Instead, try sipping on your water.

{3}  Go light.  Most restaurants have a lunch menu that provides a lighter portion option.  This is an easy way to help keep your portions in control.

{4}  Eat slow.  You're going to be chatting with co-workers or customers, so just take it slow.  You'll fill up faster on your lunch and avoid over-eating.

{5}  Remember your goals.  Don't be surprised if you receive a few comments on your "healthy" food choices during the business lunch.  I've heard it all from "What diet are you on?"  to "You don't need to worry about what you eat!"  It's okay to be different and choose healthy options.  Don't let anything discourage you from making good choices for yourself.  Most people won't understand, and they don't have to.  Try a positive response back like: "I really enjoy eating healthy when I can." 

Xox,
Mrs. Munana

{Gym Junkie}



I've got a confession to make.... I am a gym junkie! 

 

I love everything about the gym: the sweat, hard work, cardio, weight training, classes, the cute workout gear -- I love it all!  There was a period right after we moved where we had cancelled our gym membership at Lifetime Fitness simply due to distance.  After a month or so, I was desperately craving the gym.  I needed it.  I found a gym close by my work, Sky Fitness in Midtown Tulsa.  We signed up right away, and I'm hooked yet again.  I look forward to going to the gym, it's my stress relief and my second home.  I attend Zumba classes three days a week, plus a Hot Vinyasa class on Sundays.  I head to the gym right after work and stay for two hours.  Stephen is always by my side and before classes, we work on toning and weight training together.  He's been a great teacher, showing me new techniques and helping me tone my problem areas.  He is also my biggest motivator and supporter.  I am so thankful we are able to workout together, it's been a great bonding experience for us as a couple. 

 

Did you know that there's WAY more than just physical benefit of exercise?  As if the physical benefits aren't enticing enough....Exercise has been proven to reduce stress, boost happy chemicals, improve self-confidence, alleviate anxiety, boost brainpower, sharpen memory, helps control addiction, and increases relaxation. 

 

After a gym sesh, I feel empowered and unstoppable!  The high I get after a workout is the most incredible feeling.   

 

 

Stephen has been a great help teaching me the ropes on weight training!

 

I'm a sucker for russian twists!

 

 

 

 

 

 

With each passing day, I notice that my strength and endurance is building.  I never thought I'd be the girl who could do a yoga head stand (still working on perfecting it), be able to do push-ups, or have bicep muscles!  I'm learning more each day and am excited to see more results over time.  I am very thankful that I have a healthy and strong body that is able to try new things and push myself to new levels. 

 

Xox,

Mrs. Munana 

 

 





{Scaling Back}

I weigh in once every few weeks at my local Weight Watchers.  Since I'm a Lifetime Member now, it's just a routine check-up to ensure I'm maintaining my weight loss.  I went in today on my lunch break as usual and stepped on the scale.  A lady working the counter behind me chimed in and said, "Girl, it doesn't matter what that scale says, because you look awesome!" 

She made my day. 

What a great reminder.  It's not all about a certain number on the scale.  It's about being healthy, happy and strong.  It's about loving yourself and what you see in the mirror, even if you aren't "there" yet.

I love that I can say I am no longer a slave to the scale.  I embrace who I am and celebrate how far I've come.  I'm not perfect, far from it.  I make mistakes daily and am constantly learning.  But my mistakes don't stop me or discourage me from keeping on my path of a healthy life. 

I walked out of my weigh-in today with a smile on my face not because of the number on the scale, but because of the fresh perspective I was given by a complete stranger.

 

 

Xox,

Mrs. Munana

{Throwback Thursday #TBT}

I'm inspired daily on social media by people who have made amazing body and life transformations.  I love seeing the hard work people put into losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  Some celebrate together online by showing before and after pictures and tagging #throwbackthursday or #tbt.  Knowing myself the hard work that goes into losing any amount of weight, I feel a sense of connection and community with these souls on social media.  My husband and I have both worked very hard and maintained our weight loss and continued our healthy lifestyle, so it's amazing when you see that happening for others. 

In spirit of #throwbackthursday, I decided to showcase and celebrate our hard work and dedication through a series of before/after pictures.  I'll admit that I sometimes become discouraged when I don't see results week-to-week, but when I look back at old pictures and compare to now, I am instantly inspired again. 

Before - 142 lbs / After - 117 lbs

We've lost a combined total of over 65 lbs together!

