https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/official-weight-loss-support-cheerleaders-first-task Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 08 May 2026 15:47:16 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/official-weight-loss-support-cheerleaders-first-task#post-109433 Sun, 06 Dec 2009 04:31:50 +0000 Debbie 109433@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here is a fish recipe that is extremely tasty and low in calories:</p> <p>1 lb of fish (I use orange roughy)<br /> 1/2 c. low fat plain yogurt<br /> 1/2 to 3/4 c. chunky salsa<br /> 2 c. low fat mozerella cheese<br /> Salt and pepper<br /> 2T. low fat margarine</p> <p>Salt and peper the fish and place in pan. Cut margarine in small pieces and place in pan. Coat fish with yogurt. Top with salsa and then chesse. Bake at 350 for about 20 min or until fish is flaky.</p> <p>This makes enough for about 4 servings. It is very good leftover although I very rarely have any left. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/official-weight-loss-support-cheerleaders-first-task#post-109329 Sat, 05 Dec 2009 16:20:46 +0000 velvetychocolate 109329@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We had a nice roast chicken for dinner and I made Roasted Garlic and Caramelized Onion Cauliflower Mash - yum! It's a bit fussy/time consuming, but we make extra so as to have leftovers the next day, I'll explain why in a minute. </p> <p>Roasted Garlic and Caramelized Onion Cauliflower Mash</p> <p>Ingredients:<br /> ---------------<br /> 1-2 heads cauliflower, broken up into small-ish florets<br /> olive oil - lots<br /> 1/2 to 3/4 of a white or yellow onion, finely diced<br /> 6 or so garlic cloves, sliced up<br /> chicken broth - I use Pacific Brand organic chicken broth in the tetra pak box </p> <p>Method:<br /> ----------<br /> In a giant mixing bowl, combine the cauliflower florets, diced onion and sliced garlic cloves. Pour a generous amount of olive oil over top. Stir all around to coat nicely. </p> <p>Transfer to a large 9x13 baking pan that's been lined with parchment paper (you might need two baking pans, depending on how much cauli you have). Bake the whole mess at 350F for about 45 minutes or so, until the onions are caramelized and the bits of garlic are nicely roasted. Be sure to stir up the cauli mix in the baking pan(s) a few times during roasting. </p> <p>Once everything's nicely browned and roasted, transfer back to large mixing bowl, drizzle on some chicken broth to moisten up a bit, and mash up roughly with an old-fashioned potato masher. You're not trying to get perfectly smooth mashed cauliflower - it'll turn out more like hash browns in texture. Serve with dinner. </p> <p>Additional notes:<br /> --------------------<br /> Put leftover roasted garlic and caramelized onion cauliflower mash into the fridge. The next day - you can take the cold leftovers, add one egg, and make Roasted Garlic and Onion Cauliflower Latkes! Just delish! Add the egg, mix up and carefully form into latke-like patties on a cutting board, using a spatula to flatten them down. Transfer to a non-stick frying pan that's been brushed with olive oil, and fry them up for a good 6-8 minutes per side on medium heat. Just excellent :)</p> <p>If you're going to all the hassle of breaking up tons of cauliflower into small florets, chopping the onion and peeling/slicing garlic, and then spending the time to wait for it all to roast up nicely in the oven - you might as well make more than you need. You don't necessarily have to make Latkes with it the next day - it's still tasty just re-heated for a veggie side dish with the next night's dinner too. In fact, this stuff is so good, I've even eaten it cold! (minus the egg...the egg is only if you want to make Latkes). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/official-weight-loss-support-cheerleaders-first-task#post-109317 Sat, 05 Dec 2009 13:57:38 +0000 agrace 109317@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great idea! I am going to be making some of these this weekend too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/official-weight-loss-support-cheerleaders-first-task#post-109307 Sat, 05 Dec 2009 12:22:50 +0000 Kristen 109307@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am totally making that pea soup recipe this weekend. Sounds heavenly, R&amp;J, thank you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/official-weight-loss-support-cheerleaders-first-task#post-109302 Sat, 05 Dec 2009 12:10:59 +0000 Ele 109302@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Marianne, I just wanted to chime in and say that I LOVE mejadarah! My version has loads of caramelized onions, rice and lentils with spices like cinnamon, cumin and turmeric. I hear that in Egypt they have a similar "street food" that also has pasta in the mix- I'd love to try that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/official-weight-loss-support-cheerleaders-first-task#post-109160 Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:04:17 +0000 rute 109160@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, Fathenry.. I do the same but for dinner. We Portugueses have delicious veggie soups and the are perfect for winter dinners! