No Pain, No Gain!

I haven’t been hiking in two weeks. This week’s 6 mile hike is sure to be challenging!

Los Liones Canyon (Pacific Palisades)

Saturday June 19th is the next scheduled hike date. Los Liones is a quiet area of the Santa Monica Mountains. If it is a clear morning, ocean views can be seen from our destination: “The Overlook”. This is a good workout hike with some steep up and down sections.

We will start hiking at 7 A.M. and should be finished before 10 A.M. Hiking boots or hiking shoes should be worn. Bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks, water, and a camera.

For more information please contact Jeff at 714.658.3409

Share
Posted in Weight Loss Journeys | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on No Pain, No Gain!

Chicken Tortilla Soup – Only 8 Points!

I am always looking for a way to expand my cooking arsenal with healthy choices for my family. Here is a quick and easy recipe from allrecipes.com that is sure to please everyone. It is a very simple recipe and most of the ingredients are already in your pantry! For an extra kick, I charred some jalapenos and put thin slices on top.

Ingredients

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes

1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed chicken broth

1 1/4 cups water

1 cup whole corn kernels, cooked

1 cup white hominy

1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers

1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

2 boneless chicken breast halves, cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces

crushed tortilla chips

sliced avocado

shredded Monterey Jack cheese

chopped green onions

Directions

  1. In a medium stock pot, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic in oil until soft. Stir in chili powder, oregano, tomatoes, broth, and water. Bring to a boil, and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
  2. Stir in corn, hominy, chilies, beans, cilantro, and chicken. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Ladle soup into individual serving bowls, and top with crushed tortilla chips, avocado slices, cheese, and chopped green onion.

For those of you that don’t speak “points” here is the nutritional low down for this recipe

Amount Per Serving Calories: 377 | Total Fat: 19.1g | Cholesterol: 46mg

Share
Posted in Millie Vanilli Cafe | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Chicken Tortilla Soup – Only 8 Points!

MY REPLY TO: Why Are Black Women So Big?

 

Wow, this post (http://thefreshxpress.com/2010/06/why-are-black-women-so-big/)  has sparked a lot of talk about black women being overweight. That is excellent! While I think that she could have used some compassion, it is a serious issue.

I am currently trying to live healthier. But it pains me to see parents setting a bad example for their children. (generations of overweight people) I have stopped buying chips, juice boxes and some processed foods in my house. I have started cooking more veggies and eating brown rice.  I also set aside time  for bike rides, hiking and other physical activity with the whole family. I’m responsible for keeping my family healthy and I take that responsibility seriously!

Yes, the post was candid but necessary, in my opinion.

Lets be real, there is a major problem with obesity in the US.

Please let me know what you think about the post.

Share
Posted in Weight Loss Journeys | Tagged , , , , | 14 Comments

Turkey Lasagna – Only 6 Points!

Here is my twist on my daughter’s favorite dish, Lasagna! By making changes to some of the higher calorie ingredients, I was able to successfully “Millie Vanilli” my family with this 6 pt dinner option. Remember to eat a light lunch if you’re planning to chow down on this hearty meal for dinner!

Ingredients
1 pound ground turkey breast
Cooking spray
1/2 cup water
1 (26-ounce) bottle fat free pasta sauce
3 cups (12 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
2 cups 1% low-fat cottage cheese
1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup egg substitute
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
9 cooked Whole grain lasagna noodles

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°.
  2. Cook the turkey in a large saucepan coated with cooking spray over medium heat until browned, stirring to crumble. (season your meat) Add water and pasta sauce; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
  3. Combine 2 cups mozzarella, cottage cheese, and next 4 ingredients (cottage cheese through pepper) in a bowl.  Add a dash of salt.
  4. Spread 1 cup turkey mixture in bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Arrange 3 noodles over turkey mixture; top with 1 1/2 cups turkey mixture. Spread half of cheese mixture over turkey mixture. Repeat layers, ending with the remaining turkey mixture.
  5. Cover and bake at 350° for 35 minutes. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese, and bake, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Let lasagna stand 10 minutes before serving.

For those of you that don’t speak “points” here is the nutritional low down for this recipe.
Calories: 385 Fat: 10.4g Protein: 39g Fiber: 2.3g

Share
Posted in Millie Vanilli Cafe | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

6. Are Life Long Jocks

When I reflect on the slimmer days of my life and compare my lifestyle today versus then, it quickly becomes obvious why I have gained so much weight. When I focus on comparing my level of activity, eating habits, and alcohol consumption, it quickly becomes apparent how important staying active is to my waist line.

