November Foodie PenPals

This month I discovered foodie penpals. Head over to theleangreenbean.com to find out more about the program. Basically, everyone sends and receives a package to/from another foodie from around the country. Then on the last day of the month, everyone reveals who their pen pal was and what they received in a post!

Being a first timer, this month was really exciting! I couldn't wait to come home and have a box full of goodies waiting in the mail for me. Monica from Nomstoppable sent me my package...

I can't lie...the second I opened the box I dove into the chocolate with hazelnuts. Amazing. I couldn't stop myself and could eat these all day everyday. No joke.

as you can see I couldn't even wait for a picture to dig in!

Also included was some yummy granola (I actually use this kind myself so it was perfect!), and homemade oatmeal baggies, ready to make. I haven't made the oatmeal yet with all the business of holidays and cooking, but I love the idea. 

The coconut chips were a big hit with Matt since he loooooves anything coconut, so I guess it was his lucky day. 

Chai green tea is always amazing and the multigrain crisps are the perfect salty snack. I have also yet to try the pickled radishes, but Monica gave some great tips on how to use them, like with soup or rice, so that will be on the menu this week!

Thank you for all of the treats, Monica!

Foodie PenPals is such a cool way to get to know other bloggers and even readers can join in the fun! I sent my package to Jason over at MaurPowerFoodie, so check out his blog to read about that, too!

Fall Engagement Photos!

My wonderful mother and step-father surprised Matt and I with an engagement present: a photo shoot! We spent a beautiful fall Sunday at the Wayside Inn site to capture some snapshots of this exciting time in our life together. Here are a few of my favorites

All photos courtesy of Prism Point Photography

I love having some nice photos of us, although I'm planning on a more journalistic style of photography for the actual wedding. And we are off to look at wedding venues for the first time this weekend! 

Loving every second of life with this man :)

Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Casserole

KEEEN-WAHHH. yum. I am loving my 5lb bag of Quinoa from BJs - so worth the money and I like it better with most dishes than brown rice. This recipe is a winner in my book and so so sooo easy. My favorite way to cook... healthy, delicious, and easy.

Cheese makes everything better.

Whole Wheat Banana Walnut Muffins

I have had a big bag of ripe bananas in my freezer for months now, just waiting for the time I felt like baking. I do not bake much, mostly because I will end up eating all of the sweet treats myself! These muffins, however, are a guilt-free delight. Well...almost. They do have sugar of course, but everything in moderation like I always say. Even with a little sugar these babies are great compared to your average muffin because I cut out most of the fat by using I Can't Believe It's Not Butter and non-fat Greek yogurt! By using whole wheat pastry flour you get a dose of the healthy grains as opposed to the simple carbs in white flour.

I was honestly surprised at how moist and delicious these came out! Gotta love low fat treats!

I was inspired by a recipe I found on Pinterest from Life's Simple Measures for Banana Bread Bars with Brown Butter Frosting. Oh em gee I wanted to make this version so badly, but I knew I would eat the whole pan so I opted for a healthier version. I think I'll make her version for the holidays! Check out her blog for some irresistible looking treats.

Slow Cooked Apricot Pork Roast

I am really loving my crock pot. It just makes things so easy, especially when there are literally not enough minutes in a day. I don't even have time to be writing this post, but I'm taking a much needed break from my CPA cram sessions this week to share this yummy fall recipe.

Slow Cooked Apricot Pork Roast

Turkey, Pumpkin & Black Bean Chili

Another chili recipe! This time I decided to whip out my slow cooker to let this cook over night. This recipe is a favorite among TLS followers and if you are thinking, "What? Pumpkin in chili??" just know that this is amazing and the flavor of pumpkin does not over power this dish in the slightest.

Sweat Pink Ambassador!

I am so excited to announce that.....

The Sweat Pink movement is about inspiring people to feel strong, confident and tough no matter who you are or what you look like. You can find much more info about it on the FitApproach website.

This mean I am now connected to a wonderful group of inspirational individuals living and preaching a healthy lifestyle. I am so excited to have this opportunity to help others get inspired to do the same :)

Quoted from FitApproach :

"We believe that kicking ass is best done in pretty shoes. We’ve learned that real women sweat, and sweat hard. We know that assertiveness, strength, and ambition are the ultimate feminine qualities. We concede that sometimes it takes hours to get ready, but we’re also no stranger to just rolling out of bed and going. We’re convinced that we run faster in pink shoelaces. We believe in pushing ourselves, and we believe in giving ourselves a break, too. We’re all about the rush of endorphins and the thrill of the challenge. We’re all for looking great and feeling even better. We’re committed to finding our best fit, and making it stick."

