Happy 'every holiday I've missed since my last post' Day...

Hiiiiiii!!  :D

 

I know...I know.  It's been over 2 months since my last update, and I can give ya'll every excuse known to man woman, but I won't.  Instead I'll just pick right up where I left off, and update ya'll with everything that's been going on en mi vida since we last chatted.  That's what old friends do right??

 

Right.

 

First off, the holidays were pretty tough on me with tracking my points!  I did pretty well over Thanksgiving, but the Christmas holidays weren't that great.  Overall I didn't do too bad though, and ended up gaining about 7 lbs. total.  I missed a few WW weigh-ins, mainly due to the site being closed for the holidays.  Believe me, seeing that jump in the scale put me back in check!  I don't want to go backwards, especially after all the hard work I've put in over the past year.  I also didn't exercise as much as I wanted to during the holidays.  I'm sure that was a huge factor in the gain I had, and I felt it also!  My energy level just wasn't there the way it usually is when I'm active.

 

With the start of 2013, I decided to try something a little different, and really dedicated myself to becoming a runner.  I still want my 13.1 sticker one day!!   I know I'm starting on the bottom, but that's okay, because that's where I started with my weight-loss too, and look where I'm at now?  This past week alone, I only got to go out 4 times, but that's better than nothing.  Here are my stats:

 

2/14/13

  3.02 miles - 48:44 minutes

 

2/15/13

3.20 miles - 48:41 minutes

 

2/17/13

3.02 miles - 46.35 minutes

2/20/13
3.09 miles - 51:48 minutes

 

Yeesss I went running on Valentine's Day...sue me!  lol  I knew I had plans that evening, and I wanted to make sure I earned as many activity points as I could that day, so I could enjoy every last bite of chocolate I had later that evening.  And I enjoyed every single piece too!

 

Now don't get me wrong chicas...when I say 'running', don't think I am actually 'running' the entire time.  I'm starting off on the bottom remember?  Right now all I can do is a

jog/power-walk combination, but enough to make me work up a sweat!  I've been slowly improving my time, and on different routes as well.  I will get there!

 

The way I've been calculating so far, I earn approximately 5 activity points per run, which is still a good amount, but I'm not sure how accurate this is.  I've been using eTools, and searching under the activities listed, Jog/Walk combination comes up.  When I input my time, this is what I usually get.  Weight Watchers does have a new ActiveLink tool, but I have yet to try it out.  Mainly because I've been a little low on funds since the holidays, but I am very excited to give it a try soon!  Basically, it is a small piece of equipment you wear at all times throughout your day, that accurately measures the amount of activity you do, and determines how many WW activity points you've earned.  It almost resembles a pedometer in size, and I've seen members wear it a few different ways, including as a necklace, a bracelet, an anklet, or even attached their shoes/belt.  It's small enough to hide, but from what I hear, it is a much improved way to track your activity.  Can't wait to give it a shot, and when I do, I'll be sure to post about it.

 

Anyhow, here are my weigh-in stats for the past several weeks...

 

 

As you can see, there were several weeks where I didn't get to weigh-in.  On 12/25/12 and 1/1/13, the WW center where I attend my meetings was actually closed due to the holidays.  On 1/8/13 and 2/12/13, I wasn't able to weigh-in due to not making it to the meetings on time.  Work has been pretty busy since the start of the new year, and I know that's not an excuse, especially because I haaatttee missing weigh-in days!

 

As you can see, after my gain from the holidays I slowly started getting back on track.  This weeks weigh-in went great, and I lost 1.4 lbs., making it a total of 138.6 lbs. total loss since January 2012.  Yaaayyyy me!!  It feels great to know that I've come so far, and to realize that one day I will accomplish my goals.

 

Aside from all that, I absolutely cannot complain about anything going on in my life right now.  I have certainly received so many new blessings in the past few months, and I am grateful for everything and everyone that has been placed in my life up to now.

 

Mi familia added a new member to the group in early January, and I am on cloud 9 status in love with my new niece!!  Congratulations to my beautiful sister on welcoming her daughter Elisa to this world, on 1/11/13.

 

 

 

Isn't she gorgeous?

 

 

The three of them will forever hold my ❤.

