Dry and Liquid Measurement Equivalents

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July Menu Planner

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Thanks to Smilebox for the graphics I used to create the header.

Margarita Pizza Biscuits

Margarita Pizza Biscuits
From WW Fast Fixes Recipes
Serves 2 | 3 Points each

nonstick spray
2 small unbaked refrigerator biscuits
4 TB store-bought pizza sauce
4 TB shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
chopped fresh basil

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.  Spray small baking pan with nonstick spray.  Flatten biscuits so each is about 4-inch circle.  Place circles on pan; spread each with pizza sauce and sprinkle each with mozzarella cheese.  Bake until cheese is bubbling and biscuit is cooked through, about 6 minutes.  Sprinkle each with basil.

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Pasta Carbonara

Lowfat Pasta Carbonara
From Bethenny

• 1 pound whole wheat spaghetti
• 3/4 cup soy milk
• 2 whole eggs
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
• 2 tablespoons butter (regular or vegan/soy)
• 8 slices organic turkey bacon, cooked until crispy
• 1-1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes

1. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions.
2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the soy milk, eggs and yolks, parmesan cheese, half the garlic salt, and half the pepper.
3. When the pasta is done, drain it and quickly put it directly into the bowl with the egg mixture.  Toss to coat.  The hot pasta will cook the eggs.
4. When the pasta is coated with the egg mixture, mix in the butter, bacon, red pepper flakes, and the remaining garlic salt and pepper.  Serve immediately.

Use what you have! Mix and match these variations to use whatever you have around your kitchen:

1. Instead of whole wheat spaghetti, try any other wholegrain pasta, including brown rice or quinoa, in any shape you like or white pasta (lower on the Ideal Ingredient scale).
2. Instead of soy milk, try plain rice or almond milk, light coconut milk, or lowfat or skim milk.
3. Instead of Parmesan, try Romano, Pecorino, shredded white cheddar, Vegan Parmesan, or shredded vegan/soy cheese.
4. Instead of garlic salt, try onion salt or regular salt.
5. Instead of turkey bacon, try Prosciutto, chopped Canadian bacon, chopped lean ham, or Vegetarian bacon.
6. Instead of or in addition to red pepper flakes, try chopped fresh parsley and/or peas.

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UPDATES

I have updated the TZ Critics page at the top.  I have listed a 6 month update since so much has changed specifically in the last couple of months.  I think those of you that are struggling to keep your family happy while making healthy changes will like what you read!  Stay Strong and Drink More Water!!

I walked and partially jogged in a 5K this weekend.  As I have stated before, I am obese, so this was no small challenge. 

I was the largest participant. 
I did not finish last, but it was close. 
I did finish in under an hour. 

I have mixed feelings about this race.  I am NOT sorry I did it!  I WILL do another one! I loved the feeling it gave me, empowerment, that is how I would describe it.  I thought of quitting, taking a shortcut a couple of times but I pushed through it.  I thought about my tshirt, it said "Empowered by God" and I prayed.  I prayed for strength, endurance and a decent song in my head to keep me going.  I prayed for shade at one point and breeze at another.  I praised that I was even able to participate, that I was doing it, and that He is my strength. 

I was embarrassed.  Embarrassed that I had let myself get so out of control.  Embrassed that I could not walk as fast as I thought I could.  Embarrassed that I was so far behind the crowd.  Embarrassed everytime a well doer that I didn't know cheered me on.  I look back on that particular embarrassment and I am thankful that they did.  I wanted to be the typical heavy girl hiding from everyone.  I wanted to do this for me, not in front of them.

I regret I didn't take my iPod.  I realized how much the music distracts me and keeps me going.  So if you are thinking of participating in a 5K, take your earphones and some music!  Also, participate with friends. I am so glad I did. I had the support of friends cheering me on, and two even came back when they were finished and walked the rest of my walk with me.  I love my friends! 

This 5K also pushed me off a stale weightloss wagon and pushed me into gear again.  I have had stale moments in this journey, but I keep changing it up and so far so good.  I can't wait to see where it will take me.  Are you on this journey too? Leave me a comment and I'll cheer you on too!

