A New Me and A New Blog

Just wanted to let you guys know that I have created a new blog called The Chubby Runner! I don't plan on updating this one anyone so I hope you'll join me over at TCR!

1/12 Sunset

 

 

 (Click photos to enlarge!)

Diet-Friendly Brownies

When I started my weight-loss journey last January I knew I would have a very hard time giving up sweet stuff...aka...chocolate! Over the course of last year I found many great diet-friendly recipes and thought I'd share this one with you guys today.  It's super easy!

1 box of brownie mix (any kind will do)
Use to amount of water the directions call for + 1 Tbsp.

2 egg whites, whipped (replaces the equivalent of 1 egg)

Replace the oil the package calls for with the same amount of all-natural applesauce

Mix everything together like you normally would and place in a 9x13 greased pan and bake until done according to package temperature.  Mine took about 20 minutes.  By putting it in a rectangular pan instead of a square pan you are making the portions smaller.  It's all about fooling yourself! My last batch yielded 15 brownies. 

*I was able to save 120 Calories and 9 grams of fat per brownie without sacrificing the taste!

2011 Resolutions

It's that time again...time to figure out what resolutions I plan on making for the new year! Last year my goal was to get healthy and lose weight and I've done exactly that! I'm down 65lbs. and have never felt better!!! I still have 45lbs. to go to reach my big goal of losing 110lbs. in total, but I don't fret because I know I'll get there in time!

I've thought long and hard about what to do for 2011.  Back in early December I really felt like God was calling me to go completely out of my comfort zone.  After a lot of prayer and fasting, I have decided to push forward with the calling and run my first ever race in 2011!!! I am vowing to run a 10K this year folks! I can run about 3 miles right now before wanting to collapse so I've got a lot of training to do if I'm going to make it 6.2 miles!!! I'm not looking to be the winner of the race, I simply want to finish it! I keep joking that the finish line may not even be in place by the time I get to it, but I will FINISH nonetheless!!! 

This could very well be the biggest resolution I have ever taken on in my life!!! My plan is to run the race some time towards the end of the year. My hope is that by stepping up my training I'll reach my goal weight and then start a new goal weight! Time will tell.  I'll be sure to keep you guys posted on my progress throughout the year.  

So, what are some of your resolutions for 2011???

Mexican Cornbread

1 box of Jiffy cornbread mix

1 egg, beaten

1 can Mexicorn, drained (reserve liquid)

1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

2 tbsp. reserved Mexicorn liquid

Preheat oven to 400.  Spray a square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.  Mix all ingredients together in medium-sized bowl.  Pour into baking pan and bake for about 15-20 minutes.  Let cool before cutting. 

*This is such an easy cornbread to make! I quadrupled the recipe since I'm taking it to bible study tonight to serve 60 women along with a chili and a bean soup my friends are bringing!

Taco Chili Mac

The other day I found Taco Chili Soup featured on Craftomaniac.  As soon as I saw the recipe I knew I wanted to try it this weekend! With a little help from my crockpot I made it today.  It's so delicious!!! Like with most recipes I try, I changed things up a bit and am now calling it Taco Chili Mac.  I hope you guys will give this one a try this week!

2 cups cooked elbow macaroni

1 lb. ground turkey or chicken

1 softball-sized onion, diced (cook w/ ground turkey)

1 (14.5oz.) can of diced tomatoes, undrained

1 (15.5oz.) can dark kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 (15.5oz.) can light kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 (8oz.) can tomato sauce

1 (15oz.) can corn, drained

1 (4oz.) can diced green chilies

1 cup taco sauce

1 cup chunky salsa  (I used mild)

1 envelope of taco seasoning 

Brown ground turkey with onion.  Drain any fat.  Spray the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.  Put all of the ingredients in crockpot and mix well.  Cook on low for 6-8 hours.  Garnish with sour cream, shredded cheese or crushed tortillas if desired.