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/official-weight-loss-support-cheerleaders-first-task#post-109152 Fri, 04 Dec 2009 05:47:44 +0000 fathenry 109152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like to make a big pot of veggie soup on the weekend and eat it all week for lunch. Thanks for this post. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/official-weight-loss-support-cheerleaders-first-task#post-109129 Fri, 04 Dec 2009 04:11:52 +0000 Vani 109129@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is one of favourite snack/breakfast recipes:</p> <p>Cottage Cheese Pancakes</p> <p>Ingredients<br /> 4 egg whites<br /> 1/4 cup low fat cottage cheese or fat-free cottage cheese<br /> 1/2 cup oatmeal (I prefer old-fashioned)<br /> 1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br /> 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon<br /> 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (Feel free to sub any other of your favourite spices.)<br /> A teeny bit of sugar - to taste</p> <p>1. In a blender or a food processor, blend together all ingredients until smooth.<br /> 2. Spray a medium sized skillet with cooking spray and set heat to medium.<br /> 3. Add the pancake batter to skillet and cook until sides are lightly browned.</p> <p>I like fresh fruits best along with but any low-sugar, low fat toppings would go fabulously. Sometime I add chopped onions and chopped jalapenos for a savory version. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/official-weight-loss-support-cheerleaders-first-task#post-109118 Fri, 04 Dec 2009 03:20:09 +0000 shiny 109118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm like Angie - my recipes are all mostly of the "a little of this, a little of that" sort. I will throw out one to start, what I like to think of as my Power Breakfast, which gets my day off right, and some of my friends swear must be my secret to looking so young. :-)</p> <p>- nonfat plain yogurt<br /> - one banana<br /> - about 1/2 cup of frozen berries (I like blueberries)<br /> - 1 TB flax seed</p> <p>Use a stick blender to make a smoothie. You can blend it thick to eat with a spoon, or thin to drink through a straw (my preference). You can add a bit of OJ if you want to thin it out. I don't, because OJ on an empty tummy really screws with my blood sugar. (I put juices into the category of sodas... an orange is great because it has fiber... orange juice... not so much). </p> <p>This is GREAT for those who abhor eating anything early in the morning. No eating - you drink it. Also great if you are commuting in a car.</p> <p>Nutritional profile: </p> <p>It starts you out with at least 3 servings of fruits towards your minimum nine fruit/veggie requirement for your antioxidants, the berries and the flax seed provide tons of filling fiber, and the yogurt (if you get the kind with healthy acidophilus) aids digestion as well as acid reflux, provides protein and calcium (which studies have shown help in weight control). If you don't normally like the sour taste of plain yogurt, don't worry - the berries will sweeten it right up. </p> <p>I don't provide amounts because it really depends on your size and caloric requirements. Tweak the amounts depending on what you need to feel full. </p> <p>If you want to use a whole-fat yogurt instead of nonfat, that is okay too - but I might cut out the flax seed, to keep within dietary counts. I prefer using nonfat yogurt but then adding back in the flax seed, which provides a healthy amount of omega-3 fats. (Every meal should have SOME fat - just a little - fat is necessary to make use of fat-soluble vitamins). Some of the latest research (Dr Oz, for example) suggests that omega-3 fats actually burn belly fat. Also good for your brain and moods. So don't be shy about the flax seed. Buy it by the bag, whole. The stick blender will grind it up. Or you can use a coffee grinder to grind it fresh each day. It tastes great in