 

Christmas and New Years Eve were wonderful this year, but came and went way too fast.  There is never enough time in the world when you are spending it with your loved ones.  Christmas was spent surrounded by my family, yummy food, gifts, and the thoughts of loved ones who couldn't be there with us that day.  New Years Eve was great as well.  My grandmother's homemade menudo, a few games of poker, fireworks, drinks, and the blessings of a new year.  I can't believe February will be coming to an end already, but I can say that I am probably the happiest I have ever been in a very long time.  I've recommitted myself to staying healthy and active, and it's almost as if I've given myself a second chance at life.  I want to be around for as long as I possibly can for those three angels in the picture above, and I know making healthy lifestyle changes, and keeping a positive attitude will help me stick around for as long as He wishes me to.

 

❤.

 

'J' has completely taken my heart chicas.  Cloud 9...I see my future with you...permanent smile on my face...constant butterflies in my stomach...I never get tired of seeing you...I can be a brat around you and you still love me...HAPPINESS.  Did that give you a pretty good idea of how I'm feeling?  :)  I know...I know.  It's only going on about 4 months now, but my life has been completely uprooted and shifted to a whole other world.  I don't know how else to describe it, but to list a few reasons why this man has held onto my ❤.

 

He loves my family, and they seem to have accepted him perfectly.  BBQ's, holidays, weekday dinners, birthday parties, movie nights, and future vacation plans...this man has been there for it all.  I always told myself I wanted a partner in my life that made family a priority in their lives as well, and I've finally found him.

 

He has never judged me, and I can be my complete OCD, moody, bratty self around him.  He never backs down, and brings me back up every time I fall.  He pushes me to deal with my feelings, and not bottle them up the way I always have.  And on those occasions where I go back to my old ways and close myself off to the world, he somehow finds a way in, and doesn't leave my side until I have a smile on my face again.

 

I haven't lost focus of my weight-loss goals and lifestyle changes I started last year, regardless of having a partner by my side.  This man encourages me, and accepts me as I am.  I can weigh my food without shame, obsess over my points in his presence, and talk to him about new and healthy recipes I want to try.  Weight has always been a sensitive subject for me to discuss with any of my partners in the past.  I was always embaressed to even bring it up, or even exercise in front of them.  Chicas...we've been going running together, and I love it!!  It's so motivating and liberating at the same time.  To be able to get all sweaty and out of breath next to this man, pushing all insecurities aside, and knowing that he still views me as the most amazingly beautiful woman in the world.

 

Love.

 

Love with your all, your whole, your everything.

Love yourselves first, and love others without judgement.

When you do that, love will fill every part of your lives.

 

Have a great week everyone!!

 

 

Be blessed...and stay blessed!!!

 

xoxo,

❤Nica



Taco Thursday...

Hola chicas!! 

 

Hope your Thursday is going by quickly...I know we're all waiting on Friday to finally show it's beautiful face!  The next few weekends I have are booked with a lot of things to do...but trust me, I'm not complaining.  There's nothing better than familia, parties, and road trips.

 

Last night I made one of my all-time favorite dinners, chicken tacos.  They were complete yumminess, and I thought I'd share my recipe with you all.  Now, I know everyone has a different spin on this dish, as it's a pretty common meal en familias Latinos.  I used the WW Recipe Builder on eTools to create mine, so that it is PointsPlus friendly.  These tacos still have the same flavorful taste, just made a little healthier.

 

Ingredients:

(chicken taco filling)

 

1 1/2 - 2 lbs. boneless/skinless chicken breast

1 cup Spanish onion thinly sliced

4 cloves garlic minced

1 1/2 cups tomato sauce

garlic salt to taste

black pepper to taste

 

Begin by boiling the chicken for approximately 1 hour in slightly salted water, or until thoroughly cooked.  I used boneless/skinless chicken breast for my recipe simply because it's easier to work with, but bone-in chicken breast will work as well.  It is important to remove any skin before boiling though.  After they are done cooking, remove them from the water, and set them aside on a plate.  Also, think ahead chicas!  While the chicken is boiling, use that time to chop up any veggies you'll use for your tacos, or in my case last night, making a side dish like Spanish rice.  This can be a quick and easy meal if you prep prep prep.

 

Once the chicken breasts have cooled down enough for you handle, begin pulling them apart into thin shreds, or to your liking.  I usually do this by hand, and although it is a little more time consuming, the chicken stays a lot juicier this way once all the ingredients are added in.

