Getting Rid of Summer

Hello, all!

It seems that I have put myself on yet another diet. However, this time, I'm seeing this as a way to shed the incredibly crappy summer I've had and start over. I've got a new job on the horizon (hopefully!) and new PRs to run at races this coming winter. Time to get back at it! Want to know what I'm doing? I'm simply counting calories (auuuuuuggggggghhhh!) and working out 4-5 times a week. I know this works; the Biggest Loser contestants to do it on a much larger scale (pun intended) but I don't need to lose as much as them. Most diets these days make you eat crazy things when it's all about calorie intake and output. I've been making sure I stay around 1200 calories consumed per day (one day a week I treat myself to 1400!) and getting on the treadmill after school. I pack a gym back that morning and have it with me in the car on the way home. I know that if I go straight home I will not want to go back out that door! (And I just discovered that the newest and final season of "Friday Night Lights" is on Netflix!) I've been doing this for one week and already I've lost two pounds! I want to see how many I can shoot for by Christmas. 15-20 would be nice and would put my BMI far into the healthy range instead of straddling the overweight line. I already sleep better at night and have more energy to teach those kindergartners when I sub!

Here's a recipe that I want to share with y'all. Just a little somethin' that I cooked up out of my own brain! Enjoy and leave feedback! :)


Kasey's White Wine Stewed Tomato Spaghetti (Linguine)
Serves 1 (sometimes with leftovers!)

This is a favorite of mine to make during the week. It takes some time (boil the noodles, stew the tomatoes) but it's worth the wait!

1 cup tomatoes (I've used cherry, off the vine, and roma)
1 serving (2.5 oz) whole wheat linguine or spaghetti noodles
1/2 tbsp EVOO (shout out to Rachel Ray!)
lemon juice to taste
1/4 glass of white wine (or less, depending on your taste- less calories, too.)
1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella
fresh basil to taste
salt and pepper to taste

Set one large pot of water on high to boil.
Cut up tomatoes to desired size (I usually half the cherries and quarter the romas) and place in a medium pan with EVOO on medium high heat. (Sometimes I add mushrooms here, too. Low calorie!) Boil pasta according to the package. When tomatoes reach heat, add salt, pepper, lemon juice, and white wine. Stew for 10-15 minutes. (or less if you like the raw taste of tomatoes in your pasta dish). Remove from heat. Strain noodles. Chop up basil, sprinkle in tomato mixture. Serve on top of noodles. Add cheese and serve!

Calories: 350 (388 with mushrooms)