Chili Time!

As I started to write this, our Christmas tree fell down. :(

And then I got over it :) Today for snack I had some of these awesome pineapple chunks:

And, as I mentioned before, I was planning on having this acorn squash:


But it tasted kinda crappy (really dry and flavorless) so I didn't. Instead I had the Larabar as I was leaving work to tide me over during the 5 o'clock traffic.

When we got home, we had our Christmas gifts from Nate's dad, so we opened them up and found out (among other things) we got a ROCKIN' CD from Jack and Linda! It's called Linda's PITAS (Pain In The Ass Songs) in Memory of Smuggler's Cove (our favorite beach on Tortola). We've been listening to that ever since, and once I get back from getting the rest of Nate's Christmas gifts, I will be partaking in a small bottle of rum they sent too :)


Dinner tonight was Smoky Beef Chili:

• 1 lb. lean ground beef (as lean as you can find it!)
• 2 cups of beef stock
• 3 slices turkey bacon, sliced thinly
• 1 28-oz can of crushed tomatoes
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, chopped finely
• 1 tsp each of dried onion, oregano, black pepper, salt, flour
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 Tbsp chili powder
• 1 15-oz can black beans
• 1 small bag of frozen corn

In a large pot, brown the beef and turkey bacon. Drain any excess fat. Stir in beef stock, crushed tomato, and spices. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower heat and simmer 20-30 minutes.

We had ours with a few Fritos in the bottom and some cheese on top; however, if we'd had time to run to the store a great option would be to stir in some zucchini as well!

It was really yummy! I meant to make cornbread instead of Fritos to go with it, but again, the whole no-time-to-go-to-the-store thing really got in the way.

I also made some roasted brussels sprouts tonight:


My friend Stefanie taught me this recipe, and it is the BEST way I've ever had brussels sprouts! And the best thing is, there's no measuring! Just add about a teaspoon or so of each ingredient, or you can tweak it to your tastes:

Olive oil, dijon mustard, Worchestershire sauce, caraway seeds, black pepper, garlic powder. Roast at 350 for 30 minutes, turning halfway through. It turns out super flavorful, but you still taste the sweet, buttery flavor of the brussels sprouts too. Mmmmmmmmm :)


On a more serious note, I've been thinking lately about my intentions with this blog. I've become so enthralled with the encouragement and inspiration that's been provided through the amazing people in this online food blogging community, and my hope is that my blog would do the same thing. I want it to be a way to hold myself accountable as well. For background on my story (until I have time to make a separate tab), click here.

I'm still not where I want to be physically. I feel as though I should throw some pictures of myself up here so that people can see my journey thus far. I hate scales and I hate numbers in relation to weight, but I do know that I still have about 30-40 pounds to lose to reach a place where I've felt comfortable in my skin in the past. And I figure there's no better place to do it than in the huge, open public called the internet!

I guess a large reason for this blog is to show people how I'm living so that I have no excuses, no dark and hidden corners, and no reason to not improve the way I live. Honestly, everything I've tried has failed to this point EXCEPT for blogging about what I eat and do on a day to day basis. And that has given me a HUGE amount of hope for my future!

So, to end this evening's blog, I have two questions: What motivates you in your journey for a healthy life? What tips do you have to share?

I can't wait to hear your answers!