Once I decided to be more active, I began exercising with 4sw (see previous blog). One of the first observations of the group was while some of the members were “more seasoned” in age, they were in better physical shape than me! This is when I made observation number 6: “Skinny people are life long jocks”

Skinny people don’t stop doing the physical activities that they loved when they were younger just because their life changed. They keep their passion for the game and consequently their waist lines.

So what is my excuse?

Instinctively, my answer would be “life”. But I have realized that I need to get past making excuses for not taking care of my body.

How am I changing my lifestyle?

During my slimmer life I use to enjoy basketball and track. So recently this year I joined a women’s basketball league and started training for the Disney ½ Marathon. I will let you know how this works for me. But I am sure that it is a step towards being a healthier me. Stay tuned for change!

Think back to your slimmer days, what sport or activity were you involved in?  Have you participated in it lately?

 

 

Share
Posted in Things They Do | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

5. Take Care of Their Mind, Body, and Soul.

Close your eyes.

Imagine a person in perfect health.

What features did you give them? Maybe you gave them a perfect smile, small waist line, or six pack abs. These are all common features used to determine how healthy a person is at first glance. But what about the other signs like glowing skin or being bright eyed and bushy tailed?

Being healthy is not just about your weight or good blood work results. It’s also about managing stress.

Skinny people take care of their body inside and out! And one of the best places to pamper your outer body is the spa. This past Sunday I had the pleasure of going to DuBunne Spa Club and massage center (Shout out to my daddy for  the awesome birthday gift!) for a lemon drop sugar scrub, rub and wrap. This was 80 minutes of bliss!

Following my treatment, I took advantage of the spa’s amenities including the quiet room (decked out with a 40” flat panel TV playing a DVD of waves hitting the shore), mimosas, and the steam room. When I was finally ready to leave DuBunne I felt completely relaxed and ready for the upcoming work week.

Although it was my first spa experience I am totally hooked and plan to return as soon as possible, in fact I am redoing my budget to include the membership dues (only $19/month)! If you’re in the Torrance, CA  area and looking for some rest and relaxation, I recommend Alex at DuBunne for a great massage.

Here are some tips on spa etiquette to help you make the most of your visit.

  • TURN OFF YOUR PHONE & leave it in your locker!
  • Massage is usually done nude, but you are covered with a sheet at all times in American spas. Only the part being massaged is exposed.
  • Arrive at least 20 minutes before your spa appointment so you have time to check in, change into robe and slippers, and relax.
  • You can talk during the treatment or stay quiet, as you choose. The therapist will follow your lead.
  • Don’t forget to tip 10%-20%.

Where do you go to be pampered? What treatments do you recommend for my next visit?

Share
Posted in Things They Do | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

This Weeks Hike: La Jolla Valley Loop

La Jolla Canyon – Pt. Mugu State Park

Okay folks, last week’s hike was great! The kids (and the dog) loved it.

This week’s hike has two options, a 7 mile loop and an 11 mile loop.  This is a beautiful and refreshing costal hike. On clear days there are fantastic ocean views of the Malibu coastline.

We will start hiking at 8 A.M. and should be finished before 1 P.M.  The morning air will be cool so dress in layers. Hiking boots or hiking shoes are strongly recommend. Bring a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. Also bring a backpack with plenty of water, lunch and snacks.

We will leave from the Balboa Sports Center parking lot at 7:00 A.M. The Sports Center is located on the northwest corner of Burbank Blvd. and Balboa Blvd. in Encino, 91316. You can also meet us at La Jolla Canyon before 8 A.M. La Jolla Canyon is located on Pacific Coast Highway just south of Oxnard .

For more information please contact Jeff at 714.658.3409

Share
Posted in Weight Loss Journeys | 3 Comments

Beef and Snow Pea Stir-Fry – Only 5 pts!

You wouldn’t believe how easy those points add up if you don’t embrace eating raw fruits and vegetables. By noon on my 1st day I only had 11 points left! This was largely due to the 10 Ruffle potato chips I had for lunch with my turkey and cheese sandwich (So worth it though!).

As I nervously looked through my Weight Watchers magazine for something my lil’ diva would eat but wouldn’t push me over my points, I found this deliciously satisfying dish. This Stir Fry served over 1 cup of brown whole grain rice (4 points) was an instant hit! Since my significant other had alternative dinner plans, I even had two servings left over for lunch on Thursday and Friday.  As for my daughter, it was love at first taste!  She even ate her snow peas (yea, for new veggies!).

