Showing posts with label weight loss. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weight loss. Show all posts

Wednesday, 6 October 2010

Sorry for not posting

Guys, sorry i've not posted this week. With being ill well i was busy being ill!! Feeling loads better now and just left with a annoying cough! Nice

Today has been a good day as I've got lots done. After a nice little lay in I went to Lakeland to get some supplies to make my christmas hampers. As money is tight this year I'm making up big hampers with lots of homemade goodies. They will include: Cranberry & Orange Vodka (made today), Blackberry and Apple jam, spiced poached pears, cookies, red onion chutney, homemade chocolates, brownie mix jars and lots more! I'll post pics as I make them. I did the vodka today but it's stewing with the orange and cranberries for 2 weeks before I put it in bottles so i'll take a pic then.

I then had to do about 40 cupcakes for different orders and I had a couple round this evening to try sample cupcakes and to discuss designs for their wedding. All good fun!

Food wise for break fast I had the good old weetabix, lunch was tomato soup and a slice of granary bread and dinner is Lightened Up Chicken Parmasan alla How Sweet it is.


I've also made my breakfast cookie alla The Fitnessista for the morning. For my version I added oats, chocolate protein powder, peanut butter, mixed seeds, 1/2 mashed banana, few choc chips and a pinch of cinnamon- can't wait until morning!!!!


I lost another 2lbs this week. Really chuffed as I had to give up weight watchers as we can no longer afford it so doing it on my own!!! I want to lose another stone by xmas so need to kick it up. Not done any exercise with being ill so once this cough has gone i'll jump back on that horse.

Peridot mentions I need more pics of Poppy! I'll try and get some more up of the rascals soon. Only prob is with the move I can't find my camera charger so using my blackberry for pics and it's rubbish as it has no flash! Me and Phil really need to finish unpacking as i'm missing so much stuff!!!!

Here is a pic of our new house and our view! So nice living on a farm!


Right i'm offski.

Mucho Love
Jessxx

Tuesday, 8 June 2010

Sorry!

So sorry for not posting for a little while. Just been a bit busy which is no excuse!

Good news is I lost 2lb this week. Had my weigh in last night and I was really surprised as wasn't expecting to lose any. Need to get back on track with the exercise!

Today for breakie I had Nestle Honey Oats & More- they are so so yummy. My new fave cereal!


Was really busy with work today. I have a project going live this week and it's been throwing all sort of problems out so it'snot been fun. Also today was a massive disappointment as this Thursday I'm due for an operation. I've been told I need 2 weeks off and then I can work from home for a number of weeks after that. But I only have 8 days paid sick days left as i've not been at the company for a year. I was told by my boss originally I could book the 2nd week as holiday but now she is saying she can't. Me and Phil have had a lot of money problems for the past 18 months with losing jobs etc so my salary basically keeps us afloat. I can't afford not to be paid. So I told my boss I have no option but to return to work (from home) after a week. God knows how i'll feel. I just really want a job that I love :-(

Anyway doom and gloom over!

Lunch was a souper affair :-)


Then more work :-(

After working I made some walnut and carrot bread, was really nice. You can find the easy recipe here. I had a piece dipped in balsamic vinegar :-) and then another slice with honey :-)

Dinner I made a morroccan lamb tagine with cous cous, really yummy dinner.


I went to Rachel's house while Phil was at football practice. We are planning Cat's hen do so had lots of fun putting the goody bags together!!

Now i'm in bed after a stressful day and praying for that lottery win again so I can leave the stinky job and focus on my cake business!

Ok the pics for today are of our 2 house rabbits Muffin (black & white) and Poppy (white). Cuteness!



Ok question for today: If you could do any job in the world what would you do? Mine would be running a little animal shelter for rabbits and small pets. Love those little critters! Poppy was from a rescue home and there are so many pets just left unwanted by owners :-(

Tuesday, 18 May 2010

Stupid rotten cold!