Make sure the onion is thinly sliced, and the garlic is minced into tiny pieces.  This is what gives the chicken it's sabor chicas.

When you're ready, lightly coat a large skillet with non-stick spray and heat to medium.  Next, add in the chicken and let it cook for a few minutes, just so that it warms up.  After that, throw in the onions, garlic, and tomato sauce.  Mix well, and season to taste with garlic salt and black pepper.  Cook for approximately 5 more minutes while stirring occasionally, and it's ready!  Now serving sizes will vary, but using the Recipe Builder and my trusty scale, this is what I calculated:

 

PointsPlus Value= 3

Yields approximately 10 servings

Serving Size= 4.3 ounces

(yeessss I like to be exact lol)

Here is my finished product last night.  Like I mentioned above, I served my chicken tacos with a side of Spanish rice, which is how I grew up eating this dish.  I also chose to just warm my tortillas on a skillet, instead of the tradition to fry them.  Soo much healthier, and still sooo yummy.  All you have to do is add your own toppings, and you're set!

 

My plate above was suuuper filling, and totaled out to 10PP.

(1/2 cup Spanish rice= 3PP, 2 Tia Rosa red corn tortillas= 3PP, chicken filling= 3PP,

1/4 cup fat free cheese mix= 1PP, lettuce and tomato= 0PP)

 

For those of you who have never had these before, try them out!  I promise you're going to love them.  You can also try adding salsa, or even yummy avocado.  There's actually salsa on mine, but you can't see it, and I forgot to pick up some avocados at the grocery store, otherwise I would have had some too.  It goes greeeaaattt with these tacos.

 

I'm off for now chicas, but I hope I at least got you thinking about dinner tonight!!  Have a terrific Thursday!!

 

 

Be blessed...and stay blessed!!!

 

xoxo,

❤Nica



Tick tock...tick tock...

Where is this time going lately??

 

It feels like the year is nearly over, and I still have sooo much to do.  I know with the upcoming holidays, the time is just going to swing by even quicker.  It seems like every day is just hustle hustle hustle, and I never even have a moment to breathe for myself.  Yikes!!

 

First things first, let me give you all my updated WW weekly weigh-ins from the past 2 weeks.  I think I've been doing fairly well with my tracking, although I know I have a lot of room for improvement, especially when it comes to the weekends.  Lately, I barely even glance at my iPhone throughout the weekends to track my food.  No bueno.  :/

 

 

At last week's weigh-in (10/9/12), I lost a total of 4.2 pounds.  I have no idea how I did that chicas.  The only thing I can think is that I am underestimating the amount of activity points I count for Zumba.  It's a little hard to determine sometimes, because Zumba isn't listed as one of the 'workouts' under the activity list on the Weight Watchers website.  I do eat any activity points I earn, and very rarely go into my extra weekly 49 points.

At this week's weigh-in, I lost 1.2 pounds, making that a total of 126.6 pounds thus far!  Last week I was also awarded another 25 pound ring for my keychain, which was reallly exciting!  I got to speak a little about my journey so far, and I can only hope that my progress will inspire others to stay on track, and never lose hope that the program really does work.

 

This entire year has been a true blessing for me chicas.  I cannot stress that enough.  I am thankful to God for putting me on this path, and helping me stick to it.  I know I am making the best decisions for my future.

 

Cheers to a new week, and in moving foward!!

 

In other parts of my life, work is getting crazier every day.  I'm planning my annual Halloween party, and getting ready for audit next month.  Before I know it, the holidays are going to be here, and we'll be starting another year!  I'm still not 100% sure about a costume so far, but I will definitely be dressing up...it's tradition for our fiesta at work!

 

Here are a few pics of my life over the past week or so...

