Hot Tamale Popsicles

I know they sound gross. For the longest time, Jason wanted to get them but I kept saying that was disgusting. We finally got them the other day and FELL IN LOVE!!! They have a cinnamony flavor without being super hot like the candies are. I don't know how to decribe it, but I highly recommend you try them for yourself! They are Albertson's brand so I think you can only get them there. They're two points each but they are big like big sticks and TOTALLY worth it.

Greek Spaghetti Squash Salad

I haven't tried this recipe yet, but it looks YUMMY! And I have almost all of the ingredients, so we'll try it soon and let you know how it goes!

This recipe makes about 10 cups; it stores well in the refrigerator one to two days, and is even better the second day. Here the squash is cooked in the microwave to save time.
Yield
8 servings (serving size: 1 1/4 cups)
Ingredients
1 (3-pound) spaghetti squash
5 cups chopped plum tomato
1 cup (4 ounces) crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese
1 cup chopped seeded cucumber
1 cup green bell pepper strips
1/4 cup vertically sliced red onion
1/4 cup chopped pitted kalamata olives
3 tablespoons sherry or red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped fresh or 2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
Preparation
Pierce squash with a fork; place on paper towels in microwave. Microwave at high 15 minutes or until tender. Let stand 10 minutes. Cut squash in half lengthwise; discard seeds. Scrape inside of squash with a fork to remove spaghetti-like strands.
Combine cooked squash and next 6 ingredients (through olives) in a large bowl; toss well. Combine vinegar and remaining ingredients, stirring with a whisk. Add to squash mixture, tossing to coat. Cover and chill.
Nutritional Information
Calories:
100 (37% from fat)
Fat:
4.1g (sat 1.7g,mono 0.1g,poly 0.5g)
Protein:
4.7g
Carbohydrate:
13.8g
Fiber:
1.5g
Cholesterol:
5mg
Iron:
0.7mg
Sodium:
350mg
Calcium:
85mg

Greek Pasta Salad

I wanted to put a picture of this up because it is so pretty, but our camera has gone awol. Anyway, I made a Greek pasta salad today. I LOVE Greek salads with feta and kalamata olives, but they are usually pretty calorie-laden. This one is too, but a 1 cup serving is about 4 points compared to 8 or 9. I admit it's a little "pointsy" for a whole meal, but I'm going to grill up some talapia for dinner tomorrow and have it as a side - YUM!!

1 14.5 oz box Ronzoni Smart Taste rotini
1 red bell pepper, chopped
3 green onions, sliced
1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved
1 4 oz. container of feta cheese (next time I'll try fat free)

Dressing:
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3 tbsp. olive oil
1-2 tsp. dried rosemary
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pinch sugar
1 pinch salt

Mix the dressing and pour it over the other ingredients. Serve chilled. Makes 10 1-cup servings of 4 points each. This would also be good with cucumbers and/or grape tomatoes. Then you could up the serving size a little.

Renewed!

I've decided I need to get serious about Weight Watcher's again. I have still been passively counting points, but our trip to AZ made me forget about weight loss and get excited about pie!! Anyway, I have noticed a dramatic drop in my self-confidence, and also a small jump in the number on the scale. To reverse those two phenomena, I'm getting back in gear!

I noticed while counting points that, even when I would be very strict about sticking to my allotment, I wouldn't really lose weight. I think I am going to drop my points allowance by a point or two and see if that makes a difference. I know it's not supposed to work like that, but I really don't get a whole lot of exercise. I have bad ankles and even just doing the dishes and vacuuming the living room makes my feet throb. So a lot of exercise is just too painful. I know I need to go to a podiatrist and get some good orthodics, but that will have to wait until we've got insurance or money, one of the two. I do love the feeling of being active, but I hate being in pain. My exercise of choice is swimming because it DOESN'T HURT!!! But, I don't have the time or the place to do it.

Anyway, since it's difficult to increase the number of calories I burn, I'm going to have to decrease the number I consume. We are planning on getting family pictures taken in early December. That means I have to look good! So the goal is at least 6 pounds down by then! Wish me luck!!!

By the way, I have added a few helpful links to the sidebar. The healthy dining finder is one that I just discovered today and I'm so excited about it! Check it out!! =)