This whole "Throwback Thursday" concept really got me thinking about how much of a transformation my husband and I have experienced since we decided to make a healthy life change.  When I "throwback" to my old lifestyle, I remember feeling miserable, and I had no self confidence.  I remember mindlessly eating and on a given Friday night I could easily down a couple bottles of wine with Stephen.  On a certain level it's embarrassing to admit that I lived that way, but at the same time, I can also see how far I've come.  Emotionally I am a whole new me.  I have realized I can push myself to try new things and I can accomplish whatever I set my mind to.  I've realized there's more to life than living it in a "mindless" way.  I'm conscious of what I'm putting in my mouth now and know that the positive decisions I'm making for my body today will pay off in the future. 

I'm so thankful that I can look back at our "Throwback Thursday" pictures and be proud of how far we've come together. 

Xox,
Mrs. Munana

{Grilled Stuffed Mushrooms}

I decided to get creative and mastermind a new grill recipe.  Grilled Stuffed Mushrooms...the healthy way.  Hearty and satisfying, this recipe will be a staple at your next family barbecue--plus, it's so good you won't even be able to tell it's healthy! 

This spring and summer, grilling doesn't have to be scary, you CAN stay on track and eat grilled food.  Here, I'll prove it to you...


{Grilled Stuffed Mushrooms}

1 Package Portobello Mushrooms

Laughing Cow Light Blue Cheese Triangles, 4 triangles

5 or 6 green onions, finely chopped

Canola Oil Cooking Spray


{Directions}:

Prep the mushrooms by pulling stem out and gently wiping away dirt on surface of mushroom with damp paper towel.  Mix the cheese and green onions together in a small bowl.  Fill each mushroom with the mixture, spray the bottom of the mushroom lightly with the canola oil and grill on medium heat for about 8 to 10 minutes until cheese is melted and hot. 

{Only points in this recipe are the cheese wedges!  1 point each!  So if you make this 4 servings, it'd only be 1 WW point each!}

Pre-Grilled Stuffed Mushrooms, YUMM-O!

Xox,
Mrs. Munana

{One Year Anniversary}

April 4th marks a very special date for me, an anniversary date worth celebrating.  On this day one year ago today I walked in the Weight Watchers office and signed up for my weight loss journey! 

Happy "Weight Loss Journey Anniversary" to me! 

Before & After Picture

I remember that day so vividly, as I was nervous as heck to fail again.  As I stepped onto that scale and heard my weight aloud, "142 pounds", I almost puked.  I was totally disgusted and ashamed of myself, but at the same time I knew I needed to hear my weight spoken aloud and documented for me to see in my little booklet.  It was a number I never wanted to see again.  And that's how it all began for me: changing bad habits, living a healthier lifestyle, and challenging myself physically and mentally. 

What a year it has been on my journey! 

Never would I have expected my success to have happened so quickly.  I've not only met my weight loss goal, but I've also lost more than my goal and maintained my weight!  There has been a dramatic change physically and emotionally for me.  I've realized my worth and what I want for myself and my life with my husband. 

I want to take this opportunity to say a special thanks to all the wonderful people who have supported me the past year.

 First and foremost to Stephen, my husband.  Without him, this whole journey would not have been as successful.  I know I mention him a lot in my blogs, but it's because he is my biggest supporter and my best friend.  Our lifestyle has changed so much in the past year, and we've bettered ourselves by living a healthier lifestyle together.  He was there for me during the good and the bad, and he is always willing to try a new healthy recipe that I've created or motivate me to want to workout even when I am not in the mood. 

Secondly, I want to thank my family, who always celebrated with me in my successful moments and noticed when I began dropping the pounds.  Their kind words motivated me to keep going.  Especially my mom, she was the first person I called each week after my weigh-in at Weight Watchers.  The first thing she would ask, "So, how much did you lose this week?!"  Knowing she was waiting to hear the good news each week was another great motivator for me. 

 

Last but certainly not least, my loyal blog followers.  Each person who has sent me a thoughtful text message or contacted me via social media has shown me that my successful journey can bring hope and inspiration to others who may need a boost to want to change their lives too.  I love hearing stories of those who have tried my recipes and loved them or having them tell me that my story has inspired them to make a positive change in their lives.

Here's to another amazing year!