Still got my cold. So still not feeling up to doing my workouts which is really annoying. Plus the cough I have is one of those annoying ones that never seems to actually do anything. Even though you cough it doesn't clear your through. Pointless!!!
Yesterday was weigh in day. I was feeling a little sick in the morning so could only stomach an activia natural yogurt. Think it could have been the pizza the night before :-(
For a snack I had celery, carrot and a few Doritos with low fat houmous.

Lunch was a small pack of sushi. Not had sushi for a while so it was a nice treat.

An afternoon snack was a nice cuppa with a smartie cookie I made. It's a weight watcher version and they are so yum and work out at 2 points.

Here's the recipe:
Makes 8 cookies- 2 points each


100g low fat spread
50g golden caster sugar/brown sugar
2 tablespoons golden syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
150g plain flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon bicarb of soda
2 x tubes of smarties


1. Preheat oven to gas mark 6/200 c/180 c fan oven

2. Mix the low fat spread and sugar together until pale and fluffy. Then beat in the golden syrup and vanilla extract. Stir in the flour, baking powder and bicarb of soda to form a soft cookie dough.

3. Divide the mix into 8 balls and place on non stick baking tray and press down to form flat circles.

4. Bake in oven for 8-10 mins until golden and slightly risen. Then remove form oven and press 4-5 smarties onto each cookie straight away. leave to cool on tray for 10 mins then transfer to cooling rack.
They will keep for about 3 days in airtight container. Enjoy!!
I then had my weigh in and I wasn't holding out much hope for this week but lost 0.5lb which is better than nothing. Then it was home to have a starter cooked by Phil- vegetable fritters with a poached egg. They are soooo good. Sorry didn't take a pic! Then for dinner we had a roast chicken with veg.


Today I started the day with Weetabix mini's and a cup of coffee. Mid morn I had another smartie cookie :-)

I then popped to see my sis and mum at lunchtime and took my sister into town for an appointment. Got myself a new Terry Pratchett book- "Witches Abroad" and then back home.

Lunch I had some more sushi :-)

Dinner was a chilli beef stirfy with lots of veggies.

Then for pud I made a nice weight watchers pud- Cherry Chocolate pots for 3.5 points each.



Serves 2
425g can of pitted black cherries- drained
10g plain chocolate, melted
150g virtually fat free cherry yogurt
2 x weight watchers Belgian chocolate slices. Each cut into 6 chunks


1. Put half the cherries into a jug/blender and whizz until smooth. Stir in the melted chocolate.

2. Share the choc-cherry sauce between 2 glasses/bowls and arrange the cherries, yogurt and chocolate pieces in alternating layers- yummy!
Finished the night off with left over carrots, celery, doritos and houmous.


Need to get back on track pointing tomorrow. Past couple of days i haven't been very good at it and it's so easy to over eat. MIght also see how I go doing 30 mins on the cross trainer as it would have been a week tomorrow since I last did a workout!!




















Monday, 10 May 2010

Weigh in Monday

Well I started the day with a bowl of Maple and Pecan crunch. Twas yummy. No pic sorry! It is a Monday after all!!

Then did some work (boring) and then at lunchtime I walked to the swimming pool and did 30 mins hardcore in there and then walked back home.
I was starving when I got home so made a delish salad with my home-grown lettuce, baby tomatoes, pine nuts, char-grilled courgette and hallomi. Was sooo yummy.





For a snack I wanted to have a mango as well but when I cut into it, it was over ripe. So had an Activia cherry yoghurt with some muesli sprinkled instead :-)




Then more work....then the shopping arrived so put that away. Did some washing, changed bed sheets... again boring things!!
Here are some pics of some of the things I'm growing in the garden. We've got strawberries, herbs (chives, mint, coriander, thyme, dill, marjoram, parsley), tomato plants, chilli, peas, lettuces, potatoes. So should have a nice little lot this year.





At weigh in tonight I lost half lb. Which I was really pleased with as wasn't sure I'd lose any.

After weigh in as you know we treat ourselves. So we had lightened up chicken parmesan with ravioli and asparagus. And some doritos and dip too!



