{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

{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

{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

{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

{Oven Roasted Brussel Sprouts}

A year ago, I didn't know much about brussel sprouts.  I can't recall my mom ever making them growing up.  Starting out, I was buying them frozen and boiling them in water because I really didn't know any other way to make them.  A sweet co-worker of mine encouraged me to buy them fresh and cook them.  I did some research and found this super simple recipe that is amazingly delish, healthy and oh-so hearty.  It can almost stand by itself as a main course!  Oh, and did I mention it's only 1 WW point!? I make this dish at least twice a week, and my husband raves over it!

{Roasted Brussel Sprouts}

1 or 2 cartons fresh Brussels

 

1 or 2 Tablespoon(s) or so of light butter, melted or EVOO

 

Few sprays of canola oil 

 

Dash of Salt

 

Dash of Pepper, to liking

 

Any other seasoning of choice. {I use a lemon-pepper seasoning & garlic powder}

 

{Directions}

Preheat oven to 400 degrees or so.  Cut the core off the bottom of the brussels, peel off first layer or so of the brussels, rinse, then cut in half. Spray baking sheet with canola oil {I put foil on my baking sheet for easier clean up}.  Place Brussels on the sheet and sprinkle with desired seasonings. Then pour oil or melted butter on them.  Use your hands to mix all together so they are evenly coated.  Place in the oven and bake or 20-25 minutes until golden brown.  

2 Servings, 1 WW Point Each Serving

 

 

 

Xox,

Mrs. Munana

{Points Tracking}

Now it's time to talk about tracking.  I'm going to review the basics of the Weight Watchers tracking system, for those of you who have been asking how it works.  Tracking my daily points was how I lost all my weight, fast.  I kept track of every single item I put in my mouth along with all the daily exercise and activity I did.  Let's dive right into it.

You're allotted a certain amount of points each day, and starting out you get 26 daily points.  Everything you eat is assigned a certain number of points.  You subtract each item you eat from your daily points.  Planning ahead is a key component of tracking.  Try to think in advance what you'll be eating for the day.  I LOVE to pre-track.  It helps me stay on track and I know before each meal what I'm going to eat.  It also gives me motivation to say "no" to those pesky cookies laying in the break room or catered work lunches.  Pre-tracking for restaurants was key for me also. 

You also get extra points for your week. Yay!  You start out with 42 extra points to be used as a "cushion" whenever you need it.  I saved all my extra "cushion" points for the weekend, when I knew I would be going on a date or out for drinks with friends.  I am still able to enjoy myself and stay on track.  These points are only depleted; however, after you use up your daily points.



Here's a snap shot of my daily tracker I use on my phone.  *Please note: don't pay any attention to my daily points/weekly points.  I am now on the "maintenance" plan {since I'm now a Lifetime Member} so I don't continue to drop weight.  My daily allowance has been re-adjusted.   It's a nifty little tool to have; however, you have to pay the monthly membership fee to have access to it.  Don't panic!  I've got a nice little surprise for you.... 

I've located a website that helps calculate points.  Be sure to enter the food's nutritional info on the "Points Plus" side.  {Click on Link Below}
Points Calculator
{http://www.calculatorcat.com/free_calculators/weight_watchers_calculator.phtml}


Also, for you math gurus out there, here's a standard formula on point calcluation:

 

 

 

P is points, C is calories, F is fat, R is dietary fiber

 

Dietary fiber greater than 4 is not used. Only fiber up to 4 grams is used to calculate Weight Watchers points. For example, if dietary fiber = 2, then 2 would be used to calculate the points.

However, if dietary fiber = 5, then only 4 dietary fiber would be used in the calculation.

For example, based on the calculation for weight watchers points, every 50 calories would be equal to one point and every 12 grams of fat is equal to one point and for every gram of fiber (up to 4 grams) you deduct 1/5 of a point.

So if a food item had 100 calories, 2 fat grams and 2 fibers, you would use the following formula to calculate weight watchers points.

(100/50) + (2/12) – (2/5)

2 + .17 - .4 = 1.77 points

*Points are then rounded to the nearest whole point, so this particular example would calculate Weight Watchers points at 2 pts.

{Tracking Activity}
It's also important to keep track of your activity. The Weight Watchers Program states that once all your daily points/weekly points are used up, you can use your "Activity" points as extra food points if you wish. I never did that, nor would I recommend using them. Consider them off limits. That helps boost your weight loss even faster!  Here's a list of my most used activity that I track and the amount of points each of them contain:

Zumba, 1 hour = 6 Activity Points
Hot Vinyasa (yoga), 1 hour = 8 Activity Points!
Walking, 1 hour = 3 Activity Points
Running, 3 miles {12 min/mile or faster} = 5 Activity Points

{Few Quick Notes}:  Like I've mentioned on a previous blog post, fresh fruits and veggies are ZERO points.  Exceptions are: beans, corn, potatoes, dried fruits, fruits canned in syrup. 

