Steak Soup

This recipe was originally published on page 55 in the magazine/book Weight Watchers Best One-dish Dinners; 59 Meals With a Points Value of 6 or Less.

Points Value: 8                           Prep: 3 minutes                       Cook: 55 minutes

Ingredients:
1 1/2    tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/8       teaspoon salt
1/2       teaspoon ground pepper
1 lb      beef sirloin tips (I took a sirloin steak and cut it up)
Cooking spray
2          teaspoons canola oil
1          8 ounce package crimini mushrooms, quartered
1          8 ounce package refrigerated prechopped onion (I just cut my own)
1          14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano
1          10 1/2 ounce can beef consomme ( I have also used beef stock)
2           cups water
2          tablespoons tomato paste
2          tablespoon reduced-sodium Worcestershire sauce
2         cups uncooked whole wheat yolk-free noodles
Shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese (optional)

1. Combine the first 3 ingredients in a large heavy-duty zip-top plastic bag. Add beef; seal bag, and shake to coat. Remove beef from bag; coat beef with cooking spray.
2. Heat large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Coat pot with cooking spray; add oil. Add beef; cook 6 minutes or until browned, stirring occasionally.. Remove beef. Coat pot again with cooking spray. Add mushrooms and onion to pot; cook 6 minutes or until browned, stirring after 4 minutes. Stir in beef, tomatoes, and next 4 ingredients. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes or until beef is tender.
3. Add noodles to beef mixture; cook uncovered, 10 minutes or until noodles are tender. Spoon soup into bowls. Garnish with cheese, if desired.

Yield: 6 servings (serving size is 1 1/3 cups)

Per serving: CAL 306 (40% from fat); FAT 13g (sat 4.7); PRO 22g; CARB 26.7g: FIB 4.1g; CHOL 42 mg; IRON 3.4; SOD891mg; CALC 79mg

A new year, a new post, resolutions not to drop

This is my first post for the new 2011 year. I have been pondering changes to this blog and the reasons for the changes. I would like to increase the traffic. I would like the blog to be more meaningful, more insightful and have useful information for people.

Resolutions: according to the dictionary.com site, a resolution is a mental resolve. Nearly all resolutions are for the betterment of ourself. Are we not mentally strong enough to keep these resolves?  Why do we not keep them. Perhaps we make the wrong type of resolution? Perhaps we just need to change the focus of the resolution to one that is more attainable. I got this idea from another website: ronisweigh.com
I think she hit the right button proposing making a more reasonable and very attainable resolutions. She proposes not to make the resolution to lose so many pounds by some date. Roni says to "forget perfect" but commit to making "small changes".

So my first resolution will be to continue going to Weight Watcher meetings each week.

Next Roni talks about being accountable. Find a tribe, a group of like minded people with same goals who would encourage you. I have a small tribe. Two friends who pay for the meetings. That gives me a total of three best friends. I am so blessed to have friends that really care about me, my health.

That being said, my second resolution will be to grow my tribe through my blog. I will include my favorite Weight Watchers meals, website etc. But that is not to say that my blog is becoming only a WW blog. I am just sharing the things that are important to me.

In closing, I find that I have made two new year resolutions that are attainable. I have more to do for I want more than two. Taking small steps, one small step at a time.

Lose-A-Palooza is on 14th Sept -tomorrow

This is a great way for you to fight hunger! Even encourage your friends to fight hunger or help you fight hunger. What is Lose-A-Palooza? For each mention of Lose-A-Palooza on your blog, Twitter, Tweet or Retweet, Facebook (check-in at Foursquare) account, Weight Watchers will donate one dollar (total amount they hope to donate is 60,000 dollars) to the Share Our Strength and Action Against Hunger .

It's the social media event of the year that you will want to participate in. It is that easy. Get in on the goal and follow @weightwatchers, or @sharestrength or @acfusa. Use the hashtag #LoseForGood. You can "Like" or comment. You can place a "Lose-A-Polooza Twibbon on your profile picture on the 14th.

So come on. Let's all participate. It's fun and it's free.