We both watched Flashforward and pineapple dance studios (love that program) and then bedtime!

Q: What is your favourite way to treat yourself?

Monday, 26 April 2010

Weigh in Monday and treat night!

Today I started the day with oatmeal with a smidge of nutella and peanut butter. Lush!! I am such a fan of oatmeal.







Then I did 30 mins on the cross trainer as I had to go into the office today so wouldn't have time later. So not a big workout today.


For lunch was ham salad sandwich on granary bread, apple and carrots and cucumber.







Then it was weigh in at weight watchers and I lost 1.5lbs which I was really pleased with :-) Little by little. I really need to get some new clothes as mine are really starting to look like clown clothes now but I was trying to put it off for as long as poss before buying some more as it will only be a matter of time again before i'll need to get some more.


Weigh in night means me and Phil have treats when I get back. It's out "naughty night" :-)


So I made the Chicken Parmesan and it was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo good. Please please go and make this!!!!! I served it with Tomato and Mozzarella ravioli. Here are some pics of it in the making but I forgot to take one of it finished! Too greedy!!!











We then snuggled down to watch eastenders where everyone found out Sayid was gay!! OMG this has been built up for a year!!!! Good episode. Then we had something really naughty. Haagen Dazs Dulce de Leche- amazing!!!! And watched Flashforward. And that has pretty much been today.







I'm really tired and have a hospital appointment in the morning. It's my pre-op assessment for when I have my gall bladder operation at the end of May so I really need to get some sleep! So Monday is over which means the treat evening is over until next week :-)



xx

Thursday, 22 April 2010

Looking forward to another sunny weekend!

I hear this weekend is supposed to get warmer- i feel another BBQ coming on! I just love them!


Tomorrow I have a cupcake class 10am -1pm and then after I hope to go into town. Need to go to the butchers and pick up some meat and also to pop into Holland and Barratt. Also want to check out a couple of book stores to see if they have "Crunch Time by Michelle Bridges". She is the trainer from The Biggest Loser Austrailia.








Tonight for dinner was Masala lean lamb steaks with baby potatoes and salad with sunblush tomoatoes. So yummy and filling.


For the lamb I crushed some cumin seeds and added some garam masala. Rubbed this spice mix on the lamb. Grilled them for approx 6 mins each side and served with some mango chutney on top. Delish!










Mango is now officially my new favourite fruit. I just love it! I'd have it everyday if we could afford too! Today foodwise I had:


Breakfast: Readybrek with skim milk


Lunch: 2 egg omlette and salad and activia cherry yogurt (these are sooooo yummy)

Post workout: Maxitone shake


Dinner: Masala lamb steaks with salad and potatoes and Mango for pud



Evening snack: 2 slices of granary toast with almond butter


Exercise: 35 mins cross trainer and 10 mins running (I cannot runso having to start off very slowly!)


Things i'm loving this week:



  • Body Shop Pink Grapefruit shower gel- it is divine! Everytime i shower it wakes me up and gives me that sweet buzz instead of eating chocolate!




  • Almond butter- really good for you and soooo yummy. I have it on granary toast or in a smoothie


  • The book i'm reading "Dark Angel by Sally Beauman"- it's a great read about murder, love, abuse, betrayal, war and sex. Set in 1910 and present day.






Right i really must get some sleep!



"Be it, Believe it"

























Tuesday, 20 April 2010

1lb this week

Lost 1lb this week. I'm pleased as the weekend consisted of 2 BBQs plus a night out on Saturday which consisted of many many sambucas and various other mixtures of alcohol! Plus i missed 2 workouts due to the hangover! Lol.


Today i'm making a lemon tart- it's a recipe i found in my health and fitness magazine and it uses spelt flour, quark and creme fraiche to make it healthier. Will have to report back on what it tastes like!


Exciting times... Sex and the City 2 is not far off!!! I cannot wait! I watch my box set while on my cross trainer and it makes the session go by a loty quicker. And the last film was fab. Plus with this one i saw a clip with charlotte baking lots of cupcakes and with me running a cupcake business that floats my boat! Below is a link to the trailer.





