Help! I'm Addicted to Guacamole!

I love Mexican food. I really love guacamole. Okay, I really just love any use of avocados. Although, guac and avocados pair best with bad Mexican food there are some easier alternatives:

• Guacamole on a breakfast omelet. You can leave out the cheese and potatoes to save carbs/calories. You can add, egg whites, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, spinach, mushroom, jalapenos or just about any vegetable your little heart desires.
• Guacamole in a salad. You don't even need a dressing! It is so good with eggs, peppers, and tomatoes.
• Guacamole in pesto! Make your pesto normally and just add guacamole or avocado to it. Serve over spaghetti squash instead of noodles if you want to cut back.
• Guacamole on pizza! I like to make 'salad' pizzas. Let's face it, we all want pizza some time. Why not try to make it a little healthier? Try topping your cheese pizza with salad items next time. It is delicious.

Don't be afraid to try something weird. You might just find a new recipe!

Remake of the Starbucks Roasted Tomato and Mozzarella Panini

When I'm in a rush and need a sandwich, I love Starbucks Roasted Tomato and Mozzarella Panini. But, I've often thought this could be SO much better. So, I remade it into an Eggplant, Tomato, Spinach, Mozzarella, Pesto Panini. Here's what mine looked like:

It was delicious! Here is the materials you need to make it:

• Cutting Board
• Knife
• Spatula
• Frying Pan
• Plate
• Napkins

Here's the ingredients that you will need:

• Spinach
• Eggplant
• Tomato
• Mozzarella
• Pesto Sauce
• Panini Bread
• Non-stick Cooking Spray
• Cayenne Pepper (Optional)

Let's get cooking! (Takes roughly 15 minutes):

1. Thinly slice your eggplant into 1/4 or smaller pieces. You will use roughly 4-6 pieces per sandwich.
2. Spray your skillet with non-stick spray and heat to medium.
3. Add your 4-6 pieces of eggplant (or how many will fit). I sprinkle Cayenne Pepper on mine to make it a little spicy. Just add a few sprinkles to each piece, because Cayenne is really spicy.
4. After a few minutes, check the underneath to see if it is browning. Once browning, flip and cook the other side.
   
5. While your eggplant is cooking, go ahead and slice your Panini in half to prep for layering.
6. Smear Pesto Sauce on both sides of your Panini bread.
7. Your eggplant should be cooked by now, I dry some of the oil out by letting it dry on a plate covered with paper napkins.
8. In the same skillet, add 1/4 inch cuts of your tomato. You will want roughly 3-4 slices per sandwich. This takes a lot less time to grill. Grill for roughly 60-90 seconds on each side.
   
9. While your tomato is cooking, go ahead and slice your Mozzarella cheese (if you bought a block).
10. Now that everything is cooked and cut, let's layer your sandwich. You've already added the Pesto Sauce, so now add fresh spinach to one side and your tomato on the other.
    
11. Next, add your mozzarella cheese to one side and eggplant slices to the other. Make it as cheesy as you want:)
    
12. Last, fold the sandwich together and toss it back in the skillet to melt the cheese. I cook mine on Medium-Low. Be sure to watch it so that it doesn't burn, but allows the cheese to melt. Roughly 90 seconds on each side.

Enjoy!!!

Three Week Weigh In

Well, it's been officially 3 weeks of dieting and I've lost a total of 9lbs. The weight loss is slowing down, but as long as it is consistent I'm fine. I'm seeing a lot of positive changes in my body, which is exciting. I feel stronger, more flexible and full of energy. The hardest part of dieting is meal planning/prepping. You have to make time for yourself though and make it a priority. Here's a few things that I ate this past week:

Spaghetti Squash with Arthichoke Hearts, Tomatoes and Peso

 

Blackened Tilapia and Sweet Potato Fries



I also enjoyed some crawfish! I've continued doing yoga and don't see me slowing down any time soon! Next week will make a month and I will be eligible for my first cheat day! After a month of dieting, you're allowed one cheat day a week. My first falls on Super Bowl Sunday and I'm so ready!

I'd also like to thank my boyfriend for being such a great support system. Temptation is everywhere and it's so easy to cheat. It's nice to have someone holding you accountable. Find a partner and get started!