oatmeal, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/official-weight-loss-support-cheerleaders-first-task#post-109111 Fri, 04 Dec 2009 02:06:34 +0000 Angie 109111@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Julie, you are a ROCKING cheerleader! And what a fabulous thread of delicious food :0)</p> <p>Marianna! Your website is amazing! Brilliant header. BRILLIANT. </p> <p>Ele, your blogs are beautiful! How fun to browse through them. </p> <p>I am thee most frustrating person in the world when it comes to writing out recipes. I love to cook, had my own catering business for a while, but cannot offer a decent recipe because it’s all in my head with no attention to specific quantities. But if I can muster up some recipes WITH quantities, I’ll post them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/official-weight-loss-support-cheerleaders-first-task#post-109104 Fri, 04 Dec 2009 01:34:09 +0000 Michelle 109104@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another one in favour of planning menus, even if it's just a day or two ahead of time. In fact that may be one way I hold myself accountable on the forum; I may post my next day's menu for awhile. This way I'm committed to it and can make sure I have what I need. I often found it helpful to make large batches of things, so there was always a meal option in the fridge whose points value I knew. I'd also stock up on lean meats like chicken breast, fish etc that you can keep in the freezer and defrost as needed to form the basis of a meal, if for whatever reason you get caught short.<br /> I second Khris too; find out what your staples are and stockpile. For me, things like beans, canned tomatoes, couscous, lemon juice, red/white wine vinegar, and whole wheat fucili are always around. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/official-weight-loss-support-cheerleaders-first-task#post-109095 Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:17:41 +0000 chewyspaghetti 109095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Marianna- I go through the my cupboards/fridge/freezer to see what I have, then I go through the grocery ads to see what is on a deep discount (or will be with my coupons), and then I plan my menu for the week. It saves me money, time and frustration. Don't forget to plan breakfast, lunches and snacks into your grocery list. I like to make a big batch of something and then freeze it (waffles, meat pies, muffins...) I am all for cooking once and eating a bunch of times.<br /> If you're eating out and ordering salads- you may be eating as many calories as a burger. Make sure to check nutritional information for your favorite restaurants. If you can find something on the menu that is grilled chicken with veggies- that's usually your best bet. Sauces, nuts/seeds, and breads/chips/croutons add a lot of calories so forego those options. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/official-weight-loss-support-cheerleaders-first-task#post-109092 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 23:52:19 +0000 marianne 109092@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Marianna, I usually plan the menu for the week and make a shopping list based on that. However, it took a lot of practice to get to this point, and you can start with planning for a couple of days (I am assuming that it's easy for you to get to the store, since you're in the urban area). Overtime, you'll also start figuring out what ingredients you always want to keep on hand, so each time you go to the store, you'd check your staples supply and see if you need to stock up on something. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/official-weight-loss-support-cheerleaders-first-task#post-109091 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 23:30:03 +0000 marianna 109091@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All these recipes sound SO delicious and so easy to make. Printing them out now...</p> <p>Should I be grocery shopping with recipes in mind? I'm so new to being an adult and fending for myself that this is all still a mystery. When I go to the grocery store I usually just buy what looks good without really thinking about meals. Then when I get home I realize I didn't buy any food for dinners. Would it be wise to plan out weekly lunches and dinners and shop for those items? What's your method?</p> <p>VC - I am a huge lox girl. That salad sounds delicious. Might curb my bagel w/ cream cheese and lox cravings. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/official-weight-loss-support-cheerleaders-first-task#post-109079 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:38:29 +0000 marianne 109079@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Best of luck to you, guys! My favorite easy dish is a lentil and rice dish called mujadara (there are many variations, but here is my bare-bones implementation). It's very nutritious and if you add some stir-fried greens makes a wholesome meal.</p> <p>Combine 2 cups of green lentils, 1 cup of brown rice and 7 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 45 min.<br /> Slice a large onion into thin half-rings. Mince several garlic cloves. Fry onions and garlic in olive oil until the onions are brown (I use a lot of oil but it's up to you)<br /> When lentils and rice are ready, pour in juice of one lemon, and add fried onions with oil. Stir. It can be topped with yogurt when serving.</p> <p>P.S. Marianna, great-looking blog!<br /> P.P.S. Obviously, you need to add salt at the end (that's the part I always forget to mention) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/official-weight-loss-support-cheerleaders-first-task#post-109069 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:19:44 +0000 hanna 109069@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>count me in as a cheerleader! i confess, i'm of the 'experiment with quantities' school -- didn't help that my mother's method of teaching me to cook was to keep me in the kitchen until i absorbed her quantities, rather than giving me measurements in cups or spoons -- so my recipes are difficult to pinpoint! but i shall go home and try to note some down for you guys. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/official-weight-loss-support-cheerleaders-first-task#post-109061 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:02:16 +0000 RoseandJoan 109061@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I forgot to add my simple MOTG stir fry</p> <p>(serves 4)<br /> 4 chicken breasts skinned and boned<br /> 2 garlic cloves<br /> 1cm of fresh ginger<br /> 1 bunch of spring onions<br /> 2 tbsp vegetable oil</p> <p>1) Using a sharp knife, cut the chicken breasts into thick strips, 4cm</p> <p>2) Finely chop or crush the garlic cloves. Peel the ginger and cut into pieces the same size as matchsticks. Trim the spring onions and thickly slice on the diagonal.</p> <p>3) Heat the oil in a wok, over a high heat until almost smoking. Add the ginger and garlic and stir fry for 1 minute. Add the chicken and stir fry for a further 5 minutes, until browned. Add the spring onions and stir fry for 1 minute.</p> <p>Et voila and only one pan to wash. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/official-weight-loss-support-cheerleaders-first-task#post-109057 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:35:42 +0000 Boof 109057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are such a doll, Julie! One thing I like to have on hand in my freezer is shredded, cooked chicken breasts. It cuts way down on time when I'm trying to make a recipe that calls for chicken. I get a pack of bone-in chicken breasts and put them in a baking pan (I usually use a metal 9"x 13" cake pan). You can brush them with a little olive oil or just put some canned chicken broth, white wine, whatever in the bottom of the pan. I salt and pepper the chicken, cover it with foil, and bake at 350 degrees for about an hour. After the chicken cools, I shred it and put it in freezer bags in 2 cup portions. It's almost impossible to mess this up! It's so easy to pull a bag to thaw for chicken chili, chicken salad, chicken tacos...whatever!</p> <p>One of my easy weeknight favorites is chicken tacos:</p> <p>about 2 C cooked chicken cut or shredded into pieces (Can shred rotisserie chicken)<br /> 1 can black beans drained<br /> 1 10 oz. can Ro-tel - This is just a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies.<br /> tortillas<br /> shredded lettuce, cheese, sour cream, or any other toppings you like</p> <p>Dump the chicken, black beans, and Ro-tel into a skillet. Cook until bubbly and heated through. I cook it long enough for some of the liquid to cook off. Put the chicken mixture in a tortilla and top as desired. Great for a quick meal! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/official-weight-loss-support-cheerleaders-first-task#post-109056 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:24:45 +0000 RoseandJoan 109056@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is the type of soup I make for lunch, it takes minutes, tastes good and the kids love it, I sometimes substitute the the balsamic for a little mint.</p> <p>Adapted from Nigella Lawson's How to Eat.