Friday, 16 April 2010

3.5lb loss this week

WI on Monday i lost 3.5lb which i'm thrilled with as i lost 2lb the week before even with easter and my birthday :-) So i got my 5%. Now onto the 10%!! I'm feeling fab at the mo. More energy, positive, seeing changes in my body. And you may remember a post a while back where i just didn't want to do things like go out with friends etc. Well now i want to do things like go out for a couple of drinks with them etc.

Next weeks meal plan is:

M- Enchiladas (WI treat)
T- Gratin of gnocci with tomato and bacon (ww recipe)
W- Turkey and ham escalopes with veg
T- Vegetarian sausage stew with sauted potatoes
F- Pad thai
S- Mango masala steaks (ww recipe)
S- Thatched beef pie (ww recipe but i'm using quorn mince)

Tomorrow we are hopefully having a bbq if the weather is nice. I loooooove bbqs. Just need to work out points so i don't over do it. Make sure there is plenty of low point things and salad on my plate! But i'm going to enjoy myself too and have a burger and minty lamb steak....yuuuuummmm

"Believe it, Be it"

Thursday, 8 April 2010

Some Pics

Thought i'd upload a couple of pics. One when I started and an up to date one. The 1st one is one of my fat photo's. The 2nd was last week for my birthday night out with a vodka teapot!! I think i've definately lost some form my face i think.




This week is going well. I'm keeping up with my exercise. Now it's better weather going to try and do a bit more skipping and boxing outside. Phil is doing ww with me now so we can do some exercise sessions together.
Decided this weeks i'm going to cut out any workouts in my fitness mags and put them all in one folder and try and create some good workouts for me.
If i lose 1lb this week i get my 5%. So i'm focussing on my 10% which i need to lose 1 stone 1lb.

Tuesday, 6 April 2010

Woo hoo 2lb

Lost 2lbs this week! Am very pleased as Friday was my birthday and with easter as well! I did exercise and tried to save points to help with having treats for my birthday. I went out on the sat night and danced for most of it to keep moving! Plus my sister (who is very slim) wanted to get food on the way home form the club- did i? No sir-ee!



Went to the shops on my bike today- no car. Loved it! Basket and all!!



This week meals are:



M: Had southern fried chicken (but healthy baked version)

T: Prawn chilli linguine

W: Turkey burgers and homemade chips

T: Sausage stew

F: Homemade spring roll (baked) and sweet and sour chicken and rice

S: Martinique chicken curry

S: Wholewheat pasta and tomato sauce



I've planned the following week too.



I'veordered a couple of Anita Bean's books- apparently she is the queen of nutrition. This is something i'm keen to learn about. I don't just want to lose weight/count points. I want to fuel my body properly. Here are the links to the books http://www.amazon.co.uk/Anita-Beans-Sports-Nutrition-Women/dp/1408114070/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1270583413&sr=8-3





The protein shakes are having a good effect, I feel I have more energy now which is good! Still on Maxitone but when I start My Protein i'll do a review.



"Believe it, Be it"

Tuesday, 23 February 2010

Pleased with myself

Worked really hard the past week. Working out lots using the Total Body Plan book i posted about and also including skipping (fab workout) and just using things around the home- the outside step instead of shelling out for a proper step thingy, the edge of my sofa to do arm push up thingys.

I was concious i what i was eating. Sat night i went out with the girls- now in my last post you prob saw how i feel about social events but after doing lots of exercise on sat i felt positive and went out, danced all night- more exercise.... but had 10 points worth of drink...whoops.

Weigh in was last night and lost 4lbs. Really pleased. Back on track now and set a target of 2lb loss next week.

