{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