For those of you that don’t speak “points” here is the nutritional low down for this recipe (stir-fry only):

Per Serving (about 2 cups); 249 cal, 7g fat, 2g sat fat, 0g trans fat, 10 g carbs, 3g fib, 36g protein

Enjoy!

Prep 20 min                 Cook 5 min                  Serves 4

1 (1-lb) flank steak, trimmed, cut in half lengthwise, and thinly sliced against grain

3 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce

1 ½ tsp canola oil 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 tsp grated peeled fresh ginger ¼ tsp red pepper flakes

1 medium red onion, thinly sliced

½ lb crookneck squash or carrots cut into matchstick strips

½ lbs fresh snow peas, trimmed

2 Tbsp water

½ fresh basil leaves, torn

  1. Toss steak and 1 Tbsp soy sauce in medium bowl.
  2. Heat large nonstick skillet or wok over high heat until drop of water sizzles on it. Pour in 1/2 tsp oil and swirl to coat pan; then add half of steak. Stir-fry until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Transfer to plate. Repeat with 1/2 tsp oil and remaining steak.
  3. Reduce heat to medium-high. Pour in remaining 1/2 tsp oil and swirl to coat pan.
  4. Then add garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds then add onion and squash;stir fry for 1 minute.
  5. Add snow peas and water; Stir fry for 1 minute.
  6. Stir in steak and remaining 2 Tbsp soy sauce; cook for about 1 minute until steak is hot and veggies are tender.
  7. Sprinkle with basil (Aaah, nice flavor!)

I hope you enjoy this as much as we did!  And don’t forget to have the left overs for lunch the next day.

Have you tried this recipe? Do you think your family would enjoy it? Let me know!

Share
Posted in Millie Vanilli Cafe | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Beef and Snow Pea Stir-Fry – Only 5 pts!

Los Angeles Revlon 5k Run/Walk

On May 8th Michael, Malika, and I along with a few other friends participated in the Los Angeles Relvon 5K Run/Walk for a cure.

I was thrilled about getting the chance to work out and help raise money for such a deserving cause! Although I have lost loved ones to cancer– my paternal great grandfather and grandfather both died from the disease — until the morning of the race I had never stepped outside of my bubble to think about how many other people experience the same loss. Seeing all the other supporters there made me realize how much of an equal opportunity disease cancer really is and how many lives it has affected.

I felt like one of the 300 united against a common threat! Some people ran to celebrate winning their battle against the disease while others ran in memory of loved ones who lost their life to cancer. No matter what our motives were for participating, we were all there to make sure humanity wins this war!

If you could eliminate one disease what would it be?  Are you supporting a cause or organization that is fighting to find cures?  Tell us about it!

Share
Posted in Weight Loss Journeys | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Want to Burn 2500 Calories Before Noon?

Ready to try something new and burn a ton of calories?

Then this is for you. Hiking burns 354-518 calories per hour!!!

Last Saturday my friend Malika and I went hiking with the Pathfinders. They are subsidiary of the 4 Seasons West Ski Club (4SW).  I absolutely love this club because it gives me the opportunity to try new things and hang out with some very cool people!

Last Saturday’s hike was on Echo Mountain in Altadena, CA. The hike was 5 miles long (2.5 miles straight up!) and took us approx 2.5 hours to complete. The view at the top was totally awesome and made the exhausting trek up the mountain worth while. We had an wonderful time and best of all I burnt 973 calories! Yea!

On Saturday May 29th 4SW is offering three different hikes in Arcadia to satisfy all ability levels.

The easiest is a trek from Chantry Flat to Sturtevant Falls. This is a mostly flat walk along a lush trail to a 50 foot waterfall. The round trip trek is about 3 miles.

A second hike is a 6 mile trek from Chantry Flat to Hoegee Trail Camp. This is a moderate hike through a green and scenic forest.

The third option is a 10 mile moderately difficult loop from Chantry Flat to Mt. Zion. This is a beautiful hike through tree shaded canyons of ferns, ivy, and small waterfalls. It will take about 5 hours to finish.

All three hikes will start at 7:30 A.M. from the Chantry Flat parking area. Hiking boots or hiking shoes should be worn. Bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sack lunch, water, a camera, and a backpack to carry everything.

Meeting Spot: REI (214 N Santa Anita Ave, Arcadia, CA 91006). Please be at REI by 6:45 A.M.

My whole family is particapating in this Saturday’s hike! Sweet! I will let you know how it goes.

Hiking is a new activity for me.  Have you tried something new for exercise? Please leave a comment letting us know about it!

Share
Posted in Weight Loss Journeys | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Want to Burn 2500 Calories Before Noon?