Oh Eggplant-- how you screwed me!!!

I do not know where to begin with this past week. I kept trying to make different dishes but realized each time I did not have the right ingredients or the right cookware. So I didn't make an actual meal until last night (and then another one today).

But before I get to the meals I wanted to let everyone know I am down to 232.2 pounds-- as of this morning. I am hoping by Monday (when I see quite a few of my fellow teachers) I can be down to 231 pounds. That would mean I officially reached the mile-marker of 40 pounds lost since January 1, 2009--- WOOT WOOT WOOT WOOT!!!

This week I also discovered something very interesting-- a book. I believe this book will help me in my quest for a newer and healthier me. Or as my dad puts it-- I am becoming an anorexic health freak (which I wear as a badge of honor personally). The book is called "Master Your Metabolism" by Jillian Michaels. The premise of the book is trying to get your hormones under control so you get your metabolism back to normal. I am realizing through reading it about all of the chemicals around us that make their way into our bodies and make our bodies go out of whack. The chemicals in our food, our cleaning supplies, our air fresheners and our laundry detergent are actually destroying our endocrine system.

So I have made it my goal to go 'green' with my food, cleaning supplies, and even using less plastic in my apartment. These will not eliminate chemicals but they will cut them back.

As a result I have discovered the organic isles in Giant--- they are amazing. I absolutely love organic foods now and I HIGHLY recommend at least trying them. Yes they are more expensive but aren't you and your family worth it. I mean honestly-- you want to pay less and get more chemicals in your body or do you want to pay more and get less chemicals. Personally I am willing to pay the price for my health and long life.

BUT I know many of you want me to get down to the food!!! Last night my mom and I were looking at my pound of lean hamburger and were trying to figure out what to do. So I got out my new cookbook (a different one than the other two recipes came from) and I found a meatloaf recipe. Anyone that knows me very well knows that meatloaf is a big weakness of mine.

So my mom and I checked the cupboards and refrigerator and realized we had every single ingredient but two-- clove garlic and Worcestershire sauce. We both decided we did not need the garlic but we did have Barbecue sauce instead of the Worcestershire sauce.

The meatloaf had oats instead of breadcrumbs and also involved adding fresh spinach leaves. I must say the final outcome is probably the best meatloaf I have ever had. And it only had 224 calories, 29 grams of protein, 14 grams of carbohydrates, ONLY 5 grams of fat, 91 mg cholesterol, 2 grams fiber and 552 mg of sodium. (Picture included-- WOOT WOOT!!!)

Today's meal on the other hand was not as much of a success. In fact it was down right horrible. As part of the book I have decided to do the 14 day meal plan they have-- which I will be starting next Sunday after I return from NYC on Saturday. But I am off topic- hahaha. My mom and I decided to try one of the meals (or I talked her into it- hehe).

The meal was Halibut skewers with eggplant, peppers, and onions. I do not like fish but wanted to try it anyways and I had never had eggplant either. We went to the store and got wild caught fish, organic vegetables and at home tried to create the skewers, which was pretty easy.

Let me just say the eggplant was enough to make me vomit-- almost did. It was horrible. I liked the Halibut and ate it (and I do not eat fish) because I was that hungry. I honestly will never eat another piece of eggplant EVER!!!! But if you like Halibut make the skewers WITHOUT eggplant and it will be a great healthy meal. I guarantee it!!

Well I am out for the week-- Remember take a little time to have a snack each afternoon (just make it healthy)!!!!