Getting excited again

Sometimes I think all it takes to get re-energized about weight loss is a new recipe or two! One of the things that really sucks about a lifestyle change is not being able to eat the food you love (which got you to where you needed the lifestyle change!). The best part about Nutrisystem is that I'm learning ways to adapt those old meals into things that are healthy and still delicious! I mean, who would have thought that cheesecake was doable on a weight loss program?

I've got a review and a few new meal ideas to share today.


Chicken with Dumplings (Dinner):


Boy, what a disappointment this was! I knew when I saw the shape of the box that it wasn't the same as the one on the Canadian plan that I reviewed earlier, but I was hoping it would at least taste similar. *buzz* Sorry, you lose. The gravy is runny and it just doesn't have that rich flavour I loved in the original entree. Now, the new one does have 7 grams of fat fewer and is lower in calories too, but I'd rather have the other meal anyway.


Pancake Mix (Breakfast):


I made another version of the Blueberry Ricotta Danish with plain pancake mix and cherries and it was still delicious! I think this is a great base to play around with, with different fruit filling and dried fruit in the mix.


I also used the Pancake Mix for breakfast this morning. I got the idea from looking on the NS boards for other savory breakfast ideas, since I think the Egg Frittata is gross. So I tried this and it was amazing!

Cheesy Egg and Bacon Biscuits:


1 pkg NS Pancake Mix
1/3 cup milk
1/4 tsp baking powder
1 oz shredded cheese
1 tbsp bacon bits
2 tbsp Egg Beaters

Mix together everything except the Egg Beaters (and maybe save a little cheese too) and pour the batter into sprayed muffin cups. Top each muffin with 1/2 tbsp of Egg Beaters and any remaining cheese. Bake at 350 until the tops are crispy and eat while they're hot!

This breakfast was SO filling and delicious. I think I am going to have it again tomorrow! You could also try subbing ham or veggie sausage for the bacon if you prefer.


Chicken Pasta Parmesan (Dinner):


I like this entree as-is, but I was craving a cheesy flavour tonight and didn't want to overdo the cheese since I'd had those yummy breakfast biscuits already today. I sauteed a little spinach and onion in a pan with garlic, and dumped the Chicken Pasta Parmesan over top. I stirred in 1 tbsp of Ultra Low Fat Philadelphia cream cheese and let it simmer until it was bubbling. This was so creamy and delicious! I might add some mushrooms and tomatoes next time, too.