Man in the Mirror

When I was thinking of a title for this post I kept getting Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror" in my head. But I only know a few of the words of the chorus, so the same words keep coming in my head. "Sscimon, sssimon make that change... Man in the mirror... You know it... you know"

Basically I am going to keep this post short and sweet with a few random things that I've thought of this week... and when I am saying "you" below... I am really meaning myself.

If you want to change, change. It's really that simple. You are in control. But it takes hard work. Anything worth it usually does.

Don't you want to be at least the co-author of your own life? I do.

I started Jillian Michael's 30-day Shred and I really really like it. She is very motivating to get you through each workout. The workouts are broken into 20 minute workouts. Anyone should be able to fit that in their day. So far so good - it's an older DVD of hers and it's super cheap at Amazon or Target... so check it out! 

Progress update: I am on my way to losing 18 pounds by the end of April. I've lost a few pounds this week (weighed myself this morning) but I also had a great dinner out with friends tonight. And I could have made better choices (I hope it didn't undo too much of what I accomplished this week). One area I really need to work on is the going out to dinner part. Once I have a cocktail, I am more liberal with my choices. But I am on my way to losing 18 pounds by the end of April. 

How do you control what you eat when you go out? 

(please leave comment below or on the facebook page)

Have a great President's weekend everyone!

This picture is with Israeli/Pearl couscous

SONG THAT KEPT ME RUNNING THIS WEEK: "Firework" Katy Perry (I know this is an obvious one, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE working out to it and love the words). This song is also one of my husband's guilty pleasure songs...... so anyone who knows him, feel free to tease him about it.

RANDOM TIP OF THE WEEK: When you want a quick, healthy, comforting meal - have a "baked" potato topped with fat free greek yogurt. Not only does the greek yogurt provide the creaminess that you would get out of sour cream (without the fat), it adds a bunch of protein making it a more filling, complete meal. The quickest way I've found to get the baked potato taste is to wash throughly - poke holes all over with fork. Micro for 5 minutes and then flip and micro for 5 more minutes for a medium to large size potato.
THIS WEEK'S RECIPE: Chicken with Couscous, Orange & Mint

This dish is super easy & fast. It is adapted from a Martha Stewart recipe. It is delicious! My husband honestly loves this and I've made it twice. It's refreshing to be able to have oranges & the mint in the winter months.

Chicken with Couscous, Orange & Mint

This time with small whole wheat couscous

1 cup couscous

• 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken 
• (remove skin & use breast meat)
• 1/3 cup pistachios, toasted and coarsely chopped
• I found unsalted, unroasted ones @Trader Joe's)
• To toast just cook on low in a dry non-stick pan & toss
• 1 navel orange, peeled and coarsely chopped
• I cute the rind off & actually end up using 2 oranges
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
• 3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 teaspoons red-wine vinegar
• coarse salt and ground pepper to taste
• Directions:
• In a medium bowl, pour 1 cup boiling water over couscous. Cover and let sit until tender, 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. In another medium bowl, combine chicken, pistachios, orange, mint, oil and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Toss couscous with chicken mixture. Serves 4.
• Sorry if this post is slightly scattered - it's late and if I didn't get it out tonight, I wouldn't have had a new post this week.