I can't wait to get my pink laces and SWEAT PINK. I will totally be rocking them at my next race!

First 5k and an Announcement!

Matt and I are officially racers! We finally ran our first 5k. It was so much fun. I can't wait for the next one! Then a 10k and hopefully a half marathon not too far behind.

My PR for a 5k is 28:14 so I was really hoping to get right around the same time if not better. When the race started I had so much adrenaline and excitement that I just took off! Unfortunately, keeping up with the crowd was not in my best interest because I completely did not pace myself. Insert huge side cramp at 1 mile mark. Damn. I pushed through it, but it definitely slowed me down. I came in at 31:38.

Pineapple & Red Pepper Quinoa

I have eaten Quinoa many times, in many different varieties. However, I HAVE NEVER COOKED IT!

Disgraceful, I know. This fiber packed whole grain is absolutely delicious. I can't get enough. I picked up some flounder filets and shrimp and needed a good side dish to go with them. Enter: pineapple & red pepper quinoa. YUM YUM YUM.

Matt and I are running in our first 5k this weekend (late much? I know) I have been so focused on gaining endurance and staying consistent with my running workout that I never thought to sign up for a race! Now is the time and we are running in our hometown (America's hometown in fact!). The race also offers a 10k and half marathon, but I didn't think it would be right to just skip over the 5k. Can't wait! My PR for a 5k is just over 28 mins, so I'm hoping to at least not go over that :)

Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Yes.... I needed my pasta fix.

Can we talk about how delicious this looks??

Adding slices of lemon right into the sauce really boosted up the flavor. And guess what.... every single thing in this is healthy. That's right, see all that creamy deliciousness? NO FAT. Why? Because there is no cream in this! I used fat free ricotta cheese mixed with a little non-fat milk and TONS of garlic. ohmigod.

This simple sauce can be mixed with so many combinations of veggies and protein. Tonight I chose spinach and feta chicken sausage along with some shrimp and broccoli. I want more.

Veggie & Turkey Sausage Crust-less Quiche Cups

I know how important it is to never skip a meal, especially breakfast, so I wanted to make some grab and go quiche cups to make hectic mornings that much easier.

These are so easy to make! Just choose your favorite veggies, some low fat cheese, and combine! I opted to add some turkey sausage since I had some I needed to use up and I used a 5:1 ratio for egg whites to whole eggs.

Life has been so busy lately with work, keeping up with my daily workouts, and I am studying to take the CPA exam this year (bring on the $$$!), so having healthy meals ready to go is a must. I will not eat Dunkin Donuts. New rule since that has always been my go-to for last minute breakfast :) As TLS coaches like to say, "You weren't born with a bagel in your mouth"

Baked Sweet Potato Fries

I can't get enough sweet potato fries. They are my new addiction...

These are such a great alternative to regular white potato french fries, and there are so many different ways you can make them. Drizzle on a little agave syrup for a sweeter treat!

I made these the simple way - olive oil, salt & pepper.

Ingredients:
2-3 medium sweet potatoes
1 Tbsp EVOO
Salt & Pepper
 *Garlic powder is a good addition if you aren't adding agave

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with tin foil. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut into 1/2 to 1 inch strips. Toss the fries in a bowl with the EVOO and salt & pepper, then arrange on the baking sheet (I also sprayed the tin foil with canola oil spray to avoid sticking). Bake for 20 mins, flipping the fries half way through.

I could eat these for days...

New Name and Updates

I have been thinking of changing the name of my blog for a while now, so I finally did it! Welcome to:

In the Kitchen & On the Run

Exciting stuff! I thought it suited the contents of my blog better since I post about cooking as well as all things running related. You can still Kiss the Cook if you'd like, though :P

As promised, here is a summary of my weekly running schedule:

Sunday: Rest

Monday: 4-5 miles

Tuesday: 5k

Wednesday: 5k

Thursday: Rest

Friday: 5k

Saturday: Distance - usually between 6 and 7 miles, but I'm trying to add on each week

Sometimes I will switch up my rest days, but I have trying to be very strict with myself and only allow a maximum of two. If I don't I end up losing motivation and that could lead to taking a whole week off! Having a routine is extremely helpful - you know what you have in store and can look forward to rest days if you need them. My body needs at least one rest day because I tend to get knee and hip pain after longer runs.