 

My babygirl's 'candycorn' nails I did for her...I loooove my niece, but wow...these didn't last but one day tops! lol

A trip to the pumpkin patch on a Saturday afternoon always calls for pictures!!  They had a blast...and so did I trying to get my nephew to look at the camera just once!! lol

My yummy breakfast I made the other morning...only 5PP chicas!  2 points for the whole-grain bread (2 slices of Sara Lee 100% Whole Wheat), 1 point for the ham (1 ounce of Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin Honey Ham), 1 point for the cheese (1/4 cup HEB fat free shredded cheddar cheese), and 1 point for the three egg whites.  I crisp the ham a little in the skillet, and grill the veggies in the same pan, so that they are warm and soft when putting together the sandwich.  When the egg whites are cooked to your liking, add in the cheese so that it melts perfectly.  No oil is needed...just a little non-stick spray, and you're good to go.  The spinach, tomato, and banana are all freeeeee...which makes for a filling, delicious breakfast!

I also made these steamed dumplings one rainy Saturday afternoon.  I'll be posting the recipe soon.  I always have fun experimenting with the WW Recipe Builder on eTools.  I take any ideas I have in my head, throw them all together, and try to reduce the PP value.  It's challenging, but I think I've put together some really great recipes so far.

 

I also celebrated my bestie's birthday a few weeks ago.  We had a blast!!  Good friends, dinner, drinks, flamenco dancing, and lots of great memories!!

Love you Cat!!  Here's to many many more years of BESTfriendship.  :)

 

The only update I have with The Fisherman is that I'm reaching a breaking point.  I haven't really spoken to him in a few days, because he made me really mad over the weekend when he wouldn't answer a simple question!  It was just something I had never asked him before, and he became soo defensive.  Believe it or not...in the short time we've been 'talking', I've never asked him what his last name is.  It's honestly just never come up, and for whatever reason, I thought about it while I was on the road this weekend.  We were in the middle of texting each other, and I just flat out asked him 'By the way, what's your last name'?  His response??  'Why?? Uggg!!'.  Ummm wait...what??  Warning sign, I know chicas.  So I'm going to let things play themselves out..and I am definitely not going to hold back from saying exactly how I feel from now on.  I know what I want out of a partner, and I'm honestly more pissed off than happy half the time we talk.  Ask and you shall receive, right?  Even if it's not the answer you want to hear, it still helps you moves foward.

 

By the way...I finally updated my progress pictures!!  Make sure you click over to that page and take a look.  It's amazing what positive thinking can get you...put your mind and ❤ to it, and you can accomplish anything!!

 

Have a great week chicas...it's almost Friiiiddaayyy!!

 



Be blessed...and stay blessed!!!

 

 

xoxo,

 

❤Nica



Ummm wait....what??

That's exactly the reaction I gave the lady in the UPS office earlier this week when I was dropping off a package for work.  I see her about once every 1-2 weeks, and she always has the same smile on her face.  Although I don't know her on a personal level, she always seems very friendly, and we conversate about different topics including our cars (we both drive Toyota Camry's), mutual friends, and life in general.

 

But this week was different.  Before even saying hello, the first words that popped out of her mouth as I walked into the building were, 'Just how much weight exactly have you lost??'.  To which I quickly and excitedly answered, 'Over 100 lbs. since January!'.

 

Guess what her next question was??  Don't know??  Let me break down the remainder of the conversation for you....

 

UPS Lady:  'Wow mija!  Which weight-loss surgery did you have done?'

Me:  'Ummm...I didn't have surgery.'

UPS Lady:  'Oh wow, that's great!  So what pills are you taking?'

Me:  'Ummm...I'm not taking any pills either.'

UPS Lady:  'Ay mija...are you sick?'

Me:  'Not that I'm aware of.'

 

Now...mind you...after I was able to erase the look of shock from my face, I did explain to her that I had been on Weight Watchers for the past year, and taking Zumba classes weekly.  However, I seriously didn't know whether I should take her questions as an insult, or a compliment.  It was kind of like a double-edged sword.  No matter which way I looked at it, this woman was automatically judging me, and assuming things about me, without giving it  a second thought.

 

These types of scenarios happen to me almost on a daily basis now.  I'm still not used to it.  The majority of the time, people are not as direct as Miss UPS, but will still most definitely make a comment about how my appearance has drastically changed, and what I did to lose so much weight.

 

Don't get me wrong chicas, I didn't leave upset at her, and I most certainly didn't go all crazy latina on her.  I actually used the opportunity to teach her and inform her about this fantabulous lifestyle I've been sticking to over the past year.  And that would make the second time that day I openly discussed my WW journey with someone.