Spicy Seven-Layer Beef Salad

Spicy Seven-Layer Beef Salad
From WW Fast Fixes Recipes
Serves 4 | 5 Points each

Nonstick spray
3/4 lb ground lean beef
2 tsp ancho chile powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/8 tsp cayenne
1/2 tsp salt
4 c shredded romain lettuce
2 chopped tomatoes
1 c rinsed and drained canned pinto beans
1 small peeled and chopped jicama
3 sliced scallions
1 c fat free salsa
1/2 c fat free sour cream
chopped fresh cilantro

Spray large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and set over medium-high heat.  Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until lightly browned, about 6 minutes.  Tilt skillet to pour off any excess fat.  Return to heat and stir in chile powder, cumin, cayenne, and salt; cook 1 minute longer.  In large salad bowl, layer lettuce, tomatoes, beans, jicama, and scallions.  Top with warm beef mixture and spread with salsa.  Garnish with sour cream and cilantro.  This recipe works with the Simply Filling technique.

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What's for dinner?

What's for Dinner?

S- @ a birthday party/father day party
M- DIY 
T- Crockpot Chicken Taco Salad
W- Chicken Penne, steamed veggie (didn't have this last week)
T- Crockpot Roast, potatoes, carrots
F- Cheeseburger, tomato melt, grilled veggies
S- Homemade pizza, salad

I'm proud to post my menus on Org Junkie. Come join us for others like me that menu plan.  There are great recipes and ideas out there!

Full Week Blank Menu:

Thanks to Craftastical  for the great graphics I used to design.

Maple - Pecan Banana Waffles

Maple - Pecan Banana Waffles
From WW Fast Fixes Recipes
Serves 2 | 5 Points each

2 (4-inch) frozen whole grain waffles
1 large ripe banana
1 TB maple syrup
1 TB chopped pecans

Toast waffles according to pachage directions and place each on a plate.  Mash banana with a fork; divide mash between waffles and spread.  Drizzle each with syrup and sprinkle each with pecans.

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Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Simply Roasted Brussels Sprouts

From Green Lite Bites

• 1 lb Brussels Sprouts
• 1 tbsp olive oil (14g)
• 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
Clean and half the brussels sprouts (First rinse the sprout. Cut a bit of the base off. Cut the sprout in half from the base.) Place all halves in a bowl. Add olive oil and salt. Toss in the bowl to coat.  Pour onto a cookie sheet covered with aluminum foil. Roast for 20 minutes shaking and tossing about half way through.

Approx Nutritional Information per serving

Servings	Amt per Serving
4	1/4 of the recipe 4oz
Calories	Fat	Fiber	WWPs
80	4g	4g	1
Sugar	Sat Fat	Carbs	Protein
2g	1g	10g	4g

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grilled tomato melts

From BHG

 15 minutes Bake: 15 minutes 

ingredients

• 3  large tomatoes (about 8 oz. each) or a variety of smaller tomatoes (about 1-1/2 lb. total)
• 4  ounces Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeno peppers or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (1-1/2 cups)
• 1  small green, yellow, purple, or red sweet pepper, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
• 1/4  cup toasted sliced almonds

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degree F. Cut each tomato into 4 slices, about 1/2 inch thick. If using smaller tomatoes, halve each one. For each of 4 servings, arrange 3 tomato slices, overlapping slightly, in a foil-lined, 15x10x1-inch baking pan. (Or, if using smaller tomatoes, arrange in a single layer in a foil-lined,15x10x1-inch baking pan.) Sprinkle with shredded cheese, finely chopped pepper, and toasted almonds. Bake about 15 minutes or until cheese is bubbly. Carefully lift with large metal spatula to individual plates, allowing excess juices to drain off.

2. To prepare on a grill, arrange ingredients as above in a shallow disposable foil pan. In a grill with a cover arrange medium-hot coals around the edge of the grill; test for medium heat above the center of the grill. Place the pan with the tomatoes in the center of the grill rack. Grill, covered, for 12 to 15 minutes or until cheese is bubbly. Makes 4 appetizer servings.

Make-Ahead Tip: Arrange tomatoe slices in baking pan and sprinkle with cheese, pepper, and nuts. Cover and chill up to 4 hours. Bake or grill as above.

nutrition facts

• Calories 203, 
• Total Fat (g) 14, 
• Saturated Fat (g) 6, 
• Cholesterol (mg) 25, 
• Sodium (mg) 172, 
• Carbohydrate (g) 13, 
• Fiber (g) 2, 
• Protein (g) 10, 
• Vitamin A (DV%) 21, 
• Vitamin C (DV%) 79, 
• Calcium (DV%) 20, 
• Iron (DV%) 10, 
• Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

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Shells with Cheddar and Broccoli

Shells with Cheddar and Broccoli
From WW Fast Fixes Recipes
Serves 2 | 3 points each

1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped broccoli
1 1/4 c cooked whole wheat shell pasta
1/2 c shredded fat-free cheddar cheese
salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, chives

Cook broccoli according to package directions; drain and place in medium saucepan.  Add pasta, cheese and seasonings to taste. Cook over low heat, stirring gently, until cheese is melted and mixture is heated through.  Divide between 2 plates and sprinkle each serving with chives.  This recipe works with the Simply Filling technique.