<br /> Ingredients</p> <p>2 cups vegetable stock<br /> 3 cups frozen peas<br /> 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar<br /> Salt and pepper<br /> Olive oil<br /> Parmesan cheese</p> <p>Procedure</p> <p>1. Warm the stock over medium to low heat in a saucepan. Add the peas; cook until tender</p> <p>2. Transfer peas and stock to a blender, and process until smooth, adding the balsamic vinegar toward the end.</p> <p>3. Pour in a bowl, season with salt and pepper, and pour a little bit of olive oil on top. Grate or sprinkle some Parmesan cheese over.</p> <p>When I was losing the baby weight and craving a hamburger, I would substitute the burger for a grilled portobello mushroom (19 cals). I would have the bun, a small amount of cheese and spring onions. The mushroom is meaty enough to trick the mind.</p> <p>Also, I noticed that I liked to snack whilst watching a movie so I swapped the bag of sweeties for a bag of grapes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/official-weight-loss-support-cheerleaders-first-task#post-109054 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:16:10 +0000 velvetychocolate 109054@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Speaking of saving money, I had the *wild* idea of paying myself, retroactively, a certain amount per pound lost. I have some pounds to go, but since I'm going to need a whole new wardrobe, the somewhat insane idea of paying myself something like $10 or even $25 per pound lost has, in fact, crossed my mind. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/official-weight-loss-support-cheerleaders-first-task#post-109053 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:12:41 +0000 Michelle 109053@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Julie, you are the greatest! Thank you so much for starting this thread. I adore cooking and am pretty good at it, but am always on the lookout for new and interesting recipes.<br /> My weekend task is to restock my fridge with all the right things, and on Sunday I want to pre-cook a couple of things that can serve as lunches for Corey and myself all week (I'm thinking a low-fat mexican lasagna and a favourite barley and white bean stew).<br /> Thank you all for your cheer-leading! It means the world.<br /> And I just love your suggestion of what to do with takeout money, Julie! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/official-weight-loss-support-cheerleaders-first-task#post-109052 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:09:24 +0000 Ele 109052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oooh, this is my area of expertise! (Well, if you ignore all the cheese and baked goods on my blog, that is.)</p> <p>Just choosing some of the healthier/simpler things I like to make, how about... </p> <p>Salads<br /> <a href="http://www.kitchenist.com/cooking/salad/definitely-not-for-the-birds-spicy-broccoli-salad/882">Spicy Broccoli Salad</a><br /> <a href="http://www.kitchenist.com/cooking/salad/a-big-bowl-of-delicious-lentil-onion-and-goats-cheese-salad/990">Lentil, Onion and Goat’s Cheese Salad</a><br /> <a href="http://www.kitchenist.com/cooking/salad/formula-for-lunch-legume-salad/537">Legume salad</a> (this is more a formula than a recipe, but useful)<br /> <a href="http://www.kitchenist.com/cooking/salad/a-friendly-tip-baked-feta-over-spinach-and-farro-salad/1037">Baked Feta over Spinach/Farro Salad</a><br /> <a href="http://www.kitchenist.com/cooking/salad/farro-salad-with-asparagus-goats-cheese-and-almonds/457">Farro Salad with Asparagus, Goat’s Cheese and Almonds</a></p> <p>Mains<br /> <a href="http://www.kitchenist.com/cooking/main/a-good-fit-cannellini-bean-and-kale-soup/1496">Cannellini Bean and Kale Soup</a> (this one is popular)<br /> <a href="http://www.kitchenist.com/cooking/main/a-dish-for-all-seasons-spicy-chickpea-curry/867">Spicy Chickpea Curry</a> (ditto)<br /> <a href="http://www.kitchenist.com/cooking/main/greens-n-beans-swiss-chard-with-cannellini-beans/1024">Swiss Chard with Cannellini Beans</a><br /> <a href="http://www.kitchenist.com/cooking/main/a-long-lost-love-peanut-thai-noodle/1768">Peanut Thai Noodle</a> (This is one of my fave stir-fries, delicious! Could be made with brown rice to be a bit healthier)<br /> <a href="http://www.kitchenist.com/cooking/main/no-substitutes-meaty-but-not-really-pasta-sauce/1604">Meaty But Not Really Pasta Sauce</a> (a lentil-based sauce for pasta, fish, veggies- very versatile)</p> <p>Breakfast<br /> <a href="http://www.kitchenist.com/cooking/breakfast/phased-in-homemade-granola/1180">Homemade Granola</a> (I know that "healthy" isn't the first thing you think of when you think of granola, but this only uses a little bit of olive oil. Oats are so good for you, too!)