Let's Do Lunch Community

I'm proud of me today.  I wanted to get some ice cream today but I didn't.    I reminded myself that I am tired of having to struggle just to walk around the grocery store or stand in lines at the post office or other stores.  So I came home and made up a recipe that was good to me.  I won't make this often but it definately did the trick tonight.  

Pineapple orange strawberry mix

I put 1 tsp of smart balance in a skillet
added 1 can of pineapple tidbits drained
added 1 can of mandarine oranges drained
added 1 TB of Polaner all fruit strawberry.  

I cooked over very low heat until it was reduced and all gooey.  It hit the sweet spot and I was still totally on plan!  YAY!  

I also wanted to share the soup/stew recipe I made today.  It's super super simple but very flavorful and filling for your protein meal.  

1 large can crushed tomatoes
1/2 of this can of water
1 onion sliced and sauteed with salt and pepper then added to pot. (This step really makes a difference in the flavor)
1 lb of mixed frozen veggies (No potatoes of course.  Mine has corn, peas, lima beans, carrots and green beans.  I buy the Publix brand but any brand will do.)
1 can black beans rinsed and drained.
4 chicken thighs baked with salt and pepper (Remove skin and drain on paper towels to capture any extra fat.  You can use breast meat too, I just didn't have any.)
1 lb lean ground beef browned in skillet with salt, pepper, chili powder and blackened seasoning.

Mix all of these ingredients in a large soup pot and simmer for about 30 minutes.  You may want to add a touch more salt and pepper to taste.  This was so flavorful and so satisfying to me today.  I'm sure part of it is because I've been off plan and my body was SOOOOOO happy to be eating healthy again, but it's a great recipe that's simple too.  

I hope somebody will try it and enjoy it.  :)  

Blessed and loved,
LP

Way to go LP!  The recipes look very yummy

Blessings,
Julie

You found the secret LP, foods that are easy, peasy to make and are also filling and satisfying to YOU! It won't be the same for everyone, but everyone can find that "staple foods" to carry them through until they feel stable and are ready to branch out into new recipes!

LP,

You should be proud of yourself for your inspirational recipes.  I love cooking new recipes and have copied your stew for future use -- it is a good one for my husband to take to work for reheating.  I also love your new dessert!

Thanks for the recipes,LP, and VickyL, I'm making unstuffed cabbage tomorrow.  I would like to see you on the boards more.  and  JF

We can do it.  The meal sound s good.  I love soups as I can add all the flavors without the gilt.  Eat all you want dishes are fun.  Keep it up in the New Year
LOve Ya
Clown lady

I look forward to trying your recipes.  I am traveling right now but when I get home this sounds like a winner.
Thanks for posting it.
snoopy

Joyful Friend wrote:VickyL, I'm making unstuffed cabbage tomorrow.  I would like to see you on the boards more.  and  JF

Wanda,

My unstuffed cabbage is one of my favorites and I make it at least once a month.  I haven't been the best LDLer for a couple of months and have gained weight -- just enough to make my size 6 jeans a little tight.  But it's my husband I am worried about.  He has gained 10 pounds and on him that is a lot of weight.  Even though I send him a big portion of LDL food for his lunchtime at work, he sneaks snacks in the car and late at night when I go to bed early.  I have no control over his bad habits, but am trying to encourage him to get rid of those nasty pounds that have accumulated around his middle that tax the heart.  I know if I keep enough fruit in the house we both do better.  Fruit is so expensive this time of the year but I know it's a worthwhile investment.  Anyway, I am going to try and post more often and make this new year one of goals reached.

Vicki

P.S.  How did that knee thing turn out for you?

Vicki,

Your unstuffed cabbage is my hubby's favorite LDL meal.  He just raves and raves about it every time I make it.

Mary J

Vicki,

I suplement my winter fruit with canned fruits because of my budget.  I eat alot of pineapple, pears and natural applesauce.  It helps me because it keeps for a long time and it's much cheaper than some of the fresh fruits.  I also still eat some fresh fruits too, but I try to buy the cheaper ones like banana's and catch the grapes and pears when they are on sale.  Good luck to you and your hubby! 


Blessed and loved,
LP

LP,

I just opened a big jar of Musselman's Natural Applesauce (no sugars of any kind) to serve with a pork tenderloin roast I made for Sunday dinner and was delighted with the flavor.  I am trying to buy fresh fruit only once a week and if it is eaten before the week is over I rely on canned fruit.  Peaches, pears, and pineapple are my favorites.  But I also buy frozen strawberries during the winter months to use in smoothies. Strawberries and bananas have always been my favorite fruits; I never get tired of eating them.

P.S. The pork tenderloin was made using a new recipe I found in one of my ladies magazines.  It was sooooo good that I am posting it on the Main Dishes.

OK, I"m getting hungry with all the mention of fruit. I just love most kinds of fruit and am so glad they are all encluded on this woe!
Happy New year to all!

I made the unstuffed cabbage rolls for New Year's Day and took it to my brother's house. It was a big hit with all the family and my s-i-l asked for the recipe. It was very good with their pork roast!!

Ollie

LP - I made your Soup/Stew today.  I put all the ingredients together divided it up and put some in a small slow cooker for work.  It was tasty.  Packed with meat witch made for a perfect lunch.  I did add some garlic to mine.  Thanks for posting this.  You might want to copy the recipe to the food section for other to find.  I might freeze some and add more chicken to it when I cook it. 

I'm glad you liked it Snoopy.    Anytime I have soups or stews for my protein meal I really add the meat to them.  It hadn't dawned on me to put it in the recipe section.  I always think of everyone else as cooks and not me.    I'll go add it. 

Blessed and loved,
LP