I can tell my speed and endurance are definitely improving because I have gotten much faster at the 5ks and the longer distance runs are becoming easier. Nothing beats a long run on a sunny, breezy day.

I have also gotten back into strength training - a must! I want rock solid abs baby - and I WILL get them.

And of course, always make time for R&R. My favorite = BEACH! 

Turkey & Black Bean Chili

Football preseason is here! Time to round up some game day recipes, so I thought I would start with some healthy {but oh so good} turkey and black bean chili.

In my house growing up, football season was the most important time of year. My father is a die hard Patriots fan, so my sister and I bought him a sign to put above our television that says "We interrupt this family for football season". It suits him well to this day. My step mother might just be a bigger fan than my father. I swear I can hear her clapping and cheering back home near Cape Cod all the way here in the city. My father was never too happy that his daughters didn't share in his love for the sport, but after 24 years it has grown on me! Matt and I will definitely be watching this season :)

Matt has some crazy motivation lately. He has been running 6-7 miles almost everyday in addition to circuit training. It makes me crazy that he can workout for a week or two (albeit with EXTREME effort) and look like he has been training for months. Abs all toned....chest definition....drool. Anyways, his motivation has rubbed off on me, so I've gotten more on track with the longer distance runs (mine are 5-6 miles) as opposed to the routine 5ks I was doing. I think my body needs the extreme effort to get the results I am looking for since I have already lost a bunch of weight. I want to lose the final pounds and really tone up - I'll post our workout routines next time.

On to the CHILI!

Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad {Lettuce Wraps!}

Here we go again... oh I love lettuce wraps. Me opting for lettuce instead of bread? WHO KNEW.

You know those rotisserie chickens they sell nice and hot at the grocery store? Lifesavers. BJ's sells giant ones for only $5! I love having these on hand to toss over a salad or for a quick dinner. And what better to do with all the leftovers than make chicken salad!

Of course, I had to make this TLS friendly, so I used Greek yogurt mixed with a little bit of Smart Balance mayo (half the fat of regular mayo and no trans fats) instead of a pure mayo base.


Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
2-4 chicken breasts (no skin) or chop up a whole rotisserie chicken (white meat only!)
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup walnuts, lightly toasted and chopped
1/2 cup red onion, diced finely
2 garlic cloves, minced to almost a paste
1 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt (1/2 cup if using 2 chicken breasts only)
1/4 cup Smart Balance mayonnaise
1-2 Tbsp red wine vinegar (adjust to taste)
1 Tsp Thyme
S&P


Directions:
Dice chicken (white meat!) and put in a bowl. To toast the walnuts, heat a small skillet over med/high heat and add the walnuts to the pan. Cook for 3-5 mins stirring frequently. Add the walnuts and all other ingredients in with the chicken and combine. Feel free to eat in a wrap...but I'm telling ya - go for the lettuce wraps! YUM!

Romaine lettuce wraps

Summer Spinach Salad with Fresh Raspberry Dressing

Another TLS Detox friendly recipe! I found some super fresh raspberries at the market this morning and I knew immediately I wanted to make a detox friendly dressing with them. Since all you can eat on detox is fruits and veggies it is hard to eat plain old salads without any dressing on them. Raspberry dressing to the rescue! It is so simple and I'm quite amazed myself at how good it tastes.

Ingredients:
2 cups Baby Spinach
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup diced fresh strawberries
1/4 cup chopped fresh broccoli


Dressing:
6 oz fresh raspberries
1/2 Tbsp dijon mustard
1-1/2 Tbsp red wine vinegar


For the dressing, combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. If you are not detoxing feel free to add 1 Tbsp EVOO

Detox Vegetable Soup

I just got back from an awesome family vacation on Lake Winnisquam in New Hampshire - a family tradition for 13 years now! Most nights, dinner is a community event, so we have steak night, spaghetti and meatball night...you get the idea. After all the delicious home cooked food I decided I need to put my body through detox again. I might just be crazy.

For my second detox I decided I needed to make some veggie soup! Last time I didn't have something quick and easy like this to go to, so this time it was a must.

I'm already starving. It's only day 2 of 7. Detox is hard, but sooo worth it.

Lake Winnisquam: A Family Vacation!