Meals this week:

T: Amai Udon- wagamama recipe
W: Cottage pie- made with turkey mince for lower points
T: Grilled chicken breast, brown rice and peas
F: Steak and chips
S: Chicken chow mein http://www.channel4.com/food/recipes/healthy/cook-yourself-thin/club-skinny-chicken-chow-mein_p_1.html
S: Fish and veg

After this week i'm starting the meal plan in the Total Body Plan and see what results i get. A lot of the meals are fish/chicken based with veg and some nights with brown rice. But most of the evening meals don't include carbs.

Yesterday Ali Vincent's book "Believe it, Be it" arrived and read it in one sitting. It was fab to read her story, she realy inspires me.

Wanted to set a couple of mini goals.

1st is one me and my friend Claire are doing. To lose 1 stone by 29th March which links in with our birthdays- mine is 2nd April. I also want to get my 10% by May 3rd.

Fitness wise i'd like to be able to run 5k comfortably by 25th July as that is when the Race for Life near me is and i'd like to enter. Need to find someone to do it with me.

"Believe it, Be it"

Thursday, 18 February 2010

Changes

Well this week so far so good. Ate well and stuck to exercise plan. Just taking it one day at a time.


I need to do this, i cannot go on like this anymore. Always tired, always depressed. Using humour as a mask.


I hate social situations now, i used to love it- going out with friends but now i'm actually scared of it. You know you have a problem when you try to avoid seeing your friends- the people you love! But i just can't shake it. I need to change. Yes for myself more than anything but also for others. I want my friends to have their happy bubbly friend back, i want Phil to have a sexy girlfriend who he is proud of. I want my parents to be proud.


I'm feeling really motivated now and i need to keep that topped up. I have as i mentioned in the last post ordered some books which will help. Also ordered Believe It, Be It: How Being the Biggest Loser Won Me Back My Life by Ali Vincent. She won season 5 of The Biggest loser and she really inspires me along with Tara Costa who won season 7.



I want to be that person who loves exercise and is fit, toned and healthy. So i can do things i can only dream about now.


Maybe a trek, like the wall of china or the inca trail. So one day i have stories to tell. So that when i leave this earth i have more to reflect on than well - i ate a lot, stayed in al the time, sat on the sofa, tried this diet, that diet, oh i couldn't do that because i was too fat.......


This is why i have to change.....


In the words of Ali Vincent... "Be it, Believe it"

Tuesday, 16 February 2010

Back with new motivation

You may of noticed i haven't posted for 2 weeks, haven't been tracking really and 3lbs heavier because of it!!! Had weigh in last night and stayed the same so i need to lose 2lb next week.


Planned my meals for the next 2 weeks:


T: Meal out otnight for my bro's 18th

W: Spag bol

T: Beef and Guiness casserole (ww recipe)

F: Healthy fish and chips with mushy peas


S: Salmon and filo parcels (ww recipe)


M: WI treat Homemade cheeseburger

T: Amai Udon- wagamama recipe

W: Cottage pie- made with turkey mince for lower points

T: Grilled chicken breast, brown rice and peas

F: Steak and chips


S: Fish and veg


I bought this magazine book "Total Body Plan" http://www.amazon.co.uk/Complete-Guide-Womens-Fitness-Total/dp/1907232133 and it is fab. It is a 6 week plan but you could continue it as long as you want. Each week has a meal plan with shopping list and an exercise plan. For me being obese some of these plans you come across seem a bit too difficult for me but this one looks like something i could do and keep up with so going to give that a try. Starting the work outs today and then after these 2 weeks worth of meals i have already planned i'll give the meal plans a go in this book. So won't point i'll just follow this plan.


How is everyone else getting on?


Ps Happy Pancake day!!!



xx

Tuesday, 8 December 2009

Goodbye half stone

1lb down this week and got my 1st silver 7. I'm really chuffed. Had an unplanned xmas dinner on Sunday at Mum and dad's so I didn't save points for that! Plus Saturday went over a bit.



Still no exercise for me! I'm getting really annoyed with myself. I'm going to do 10 mins on the cross trainer tonight as other half is at football so can do it while he is there and then have dinner.