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What's for Dinner?

What's for Dinner??

S- Tater Tot Casserole, Steamed Veggies
M- @ Major League Ballpark
T- Spaghetti and Meatballs, salad, garlic bread
W- Taco Bake, Salad
T- Chicken Penne
F- Polish Sausage Kabobs
S- @ Benefit for a friend

I'm proud to post my menus on Org Junkie. Come join us for others like me that menu plan.  There are great recipes and ideas out there!

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Warning - this isn't the best version for a "healthy" option.  However, it tastes really good!


Spaghetti and Meatballs

1 lb lean ground beef
1 egg
3 TB Minced Garlic
1 package of onion mushroom soup mix
2 TB parsley flakes
Flour
1/2 stick I can't believe it's not butter
1 small can Tomato Sauce
1 small can Tomato Paste
Italian Seasoning

Mix ground beef, egg, soup mix, 1/2 of the minced garlic, and parsley.  Form small meatballs and roll in flour (lightly coating).  Melt butter in an electric skillet adding remainder of garlic and meatballs.  Turn meatballs to avoid burning.  Once meatballs are cooked throughout and toasted on the outside, add sauce and paste.  Season to taste with Italian seasonings.  Serve over spaghetti.


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Kabobs

Polish Sausage Kabobs
Layer Polish Sausage, Green Pepper, Onion chunks on a skewer.  Grill.


Chicken Italian Kabobs
Marinate chunked chicken in fat free italian dressing for at least 30 minutes before placing on kabob.
Layer Chicken, Cherry Tomatoes, Onion chunks on a skewer. Grill. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese as soon as you pull it off the grill.


Chicken Kabobers
Layer chicken, corn coblets, onion, bell pepper chunks on skewer.  Grill.

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Chicken Penne

Chicken Penne
From Meal Planning Mommies

5 Basil leaves
1 tomato
1/2-1 lb baked chicken
1/2 cup Balsamic Vinaigrette
1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
1 cup Mozzarella Cheese
1 box Penne Pasta

Bake your chicken. I baked mine in the oven at 350 for 20 min.
Cook your pasta and drain. Chop your basil leaves and tomatoes. Combine diced chicken, penne, basil leaves, tomatoes, Parmesan, balsamic vinaigrette in a 9x13 pan. Top with more mozzarella cheese. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until warm and cheese is melted.



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Broccoli and Cheddar Skinny Potato Skins

Broccoli and Cheddar Skinny Potato Skins
From Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 2 • Serving Size: 2 halves • Points: 3 ww pts
Calories: 192.7 • Fat: 2.9 g • Protein: 13.1 g • Carb: 30.0 g • Fiber: 4.3 g  

• 2 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed clean and dry
• Spray oil
• salt and pepper
• 2 oz Cabot's 75% Light Vermont Cheddar, shredded 
• 1 cup cooked broccoli florets, chopped

Pierce potato with a fork a few times all around. Place in microwave and cook about 5 minutes per potato. When finished, allow to cool enough to handle. Cut potatoes in half horizontally. Scoop out potatoes leaving about 1/4 inch thick wall. Save scooped out potatoes for tomorrow's skinny mashed potatoes.

To Make On the Grill: 
Preheat grill on medium flame to 450°. Lightly spray potato skins on both sides with oil. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Grill flesh side down about 4 minutes.Turn and fill with cheese and broccoli and grill an additional 4-5 minutes. 

To Make In the Oven: 
Heat oven to 450°. Lightly spray potato skins on both sides with oil. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Fill with cheese and broccoli, place on a broiler pan andbake 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. 

Another Great recipe from Gina!!! Thanks Gina!
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What's for Dinner?

What's for Dinner??

Running a late version:

T- @ballgame
W-Cook out - hamburgers on the grill, corn on the cob and baked beans
T- Crockpot Night - Pork BBQ, Baked Southwestern Ranch Lays (YUM), cottage cheese with tomato
F- Homemade pizza, salad
S- @ a church event

I'm proud to post my menus on Org Junkie. Come join us for others like me that menu plan.  There are great recipes and ideas out there!