Xox,
Mrs. Munana

{Banana Breakfast Cookies}

This recipe is a new one I just tried over the weekend.  May be one of the easiest recipes in my arsenal thus far.  Super satisfying and healthy as can be, these banana breakfast cookies are a big hit.  I packaged them three per baggie and they're perfect for an on-the-go breakfast.  Oh, and did I mention there's only three ingredients?! Yes, that's right, THREE INGREDIENTS!  Doesn't get much better than that.


{Banana Breakfast Cookies}

4 mashed bananas, very ripe

2 cups quick cook oats

Dash of Cinnamon


{Directions}: Preheat oven to 350.  Mix ingredients together.  Spoon onto baking sheet sprayed lightly with cooking spray.  Bake for 15 minutes.  That's it!  The only WW Points comes from the oats! {1 WW point per cookie, if you make 15 cookies}

{Note from Mrs. Munana}: You can add chocolate chips, nuts or any other mix-ins you'd like.  I just made a very basic version, which is still delicious!

Right out of the oven! Yum!

 

Perfect with a cup of joe!

Xox,
Mrs. Munana

{Oven Roasted Broccoli}

I try to incorporate veggies into my daily diet as much as possible.  Sometimes I get bored with the same ol' way I prepare veggies, whether it be steamed or raw.  My taste buds crave something different.  I ran across a new recipe on Pinterest a few weeks ago {what would we do without the wonderful world of Pinterest, right?!}, and I knew I just had to try it.  Oven roasted broccoli.  Sounded strange to me, but also sounded too good to pass up.  I am a crispy freak, so the idea of one of my favorite veggies going from steamed to baked and crispy really caught my attention.  I've made this as a side dish for dinner and also a main course for lunch.  Oh and my hubby absolutely raves over it and doesn't want me to cook broccoli any other way!  It's super super easy to make, check it out!

{Oven Roasted Broccoli}

1 head of broccoli, rinsed & cut into pieces

1 Tbsp Olive Oil

Salt

Pepper

Garlic Powder

Other seasonings of choice {I am obsessed with "Wing It" seasoning mix}


{Directions}:  Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  In a bowl, mix the broccoli pieces, olive oil and seasonings.  Spread out onto a baking sheet, sprayed with cooking spray.  Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy. 4 servings, 1 WW Pt each {The only points in the recipe come from the olive oil.  Can use less, if desired}

{Note from Mrs. Munana}:  As mentioned above, I use my new favorite seasoning called "Wing It" seasoning mix.  It's the perfect blend of seasoning with a kick of heat.  You can literally put it on everything!  It can be purchased at the Made in Oklahoma store on 41st street across the road from On the Border.

Xox,
Mrs. Munana

{Enduring the Move}

The past month has been absolute chaos for my hubby and me.  Our little family has been dealing with selling a home, packing up the contents of that home, and moving into a new place.  I've never been through the whole "selling a home" process, since my husband owned the home before we met.  It's a very difficult process I've learned.  In the last few days before closing, we were without a washer, dryer and our fridge.  That makes it very hard for a wife to keep up with things, and I felt so distraught not keeping our "schedule" of going to the gym every night then cooking our meals.  We caught ourselves going to eat somewhere quick, then being so stressed out and having no time, we skipped our workout.  Luckily, I didn't end up gaining any weight during this stressful process; however, I could tell it was taking a toll on my body.  I hated the way I was feeling during that chaotic month, but thank goodness the whole ordeal is finally over! 

This past month has really shown me how our bodies and minds react during those "stressful" moments.  I can see now how stressful times can result in sinking into bad habits again and the feeling of being overwhelmed can be physically exhausting.  I've realized the importance of keeping your mind sharp and your body well.  Looking back I now realize that during those weeks before closing, I wasn't drinking hardly any water during the day.  That alone affected me more than I realized.  Also, I was more exhausted than ever, and if I had just made time for a 30 minute workout at least, I know I would have felt better and it would have relieved some of that stress I was experiencing.  Ultimately, I lost focus of myself and let the outside world consume me, but now that I am reflecting back, I can learn from this and try to do better with future experiences.

We are now moved and settled on the 3rd floor of a new apartment complex, our home sweet home.  We strategically picked the third floor for a reason: leg workout each day going up and down the stairs.  Plus, if you saw our view from the third floor overlooking a huge pond and the Battlecreek golf course, you'd understand our other reasoning.  Last night was our first opportunity to explore our new surroundings on an evening walk.  The weather was too gorgeous to pass up.  It was exciting to check out the exquisite homes surrounding us, feeling the warm sun, and simply enjoy each others company.  It is by far one of my favorite activities to do with my husband.  A free date night together!