 

Right before my UPS visit that same day, I had stopped to pay a bill (Hey...this chica has to handle hers!!), and it was almost the same situation.  When I walked into that office, the girl helping me said she almost didn't recognize me when she saw me getting off my car.  Wow.  I am totally not seeing what these people see, and I don't know if that's a good thing (because it will keep me pushing foward towards my ultimate goal), or a bad thing (self-love..still working on it...).  This lady was a lot more subtle about her comments, and basically just had a ton of questions about WW, and how the program works.  We actually had a pretty long talk, and in the end, I remembered I had some cards in my car from last weeks meeting for a 2 week free trial of eTools.  I quickly ran outside to get her one, and I'm hoping the next time I see her she'll tell me she got to try it out, and that she loves it as much as I do.

 

Two more times today alone chicas.  Once at the grocery store, where I ran into a friend of the familia that hadn't seen me in quite some time.  She was just amazed at my progress so far, and even said she was going to tell her friends about me.  The second time was at my Zumba class tonight.  A few of the ladies pulled me aside before our warm-up, and asked me how I was losing so much weight.  I gladly shared the info. with them, and they had so many questions!  They even asked to see some 'before' photos I had in my iPhone.  I thought it was funny because one of the ladies even asked me if I ate 3 meals a day!  She couldn't believe it when I broke down my meals for today, and told her exactly what I had eaten.  'This Mexicana has to eat her tortillas, and drink her Cokes!  No diet foods for me!'  she told me.  I just smiled and answered, 'Well this Mexicana still eats her tortillas and drinks her sodas, just in a smarter way!'. 

 

Yes I'm on my Weight Watchers soap box right now. I seriously love this program!

 

What I do appreciate out of all these different people, is that they all end up telling me the same thing.  That I look soooo happy when they see me now, and that they are extremely proud of me.  I'm proud of me too!  I'm learning to remind myself of that every time I start to feel down about a situation, or when life just doesn't go the way I had planned. 

 

This week has definitely been trying, mainly in regards to several issues within my familia.  I always feel like I'm taking care of someone elses needs, and putting myself last.  Self-love is a long process, but one that I'm glad to finally be on board with.

 

On a more positive note, I had an awesome NSV this week chicas.  I was doing some online shopping, and finally ordered some jeans I've been wanting from Torrid.

 

Photo courtesy of Torrid

The NSV part was that I was able to order a size I haven't worn in years, and fit into it too!  I never thought I'd be as excited as I was that day, when I got my package in the mail.  These jeans are awesome too by the way.  They are the Broadway Ankle Zip Stiletto Jeans, just in case any of you chicas are in the mood to do some online shopping while wasting time at work tomorrow browsing the internet at home.

 

I also wanted to share my WW weekly weigh-in from this past Tuesday.

 

 

Yeaaahhh buddy...down 2.8 lbs. this week!  I was absolutely psyched, especially since I had worked so hard at earning my activity points, and tracking my food.  I am getting back into the swing of things...and I'm going to use all these opportunities I've been blessd with to give as much love as I possibly can.  Regardless if it's in the form of teaching someone about Weight Watchers, accepting others for who they are, or dealing with life's daily problems.

 

 

I'm off for the night chicas...it's waaay past my bedtime, and tomorrow is my Friday!  I'm heading up to San Antonio for the weekend to celebrate my bestie Cat's b-day, which was earlier this month.  I'm going to try my best to take as many pics as I can, to share with you all when I get back on Sunday.  I want to try to give you all more of a glimpse into other parts of my life as often as I can.  Oh and by the way...things have not improved with The Fisherman.  In fact, I seem to have taken on an 'IDGAF' attitude towards him this week.  We'll see what happens...

 

 

Be blessed...and stay blessed!!!

 

xoxo,

 

❤Nica



Wham bam thankya maam'...

TGiF!!  Or....not.  For me, it just means that I'm closer to the end of my week-long vacation, and even closer to having to return to the oficina on Monday.  No bueno.  lol

I do hope that everyone had a great 4th though.  I relaxed, bbq'ed with the familia, and enjoyed some pretty fireworks after the rain finally cleared up.  Yup...it rained on Wednesday night down here.  Isn't that supposed to be a good sign?  Or am I confusing that with the wedding day/rainy day myth? lol  Either way, it was VERY welcome, even if it was just a one-nighter.  I feel so used chicas!!  ;) lol  Anyhow, I DO have an awesome recipe to share with ya'll, but first, here are a few pics from my 4th.