{If you have any questions or need clarification on points of certain foods/activities, please let me know, send me a FB message and I'll be happy to help!}
XoX,
Mrs. Munana

{It's Lunchtime}

I had a special request for this blog post:  Healthy lunch ideas for work.  I've become pretty good at coming up with a variety of lunch options to take to work everyday that doesn't get boring or repetitive.  Here is a list of my favorite portable lunches:

1.  Veggies with hummus.  Any veggies are great.  I typically use celery, grape tomatoes, or baby carrots.  Other great options are bell peppers, broccoli, or cauliflower.  Keep your eye open for those competitor Aldi ads, they are a great way to save money on weekly veggie staples.  I buy Sabra Hummus, they have a great variety whether it be spicy, traditional or garlic.  Prep veggies the night before your work week by washing, slicing and bagging.  I keep my hummus at work in the fridge, but you can also pre-portion it at home. 

Veggies: 0 WW Points! {knock yourself out}
Hummus: 1/2 Cup = 5 WW Points

2.  Veggie Wrap.  Challenge yourself to find the most low-cal tortilla in the store.  Slice an English Cucumber in small strips, slice regular sized carrots in strips also.  Spread a Weight Watchers Cheese wedge {can be found in the specialty cheese section at the store} in the tortilla and lay as much of the cucumber and carrot strips as you wish in the tortilla.  Roll up, wrap in cling wrap and place in a baggie.  Quick and healthy lunch to-go!

Veggies: 0 WW Points!
Low-Cal Tortilla: 2 WW Points
Weight Watchers Cheese Wedge: 1 WW Point

3.  Progresso Light Soup.  Can be found in the soup aisle with many different varieties!  Try serving with whole wheat saltine crackers. 

 Soup: 2 WW Points/Serving {2 servings per 1 can, 4 total points}
Whole Wheat Crackers: 10 crackers = 3 WW Points

4.  Pita Sandwich.  Whole Wheat Pita Bread, 3 thin turkey slices, Weight Watchers cheese wedge, and lots of veggies.  Arugula is one of my faves, can also use onions, carrots, cucumbers, etc. 

Pita: 2 WW Points
Sliced Turkey: 3 thin slices, 1 WW Point
Weight Watchers Cheese Wedge: 1 WW Point

5.  Yogurt.  I buy Yoplait Light Yogurt in bulk.  This is typically my dessert, or sometimes I'll eat the Yogurt as a light lunch with a banana sliced in it or strawberries.  Very filling!

Yoplait Light Yogurt: 2 WW Points
Banana/Strawberries: 0 WW Points!

6.  Low-Cal Popcorn.  They have 100 cal packs at the grocery store.  Popcorn is super filling too.  Try the Pop Secret or Jolly Time Healthy Pop.  Just be sure to look for the "100 Calorie" logo.

7.  Salad.  You can never go wrong with salad, just be careful with the salad dressing.  I am obsessed with Lucini Shallot and Cucumber dressing, I just limit the amount I put on it.  It's packed with flavor, so you really don't need much.  Play with your salad ingredients to keep your mouth guessing. 

Lucini dressing: 2 Tbsp = 3 WW Points

Xox,
Mrs. Munana

 

{Use This, Not That}

Let's talk subbing. One great thing about the Weight Watchers program is your eyes are opened to great substitutes you can use in your everyday eating, some of which I never thought about before. I've compiled a short list that I now live by. It's amazing how simple substitutes like these can add up to make a huge difference. Your body will say, "thank you!"

1. Sub ground turkey or ground chicken in place of ground beef. It's healthier, more lean, and it gives great flavor to your recipes! {my hubby prefers ground chicken over ground turkey, which suits me just fine because it's cheaper!}

2. Use whole wheat pasta instead of the traditional pasta. Healthier for you, and I prefer the hearty flavor.

3. Try reduced fat dairy products. Whether it be butter, cheese, milk, or yogurt, I am always looking for the light and healthy alternatives. The flavor difference is virtually nonexistent.

4. Curb that sweet tooth with fro-yo versus ice cream. If you know me and my hubby, you know we love our fro-yo. I gotta have that sweet, icy treat and fro-yo fits the bill without all the fat.
{Money Saving Tip: If you happen to be at Cherry Berry for some fro-yo, "check-in" on FB to receive 3 oz free!}

5. Try baked instead of fried. I've never been a fan of the ol' fry daddy; I've always preferred baking. It's not worth the added fat and calories. Anything that can be fried can be baked. 