We all deal with imperfections and weaknesses, especially when the going gets tough.  I hope today's blog post helps to encourage and strengthen you in those moments when you feel weak.  We all have those moments, and it's okay.  We can learn and be bettered by them.

Home is where I am with you...

Xox,
Mrs. Munana

{Banana Oatmeal Bread}

Over the weekend I was in the mood to do some baking.  I had several leftover bananas that were perfectly ripe for making banana bread of some sort.  I looked up a few recipes on my Weight Watchers app for banana bread and ran across this one.  Luckily, I already had most of the ingredients needed for the recipe.  Our house smelled AMAZING while the bread baked in the oven, and my husband absolutely LOVED it.  It's super easy to make, delicious, healthy, not too sweet and the oats in the recipe make it pretty filling. 

{Banana Oatmeal Bread}

1 1/4 Cup Flour, White
1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1/4 tsp Baking Powder
3 tsp Canola Oil
1 Large Egg, beaten
2 Large Egg Whites, beaten
3 Large Bananas
1 Cup Old Fashioned Oats (uncooked)

{Directions}
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large bowl, stir together dry ingredients (minus the oats).  Add oil and eggs, mix together.  In a smaller bowl, mash bananas.  Add bananas and oats to batter.  Spray loaf pan with cooking spray.  Pour batter into loaf pan and bake until loaf is firm to touch, 45 to 55 minutes.  Remove from oven and allow to cool. {10 Servings, 5 WW Pts per Serving}
 


 

Enjoy!

 

Xox,

Mrs. Munana

{Oven Baked Salmon}

Going back to my previous blog post, I promised you a few “lean protein” recipes.  I’ll start out with one of my husband’s favorite recipes, Oven Baked Salmon.  Salmon is more than just a “lean protein”.  It’s good for you on so many levels: it's high in omega 3 fatty acids and is full of vitamins such as Vitamin D & B12.  One thing I will briefly mention regarding salmon is that you should always choose “Wild” versus “Farm Raised” salmon.  Farmed salmon can be higher in PCBs and other contaminants because they're fed ground fish meal which is high in contaminants and then they “fatten up” the farm raised salmon.  I guess you could say “wild” salmon is the more organic version of salmon that doesn’t contain all those contaminants.

{Oven Baked Salmon}

Salmon Fillet, “Wild”

Olive Oil
Lemon, sliced
Salt
Pepper
Other Seasoning of Choice

{Directions}:

Preheat oven to 375 Degrees.  Place salmon skin side down on large piece of foil (spray foil with cooking spray first).  Season with salt, pepper, and desired seasoning.  Lightly pour olive oil on top of fillet, then line the fillet with lemon slices.  Secure foil packet around the salmon and place on a baking sheet.  Bake in the oven for 35 to 45 minutes.  You’ll know when the salmon is completely cooked when it can be “flaked” with a fork.  {4 oz = 5 WW Pts}

Xox,

Mrs. Munana

 

Gimme some of that LEAN PROTEIN!

{Where's the Beef?}

Just a small town girl, livin' in a beefy world!

In today's world, meat rules.  Every meal seems to revolve around the main course which is meat of some sort, in most cases beef.  Did you know there are better options to choose from than fatty ol' beef?!  In today's blog post I'm sharing some other varieties of protein that will help you cut out some fat and incorporate lean protein into your diet. 

Below I've complied a list of protein options commonly found in your local grocery store along with the lean protein sources I commonly purchase so you can compare the Weight Watchers points values.  I think you might be surprised!

Ground Beef (80/20)          4 oz = 8 WW pts

Ground Beef (90/10)          4 oz = 6 WW pts

Ground Chicken                 4 oz = 3 WW Pts

Ground Turkey (99% FF)  4 oz = 4 WW pts

Steak, T-Bone                    4 oz = 9 WW Pts

Pork Chop, fat trimmed     4 oz = 4 WW Pts

Chicken Breast, no skin     4 oz = 4 WW Pts

Bratwurst                           4 oz = 10 WW Pts

Turkey Bratwurst              4 oz = 5 WW Pts

Salmon, wild                     4 oz = 5 WW Pts

Tilapia                               4 oz = 3 WW Pts

Shrimp                              4 oz = 2 WW Pts


Don't get me wrong, I'm a girl who loves a steak cooked medium and smothered with A1 sauce.  However, it's not an item I eat on a regular basis.  In fact, I "treat myself" on special occasions only with a steak.  Reality is, when you're going to the local steakhouse and order that juicy 8 oz steak (which is considered a small steak), you're racking up a whopping 18 WW Pts.  That doesn't even include the free bread and side items that come with it! 