I am so blessed to have so many people in my life that I can call family. Every summer (since I was about 9 years old) my step-father's family has rented a house on Lake Winnisquam in New Hampshire

IT IS AWESOME.

Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps

Lettuce wraps are my new obsession. You can take a usually fatty meal {beef tacos} and turn it into something light, healthy, and amazingly delicious.

Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps

I love being able make comfort foods healthy. Yes, tacos are a comfort food for me - much love to my Mexican family on my Mom's side :)

In Mexico, it is a sin to put sour cream on your taco. However, I LOVE IT. But, I no longer use sour cream...ever. I have switched to Greek yogurt and I find that it gives the same creamy, tangy flavor without raining on your healthy eating parade. Check out this article from LiveStrong.com that gives all the details on the nutritional differences between Greek yogurt and sour cream. It is a deal breaker.

TLS Weeks 7-12: The Home Stretch!

We made it!!!!!! 


Final Stats after 12 weeks: 

• Down 15 lbs
• Decreased body fat by 3.8%
• Metabolic age lowered by 10 years!
• Inches lost overall: 9

Having already lost 20 lbs prior to TLS I am extremely happy with these results! This program was exactly what I needed to get over the plateau I was in and it completely changed my metabolism. We had some amazing transformations in our group and I can say without a doubt that this program really does change lives.

12 weeks ended up seeming longer than I thought it would, but definitely not in a bad way. After 6 weeks on the TLS program you are allowed to introduce grains back into your diet. Don't get too excited though! This does not mean you can now eat whatever you want and pig out on that pasta and bread you've been craving for the past 6 weeks (you know you were). The whole purpose of the TLS system is to transition your lifestyle, so when I say you can eat grains I mean whole, natural, nutritious grains like quinoa. You can also choose to avoid grains in general until you reach your weight loss goal because by eliminating them the weight will come off faster.

Before I started TLS I already had a pretty good foundation of knowledge when it comes to healthy eating, so for me the 12 week program was not as hard as it might be for others. The detox in week one was truly the most challenging part (obviously!), but in the end it was so well worth it that I will be doing it again. The most valuable part of the program for me was learning about reading labels. I honestly do not buy anything anymore without reading the key points, such as fat, carbs, sugar, and of course ingredients.

I will admit...I cheated. But it proved how much my metabolism has changed because it didn't effect my weight or progress. Plus, I have been on this "lets lose weight" path for a lot longer than 12 weeks (with results, I might add), so I wasn't too hard on myself with guilt for a little cheat. I am a firm believer that everything in moderation is perfectly fine; it is a matter of educating yourself on how much is too much.

Now that this program is over I am going to continue to eat the TLS way - I simply refer to it as clean eating. I am also going to get back into training mode so I can reach my goal and actually run that half marathon this year!

Matt wants to do a triathlon, so that's next!

Baked Chicken Parm & Whole Grain Rotini

As an italian, and self-proclaimed carb-o-holic, I have to find healthy ways to get my fix of the classics.

Chicken Parmesan. BAKED.

Through TLS I have learned how to choose healthy carbs and grains for when you are going to eat them and this recipe knocks it out of the park. I was honestly surprised at how authentic this tasted! BJ's sells this salad blend of asiago, parmesan and romano cheeses that is to die for and it is gluten free. Get it. It will change your life.

TLS Weeks 5 & 6 + Italian Spinach Pie

Weeks 5 & 6 on TLS are pretty similar to 3 & 4 only now introducing exercise is extremely important. YAY I CAN RUN!!! I started running again after detox week, but I hadn't gotten back into my normal weekly routine yet because I really wanted to see how the low glycemic diet alone would effect my body. And boy did it! I finally broke through that stubborn plateau and dropped another 10 lbs! I bought my first size 6 EVER. S-I-X! HOLLER!! I was never in single digit sizes let alone a 6! I have never felt better in my life and I am so excited to get back on track with training for a half marathon. I should note my first race won't be until the fall now since I had knee issues and then started TLS and had to break from my training and I DO NOT want to run my first race in the hot summer months. I want to come out alive, thank you.

I am usually drinking one TLS shake per day and I found a flavorless fiber supplement from GNC that I add to it so it really keeps me full for a long time. I drink my shake around 8:30 AM, have some fruit around 11:30/noon, then won't be hungry for lunch until 1 or 2 PM. The timing is great because most days I can't bring myself out of bed early enough before work to run, so my workouts are done after work and no one likes to run (especially distance) completely famished.

