New year, new-trition, NEW JOB?!?!?!!!

Friday, January 6, 2012

WARNING: *long post ahead*

Since working from home, and being able to consume anything and everything anytime I want, I've gained a few pounds. And after working really hard early last year to lose some! How could I let this happen? Oh well!! I'm not really dwelling on it and I'm going to try to lose it again. This time without eating the absurd amounts of protein.

On a [totally different] side note, Tuesday I got a job offer!!! And it's a really great one working with an amazing company. I've had the opportunity to work for them onsite a few weeks now, and we worked great together! I'm so excited I don't even know what to do with myself. It just goes to show you kids, if you work hard enough (and I'm mean completely out of you comfort zone) good things will happen. I went from not even knowing what a graphic designer was 10 years ago to becoming a Senior Designer at a well-known strategic planning firm in Houston. I'll be designing and conceptualizing all sorts of things. But what really impressed me was their drive for the success of their clients. They work with lots of non and not-for profits, and lots of other organizations related to improving our world and community. It's a great feeling to have such an amazing company recognize my level as a designer and think that adding me on would take them to a whole other level of design! This year is going great for me so far!

Another thing that I really like about my new office is its location. I can actually walk to places for lunch, something that is rare in this city. So with a few walking lunches, cutting down on calories, and adding in some weight-lifting I'm confident I'll be able to get back down to my old size. Here are some things I'll be eating/doing/working on over the next few months to help me get there:




NEW RECIPES


Low fat sloppy joes



I tried this recipe the other day and it was really good! The changes I would make is use half the celery (too overpowering) and add some tomato paste. I like a little more tomato flavor in my Sloppy Joes.


Chicken Rollatini



Just made this and it was very delicious. I have no complaints and wouldn't change a thing. Not normal, I know.


Butternut squash Lasagna



I'm in love with butternut squash, so when it's in season I like to try new recipes for it. Unfortunately BJ isn't a huge fan. Maybe he would be willing to try this.



SNACKS


Part of healthier eating is smaller meals, or snacking all day. So I need to have goods snack lying around.


Kashi Dark Chocolate Mocha bars



These things are a gift from God. Literally, since they are made from all natural ingredients. These are a must try! The other flavors are okay, not as good as this one, though.


Just for One frozen veggies



Sometimes it's nice to have a hot snack. I tried the cauliflower version of these, and they were nasty. But since they're only $2 I'll continue to try the other veggie varieties.


Hummus



Santa (my mom) got me a food processor for Christmas this year, and my first concoction was hummus. It tastes so much better than store bought! It's a great low-calorie snack in moderation, and satisfies my need for chips and dip.
**The recipe I used: 1 can chickpeas (store brand) drained but keep the liquid and add a few tablespoons for consistency, 2 tablespoons tahini (good-quality), juice from half a lemon, 2 garlic cloves diced, 1/3 cup of fat-free greek yogurt (Oikos), a few sprinkles of cumin for extra flavor, and blend in a food processor. They are great with reduced-fat Triscuits or Wheat Thins (taste just like the regular).



LIGHT LUNCHES (if I remember to actually take them with me)


Kashi frozen meals



I'm so glad this company is around. Their frozen meals are simply the best out there. My favorites are Southwest Chicken, Chicken Pasta Pomodoro, and Spicy Black Bean Enchilada.


Spring Rolls



I made this recipe the other day and they were great! What I like about them is I can use the pre-made shrimp cocktails at the grocery store and cook the peanut sauce in the microwave. It didn't drain all of all my energy by the time I was done. The next day I took the leftovers to my mom's office and we had them for lunch. They were still delicious. But don't be like me and strain the noodles and forget about them and admire all your beautiful rolls only to realize you left the best ingredient out... of course.


Asian-style pot stickers (Lean Cuisine)



Now I wouldn't normally promote Lean Cuisine because the sodium count is too high for me, especially packed into that one tiny little meal. But I tried this one and it was actually pretty good with some sriracha sauce.


Sweet potato skins



I've never been a huge fan of sweet potatoes, but lately they've grown on me. I tried this after seeing the calorie count and am hooked. I replaced the chickpeas with chopped chicken. Sweet potatoes (in my opinion) are best served as savory dishes, not packed with brown sugar and marshmallows. Really people, marshmallows on a potato? That's just weird. This recipe makes 4 skins, and 1 with a side salad is very filling. They reheat great in the microwave, so they are an ideal light lunch.



OUT TO EAT


Freebirds



When I was counting calories last year I went here probably twice a week. I could make one of their salads for about 400 calories and still feel full! My winning salad: mixed greens, ancho dressing on the side (use about 1-2 spoonfuls) white meat chicken, mixed veggies, queso fresco (they don't offer it, you have to ask), red salsa, lime juice, 2 scoops of corn salsa, guacamole, chips sprinkled on top.


Central Market



Best soup and salad bar in Houston. No question. And if I'm feeling like a hot meal, I can buy one of their many grilled meats and side items.


Bullritos



They have the best grilled chicken out of all the burrito places. Put that on either white rice, corn tortillas, or their crispy corn (I'm pretty sure they bake them) and get a low-cal, fast lunch. The carne guisada is also excellent. They list their nutrition facts online, so it's easy to add up your ingredients for a winning meal ahead of time!


Zoe's Kitchen



This place is made for a healthy eater. Nutrition facts are also listed online, and they are in the Livestrong.com database. So if you count calories there, just type in the meals and BAM! Insta-counted.


My Fit Foods



The gym I trained at was owned by these guys, so on occasion I would pick up their food. It's a little pricey, but buying a large size ($10.25) would last me two meals. The turkey pasta is my favorite by far. I recommend trying them if you've been curious. All the meals are gluten free, too. Michelle, if you're reading this: I'm going to buy some for you the next time you come down. I think you'll like them.


I'll have to find some new places near my new office! I already walked to Jenni's Noodles and My Fit Foods. I can also walk to Pot Belly's, Cafe Express, Luby's, Berry Hill, and Panera Bread. There is a Rice Epicurean within walking distance, but I'm pretty committed to the CM.