Baked Chicken and Artichokes

I got this recipe from a friend but I've changed it so it is a little lower fat. It is tasty. I suggest trying it.

Ingredients:
1 (13.75-15 oz) Can Artichoke Hearts
1/4 C Romano Cheese
2/3 C Part Skim -Low Moisture Mozarella
3/4 C Non Fat Greek Yogurt
1 tsp Garlic Pepper (or a combination of garlic powder and black pepper)
4 Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breasts

* Preheat Oven to 375
* Chop Artichoke Hearts

* In a medium bowl combine artichoke hearts, cheeses, yogurt and garlic pepper

* Place Chicken in a baking dish 8x8, 9x9 both work well
* Mix well then pour over chicken

* Sprinkle with Bread Crumbs for an added little crunch
* Bake for 30 min or until chicken is no longer pink inside

Nutrition: Makes 4 servings. Numbers based on 4oz chicken breast.
Per Serving (approx)
Calories: 235
Fat:7.5g
Cholesterol: 83.75mg
Sodium: 412.5mg
Carbohydrates: 4.75g
Fiber: 0.25g
Sugar: 1.75g
Protein: 35g

Pair this with a fresh vegetable or some brown rice and you've got a pretty healthy meal.

What Have I Done?!?!

I officially registered for my very first (and potentially last) 5K run. I have this friend. Her name is Michelle. Michelle and I met through her hubby, Preston. Preston works for Cal Fire. Have the dots been connected for you? Good! Moving on...

So my friend Michelle had a baby about a year and a half ago. Since then she's been trying to get back to her pre-baby weight (eventhough she looks fabulous!). Her and I go back and forth of facebook. Encouragement, "attaboys" when we accomplish something, recipe ideas etc. I love it. She has been an inspiration to me. Last night I noticed she said her and preston were signing up for a 5K (3.1 miles) run. I commented. "Yay! Good job! I know you guys can do it" etc etc.. Then it happened.

She asked me if I wanted to join them. My pulse quickened, there were butterflies the size of gophers in my stomach and yet, I was excited. A 5K run? I've been toying with the idea for a while. I asked her which 5K run they were participating in. What she told me sealed the deal.

Chelsea's Light

None of us can forget the horrific and tragic story behind the death of Chelsea King. Her young life stripped away from her by a man that I can only describe as a monster. The county of San Diego searched and prayed for days for her to be found. I am pretty sure every single one of us cried when they confirmed she was dead.

The 5K is on March 5, 2011. It is the "Finish Chelsea's Run" 5K. I can't think of a better way to kick off my 5K running adventure.

I am nervous, excited, worried, happy, and so much more. Thankfully Michelle and Preston will be there running with me, Potentially two more of our Cal Fire family members will be running with us that day. Not only do I get to run for a great cause , I get to be surrounded by some great friends.

Today I will be starting the Couch to 5K program. Let the training begin...

Back in the Saddle

I know, I know.. I've said it many time before. Well, I am saying it again. But I mean it this time. I'm back on the weight loss saddle. I am so close to my original goal. Yeah, I haven't been very consistent over the last year. I am ok with that though. Considering how little I have worked out and how poorly I've been eating, I haven't gained back all that much.

There's this workout regime called "Insanity". The title says it all. My co-worker and I are going to give it a try. t is a 2 month hard core workout program with a meal plan. I'm terrified excited to try it. I told him I will commit to one week at a time. I've learned to set small goals for myself. It is much easier to say "I am going to stick with this for one week" and achieve it rather than "I'm going to stick with this for 90 days" and give up halfway.

So here we go again... Back to the wonderful world of weight loss.

Day 6

I love me a pretty sunset. During Daulight Savings time I am driving to work during sunset so I usually get to see quite a bit of the Lord's beautiful creations.
I noticed an icredible sunset this evening when i was getting ready to leave Jared's house. I immediately grabbed my camera and moved towards the end of the driveway as fast as my very sore legs would let me.
I don't have a fancy fancy camera but I tried my best to capture the sunset. Trust me, the picture doesn't do it justice.

Day 5

Look at these little sweeties that are up for adoption at the Rancho San Diego Petco.
If I could adopt them, I would. Aren't they precious?!?!

A Healthier Breakfast Sandwich

I am trying to get back into my workout and healthy eating groove. So I decided to rope you in too by posting healthier recipes. Of course I will still post the fun and not-so-good-for-you type but I definitely want to make an effort to share some good for you stuff too. Enjoy!

 Biggest Loser Sausage Patty
1/2 pound extra lean ground pork
1 Tbsp Minced red onion
1 1/2 tsp Minced Garlic
1/2 tsp Dried Thyme
1/4 tsp Ground Sage
1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
1/8 tsp salt (if desired)

  * Chop up Onion and Garlic, if use fresh ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl combine all of the ingredients. Mix well.

  * Measure out meat mixture in 2 oz increments. Form each into a ball and flatten out on parchment paper. Approx 4 inches in diameter

  * Place any patties that won't be immediately cooked stacked between small sheets of parchment paper and place in an air tight container.

   * Store in Refrigerator up to 3 days and Freezer 1 month.

   * Cook up the sausage patty

Sandwich:

1 Thomas' Bagel Thin 100% Whole Wheat

1 Egg White

1/2 oz fat free/low fat or part skim mozarella cheese (or cheese of choice)

Biggest Loser Sausage patty (from above)
1/2 Cup Red Seedless Grapes

 

* Toast the bagel thin (if desired)

* Cook up the egg white

* Place cheese on warm sausage patty

* Place sausage and egg on bagel thin to form a sanwich

* Garnish Plate with grapes

Here are the Nutrition Facts:

Meal Total:
Calories: 270

Fat: 4.5g

Cholesterol: 42mg

Sodium: 397.5mg

Fiber: 5.5g

Sugars: 14.5g
Protein: 29.5

Day 4

I am just itching to use the newest members of my kitchen staff.

Day 1, 2, 3

Instead of taking up 3 or 4 blogs, I decided to post the first 3 pictures in one and todays in another. Excited? I am ;)

Day 1:
This is Baloo. He belongs to my sweet neighbor, Heather. He part Cocker Spaniel and part something else. The guess is some kind of terrier. In any case, isn't he a doll? I love him.

Day 2:
When I was a kid, I remember my mom used to tape the Christmas Cards. I think she still does. Guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree...

Day 3:
My bestie gave these flowers to me for my birthday. Over a week later they are still going strong. Aren't they pretty?

Photo A Day?

I know quite a few people(like 6 or so) that have decided to do the "Photo A Day 2011" project. I've been toying with the idea myself. Problem is that its already 3 days into January. Therefore I am already behind! Is it too late to start? hmmm 365 photos. That seems like a big commitment.

I like the concept of it... capturing one moment of everyday of the year.

Maybe I will give it a whirl and see what happens...

Zoo Favorites

Jared and I both had the last couple of weeks off so we took the opportunity to visit a few of our favorites at the Zoo.

The Komodo Dragon that I affectionately call "Frankie". He's ungly but cute. Scary yet looks gentle.

The Meerkats. Aren't the cute? I'd own one if I could!

 "Baby its cold outside"

And we got up close and personal with the snow leoprard. here kitty kitty...

It was a fun, relaxing day.