Weight Watchin'

I think I mentioned early on in this blog deal that Chris and I were doing Weight Watchers...which might be hard to believe considering how much we like to eat.  Well, we originally started the program last summer, in preparation for our wedding.  We both lost weight before the big day.  I lost about 16 pounds, to be exact. Chris was somewhere around 10 lbs., I believe. 

The beauty of WW is that you can eat whatever you want, as it teaches you portion control and how to make better choices.  When we left for our wedding and honeymoon, we had been trained.  Since that time, we haven't been counting points, but we have kept our good habits.  The weight loss has been slower...but I just had to share that, as of this morning, I've lost a total of 24 pounds!  And no, I'm not going hungry.  We both feel better and are proud of our healthy choices...that allow us to indulge when we want.  We'll never go back to our old ways.  Thank you, WW!!!!!  Has anyone else tried WW with success? 

And what's for dinner tonight, you ask?  I'm actually taking advantage of some prepared foods.  We're having penne pasta and tomato/mozzarella salad.

Saturday Night Penne Pasta

1 teas. olive oil
handful of mushrooms, sliced
1 clove of garlic, minced
2 links of Archer Farms Chicken/Mushroom Sausage (or other lean sausage of your choice) sliced
2 tbs. parmesan cheese
1 jar Newman's Own Marinara

Heat saute pan over medium heat.  Add olive oil.  Toss in mushroom slices and sausage slices.  Saute until mushrooms are soft.  Add garlic.  Saute until garlic is fragrant.  Add jar of marinara and stir in parmesan.  When sauce comes to a boil, lower heat and simmer until dinner time.  Serve over your favorite penne pasta with parmesan to garnish.  Have you tried Barilla Whole Grain or Barilla Plus?  We love 'em!

Tomato/Mozzarella Salad

1 large tomato, sliced
4 oz. fresh mozzarella, sliced
1 tbs. olive oil
1 teas. balsamic vinegar
Pinch of dried basil (or a few tbs. chopped fresh, if you have it)
kosher salt, to taste
pepper, to taste

Layer tomato and mozzarella slices on a plate or shallow dish.  Sprinkle with basil, salt, and pepper.  Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic.  Enjoy!