6. Sub fresh veggies for potatoes and corn. On the Weight Watchers program, corn and potatoes are two starchy vegetables that are assigned points while fresh veggies are not. Try limiting these two tricky culprits--they aren't as healthy as others, for example spinach, carrots, celery, tomatoes, etc.

7. Choose water over pop {or soda, if you're not an Okie}. The moment my hubby cut out that sugary substance from his life was the moment I fell more in love with him. Just kidding, but you'd be amazed how much weight he dropped almost immediately. While I've never liked to drink pop my whole life, I know a lot of people struggle with the addiction. Just take a quick glance at the calories and sugar content on the label. Or you can watch those nasty videos on the web that show the sugary devil disintegrating steak - um, nasty much?!

8. Turkey bacon always wins against pork bacon. Try it!  You cook it just the same as traditional bacon, and the it crisps up just as good.  Compare the labels next time you're at the store, it's pretty amazing.  I love the flavor of the turkey bacon and it's guilt-free!

9. Always choose whole grain breads over white bread.  There are so many awesome varieties of breads nowadays.  I challenge myself to find the one with the most whole grains, flax, etc.  You can feel good about eating bread for once in your life!

10.  OJ freak?  Sub Trop50 orange juice just once and tell me you don't love it. 

XoX,
Mrs. Munana

{Crockpot Chicken}

I am obsessed with my crockpot, that's no secret. I have the easiest recipe to share with you today. All you need to do is throw a few veggies on the plate with this dish and dinner is complete! I cook this recipe ALL THE TIME. Oh, and did I mention, you only spend like $5?! Check it out...

Crockpot Chicken

1 Whole Chicken, defrosted and rinsed
1 onion, cut into thick chunks
Lemon, cut into slices
Seasonings of choice

Directions: Place rinsed chicken into crockpot. Shove onion chunks inside chicken. Place lemon slices gently under skin of chicken breast. Sprinkle top of chicken with desired seasonings. That's it! Let it cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, and you've got a healthy meal! {1 oz = 1 WW point, without skin}

{Note from Mrs. Munana}: No need to put water, beer, or any sort of liquid in with the chicken. Trust me, it creates its own juices fast and doesn't need it. Also, my personal seasonings of choice are: lemon pepper, garlic and salt. If I have a few leftover garlic cloves, sometimes I'll put those in the cavity or under the skin also.

{Breakfast Muffins}

I'm a breakfast FUH-REAK {just ask my husband}. I love everything about breakfast and could probably eat breakfast every meal. Ah, I'm drooling just thinking about it! When I started my weight loss journey, I was nervous to see what I could get away with to eat for breakfast without losing all my precious points for the day. I stumbled across an awesome breakfast recipe one day, and I've made it so many times I've got it memorized. These yummy little treats are healthy, portable, and oh-so delicious! Check it out:

Weight Watcher Pumpkin Breakfast Muffins

1 (18 oz) can spice cake mix
15 oz can pumpkin
1 cup water

Directions:
Mix all ingredients in mixer. Makes 24 muffins. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees.

2 Weight Watcher Points Plus each

{Note from Mrs. Munana}: I use my muffin tin that makes 12 at a time. I fill them about 1/3 of the way full each, bake the 1st batch then repeat. Let them cool, then I package them 3 to a baggie, which equals 6 Points per baggie, and I promise they are so filling. That's my breakfast for the day.

P.S. Hubby approves and takes them to work for breakfast too!

Xox,

Mrs. Munana

{Cozy Winter Recipe}

I've been searching for a warm and comforting crock pot chili recipe that's Weight Watcher friendly. Too much to ask for? Nope!  I did some online research and found the perfect recipe. And after a tough workout at the gym on a cold winter evening, it's the perfect meal to come home to. Perfectly warm, ready to go, and most importantly "hubby approved". I serve this cozy chili with a few whole wheat crackers and a dash of hot sauce because I'm a spicy freak.

1 lb. Italian Turkey Sausage
15 oz can pinto beans, undrained
14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with chilies, undrained
14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with garlic and union, undrained
1 medium onion, uncooked, chopped
1/2 tsp salt
Pepper to taste

Remove turkey sausage from casing, break into small pieces with spoon, add remaining items all in slow cooker, cook for 7 1/2 hours on low. Serving Size: 1 1/2 cup, (8 WW Points Plus)

{Note from Mrs. Munana}: I recommend prepping the night before just to make it that much easier on you if you work in the morning. I pre-chop my onion and seal in a plastic bag in the fridge, and I de-case the turkey sausage in the same manner. Also, slow cooker liners are my best friend {can be found at Wal-Mart}.

XoX,
Mrs. Munana