This week meals include sweet and sour chicken (from ww takeout recipe book), chicken korma (ww sauce), Trout with jacket and veg, Gnocci with cheese and ham (from WW mag), Sausage and mash (ww sausages), Fishcakes. Yummy!!! I love looking for new recipes so if anyone has some let me know!




For xmas dinner I found this which is quite handy. Have a good week everyone.



YOU can eat a full Christmas dinner with all the trimmings and NOT put on weight this Christmas! Yes it's true just take a look at the below menus. One is your traditional Christmas dinner the other a specially designed Christmas Day menu from Weight Watchers. The beauty is that it offers you the flexibility to eat all your favorite foods but still stay in control of your weight and ensure those jeans aren't too tight on January 1!



Weight watchers area Manager, Liz McMahon, of Basingstoke said: "Christmas doesn't need to be a struggle you can still enjoy all the festive fayre, just go easy on the chocolates and the booze and pile up your plate with lean roast turkey and seasonal vegetables!"



Here is the Traditional Christmas Dinner...The average Weight Watchers member has a daily POINTS allowance of 20 and this Christmas dinner comes in at 45 POINTS without any breakfast or tea! So yBoldou can see where you could gain a few pounds over the Christmas season!



Traditional Christmas Dinner


Starter

Leek & Potato Soup – 5 POINTS values


Main Course

Roast Turkey (4 medium slices) - 2 POINTS values

Stuffing (2 tablespoons) - 1 POINTS value

Bread Sauce (2 tablespoons) - 1 POINTS value

2 Chipolata Sausages - 3 POINTS values

Bacon (1 rasher) - 1.5 POINTS values

Peas (3 tablespoons) - 1.5 POINTS values

4 Small Roast Potatoes - 6 POINTS values

2 Scoops Mashed Potato - 2 POINTS values

Gravy - 1.5 POINTS values

Cranberry Sauce (2 tablespoons) - 1 POINTS value


Dessert

Christmas Pudding (1 portion) - 5.5 POINTS values

Double Cream (2 tablespoons) - 4 POINTS values

Brandy Butter (1 tablespoon) - 3.5 POINTS values

Coffee with cream (1 tablespoon) and sugar (1 teaspoon) - 1.5 POINTS values

Wine2 Glasses of white wine - 3 POINTS values

Total Points values- 45 (before Breakfast or Supper!)


Or try this Weight Watchers Christmas Day Menu that with just a few changes and including a breakfast and a tea only comes to 20 POINTS values!



Weight Watchers Christmas Dinner

Based on the average day of 20 POINTS® values


Starter

Weight Watchers Leek & Potato Soup – 2 POINTS values


Main Course

Roast Turkey (4 medium slices) - 2 POINTS values

Gravy - 0 POINTS values

Mushroom and Bacon Stuffing (per serving) - 1 POINTS value

Bread Sauce (per serving) - 1 POINTS value

Brussel Sprouts, Carrots, Leeks and Courgettes (boiled) - 0 POINTS values

Cranberry and Port Sauce (per serving) - 1/2 POINTS values

Boiled New Potatoes (4) - 1 POINTS value


Dessert

Christmas Pudding (1 portion) - 4.5 POINTS values

Custard Sauce (per serving) - 1.5 POINTS values

Coffee with semi-skimmed milk and sweetener - 1/2 POINTS value


Wine2 125ml glass of Weight Watchers Riesling – 2 POINTS valuesLeaving 4 POINTS values for the rest of the day:

Breakfast: Honey Roast Ham with a Poached egg and mushrooms and tomatoes

Snack: 2 Mini Bourneville Plain Chocolates

Tea: No POINTS value Vegetable Soup (Cook carrots, turnip, parsnips and onions in a pan in chicken stock, once vegetables are soft blend , season and serve)



RECIPES



Stuffing (serves 16 portions)

Ingredients3 x 1/2oz (15g) lean rashers back bacon, derinded5½oz

(150g) mushrooms, finely chopped

3 tablespoons margarine

2 onions finely chopped

2 tablespoons parsley

8oz (240g) dry bread

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 large egg, lightly beaten


Method

1) Lay the bacon on the rack of a grill pan and cook under a moderate grill, turning once, until cooked but not crisp.