Next time you're planning your weekly grocery shopping trip, get creative and try something new.  Lean towards lean proteins!  My next two blog posts are going to include lean protein recipes that are a big hit at our house, so stay tuned! 

Xox,
Mrs. Munana

{V-Day Treat}

In celebration of Valentine's Day, I am sharing another one of my Weight Watchers recipes.  This one in particular is one of my faves because it's a no-guilt chocolate treat loaded with lots fiber goodness!  These little treats are perfect when you get the craving for something sweet, but don't want to ruin your whole day.  Reward yourself this Valentine's Day, my dear friends.

{Chocolate Crunch Treat}

1 Hershey Bar
1/4 Cup Reduced Fat Peanut Butter
1 Cup Fiber One Cereal

{Directions}
Melt chocolate bar and peanut butter in microwave.  Stir until smooth.  Add Fiber One Cereal.  Using a spoon, put a spoonful on a baking sheet lined with wax paper.  Allow to set.  Can be refrigerated or frozen.  They are delicious!!!

1 Piece = 1 WW Pt!

Oh-so comforting AND a great source of fiber - knock ya'self out!

 

Xox,
Mrs. Munana

{Better Boozing}

I'm a girl who likes an occasional drink, whether it be a glass of wine, beer, or a yummy margarita at a Mexican joint.  On the Weight Watchers program, liquor can quickly drain your daily points allowance, so I learned to cut back....a lot.  I noticed that my weight loss was significantly boosted once I cut back on my liquor intake.  One trick that worked pretty well for me was telling myself that alcohol is off limits during the week.  Mentally knowing I could treat myself on the weekend really helped me stay on track.  To give you a visual, below is a list of some popular alcoholic beverages and the Weight Watchers points value they carry. 

Margarita {4 fl oz} = 9 WW Pts

Jack and Coke {6 fl oz} = 4 WW Pts

White Russian {4 fl oz} = 10 WW Pts

Pina Colada {9 fl oz} = 12 WW Pts

Long Island Ice Tea {8 fl oz} = 15 WW Pts

Mojito {6 fl oz} = 5 WW Pts

Beer, Regular {1 can/bottle} = 5 WW Pts

Beer, Light {1 can/bottle} = 4 WW Pts

Wine {5 fl oz} = 4 WW Pts

Champagne {5 fl oz} = 4 WW Pts

Vodka {1 fl oz} = 2 WW Pts

Tequila {1 fl oz} = 3 WW Pts



Gotta love a good ol' marg!

Weight Watcher's definition of a serving of wine wasn't what I thought a serving of wine should be.  In my world, a "glass of wine" is poured almost to the brim.  I was wrong. Very very wrong.  I challenge you to grab your measuring cups at home and pour 4 fluid ounces; it will give a visual guide for a TRUE serving size.  It's pretty shocking, or at least it was to me. 

Be mindful of your serving sizes and limit yourself when you drink.  You will shed those pounds fast!

Cheers to better boozing!

Xox,
Mrs. Munana

{Flu Bug}

As illness spreads like wild fire this time of year, this past week I got sick.  That's the reason I've been a little MIA lately, sorry guys!

I felt it coming on at work, and it turned out to be the flu, yuck!  Luckily my husband is pretty much the best ever, and he took great care of me.  I had to miss two days of work, but my  body needed rest and time to heal.  I was doped up on Tamiflu and sleeping 14 plus hours a day, but thankfully I got better rather quickly.  One part of being sick that really sucked was I missed about a week at the gym.  My body was DYING for activity.  I was so tired of just sitting at home feeling helpless and watching countless re-runs of Giada at Home.  Stephen took me out into the world for a frozen yogurt treat a few times {I HAD to get out of the house}, but other than that I was sedentary. 

