New Recipes

As of last Sunday, I am now down 29 pounds!  It is really hard not to weigh myself everyday, but I have found that I always drop on the weekend.  So, this week, I am trying not to weigh myself everyday.  It has worked all, but 1 day.  I do find, though, that even when I gain a little during the week, I do not get as disgusted with myself as has been past Julie diet mode.  I just sit back and remember all that I have accomplished in such a short amount of time.

I was discussing the weight program and blog today with 2 friends who knew nothing of it.  They asked me what the South Beach diet did for me.  I can honestly say that I do not think any diet can do it for you until you are ready to lose the weight and, more importantly, make a lifestyle change.  I sometimes cannot believe these words are coming from my mouth.

The keys to any change in life are to make it simple, set little goals for yourself, and to try new things.

I have 2 new recipes for you that I have made, or should I say, made up myself.  For Christmas, I told the kids that we were not having cheesy potatoes this year.  Instead, we were going to have cheesy artichokes.  Do you remember the no-bake cookies that have the chocolate, peanut butter and oats in them?  I thought so...soooo good, right?

Artichoke Dish ( a newer version of the Christmas side dish):


You will need the following in any amount:

Frozen artichoke hearts (thawed and drained)
green pepper
onion
fresh mushrooms 
fresh cilantro
garlic
sun dried tomatoes
freshly grated Parmesan cheese
chopped walnuts
Mrs. Dash regular spice or any herbs and Italian spices you want.


First, chop all of the fresh vegetables and into small chunks (personal choice) and mince the garlic.
Use spray olive oil or liquid olive oil in a pan to saute the vegetables and garlic together for about 10 minutes (you do not want them to be too mushy).
In a bowl mix the artichoke hearts and the sauteed vegetables.  Add in the sun dried tomatoes, about 1/2 cup of the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and the spices of your choice.  Mix well.
Put the artichoke mixture in a pie plate cover again with Parmesan cheese and some chopped walnuts.
Heat at 350 for about 25 minutes or until the cheese if fully melted.
Eat!


Famous No Bake Cookie Dessert

Mix all of the following ingredients in a small (one serving) bowl:


1 Jello Brand sugar-free chocolate pudding (the small pre-made snack size containers you get in the refrigerator section at the grocery store).
1 tablespoon peanut butter (I prefer chunky and we use the Smart Balance brand).
1/4 cup of plain Old-Fashioned Oats
Eat!

Delicious and it tastes just like the cookies!!


This is our 14th week on the diet and our family has lost a small child.  No, not our own...Jim has lost 28 pounds and my mom has lost almost 16 pounds.  Way to go family!!