Monday, June 17, 2013

New beginning

I guess I've been in sort of a slump for a while. Its time to wake up. There are exactly 40 weeks between now and my 42nd birthday. My goal is to lose 42 lbs between starting now until March 24th, 2014. I hesitated posting anything about it publicly but I decided I would do it here but not really anywhere else. If someone see's it fine, if not, that's fine too. I need some accountability and for now, this will serve as that.

I will follow some general rules to begin with with but the desire is to keep it simple.


1) Wake up to 6oz of OJ with my multivitamin, 2 glucosamine, one vitamin D and 3 fish oil pills.

2) Don't eat anything white.

3) Zero calorie beverages. I have not had diet coke or other diet soda drinks since January 24th. I occasionally will have Crystal Light if I get in a black tea, water or coffee rut but I really do love green and black ice tea.

4) Keep it VERY simple. 4-5 small meals and 30-60 minutes of activity 4-5 days a week. Over complications makes Angie grumpy and demotivated.

5) Water and lots of it which I already do.

6) Start and finish Couch to 5K Already done week 1.


I'll tie this post in with a recipe.


Grilled Baby Artichokes


How To Purchase and Prepare Baby Artichokes:

Baby artichokes are not a separate variety but merely smaller versions of larger artichokes. Their size comes from their location on the artichoke plant. They are picked from the lower parts of the artichoke plant where the plant fronds protect them from sun, in effect stunting their growth.


Baby artichokes are sold in plastic bags or loose. Their size can vary from walnut to jumbo egg size. Size is no indication of age. (Some babies are bigger than other babies!) Choose baby artichokes that are firm and heavy for their size. Most have no fuzzy choke.


Bend back lower, outer petals of artichokes until they snap off easily near base. Continue doing this until you reach a point where the leaves are half green (at the top) and half yellow (at the bottom).


Using a sharp stainless steel knife, cut off top third of artichokes or just below the green tips of the petals. Pare all remaining dark green areas from bases. Cut off stems.


Halve or quarter as desired. If center petals are purple or pink remove center petals and fuzzy centers. Dip or rub all surfaces with lemon juice.


In a large saucepan, bring 1 1/2 quarts of water to a boil. Add prepared baby artichokes and cook approximately 7 to 10 minutes or until you can easily pierce them with a fork, but they still offer some resistance. Drain and immediately and immerse in cold water to stop the cooking.


When cool, cut the baby artichoke in half lengthwise, sprinkle them with olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.


Prepare grill and grill them over a medium-hot fire, cut side down for about 5 minutes, or until the cut sides are well browned.


Remove and place on baking sheet. Mix Fat Free Feta Cheese and minced garlic and place on top of arti's and broil for 1-2 minutes, carefully watching to avoid burn.


Enjoy - I <3 these.


Wish me luck.




0 comments:

Post a Comment

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...