Challenges

Sorry it's been a while! I'd hit a snag with school, and as it turns out I will be attending a different school for a semester (or longer, if I like it!). The drama has sent me into a frenzy as most schools are already in session, so I've been in total panicky-assertive mode since the end of last week when I found out. Anyway, things are looking hopeful, so cross your fingers for me! I know I have those, and my toes crossed! I did get a great work out yesterday walking around UWM's campus trying to figure out where I was going. Unfortunately, they were full, but I walked away knowing that at least I got a mini work out in!

So, my Internet went out yesterday, which was very detrimental to finding info on schools. So I went to the public library nearby, and fell in love again. When I was little, I'd go to the library all the time. But in college I feel like there's not a enough time or I'm burned out on books to want to read for leisure. But I signed up for a library card and already checked out three books that I can't wait to start reading! I'm going to give myself another challenge in addition to weight loss:

I want to start out by trying to read one (novel size) book a month. It is the ultimate in relaxing, and it would give me a break from my computer. I miss being sucked in by a book, terribly, such as House of Leaves did for me.  Right now, because I'm a total dork, I picked up two books on conspiracy theories, and one book on chemical and biological warfare. It's a hobby : P

I also want to shout out to my mommy again, because she's been incredibly supportive through this school ordeal, and also recently purchased me a food scale, the "400 Calorie Cook Book" and the "400 Calorie Fix". I love cooking, and I love cook books, so I am beyond excited to have 3 new healthy eating weapons (been reading too much already!) in my arsenal.

Because I've been lame and absent, I will now give you guys a couple more awesome recipes, changed to be healthier! If you can't tell, I love Asian cuisine (Thai and Japanese mostly), and it's fun to cook!

Pad See Ew (serves 2)

Generic photo not by me, pics will come soon!

2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
6 oz chicken breast (or any other lean meat)
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 1/2 cups broccoli rabe, or regular broccoli
3 carrots, peeled and shaved into pieces
1/2 tablespoon honey
2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
1 egg

1. Saute garlic in oil until soft, cut chicken diagonally into thin strips, add to garlic
2. When chicken is almost cooked, add the soy sauce and honey, and stir until coated
3. Create a hole in the middle of the pan, and crack the egg. Scramble until cooked, then mix the contents of the pan or wok together
4. Add broccoli (I would personally cheat by steaming the broccoli first) and carrots, and cook until soft.

And that's it! Now, traditionally it is served with wide rice noodles (similar to Lad Na, but thinner), which will add some hefty calories. For that, you would add the noodles after cooking the garlic and chicken, until cooked and coated in sauce. So I have included the nutrition info without the noodles to keep it under 400. With a 1/2 lb of noodles added (remember, 2 servings!), it would come to 497, which isn't terrible either!

                                          


Cold Sesame Noodles (6 servings)

Also generic photo, will also replace. Need to make it again first!

                                          

1 lb whole wheat spaghetti, uncooked
2 tbsp sesame oil
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar (lime juice is a great substitute)
2 tbsp honey
1/8 tsp powdered ginger
1 tsp crushed red chili pepper (optional---I like heat!!!)
1 cup green onions, sliced diagonally
1 cup pea pods, fresh
1 cup shredded zucchini (thinly shaved or "shredded" to be almost noodle like)


1. Boil water and cook pasta until done according to package. Too cool down faster, rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool further.
2. While the pasta is cooking, create sauce by whisking the sesame oil, vinegar, honey, ginger, chili pepper, and half the scallions together in a large bowl
3. Saute pea pods and zucchini until tender. Add pasta to sauce, then add veggies. Toss to coat, and sprinkle with remaining scallions.

As a suggestion, one could also add meat for a fuller meal (great for lunch at work or school!), and garnish with some sesame seeds for extra calories, since this is fairly low in cals for its serving size. Honestly, you could even give yourself two servings and still be under 400 calories (no meat, no sesame seeds)!!! Throw in some sliced and sauteed red bell peppers or any other veggies if you prefer, and make it a meal.

                                                 

So, there you go! I'll add these to my recipe page---I'll get to some desserts next time. I've been itching to try the Cake Mix+Pumpkin and Cake Mix+Greek yogurt recipes that sound amazing! I will keep strong through my road bumps with school and my body, and you can all do the same! Also, just for fun, here is a picture showing how long my hair is gotten, and where I actually got my beau to not grimace in a picture!


                                        



-Whit