2) Heat the margarine in a saucepan, add the onions and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes. Add the mushrooms to the saucepan and continue frying until cooked. Stir in the parsley and set aside.

3) Break the bread into pieces, place in a liquidiser or food processor and process to breadcrumbs.

4) Stir the breadcrumbs into the onion and mushroom mixture, mix in the lemon juice and bind together with the egg. (Points value per serving - 1)


Turkey

Ingredients

111/2-121/2lb (5.5-6kg) fresh turkey with giblets

1 large onion

21/2 tablespoons margarine


Method

1) Remove the giblets from the turkey. Rinse the bird under cold running water and pat dry with kitchen paper.

2) Spoon the stuffing (see above) into the skin at the neck of the bird. Place the onion in the body of the turkey.

3) Spread the margarine thickly over the breast of the turkey then spread over the rest of the bird.

4) Cover with foil and cook at 400-425 F, 200-210 C, Gas Mark 6-7 for 3 hours, 15 minutes Remove the foil , baste well with the juices from the roasting tin and continue cooking, uncovered for about 30 minutes until brown and completely cooked.

5) Transfer to a warm serving plate and leave to stand while preparing the gravy.

6) Carve the turkey, allowing 3oz (90g) - about 4 medium slices per person. (Points value per serving - 2)


Bread Sauce (serves 8)

Ingredients

1 onion

4 whole cloves

few peppercorns

blade of mace (optional)

12fl oz (360ml) skimmed milk

21/2oz (75g) fresh breadcrumbs

1 tablespoon double cream


Method

1) Peel the onion and press the cloves into it. Place the onion, peppercorns and mace into a small saucepan. Pour in the milk and heat very gently until the milk is steaming and just reaching boiling point. Remove from the heat and leave for 30 minutes.


2) Remove the peppercorns, mace and onion. Stir in the breadcrumbs and cream and return to a very low heat. Bring to the boil, stirring all the time. Remove from the heat, season with salt and serve. (Points value per serving - 1)


Gravy (serves 8)

Ingredients

Giblets from turkey

1 onion, sliced

1 tablespoon cornflour

1 pint (600ml) water


Method

1) Remove giblets from the turkey, rinse under cold running water and pat dry with kitchen paper.

2) Place giblets in an oven-proof dish with sliced onion and add about 1 pint (600ml) water to cover.

3) Cover the dish and place on the lowest shelf of the oven. When the turkey is cooked remove from the oven and leave to stand for about 10 minutes.

4) Place the giblets and juices from the turkey roasting pan into a basin standing in a bowl of chilled water - if possible add a few ice cubes to the chilled water. As soon as the fat solidifies on the top, skim it off. Blend the cornflour with a little cold water to form a smooth paste.

5) Strain the giblets and gradually stir the juices into the cornflour. Pour into a saucepan and bring to the boil, stirring all the time. Boil for two minutes then pour into a gravy boat or jug. (Points value per serving - 0)


Cranberry and Port Sauce (serves 8)

Ingredients

8 oz (240g) cranberries

1/4 pt (50ml) water

1 teaspoon arrowroot or cornflour

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons port


Method

1) Place the cranberries and water in a small saucepan over a moderate heat. Simmer for 10-15 mins until the cranberries are cooked. Stir briskly to break up some of the cranberries to make a purée containing a few whole cranberries.

2) Blend the arrowroot or cornflour to a smooth paste with 2-3 teaspoons cold water. Stir into the cranberries and bring to the boil stirring all the time. Boil for 2 minutes.

3) Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the sugar and port. Serve hot or leave until cold. (Points value per serving - 1/2)


Christmas Pudding (serves 8)

Ingredients

1 teaspoon margarine

6oz (180g) fresh breadcrumbs

2oz (60g) flour

12oz (360g) dried fruit

grated zest of one lemon

1/2 teaspoon allspice

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 1/2 oz (45g) carrot, finely grated

1oz (30g) soft brown sugar

1 tablespoon treacle

1 1/2 teaspoons brandy flavouring

2 large eggs


Method

1) Grease a 1 ½ pint (900ml) basin with the margarine.

2) Mix the breadcrumbs together with the flour, dried fruit, lemon zest, spices, carrot and sugar.

3) Spoon the treacle into a jug, add the brandy flavouring and eggs then whisk until evenly combined.

4) Mix the egg mixture into the dried ingredients.

5) Spoon the mixture into the prepared basin, press down with the back of a spoon then cover with a layer of pleated non-stick baking parchment and foil. Steam for 1 hour 45 minutes.

6) Carefully lift the basin from the saucepan or steamer and remove the paper and foil. Invert the pudding onto a serving plate and decorate with a sprig of holly. (Points value per serving - 4 ½ )

N.B. This pudding does not have the keeping quality of the traditional pudding which is very rich and contains a high proportion of fat, therefore make it on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve and then reheat it on Christmas Day.


Custard Sauce (serves 4)

Ingredients

2 tablespoons custard powder

1 pint (600ml) skimmed milk

1 tablespoon sugar


Method

1) Place the custard powder in a bowl

2) Gradually blend about 3 tablespoons milk into the custard powder to make a smooth paste.

3) Pour the remaining milk into a small saucepan and heat until steaming.

4) Pour the hot milk onto the custard powder mixture, stirring all the time

.5) Pour the custard powder mixture back into the saucepan, add the sugar and bring to the boil stirring all the time. Boil for 2 minutes. Serve hot or cold. (Points value per serving – 1 ½)

Tuesday, 10 November 2009

Sorry for lack of posting!

God i've not updated this for ages. Sorry to those who follow. Been super busy starting a new job and just kept on forgetting!

Good news is 2 weeks ago I joined ww meetings. I was doing online but I think I need the support of meetings. So far everyone is fab and the leader is really nice. I've lost 3lb so far as I stayed the same this week (time of the month).

Got some fab ww cook books so I can get lots of recipe ideas so I can vary the dinners we have. One of the books is "Take-out Tonight" as I lurve chinese takeaway and there are some fab ones in there along with lots of other cuisines.

Tonight I'm having prawn noodle stir fry and then a ww choc top pud which are sooo yummy, i put mine in the microwave for 20 secs so the icecream melts a bit, heavenly!

Right thought i'd set some mini goals:

21st Dec 2009- lose 1 stone
14th Feb 2010-lose 2 stone
2nd April 2010-lose 3 stone

Wednesday, 12 August 2009

Positive

Well day 3 on WW and i'm feeling good. I'm making sure i plan all my meals for the following week as it helps me stay focused. I need to do this.





I'm off work this week which can be dangerous for me as it means i can pick! But I've made sure i've factored in snacks like WW choc caramel wafer and rice cakes with ham and tomato.





Only slip up today is after baking cupcakes i automatically ate some left over mixture!!! Pointed it at 3 points so lucky i have enough to cover it but such a waste! But yum though :-) Baking can be tough as i run my own cupcake business http://www.jessicascupcakes.com/ and cupcakes are not very point friendly! But when putting together new recipes tasting has to be done, but what i'll do is have a very very small amount and try the rest on other people.





Me and OH did our fat pics last night. See mine below- worst pic ever as not even done my hair or got any make up on! But i felt for the purpose i want it to serve which is to spur me on i wanted it to look as bad as poss. Just enforces the fact i need to lose this weight. For my health as well as my confidence.





I'm also trying positive thinking. I've been reading a book called "Ask and it's Given" by Esther and Jerry Hicks and trying to do some of the things mentioned in there. It does seem to be making a difference. It's all based around the law of attraction.

I'm excited about the thought of being able to go in any shop i like and buy some really nice outfits. Long way off i know but if i keep visualising it, it makes me more motivated.