My precious nephew eating his home-made popsicle.

My niece and my godson having fun in the sprinkler.

My niece (making silly faces), and her cousin having a blast.

The clouds started rolling in towards the end of the day, and my
grandfather's flag waved high in the stormy sky.

These were just a few of my favorite pics from the day.  How did you all spend the holiday?

Yesterday evening we were going to have a bunch of family members over again for dinner.  Mind you, this is a pretty common occurrence for me.  lol  'Having family over for dinner', usually translates to 10+ people gathering together over good food.  Maybe it's a Texas thing...but when I cook, I cook to feed to an army!  lol

I created this recipe using the WW Recipe Builder on eTools again.  Remember, even though it's a recipe I created following the WW guidelines, it doesn't mean that if you're not on the program, you can't try it.  I'm all about the flavor, and satisfying, filling meals, for everyone's lifestyle.  Note, I did not say diet.  WW isn't a diet, but a lifestyle.  Love it.  :)

Here's my take on home-made chinese take-out, 'Rice Noodle Stir-Fry'.  Remember, I was feeding 10+ people that night, so this recipe will give you plenty of servings!

Here are some of the ingredients that I used, just so you get an idea of the brand, etc.

1.  KA.ME Rice Sticks.  I bought these at Wal-Mart, and I found them in the 'Asian' section we have here.  The package says 4 servings, and believe me it was more than enough.  Prepare these per package instructions, and set aside after straining, and rinsing under cool water.

2.  La Choy Water Chestnuts.  Drain and set aside.  Any brand will work fine.

3.  HEB Central Market Safflower Oil.  This is GREAT for stir-frys, and counts as a WW healthy oil.

4.  Argo Corn Starch.  This is used to thicken the sauce.

5. Some of the produce I used. You can add or omit veggies per your preference, but it may affect the PP value of this meal.

6.  Broccoli florets.  I used frozen this time, but prefer fresh.  Make sure they are somewhat thawed out before using them for this recipe.

7.  Wash your peppers, deseed, and cut into long, thin, slices.

8.  Wash your zucchini, and cut into slices similar to peppers.

9.  Add shredded carrots to the bowl.  I used the pre-packaged type.

10.  Take a damp towel and clean off any dirt from your mushrooms.  For this recipe I used plain ol' button mushrooms, but you can take your pick.  Mushrooms are so filling, and yummy!  Once clean, chop into quarters, stem and all.

11.  Wash your green onions, and chop into small pieces.

At this point, you've prepped all your veggies, which is probably the most time consuming part of this recipe, but well worth it.

12.  Cut your chicken into thin slices, or per your preference.  I used boneless, skinless chicken breast, which is a lot healthier than using beef.  Season with 1 tsp. of salt, and 1 tsp. of black pepper.

13.  Pre-heat your skillet on high, using 1/2 tbsp. of extra virgin olive oil.  This is just to pre-cook your chicken.  I actually used a wok for this recipe, but any large skillet will do.  Chicas...this wok has been used sooo many times, but I LOVE it.  It actually belongs to mi madre, and there is a great story behind the gifting of it to her...but another time/post.

Once your chicken is all cooked (browned slightly), set it aside in a large bowl.  Now comes the fun part!

14.  Add 1 tbsp. of safflower oil to your skillet, and heat on high.  Once the oil is hot enough, add 1/3 of your zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, and mushrooms.  Stir frequently, and season with 1 tsp. of salt, and 1 tsp. of black pepper.  Sautee the veggies for about 4-5 minutes, so that they stay crisp, and fresh.

15.  Next add in 1/3 of your thawed broccoli florets, water chestnuts, and green onions.

16.  Take 1/2 tbsp. corn starch in a cup, and add 1/3 cup of water.  Mix well.  Using your spatula, form a 'pocket' in the center of the veggies, and add your liquid mixture.  Then add 2 tbsp. of low sodium soy sauce as well.  I used Kikkoman Soy Sauce, Less Sodium for this recipe, which I found at Wal-Mart.  (gotta love Wal-Mart!  Or as you'll often see me refer to as 'Wally-World')  Cover and let cook for about 1 1/2 - 2 minutes.