TLS Weeks 3 & 4: Protein Shakes!

4 weeks in and this "diet" is a piece-o-cake. It is easy to see now why it is not called a diet because it really is a lifestyle change. Don't get me wrong, I will definitely still eat pasta and bread every now and then once I reach my goal weight, but this program teaches you the best ways to enjoy the foods you love while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

For weeks 2 through 6 there are no grains allowed, so I am eating strictly protein, vegetables (LOTS), and fruit. Luckily, sweet potatoes have a low glycemic index and are allowed! The glycemic index (GI) measures the effects of carbohydrates in food on blood sugar levels. A low GI food includes most fruits and vegetables, medium GI would be foods like whole grains, and high GI includes most simple carbs like white bread and rice/pasta. Pretty simple to follow if you ask me. Luckily, I loooove veggies! Especially broccoli and brussels sprouts. If you are what you eat I must be turning into a brussels sprout.

Week 3 we got to introduce protein shakes! The TLS shakes are literally one of the best I have ever tried. They don't get all lumpy or grainy if you mix them in a hand shaker. Creamy and delicious and there are so many smoothie recipes you will never get bored. The vanilla shakes tastes like ice cream when blended with ice and skim milk - add in some berries and we have a winner! These puppies have 18g protein and 10g fiber!

Week 4 we got to try Extend Bars which are high in protein, fiber, and have only 2g net carbs!

Week 4 also meant it was time for our first weigh in! The results were amazing for everyone in the group - one person lost over 17 lbs! In just 3 weeks time! All by changing your eating habits. Incredible.

Naked Southwestern Burgers

I recently had dinner at the Met Bar & Grille and I must admit I had a small anxiety attack on the way there. What am I going to eat at a steakhouse known for their burgers?!? Little did I know, the Met offers a custom burger bar menu! You can go bunless, topless, white or whole grain - turkey, kobe, salmon, veggie...the list goes on. Since we are only on week 2 of the 12 week TLS program, I obviously opted for the bunless option. The perfect combo for me was a turkey Grecian burger - tzaziki, hummus, pickled cucumbers and tomatoes with a side salad. Amazing. It is so awesome to be able to eat out and be healthy!

Naturally, I had to make my own version of the said bunless burger....

TLS Week 2: PROTEIN!

I never thought I would be so excited just to eat some protein!

Detox week recap
Detox was hard. Period. BUT I lost an average of a pound a day and am down 7.5 pounds in the first week! FINALLY past the annoying plateau! Planning meals ahead of time was a crucial part of my success since ALL you can eat is vegetables and fruit. V8 was a lifesaver. If you ever want to cleanse your body through a detox make a meal plan and cook double at dinner so you can have leftovers for lunches. My detox stuffed mushrooms lasted me 3 days and they were delicious! I felt a little tired the first couple of days but it felt so good to watch the pounds melt away without working out. I forgot to mention you are not allowed to work out during detox so this girl was not running! I also felt starving constantly. It is really important to have snacks on hand because you will not stay full for long eating only veggies. After my body got more used to having only fruit and veggies I felt more energized and so motivated to reach my final goal.

Now....on to PROTEIN!!!

Asian Sesame Tilapia

TLS Detox Week 1: Stuffed Mushrooms

Have you ever heard of Transitions Lifestyle System? I hadn't until this past fall when two of my sisters and my cousin all joined this breakthrough weight loss program. My cousin lost 31 lbs in the 12 week program that cuts out carbs and sugars, and has since lost an additional 25 lbs. That is 56 pounds!! She went from a size 12 to a size 2 and has now decided to become a coach for the program along with one of my sisters who also lost 30 lbs.

Who can say no to a "family discount" on weight loss coaching that is going to do nothing but better my health? NOT ME :) I signed up for the 12 week program that consists of weekly group meetings for support (with the coaches), 4 week weigh ins, online support, and a "starter kit" with vitamins, supplements and a journal. I am going to document my progress over the next 12 weeks on this blog which will also include recipe ideas!

The TLS weight loss system focuses on the glycemic index, which is a system for measuring how quickly different foods allow the sugar they contain to spread into the blood. I'll get into more detail of that once I learn it at the weekly classes.

