"Put Mustard on it and Eat It"

We have a saying at our house. "Put mustard on it and eat it." It's a saying that means, you can do anything, you just have to find a way to make yourself happy with it. Like when you were a kid and you didn't want to eat the weird looking vegis on your plate. I know the Wino would "Put cheese on it, and eat it". But it just doesn't have the same ring to it.
I personally like the mustard quote because, well, just like balsamic, everything is better with mustard. The Wino does not agree with me... But I know there are other mustard fans out there.
Since we recently made the long trek back to Phoenix, we had to empty out the refridgerator in Mass. Many mustards were sacrifice in the relocation.
At this moment, I have recovered 7 varieties, but the one I purchased from Trader Joe's today is worth mentioning. It is their brand, Aoili Garlic Mustard Sauce. It resembles the spicy mustard that you would find at an Oriental restaurant, but without the kick. The garlic flavor is present, but subtle, so you won't have to worry about offending people.
I was starving by the time I hit the Trader Joes, so when I reached the house, I immediately opened the jar of mustard to taste it with the Edamame chips I was munching on. I had a hard time putting it away. The mustard does indeed make a fantastic sauce or dip. Not to mention there are only 40 calories per serving. HA... sorry, that's MY serving. A normal serving is 10 little tiny calories. So, if you had self control, you'd be good.

I have some pork chops in the refridgerator that have implied their desire to be wrapped in my delightful mustard. hmmmm.... what's for dinner?

Ready, Set, DIET!

I finally got on the scale this morning and discovered that I was one pound past my comfort zone.

Imagine my shock! After all, I didn't eat the skin of those hot wings last night. It had to have been the pineapple on the pizza, it was just over kill. So, I was forced to make an exception to my regular Monday, Wednesday and Friday workout schedule and I headed to the gym on a Thursday to work off all that pineapple fat.

This extra pound of lovin' will never due and I am not one to typically have the patience to wait for a few extra minutes at the gym to help me get back to shape. So, I have informed my husband that it is officially time for the diet to begin. He smiled in sarcasm as we said in unison, "It's time for the Rabbit Food." This is my husbands affectionate term for the delicious, but healthy meals that I make when 'we' diet.

I have a balanced diet. I eat whatever I want, in moderation, and when the scale leans toward the dark side... it's time for the 'rabbit food' until I am back in the safe zone.

I've dealt with the fact that my weight will fluctuate. I realize that no matter what I do, once a month, I am a bloated lard ass, no matter what I do or eat, so why not enjoy food and life... taking weight issues as they arise. Well, the scale has 'a-rised' so it's time.

I don't see these times as the torture that some of 'us' see it. Quite the contrary. This means a challenge. I learn how to make all my favorite things, keeping the calorie count as low as possible.

Ready, set, Diet.....

What's for lunch?

Today I went to the store to collect the short ribs for my dinner tonight. As I chatted on the phone with my sister, she mentioned "Tostadas". Mmmmm. My mouth started watering and the brain wheels started turning.

So, I cruised around the store collecting the ingredients for my tostada lunch.

Finally, an excuse to use the griddle on my panini press!

I spritzed a roasted garlic, olive oil on the hot griddle and put the white corn tortillas, smothered in refried beans and cheese on to start cooking.

While that heated, I chopped green onions, cilantro and tomatoes.

When the everything was done, I place all the vegis on top, put a dollop of daisy and some tomatillos sauce over the top and sprinkled it with a little lime.

SUCH a yummy lunch. I hope I inspire someone else. I'm passing the inspiration. Go!