</p> <p>That's probably enough for now! Always adding more, though. Hoping to post a veggie-packed soup later today, actually. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/official-weight-loss-support-cheerleaders-first-task#post-109049 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:50:50 +0000 velvetychocolate 109049@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here's one:</p> <p>A friend in NYC told me about something called a LEO omelet - lox, eggs, onions - and I realized I made my salads that way sometimes.</p> <p>Recipe is for one salad...easy to double or triple as needed. </p> <p>"LEO Salad"</p> <p>Ingredients:<br /> ---------------<br /> 2 cups organic baby romaine lettuce mix<br /> 4-5 organic grape tomatoes, halved<br /> 1/2 cup thinly sliced and quartered English cucumber (also known as a 'hothouse' cuke)<br /> 1 teaspoon thinly slivered up red onion<br /> 1 teaspoon capers, drained<br /> 2 ounces lox/smoked salmon, snipped up haphazardly into little bits with scissors<br /> 1 hard boiled egg, crumbled<br /> 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil<br /> 1 teaspoon good balsamic vinegar<br /> freshly ground black pepper</p> <p>Method:<br /> ---------<br /> Put lettuce, cucumber, tomato, onion, smoked salmon bits, capers into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle on the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Toss all around with a spatula or wooden spoon. Return to serving bowl. Top with crumbled hard boiled egg, and grind some black pepper atop the egg. </p> <p>I usually make two of these - (one for my husband, one for me), and often have hard boiled eggs in a tupperware container in the fridge, all peeled and chilled - ready to go. These comes in handy at lunch time or for breakfast on the go. I usually make up the dry salads in serving bowls, and then toss them individually in the big mixing bowl, and transfer back into serving bowls before topping with crumbled hard boiled egg. </p> <p>I tend to use way less dressing when I toss my salads in a big mixing bowl like this. A teaspoon or a tablespoon of dressing goes a lot further when I stir it all up with a spatula or wooden spoon, a la Caesar salad style. </p> <p>Meanwhile, smoked salmon can be expensive, and this is a nice way to enjoy some. You don't need much, and snipping up the ultra-thin slices into little bits and pieces for a salad is a really nice treat. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/official-weight-loss-support-cheerleaders-first-task#post-109041 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:31:33 +0000 Kristen 109041@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Marianne, before I did the Core WW plan about 5 years ago I didn't know how to cook at all. But the plan did not have processed foods in it really at all, so I had to learn how or go hungry.</p> <p>What I did was make "learning to cook" one of the goals I wanted to reach. Instead of thinking, "I can't cook so I am limited when I diet to only certain foods" I turned it around so cooking became the end goal, not dieting. I WANTED to try new foods, to roast my first chicken and make my first homemade soup. It wasn't something I "didn't know how to do", it was something I was going to try for the first time. And in doing so, I did eat healthier foods, and I lost weight, and I taught myself something I never thought I wanted to know. </p> <p>It was a mindset adjustment, but it made all the difference in the world. I don't nearly as much as I did then, but I've learned the basics and I learned that I prefer the taste of real food rather than junk. Turns out my mother was just a horrible cook; it wasn't until I learned how to make them myself that I learned mushrooms, Brussels sprouts, and steak weren't nearly as gross as I'd thought. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/official-weight-loss-support-cheerleaders-first-task#post-109040 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:31:00 +0000 Louise 109040@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shaking my pom poms 'rah, rah, rah'<br /> Sorry don't have any recipes so just doing a bit of cheerleading! x</p> <p>Edit - ooo do have recipe. Slimming world chips which were no sins. Chop a potato into wedges then cover with a squirt of fry lite and bake in a hot oven. Very moreish and a slimming life saver for me x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/official-weight-loss-support-cheerleaders-first-task#post-109037 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:19:01 +0000 Vani 109037@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay for Julie!