Sashi Took A Break

 I'm still here! I had to take a break from my weight loss journey because I could feel it affecting my mental health is a pretty major way. Just the thought of eating anything considered unhealthy would trigger an anxiety attack. I went crazy with food for a few months but I was so much happier! Yeah, I've gained a little of the weight back, but I'm still down over 100 lbs which is a win in my book! Now that I've gotten a handle on my mental health again, I'm ready to start working on my physical health again. 

While I think WW is a wonderful program, I'm not going back to it. I know that I need to track to be successful so I'm going to use an app called LoseIt which I've used in the past (and have a lifetime membership for already).

I plan on focusing on healthier choices Sunday-Thursday and splurging more Friday night and Saturday. I think keeping a balance will help me be more successful. 🙂

One of many journals I've made over the past few months

Two things I've been doing to keep my mind positive is making art cards and blank journals. I have no idea what I'm going to do with any of it but I've been having fun!

A few art cards I've made

Sashi Made A Recipe: Spicy Roasted Cherry Tomato "Pasta"

 

If you don't like spicy, you can leave out the red pepper flakes or use less if you don't mind a little spice. I used Palmini linguine here, but you can use 16oz of regular linguine if that is more your speed. Just cook it for about 2 minutes less than the package before draining and adding the sauce in step 6.

Spicy Roasted Cherry Tomato "Pasta"

• 4 pints (40 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 3 Tbsp chicken broth (I used Herbox)
• 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar 
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, or less to taste
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper 
• 1/2 cup julienned fresh basil leaves
• 2-3 Tbsp chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
• 1 Tbsp chopped fresh oregano leaves 
• 2 - 8oz cans Palmini linguine, drained
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese 
• Freshly grated parmesan, to taste (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle position in the oven.
2. In 9x13 baking dish, combine the tomatoes,  garlic, broth, vinegar, oil, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Mix to coat well.
3. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 5-10 minutes.
4. At the 35 minute mark, place a large pot of water over high heat and bring to a boil. Add the 2 cans of drained Palmini and boil for 5 minutes. Drain.
5. Remove the tomatoes from the oven and stir in the basil, parsley, and oregano.
6. Add the Palmini back to the pot then add the all of the tomatoes and juices. Cook over medium heat for a couple of minutes then stir in the ricotta until melted.
7. Serve with optional grated parmesan sprinkled on top.

Makes 4 servings

On WW Blue 💙: 3 points per serving using Palmini, not counting any Parmesan

Adapted from allrecipes.com 

Sashi Made Progress!

Weight Watchers is doing something that I love: they send out milestone charms!  People who do in-person meetings get more but those of us who are doing digital only still get them for 5lbs, 10lbs, 25lbs, and each 25lbs thereafter.  I hit my 50lb milestone a few weeks ago so got my new charm. I am actually motivated by these charms.  Hey, whatever works, right?

I am down 60lbs as of today which was a nice surprise!  Even though today (Friday) is my weigh-in day, I often do find myself doing a "precheck" sometimes on Thursdays.  It was only down 1lb yesterday.  This is why I don't weigh myself daily  Those daily fluctuations would drive me batty!

May 2021

This is another way that I am keeping myself excited/motivated: STICKERS!  For each day that I am below my daily points, I get a star.  I get a smiley sticker for each week that I lose.  It's colorful. It's tangible. It's rainbow. It's ME! 🌈🍓🍊🍋🍈🍇

I use the back pages of this planner to keep track of the weekly menu, my measurements, and a running total of my weigh-ins.  Yes, most of this is available in the WW app as well but I get enjoyment from having a physical book with pages.