This Ain't No Teaspoon of Sugar Type of Post

I pride myself on keeping it real. But today my friends...today I feel like a fraud. I never intended to paint a picture of no muss no fuss, effortless weight loss success. My weight loss rollercoaster ride continues to be FAR from no muss no fuss. In retrospect, I feel as though I traipse around my blog all Mary Poppins-y with my spoonful of sugar trying to make the medicine go down. I now realize I need to write about the BAD, as well as the good. And sometimes, the bad fails to see the light of day on my blog.

Where's all this coming from you ask? Well, this dissention hails from last Saturday's dismal weigh-in. Once again, I arrived all gung-ho certain that I hit the mark (i.e. 50 lb. milestone). Alas, I yet again missed the mark and failed my weight loss conquest of garnering my 50 lb. bling!

My fellow weight loss bloggers, I confess, THAT weigh-in set off a chain of negative behavior :-(  For starters...after my weigh-in and meeting, I rolled to Sonic and purchased a grilled cheese kid's meal with tots and a Sprite zero.  I really wanted some jalapeno poppers, a stroke onion rings, a large blue coconut slush diabetes and a fried fish sandwich high blood pressure. 

The self-sabotage continued well into the evening when Pecan Man took me to Boudreaux's Cajun Kitchen for dinner. I ordered the Mahi Mahi with dirty rice, (sinful) garlic bread,  and broccoli. I really wanted to substitute the broccoli for French fries high blood pressure. I REALLY wanted to substitute the entire meal for fried boudin ballsobesity, fried fish stroke, and fried shrimp.

Well, tha-tha-that's not all folks...I convinced my date to order a slice of pecan pie. I can be quite persuasive sometimes, but it took very little to sway Pecan Man since he wanted the pie just as much as I did. We split the pie and I had no qualms about eating the delectable dessert.  There you have it...my confession. My bad, I forgot to mention the Oreos and milk I ate for dinner on Sunday. Yes. I ate cookies for dinner. I know, I know, I know...

I get so frustrated with myself sometimes and as you can see my frustration manifests into a free for all See Food Diet...whatever I see, I eat. I also get frustrated when hopping from blog to blog reading about everyone's diet perfection, and not much diet dejection. It makes me wonder, why do I struggle so?

Challenge Check In...How'd you do?

Greeting challenge participants! Short post tonight...I just wanted to check in and let you know how my week went. To sum last week up in one word...FAIL! I will delve further into my mishaps on my next post.Until then, enjoy this brief vlog.

Just a reminder, set your mini-goal for the week, and grab a button if you met your goal and/or lost a pound.

 

Let me know if these buttons are too big. Week 2...LET'S DO THIS!

Would you give a crackhead crack?

So...Valentine's Day or as I refer to it Single's Awareness Day graced us with its presence last Sunday. Whoop-dee-doo! Do you want to know what yours truly received? Sure you do. I got this, chocolate and sugar covered pecans handed to me in a brown paper bag...YES. A BROWN PAPER BAG!

 

But, do you wanna know the sad part (besides me almost eating the entire tin)? Sure you do. Based on past experiences, I expected a mediocre Valentine's Day with a mediocre gift...please no sermons or lectures about gratefulness. Men never change. My mom says:

"The only time you can change a man is when he's old and you're changing his diaper." 

Last year I experienced a mediocre Valentine's day accompanied by a mediocre gift. I received this...a plant, which later died (like this relationship is about to do...lol).

In addition to raising two children, he expected me to be responsible enough to take care of a plant.  I can barely take care of me and my boys. Sorry plant, it was either you or us. 

And yes, I expressed my discontent with his gift giving last year and THIS year. So yesterday he called me and the following conversation ensued:

My phone rings *The creepy ring from the movie One Missed Call plays*.

Me: Hello. *crunch. crunch. crunch*

Him: What are doing?

Me: Nothing *silence followed by crunching*

Him: What's wrong? You're quiet.

Me: That's cause I'm eating these DAMN pecans YOU gave me for Valentine's Day.

Him: Well stop eating them.

Me: WOULD YOU TELL A CRACKHEAD TO STOP SMOKING CRACK? G'HEAD! TELL A CRACK HEAD TO PUT HIS PIPE DOWN AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS?

Him: LOL. 

Me: Why would you buy me food? Why would you give me food for Valentine's Day? Are you trying to sabotage me? Do you want to see me fail?

Him: No...They're sugar free. *At this point I'm thinking...you jackass.*

Him: I told you, just eat a few and then put the rest up for later?

Me: THAT'S LIKE TELLING A CRACK HEAD  TO SMOKE A LITTLE CRACK NOW AND SMOKE THE REST LATER!

Him: LOL

Me: I'm serious. You just don't get it.

Him: BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH...

Seriously for some people food serves as a drug, and for whatever reason my brain shuts down when yummy food enters my line of sight. Once I start eating, my brain disengages and the drug food takes over and transports me to my happy place.

Well long story short, he apologized for being a jackass buying the pecans. We agreed upon CASH as the most appropriate gift for me, and I explained to him I will not accept the following:

• Anything purchased on side of the road out of a trunk, tent, or back of a truck.
  
