South Beach

So lately, I've been working my butt off, trying to get back in shape.  And to lose weight.  Its not that I am overweight.  I am just over the weight I feel comfortable as.  Back in college, I never gained the freshman fifteen so I assumed I wouldn't gain the "newlywed nine", but oh boy, I did.  I guess that's what sitting on the couch being a housewife for a year does to you.  And all that deep frying we did last summer.  NOT WORTH IT. 
I have been working out 3-4 times a week at the base gym.  Typically I do 20-45 minutes cardio, stretch, and then weights.  I don't do weights every time I work out, but most of the time.  I've gotten frustrated with the lack of change in my body.  Well, not completely.  I can tell I am already in much better cardio shape, I think that is what is motivating me.
blah blah blah. 
Now to what I actually wanted to talk about!  Diet.  Yay!  Honestly, right now, I feel great.  I am eating really good.  Before this week I was calorie counting, which was a little hard for me.  I felt like I couldn't eat what I really wanted to without feeling guilty.  And I really don't think guilt should be a motivator.  I want to be healthy, not starving my body or filling it with empty calories.  So yesterday I started the South Beach Diet.  I've done this diet before, only because I agree with the science behind it.  Our culture is VERY sugary.  And its not always good sugar.  Most of the time its not good sugar.  It is no wonder our nation has more obesity than any other, but that's another day.
I like SB because I can eat things I like and stay full, and it has very clear rules that are easy to follow. BUT, Its always really hard for me.  The first two weeks are supposed to be no sugar, fruit, or grains (because they break down to sugar) and light on the diary-and this Wisco girl loves her diary.  I have never lasted two weeks.  Not even close.  I usually last a few days and then cry when I open the fridge to get some food because nothing looks good.  This time is a little different, because I can completely control what is in my fridge.  I have been doing really good.  I actually discovered a recipe that I am going to make regularly its so yummy!

Baked Chicken Strips with Mustard, Almond, and Parmesan
Makes 3-4 servings, but can easily be doubled. Recipe adapted from Cooking New American.

2 very large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

marinade:
2 T mayo (low fat is ok, but don't use fat free)
2 T Dijon mustard (or use any mustard that appeals to you)
1 T white balsamic vinegar (or use slightly less than 1 T white vinegar)
1 T water
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. poultry seasoning

coating:
2 T parmesan cheese (freshly grated or coarsely grated, not the kind that comes in a can)
3/4 cup almond meal (you can also grind 3/4 cup almonds in the food processor, but the pre-ground almond meal is a bit more finely ground)
1/4 tsp. poultry seasoning
salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste (I didn't use much salt)

Trim any visible fat or tendons from chicken, then cut each piece into crosswise strips about 1 inch wide. Whisk together mayo, Dijon, white balsamic vinegar, water, garlic powder, and poultry seasoning. Place chicken strips and marinade in plastic bag and marinate in refrigerator for 3-4 hours or as long as all day.

When ready to cook, let marinated chicken come to room temperature while oven pre-heats to 450 F. Use a food processor to finely grind the almond meal, Parmesan, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper, and put coating in large flat bowl. Spray non-stick baking sheet well with non-stick spray. Dip each chicken piece into coating, turning to coat both sides, and arrange in single layer on baking sheet.

Bake without turning for 15-20 minutes, or until top side is quite browned and underneath is starting to brown. Then use metal turner and go under each piece of chicken to be sure it's not stuck to the pan, then carefully turn each piece. Some of the coating will fall off and possibly get too browned in the pan, so don't worry about it. Cook 10-15 minutes more until chicken is well browned and cooked through. Total cooking time will be 25-30 minutes, depending on your pan. Serve hot. (Edit: if you're reheating this in the microwave, be very careful not to overcook or it will get very dry. It is definitely best fresh from the oven.)

DELISH.
I'm not going to lie though.  I made some serious revisions.  You can't blame me, I was in a hurry, and my ideas worked wonderfully.  I used almond butter- whattt?!(buy at Costco, you won't find it cheaper, like $6 for a HUGE thing- or $6 at the grocery store for 6 oz-lame), mustard, garlic and a little water and made a thin paste.  I then dipped the chicken in the paste and rolled it in the parmesean, poultry seasoning and pepper.  And then I baked it.  IT WAS AMAZING.  And I wasn't even super hungry, but it tasted like something tastes when you are super hungry. You know what I mean.  So try it.
I also dipped it in ranch mixed with mustard.  Yes, I agree a little weird.  I have found a new appreciation for mustard.  Who knew.
Sorry for so many words, and no pretty pictures. :)
Here's my dinner!

And here's the joy of breakfast :D

Hope its nice where you are ;)

Ho boy

Well its been a while.

My toe is still broken, though it only hurts if I walk around barefoot or if it get squished. Like when I try to sleep. I can't complain though, it hasn't interfered with my life really at all. I can still work out, which is good because I am really enjoying going to the gym. I will definitely post about my workout/gym love, as soon as I start seeing results ha!
Dave has been gone two and a half weeks now, and it hasn't really been as bad as I anticipated. I was only REALLY sad one day so far, I consider my stable mood to be a BIG blessing. I really do hate sleeping alone though.
My dear friend Chelsea visited for 5 days. I was fun to take her around to the Alaska sights. And it was nice to have someone in the house with me.

Yep. That's a big ol bullwinkle. He was just having lunch when we walked by in the park. Thankfully a man let us know where he was before we were surprised so we got some good pictures of the guy.

That is Flattop. The creativity of the name is not phenomenal, but at least its easy to remember.

Blueberries! How cute right? There was two moms and their kids picking bucketfulls when we were there, it would have totally been something my mom would have brought us to do. I plan on going back up there soon to pick a bunch!(Edit: Just looked these up and they are actually crowberries, not as sweet as blueberries but twice the vitamin C, and I hear they make a mean pie!)

Its beautiful, this new place I live.

Hope its nice where you are :)