17.  Uncover and add in 1/3 of your cooked chicken, and 1/3 of your rice noodles.  You may have to rinse them under cool water again at this point, but make sure to strain them very well.  Then add in 2 more tbsp. of soy sauce, toss it all together, and...

Yummmyyness...I know chicas.  Soooo filling, full of flavors, and colorful!  I love when my meals have bright pops of color in them.  Makes my plate look even prettier.  Repeat the process two more times, as this amount of ingredients will make 3 batches.  I don't know about ya'll, but left-over chinese food is the BEST to me.  So whether you're feeding a large group, or it's just you and your close ❤'ed ones, you'll be more than prepared.

Here's the 4-1-1 on this recipe for all my WW partners out there:

PointsPlus Value= 5

Serving= 1 cup

Yields approximately 16 servings.

We had a great time cooking, eating, and laughing that night.  This meal is a great way to get everyone in the kitchen helping, especially with all the prep work involved.  Plan ahead, pre-chop the night before, or wait and put your familia to work!

Hope you all get to try it out!  Please let me know if you do, and what you thought chicas.  I'm off to a pool party tonight...hopefully it will be the start to a FANTASTIC weekend.

Have a good one chicas!!

Be blessed...and stay blessed!!

xoxo,

❤Nica

My meatballs bring all the boys to the yard...

Ohmygoodnessssss these are the bomb.com.

No...seriously chicas...they were sooo yummy when I made them earlier this week, I had to share the recipe with you all.  And if any of you are following the WW PointsPlus program, you'll be happy to know that I created this recipe using the eTools 'Recipe Builder' via the Weight Watchers website.  Soooo suuupeeerrr easy to use (well at least I think so), and oh so helpful when you want to be on point with your tracking as well.

These deeelish meatballs could actually be served many different ways, although the night I made them for dinner, we had them with spaghetti.  Here's what you'll need:

Start by pre-heating your oven to 375 degrees.  Also, go ahead and line a LARGE baking pan with foil, and spray it lightly with non-stick spray.  Preferably not a flat baking sheet, since the meatballs will release quite a bit of liquid during the cooking process.

Next, wash your bell peppers, de-seed them, and chop them up into small pieces, along with the onion.  Mince your garlic, and add it to the mixture as well.  Remember...most veggies are ZERO points in WW.  Yummy, filling, and get those healthy checks in chicas!!

Add your ground beef and 2 eggs to a large mixing bowl.  For this recipe, and in most of my cooking, I use HEB brand ground beef, 96% lean/4% fat.  Also, I'm pretty sure you could use just egg whites to save on points, but to me, adding the yolks makes the meatballs moist.

Add in your dry ingredients next.  Here's what I used:

FYi...I'm using reduced fat parmesan for this recipe.  I'm pretty sure substituting regular parmesan cheese for this recipe WILL alter the PointsPlus value.  Also, at this point in the recipe, I only add 1 tbsp. each of the parsley flakes, and the Italian seasoning.  Now for the fun part. :)  Add the chopped veggies to the mixture, and time to get your hands dirty chicas...

Roll up those sleeves (I hope you washed your hands already! lol), and get to mixin'.  Make sure that all of the ingredients are meshed well together, and then get started...

Roll each meatball in the palms of your hands until a nice round shape forms.  I personally use my digital food scale to weigh out 2 ounce meatballs.  With this recipe, you should get about 24 meatballs, or 8 servings (3 meatballs/serving).  Once weighed and rolled, place them on your foil-lined pan, and sprinkle with the remaining tbsp.'s of parsley flakes and Italian seasoning.  Put them in the oven, and bake for 25 minutes.  Your time may vary slightly based on your oven, but don't overcook.  When ready, they should be light brown in color.  I don't cover mine with foil or anything else during baking, and they come out juussst right every time. 

PointsPlus Value= 5

Serving= 3 meatballs

If anyone has problems follwing the recipe, or questions regarding how I calculated my PointsPlus values, feel free to holla at me.  I'd love to hear if you tried the recipe, and how you liked it!!

Unfortunately, I forgot to take a pic of the meatballs fresh out of the oven, but here's how I made them for dinner that night in my spaghetti sauce...

Yuummynesss chicas.

Enjoy!!

Be blessed...and stay blessed!!

❤Nica