Monday night was my first night back at the gym and my body was thirsting for it.  Hot Vinyasa class was calling my name.  A 95 degree yoga studio and my hot pink yoga mat were all I needed.  One hour later and drenched in sweat, I was so refreshed; I felt brand new!  I was shocked at how challenging it was on my body when I had only missed one week.  I definitely felt it the next day, but in a good way!  Although I struggled with my breathing {"ujjayi" breathing for all you yoga pros} because I still have a slight cough, I realize how much my body loves working out and is so thankful when I treat it right.

I want to share a quote with you that my Zumba instructor at Lifetime Fitness shouts out during each class she teaches, "WORK OUT TODAY LIKE YOU MIGHT NOT GET TO TOMORROW!!"  I now understand completely what she means by that quote.   

Our bodies are a wonderful creation, telling us when we need rest to heal, saying thanks when we eat a healthy meal, and rejoicing when we work out those wonderful muscles.  This week I'm thankful for my body's voice and I'm thankful I am able to be back in full swing again! 

Stay tuned, more posts and recipes to come soon!

Xox,
Mrs. Munana

{Pantry Essentials}

Over the weekend I watched several episodes I had DVR'd of Pioneer Woman.  In one episode, she cooked an entire meal with items she had leftover in her pantry.  She went into detail of what essential items she keeps in her pantry to get her family through until they take a "big city" trip to stock up.  She inspired me for today's blog post.  When me and my hubs make our weekly grocery shopping trip, we have particular items that make the list each time.  My pantry essentials aren't anything like the Pioneer Woman's, they're much more figure friendly.  Check it out!

{Mrs. Munana's Pantry Essentials}

1.  Apples.  Perfect as a snack on the go.  {0 WW Pts}
2.  Onions.  I use them in almost every dish. {0 WW Pts}
3.  Oranges.  Hubby grabs one on his way to work, great as a snack!  {0 WW Pts}
4.  Bananas.  I eat one for breakfast almost every day! {0 WW Pts}
5.  Brussel Sprouts. I buy 2 packs at a time.  Check out previous posts for my recipe! {0 WW Pts}
6.  Celery.  Great as an on-the-go lunch/snack.  You can also saute as dinner side-dish! {0 WW Pts}
7.  Carrots.  Pack 'em with your celery.  Super healthy and yummy!  {0 WW Pts}
8.  Blackberries.  I can't get enough of these!  {0 WW Pts}
9.  Raspberries.  I'm obsessed with these too.  I eat these for lunch often. {0 WW Pts}
10. Hummus.  Sabra brand is my fave.  {5 WW Pts for 1/2 Cup}
11. Whole Wheat Bread.  Make a quick sammy or for b-fast as toast.{2 slices = 3 WW Pts}
12. Whole Wheat Pasta. Always comes in handy, quick dinner when paired w/ ground chicken and sauce.  {1 cup = 4 WW Pts}
13. Classico Pasta Sauce.  Great brand with lots of variety to choose from. {1/2 Cup = 1 WW Pt}
14. Country Crock, Light.  {1 Tbsp = 1 WW Pt}
15. Mini Wheat Cereal.  I bag these for a quick b-fast on the go, hubby does too. {5 pts per Serving}
16. Salsa.  Great as a snack with a few tortilla chips. {0 WW Pts}
17. Weight Watchers Cheese Wedges.  Great sub for anything you use with cheese. {1 WW Pt ea}
18. Laughing Cow Cream Cheese Wedges.  I put one on a bagel thin for breakfast {1 WW Pt ea}
19. Skim Milk.  {1 Cup = 2 WW Pts}
20. Cottage Cheese.  This is a must for my hubby, his favorite snack. {1 Cup = 5 WW Pts}
21. Low Fat Yogurt. Yoplait brand is my fave. {2 WW Pts ea}
22. Weight Watcher Ice Cream.  Guilt-free sweet treat. {WW Pts vary, shown on box}
23. Pickles, dill.  Great side dish for any meal, or a guilt-free snack. {0 WW Pts}
24. Ground Chicken/Ground Turkey.  {1 oz = 1 WW Pt}
25. Thin Sliced Turkey Luncheon Meat. {3 Slices = 1 WW Pt}
26. Canned Veggies. Buy 'em with no salt and season as you wish.  {0 WW Pts}
27. Bagel Thins.  Lots of variety to choose from! Great for bfast or use for sandwich {3 WW Pts ea}
28. Cream of Wheat.  Hubby loves this on the weekend. {1 cup = 3 WW Pts}
29. Turkey Bacon. Always have this handy for breakfasts with my hubs. {3 pcs = 1 WW Pt}
30.  Arugula/Spinach Mix.  Great for a salad or to slap on a sandwich/wrap. {0 WW Pts}
31. Broccoli.  Eat raw or can be cooked, super healthy veggie {0 WW Pts}
32. Cauliflower.  Can boil & mash up as a mashed potato sub or eat raw! {0 WW Pts}

Share some of your healthy pantry essentials with me!  I'm always looking for new ideas in the kitchen!