</p> <p>Marianna, there are so many easy breezy healthy recipes, you'd be surprised. Even with spending a little more on your groceries, you will save so much not eating out. I'll post some of my favourite recipes after I get home tonight. Until then I leave you with these links:</p> <p><a href="http://kalynskitchen.blogspot.com/">Kalyn's Kitchen</a><br /> <a href="http://www.101cookbooks.com/">101 Cookbooks</a><br /> <a href="http://www.tastespotting.com/">Tastespotting</a><br /> <a href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/">Hungry Girl</a><br /> <a href="http://www.stumptuous.com/">Krista at Stumptous</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/official-weight-loss-support-cheerleaders-first-task#post-109035 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:03:25 +0000 marianna 109035@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are amazing, Julie. I have been eating healthy since Sunday and it's really not that hard. I went grocery shopping last night and stocked up on healthy foods. I still haven't worked up the courage to weigh myself but I need to do that ASAP.</p> <p>My biggest problem is that I don't know how to cook so I do eat out a lot. This past week I have been ordering healthy foods (salads, soups, etc) but it is EXPENSIVE and I know there are all sorts of hidden salts and fats and bad things in restaurant food.</p> <p>Looking forward to hearing some healthy recipes! I *can* follow a recipe fairly well... I think. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/official-weight-loss-support-cheerleaders-first-task#post-109034 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:01:32 +0000 taylor 109034@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Me, Me, Me.....I want to be a cheerleader!!!!:)</p> <p>My favorite No fat meal...my husband prepares:</p> <p>Pinto beans cooked in the crockpot and then mashed, brown rice and sliced cucumber and tomato salad......a little Olive Oil, balsamic vinigar, salt and pepper(I actually like* Good Seasons* made with Olive oil)</p> <p>Nice idea Julie:)<br /> Congrates on your weight loss Christine!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/official-weight-loss-support-cheerleaders-first-task#post-109028 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:37:06 +0000 ChristineB 109028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I should preface this by saying last October I reached my goal of 30 lbs lost &amp; I've kept it off since. I didn't 'diet' - I changed my eating habits - adjusted portion sizes, made healthier substitutions when it made sense. I didn't ever say I couldn't have something if I really wanted it.</p> <p>Ooh, I love having chicken pasta salad. It's not terribly original, but what we do is cook chicken breasts, cool them &amp; cut them up in cubes. Then cook your favorite pasta. I know pasta can be pretty high on calories, so make sure to add tons of cut up fresh (or grilled) veggies - tomatoes, cucumber, green pepper, onion, mushrooms, celery, whatever. Top with your fave low cal dressing (I'm fond of the Salad Spritzers) and it's a great meal.</p> <p>Pancakes/waffles are a Saturday morning tradition at our house. I make my own using half white flour, 1/4 whole wheat flour &amp; 1/4 quick oatmeal. I found they are very yummy topped with yogurt. My favorite is a fat free, real sugar yogurt that comes in flavours like 'Vanilla Cherry' or 'Vanilla raspberry'</p> <p>Speaking of yogurt, you can sub fat free yogurt for oil &amp;/or eggs in some baking recipes. I use yogurt instead of oil when making muffins quite regularly. I've even done it with pancakes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/official-weight-loss-support-cheerleaders-first-task#post-109022 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:51:57 +0000 RoseandJoan 109022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I believe it is our duty as official weight loss support cheerleaders to aid Michelle and Co in their quest.</p> <p>I'm suggesting you post any of your favourite healthy, quick and delicious recipe ideas here.</p> <p>I'm going to search through my recipe book later and post back.</p> <p>I also think whenever you substitute a take away for one of the suggestions, the take away money should be placed in a tin to aid the rebuilding of your wardrobes!</p> <p>Here's to a healthy and delicious December</p> <p>p.s. Marianna, your new website looks AMAZING </p>