Monday February 1, 2010

I forgot to mention my loss on the scale in the blog I did earlier today. I've now lost 5.2lbs. :-) I know it's water weight b/c of the fluid pills I'm on, but either way, it's weight lost! It makes me happy. I've done very well today and this time I took pics of dinner b/c I'm fat and I love food pics to show you what I made. I probably won't do this all the time b/c it is a little time consuming b/c I have no clue what I'm doing and I suck at formatting, but I did enjoy doing it when I wasn't cursing at the computer screen. Dinner wasn't super spectacular, but it's a meal that doesn't involve a ton of steps and overall it's pretty healthy. So, here it goes....

Breakfast: 1c. Kashi cereal w/ 3/4c. 2% milk

Lunch: 1c. Dan Dan Noodles (leftover from lastnight...it really didn't have much noodles left in it...it was mainly meat and green onions)

Snack: 1 pear w/ 1/4c. cashews and raw walnuts

Dinner: Chicken Parmesan (not authentic...but it's still good if you don't feel like being a gourmet chef),1/2c. whole wheat noodles, and mixed veggies (zucchini, squash, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli)

Chicken Parmesan

(This is for a family of 4 by the way)

Oh, and I don't really measure stuff so you'll just have to look at the pics.

While my 4 chicken breasts were defrosting in the microwave, I made my breadcrumb mixture. First, a couple of tablespoons of flaxseed (a good way to sneak in some nutrition...they'll never know). Then, about 1/2c. Panko breadcrumbs (I would love to find some whole wheat bread crumbs b/c I hate making them myself...if you know of a brand let me know). Next, your seasonings...this is what I used: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, a sprinkle of sea salt, cracked pepper, a little basil, and a little extra oregano. I do not measure this part, but I'd say be a little generous with the Italian seasoning and go little on the rest of them. Mix the seasonings with the breadcrumbs and flax.

Next, I made a wet mixture of one egg and maybe 2/3c. milk. I dipped the chicken in my egg/milk mixture, then dredged them in the breadcrumb mixture. I baked them in a 9x13 pan at 400 degrees. I didn't time it, but I think they were in there around 30-40 min. and I flipped them midway so the breadcrumbs would brown some. (for some reason panko breadcrumbs don't brown well in the oven)

While the chicken was cooking, I boiled my whole wheat noodles, simmered my sauce, (No, not homemade...the jar stuff. I know it has extra sodium but in a pinch it's convenient. I do look for sauce w/ all natural ingredients and low sugar content), then I steamed my vegetables. Birds Eye has a really good Normandy blend of vegetables that comes in a big bag...it's very convenient.

By the time you're done with all of that, it'll be almost time to take the chicken out of the oven. In the last 10 minutes of cooking, I slice (very thinly) some part skim mozzerella and put it on the chicken. Use a meat themometer or do like I do and cut one open to see if the juices run clear. Then ladle a little sauce on top of it when it's done. It's a good simple meal.

My son saw me taking pictures of the food and he said, "Picture, me." How could I resist?? And no he is not a part of dinner although some family members claim they could eat him up. lol