The Diet Continues!!

I'm about four weeks into the diet, and I'M HUNGRY!!!  Not really...I've found some really good recipes, with very minimal Weight Watchers points.  I DO miss pepperoni and green olive pizza, and cupcakes, and "spoons full" of peanut butter, but, it's all good.

There are good days, and CRAPPY days, but, overall, I'm happy with my progress.  TEN pounds down...SIX to go to get to goal.

Here's where I started...

 

Here's where I am...

 

Here's where I want to be...

 

I'm getting there!!!!!

To that end...here are some recent recipes that I've been cooking to help achieve my goal...

Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Breakfast Bake 

1	c. UNCOOKED quinoa
1½	tsp. cinnamon
½	tsp. nutmeg
⅛	tsp. ground cloves
2	apples, peeled and diced
¼	c. raisins, soaked for a few minutes in warm water to "plump"
2	eggs
2	c. skim milk
¼	c. maple syrup
⅓	c. sliced almonds

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Pour quinoa into baking dish. Sprinkle apples and raisins on top.

Whisk the eggs, milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Pour over the top of the fruit in dish. Sprinkle almonds on top.

Bake for 1 hour until casserole is set. Allow to cool and refrigerate leftovers.
4 servings = 9 pts. 6 servings = 6 pts.

Pizza Pasta Bake

1	lb. ground lean turkey sausage
1	medium onion, chopped
1	clove garlic, minced
1	carrot, minced
1	tsp. Italian seasoning
2	tsp. olive oil
1	(26 oz.) jar spaghetti sauce
8	oz. whole wheat rotini pasta, cooked and drained
2	c. shredded reduced fat, part skim mozzarella cheese
32	slices turkey pepperoni

 

Brown ground turkey, onion, carrot, garlic, and seasoning in olive oil.  Drain.

 

Stir in pasta, spaghetti sauce, and 1/2 c. cheese.

 

Place mixture in 9 x 13-inch baking dish.  Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.

 

Top with pepperoni.

 

Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 25 - 30 minutes, until heated through.

 

8 servings = 10 pts. each.

 

 

Cauliflower Oreganata

1	head cauliflower, cut into florets
2	T. butter, melted
2	T. olive oil
⅓	cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
¼	cup grated pecorino romano cheese
1	T. garlic powder
2	T. dried oregano
	a palm full of fresh chopped parsley
½	cup water or vegetable broth

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.

 

Place the cauliflower florets and the water/vegetable broth into a baking dish.

 

In a small bowl mix the butter and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

 

In another bowl stir together the breadcrumbs, cheese, garlic powder, oregano and parsley. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture overtop the cauliflower. Evenly pour over the butter and olive oil mixture.

 

Cover with foil and cook for 30 minutes.

 

Remove the foil and cook another 20-30 minutes until the cauliflower is tender and the breadcrumb golden brown.

 

4 pts. = 4 servings

 

Here's hoping YOU are attaining your "New Year's Resolution" goals too!!!