by jltitus on September 2, 2009
I love to cook and have been challenging myself to cook more Weight Watcher friends foods that really taste good. Every week I choose new recipes to try out. Tonight was one that we’ve had before. I love this recipe. It’s so simple, easy, healthy… and best of all tasty.
Sam, here’s the recipe… enjoy!
Ingredients
2 spray(s) cooking spray
20 oz butternut squash, fresh, peeled and cubed*
1/8 tsp table salt, for cooking pasta
12 oz uncooked whole-wheat pasta, penne
1 1/4 cup(s) fat-free skim milk
2 Tbsp white all-purpose flour
2 tsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
1 Tbsp thyme, fresh, chopped, divided
1/2 cup(s) part-skim ricotta cheese
1/3 cup(s) grated Parmesan cheese, Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended
1/4 cup(s) chopped walnuts, toasted
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375ºF. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Coat a 2 1/2- to 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
Place squash on prepared baking sheet; roast until tender, about 20 to 30 minutes. Place in a large bowl and mash.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. After squash has been roasting for about 10 minutes, cook pasta according to package directions; drain and return to pot.
In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, flour, garlic, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking frequently; reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring often, until thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in mashed squash and 2 1/2 teaspoons of thyme. Add sauce to pasta; toss to mix and coat
Transfer pasta mixture to prepared baking dish; dot with spoonfuls of ricotta and then sprinkle with Parmesan and walnuts. Bake until top is lightly browned in a few spots, about 15 to 20 minutes; remove from oven and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 teaspoon of thyme. Yields about 1 cup per serving.
Tagged as:
dinner,
pasta,
squash,
weight_watchers
by jltitus on July 7, 2009
I think I’ve told everyone I know that I’m working out, trying to get healthy, and yes…. loose some unwanted pounds. I’ve been walking with a couple people from work and attending WeightWatchers. Well I was doing really good before the trip to Victoria, BC. I haven’t been doing as well since I got back. I mean I haven’t gained, but I haven’t really been loosing much either. I know the month just started but I’m committed to getting back into the grove and back into the gym because, well, the more I work at it the more the weight will be removed.
Enter the cross-training elliptical machine at my gym.
I don’t know how many of you have seen this, I hadn’t until I joined my new gym. This elliptical kicks your tail. I mean between the walking and the arm thingy you’re never without something to do. I’ve been trying to get on this thing and just “rock it” and last night I did. I actually worked out on that machine for a full 60 minutes… at one time. By the time I was done it said I’ve burned 400 calories. Just think, if I do that for 10 days that’s a pound of loss.
So far I’ve lost a little over 15 pounds and I feel great! It’s so nice to be able to fit well into clothes. I’ve gotten lots of compliments from people too that I look good. That’s so nice and something I wouldn’t have expected with just a 15 pound loss so far. I’ve still got another 15 pounds or so left to go. I’m hoping I reach my goal weight before Thanksgiving and then maintain it so I make Lifetime member at WeightWatchers.
Tagged as:
exercise,
jona,
weight_watchers
by jltitus on February 3, 2006
Eric’s gone for the weekend and I get a weekend to myself, I’m so excited. Eric and Jorge headed to Seattle today for John and Brandi’s place for the weekend. Really for the Superbowl game. They’re going to have a blast, play games, drink and be silly boys. I could have gone but thought I’d give Eric the opportunity to hang out with “the boys”. My weekend should be super fun too. I’m planning on spending tomorrow with my friend Natalie shopping and hanging out doing much of nothing. I’m really looking forward to it, with no plans really for the day. Sunday I figure I’m going to make cinnamon rolls again and drop them off at my friends. I love baking, just don’t like having the junk food around. Tonight I’m making an authentic San Francisco Sourdough bread. You know it takes a long time to make but I’m sure it’s going to taste great! I had to mix a little flour and water, let it sit for 6 hours in my proofing box, then mix more flour and water and now it’s proofing for another 4 hours. Then, I finally get to make the bread. Speaking of bread, I’m reading a great book that sort of ties with bread. it’s called Bread Alone. It’s a great book, has a few recipes and so far a good story line.
I’m not sure if I told anyone but I started going back to Weight Watchers. I’m not sure I’m going to keep going though because I’m not getting anything out of it. I have tracked my food for the last two weeks and I haven’t changed my eating habits and I’m well within my points per day without using the extra ones they give. I’m seriously thinking of just dropping and making sure I’m working out 5 days a week. I love the feeling of working out and the way I feel when I’m done. it’s funny because I used to hate that sweating thing but now I really look forward to it. isn’t that sick? So my plan now is to do weights and 45 minutes of cardio Monday, Wednesday and Friday and then and hour of Cardio on the other two days. I’m going to do that for a month and see where that gets me. I’ve been keeping track of my weight and I’m starting to loose a little at a time, which is good. I just want it gone. I’ve got, according to my body percent about 30+ pounds to loose for my % body fat to be in the fit range, and I’m going to do it. i don’t get my video ipod until I do. I’m pretty sure Eric’s loosing at a faster rate than I but then i found that men usually do.
Tagged as:
relaxing,
weekend,
weight_watchers