Xox,
Mrs. Munana

{Grilled Tilapia Packets}

For all you "Grill Masters" out there, this blog post is just for you! 

My hubby and I enjoy grilling.  Well, actually Stephen grills and I enjoy whatever he makes {hehe}.  In fact, that is one way he swept me off my feet when we first started dating, he grilled all the time for me.  Just ask our family and friends: he's famous for his steaks and bacon-wrapped jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese {they're TO DIE FOR}.  He came up with a creative little recipe one weekend and after a few tweaks, he's perfected it.  It's super delicious and very healthy.  Grilled Tilapia with veggies in a cute little foil packet. 

{Grilled Tilapia Packets}

Tilapia Fillet(s), fresh
Lemons
Onion, Sliced Thin
Veggies of Choice: {bell peppers, squash, zucchini, tomatoes, mushrooms, etc.}
Cilantro
Olive Oil
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Chili Powder, to taste
Cooking Spray

{Directions}
Lay out pieces of foil {one for each piece of fish}, spray each foil piece lightly with cooking spray.  In a small bowl mix the salt, pepper, chili powder, cilantro and fresh squeezed lemon juice with olive oil.  Brush the mixture gently on both sides of the fish.  Lay fish on foil and place whatever veggies you please on the fish.  Wrap it up and slap it on the grill for 20 minutes, 10 minutes each side on high heat. 

{Notes from Mrs. Munana}:  Hubby says to make sure you have extra cilantro and lemon juice for topping the fish once it's cooked.  You can also heat up some corn tortillas and make fish tacos!  We've found that Reasors has the best selection of fish, check out their meat counter!

Tilapia: 4 oz = 3 WW points
Olive Oil = 1 Tbsp = 4 WW Points

 

Xox,

Mrs. Munana

{Support System}

I've got to brag just a little bit: my husband is absolutely amazing, and I am one blessed girl to have found him.  We've been together almost two years, married almost two months, and he is my world.  When I started my weight loss journey, he was my biggest supporter.  He encouraged me every day and celebrated each weight loss goal I achieved.  He even started eating what I cooked which made it that much easier for me to stay on track {turned out to be a good thing for him, he ended up losing weight with me}.  My weight loss journey became "our" weight loss journey.  Each pound lost made our relationship stronger, and we created a new healthy lifestyle together.  I know I wouldn't have been successful without him by my side every step of the way. 

One story that really sticks out to me is the day I realized I had to buy a whole new wardrobe.  Every article of clothing I owned was too big for me.  One day, I sat in my closet, crying.  Stephen came in the closet and asked me what was wrong.  I sobbed, "None of my clothes fit me anymore."  He asked me why I was sad about it and said that I should be happy, it was a great thing!  Truth was, I wasn't comfortable in my new skin yet and the thought of having to start completely over with my wardrobe was overwhelming.  I wasn't expecting to have to do it so soon.  With his encouragement, patience (lots of patience I might add) and support, I was able to gradually rebuild my wardrobe.  It was a challenge for me at first to get used to shopping and looking for a smaller size, but Stephen was by my side for each shopping trip.  I mean, honestly, how many guys out there go shopping with their girl?!  He's quite the trooper.  

I'm very blessed to have such a great guy in my life.

Bragging aside, this story has a purpose.  I am a firm believer that having a support system is a huge part of any weight loss goal.  Whether your support be your significant other, best friend, or a family member, find that someone who you can confide in and trust...that person you can lean on and who will hold you accountable when you need it.  Having that support is an essential key of your journey.

I love you, Stephen.  Each day you make me a better person.

Xox,
Mrs. Munana

“You can’t do it all yourself. Don’t be afraid to rely on others to help you accomplish your goals.” ~Oprah Winfrey

Before & After



Before & After