To start off this journey we must put our bodies through detox. It may sound scary and an impossible feat, but it really has not been that bad so far. For 7 days you are to cleanse your system by eating only fruits and vegetables, so that means no fats, carbs, artificial sugars...you get the idea. And it is best to not eat fruit in the morning because of the natural sugars they contain. It can be quite tricky figuring out what to have for breakfast! I have found a good combo that is working for me: 1 can low sodium V8 juice with a handful of grape tomatoes and a handful of chopped cucumbers. Warm lemon water first thing in the morning is a great way to start off the day! Spices are your best friend during detox to keep your food from being bland/boring, which could lead to cheating if you don't feel satisfied. A few people in the group have mentioned feeling weak or shaky from the lack of protein, so it is ok to add a 3oz portion to dinner, but only if you think you might die. And I'm pretty sure no one is going to drop dead from eating all natural foods.

Oh and I should mention.....NO ALCOHOL FOR 30 DAYS. Yikes. I do like my wine - *sad face*

Next week we will be receiving our "starter kits" and will be able to introduce protein back into our diets.

Now for a detox recipe!

Detox Stuffed Mushrooms

Runner's Knee & a Book Review

My training schedule was put to a halt the past couple of weeks because I developed a pain in my left knee while running. After doing some research, my self diagnosis is runner's knee! I attributed this to my mileage increases since I have started training for my first half marathon. I went from running 3 miles one week to 6 the next followed by 7! Although I am EXTREMELY proud of myself for finally being able to overcome the 4 mile hump, I think I might have overdone it....just a bit.

Anytime I have questions about running my go-to site is Runner's World. There really is an answer for everything and I also love the magazine. They have a great book for first time runners:

Buy it here!

Garlicky Turkey Stuffed Peppers

I have been MIA due to a recent family tragedy, but am ready to get back into training/cooking/blogging mode!

Before I start to tell you about these delectable garlicky stuffed peppers, I want to mention the Guilford family and ask all my readers to please keep them in your prayers. They suddenly lost their beautiful 7 month old baby boy, Callan, on March 7th. Jesus gained an angel on that day, but the family has a long road ahead of recovery and I pray they will find peace and understanding in the Lord.

Since I have been spending a lot of time with family I haven't needed to cook much, and oh how I have missed it! We have been having such beautiful weather the past week, which is unusual for Boston this time of year, (I am talking 80 degrees in March people!) so I have had my fair share of burgers and wings on the grill trying to make myself believe it is summer time already......but today we are back to 40 degree days. Sad face.

Anyways, on to the stuffed peppers!

Please excuse the poor image.

My shopping for a new camera was put on hold!

Coconut Crusted Chicken with Apricot Ginger Glaze

My company decided to throw a "Holiday Party" this month (late much?) and usually our company parties are fancy dancy and a bit too formal if you ask me. Well, this year we got to kick back, play pool and drink beer at Jillians Boston! That being said, Jillians served up platters of appetizers and burgers, the usual bar food. However, there was one app that I could not get enough of - Coconut Fried Shrimp. It was succulent and delicious accompanied by a sweet chili dipping sauce. This of course was not a healthy decision to chow down on them all night, so I wanted to make something lighter and healthier, but with the same kick ass coconut flavor!

I should note that I ran 7 miles the next day out of guilt - was it really worth it? YES.

Skinny Chicken Marsala

I am a carb-o-holic, so even in dieting I need my pasta/anything Italian fix. Luckily I found a great whole wheat pasta at Whole Foods that doesn't have the grainy texture of most. Whole Foods' line of 365 Everyday Value foods is awesome, and this is the whole wheat pasta I now swear by.

Chicken marsala is one of my Italian favorite dishes because I looove mushrooms and the marsala wine adds such a rich and sweet flavor without the added fat of other rich italian pasta dishes (ie. alfredo!). This version  of the recipe is slightly adapted from the weight watchers recipe.

I should note that, to my dismay, my camera is broken!!!! Not worry I am buying a new one this weekend! This was such a beautiful dish and I am so sad I don't have any pics, but trust me....it is DELICIOUS :) and nothing beats healthy and delicious. I served my chicken over a small portion of the whole wheat pasta and a side of fresh steamed broccoli. Enjoy!

Baked Zucchini Sticks

I've been on a vegetable binge lately and wanted to find a way to kick it up a notch. Matt loves zucchini, but he also loves mozzarella sticks, so why not make two become one!? Nix the fattening cheese for juicy zucchini and bake, not fry!

NOM NOM NOM