Pages

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Recipe: Frittata with Asparagus, Bell Peppers and Parmigiano



I know, it's been awhile. I have pretty much just been working and going outside since it has been ridiculously nice out! Which has definitely helped motivate me to get outside and walk. That has been the most positive thing to happen lately, which also sucks considering it means global warming is happening really quickly. But enough about my fears about the end of the world. 

I've tried a few recipes from the 400 Calorie Fix book and cookbook and they have all been delicious. I haven't been able to get all my meals to be 400 calories yet, and it's been hard not to snack. But I'm working on it! I have been frustrated lately because I have been more active and most days have kept my calories between 1600 and 1800. However, I have not lost anything, not even a pound. I know the scale isn't the only way to measure success, but unfortunately I haven't really felt a difference in how clothes fit either. I have been feeling better, which is awesome, but it's frustrating. I thought it might have to do with a medication I was taking, and now I just started a different one that should be better, so we'll see. 

Now onto this delicious frittata. It is from the 400 Calorie Fix Cookbook, and each wedge is only 270 calories! This plus a 100 calorie Thomas English Muffin with Land O'Lakes Light Butter with Canola Oil was only 420 calories. 

Frittata with Asparagus, Basil, and Parmigiano Reggiano
(Adapted from the 400 Calorie Fix Cookbook)
Makes 4 servings

  • 1 large baking potato, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
  • 4 large eggs (the recipe also called for 4 large egg whites, but I hate wasting yolks. If you use the extra egg whites it will make it more light and fluffy)
  • 1/2 cup fat-free milk
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (recipe calls for Pecorino Romano, either works!)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 pound asparagus, cut into 1 inch pieces

1. Preheat the broiler (or oven to 450 degrees if you don't have a broiler to use)

2. Place the potato in a saucepan with enough cold water to cover by 2 inches. Bring the water to a boil and cook for 10 minutes, or until the potato cubes are tender but still hold their shape. Drain and set aside.

3. Meanwhile, beat together the eggs, milk, cheese, basil, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. 

4. Heat the oil in a 10 inch broiler proof nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften. Add the asparagus and cook until crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir int he potatoes and cook for 1 minute. 

5. Reduce the heat to medium, pour in the egg mixture, and stir gently to combine. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the eggs are set. Transfer the skillet to the broiler and cook 5 inches from the heat for 1 to 2 minutes to brown the top. Let the frittata stand for 5 minutes before cutting into 4 wedges.


Enjoy! 




Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Yoga Sculpt

Lululemon Yellow Yoga

First of all, I'm not at the point of doing this position yet ha. I took another class at Barre Bliss, this time Yoga Sculpt. Now this was my kind class! It was a combination of yoga, cardio, calisthenics and weight training.  Parts of it were challenging, but otherwise it was great and I felt great afterwards. I was sore the next day but not incredibly sore. I'm not sure if this class was better because of the content, or the instructor, or both. Either way I am looking forward to taking more classes! Friday morning I'm taking a Ballet Barre class, which focuses more on ballet than the pilates we did in the Barre Bliss class. I also went for a walk around Lake Harriet yesterday instead of taking a class since it was RIDICULOUSLY nice out here. 

I've still been struggling with eating well. I still crave sweets like crazy and it's really hard to cut them out all together. I did discover a delicious flavor of Stonyfield organic yogurt called Chocolate Underground. It's low-fat and filled with protein (and some sugar). I had it as a snack with strawberries and almonds the other day and it was perfect. 

The biggest thing besides sugar that I have been struggling with is portion control. One thing that has really helped is a book I found called 400 Calorie Fix. It is a diet book from the editors of Prevention magazine, but it's full of delicious recipes. It really helps you think about the portions you're eating and how much you really need. It also has great tips about eating out and making quick meals. For a person my size who is moderately active they say I should eat between 3-4 400 calorie meals a day. They have a quick slim 2 week plan where you only eat 3 meals a day... which has been hard for me because I love to snack! It's also been hard trying to schedule meals around work and whether that means eating one meal in the morning, one in the late afternoon and then one after work... It's been a process. I've been trying to buckle down and just do this for 2 weeks but it also just seems like not enough food. So I think I'm going to stick with the 1600 limit and see how that goes. 

I'll keep you updated on how this week is going! 

Be well,

Friday, March 2, 2012

No Excuses and Barre Class

So in my last post about The Biggest Loser I forgot to include my favorite part of the new season! This season has a theme of "No Excuses," which I think is pretty fitting for my blog. Each week they go through different excuses like "I don't have time to eat healthy" or "I don't have a gym membership." I need to adopt the attitude of "No Excuses." I have no excuse not to be active every day, or to get all of my servings of fruits and vegetables. It's a great thing to keep in mind every day.

My friend Liz also reminded me about what I don't like about The Biggest Loser, which is that they do push the contestants too hard sometimes. There's a lot of drama that happens mostly for TV which can be dumb, but it gets bad when it involves the contestants' well-being. So don't take the show too seriously.

Yesterday I went to my first Barre class at Barre Bliss studio with my friend Sarah. This class was a combination of barre work, yoga, pilates and cardio. It was fun, but tough! And I am super sore today. I bought a month of unlimited classes from Living Social so I will be going again, at least 3 times a week. They also do yoga and basic barre classes which will be fun. I'm taking a Yoga Sculpt class on Sunday so I will let you know how it goes.

For the next two days I will be working like crazy. I got a promotion at work, so now I will be a shift leader... which is basically an assistant manager. Super excited! Now I just have a ton of information to learn. Enjoy the weekend!

Be well,