• A stuffed animal encompassed in a balloon or sitting in a basket. Do I look 10 years old? And then what do I do with the stuffed animal after Valentine's Day, put it on my bed?
  
• NO FOOD! If plan to blow my points on food or candy, it better be some out-of-this-world food or candy imported from the most exotic candy manufacturer in world, no the galaxy. 

Despite the Pecan Debacle, I did enjoy my Valentine's Day festivities with my favorite Valentines...my boys. We went to Mimi's and as usual the Duke boys (that's what my Mom calls them) provided nonstop entertainment. Until Mimi's new furniture arrives, the boys use the living room as a dance studio.

After the show, we indulged in yummy treats made by Mimi of course (they refer to my Mom as Mimi instead of  grandma):  

  

  

  

Apples and strawberries...nutritious and delicious...lol. 

  

Dinner: My mom cooked a rotisserie  chicken, waist friendly scalloped potatoes, and mustard greens.

 A little something something the boys gave Mimi.

My Other V-Day Celebration

We planned a sundae party for the students at school. I had NO intentions of passing up an ice cream sundae; so, I bought my own ice cream and made a somewhat WW friendly ice cream sundae.

 

Well that concludes my Valentine's Events update. Stay tuned for a challenge update video and post! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Me So Hongry!

Happy birthday to my blog, Me So Hongry...The Misadventures of a Weight Watchers Repeat Offender! Or as my friend Ree Ree put it...Happy AnniBLOGary! For those of you who know me, can you believe I actually stuck with something for a whole year (hypothetical question, so no responses please...lol).

So, in honor of my AnniBLOGary, we threw a lil shindig! Take a peek:

For those of you just beginning and you seasoned bloggers, I discovered some good things about  and some not-so-good things about blogging. The good thing...meeting fascinating people who provide the best weight loss suggestions and ideas. Like my friend Nemo TJ who shared a fabulous recipe for a 2 point margarita. Uh uh TJ, I opened my big mouth,  now you must post the margarita recipe.

I appreciate those of you who took me under your proverbial wing and assisted me with blog design and various weight loss dilemmas. O, and did I mention the perks of blogging? Perks as in awards and recognition, such as being named SITS Featured Blogger of the Day. Yes, I started blogging for myself, but the awards and recognition make the hard work and dedication I pour into my blog worth the effort.

Now for the not-so-good things...finding time to blog, responding to comments, and reading the blogs of others. Most of the time I feel super guilty for not reading your blogs. The problem....so many darn good blogs, so little time.

Now about my response to comments...trust me when I say, I read each and every comment! I appreciate the insightful, and sometimes humorous comments.  Believe it or not, your comments often pull me back from the brink of self-destruction or throwing in the towel as I struggle to lose weight. 

Well, I hope you  enjoy reading this blog as much as I enjoy writing it. And in closing...

I want to thank the blog pioneers, in my life who encouraged me to start Me So  Hongry. So Ivy and Reiko...THANKS! To my blog friends and family, thanks for the continued support and the inspiration to write.

THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIEND!

LET'S DO THIS! CHALLENGE TIME!

On your mark...get ready...set...GO! Let the "Cute as a Bunny Easter Challenge" BEGIN! To all of the participants, THANKS for taking part in Me So Hongry's FIRST ever weight loss challenge and THANKS for spreading the word!

Excuse the hoodie. My hair looked a HOT MESS after working out!

Just a reminder, each participants needs to set a weekly mini-goal.  My mini goal, tracking EVERYDAY this week. I plan to track water, exercise, and food. If I BITE it, I WRITE it! That includes the potato chip debris at the bottom of the bag that I just tipped (shhhh...).

LET'S DO THIS! GAME ON 

LADIES AND FELLAS TOO!

Need Motivation? Join the Challenge!

Okay...FINALLY...the CUTE as a BUNNY Easter (weight loss) Challenge Details...

O...first things first.  TOM and I weighed  in today, and loss .4, moving on. Now, for the challenge...after reading several blogs, I discovered many of us need some much needed motivation. Plus, I also read somewhere that most New Year's Eve resolutions start to fade around or after Valentine's Day; so, I decided to start the Cute as a Bunny Easter Challenge. Without furhter adieu the deats:

• The challenge starts Monday, February 15, 2010 and ends Monday, April 5, 2010 (7 weeks).
  
  
• According to Weight Watchers (WW) healthy weight loss constitutes losing 1-2 pounds a week, so all participant should strive to lose 1 pound weekly...7 lbs. in 7weeks (7/7). If you lose your 7 before the end of the challenge...KEEP GOING!
  
  
• Every week, each participant must set a mini-goal. For example, my mini-goal next week...TRACK EVERYDAY! If you meet your mini-goal,  report your accomplishment on your blog.
  
  
• If you choose to participate, please write a brief blurb about the challenge and post on your blog. Link the post back to my blog.

Any suggestions on how to improve this challenge, email me...gainestrina@yahoo.com. Let's all pull together and support each other. If you desire additional support, email me your info and I will pair you up with another challenge participant. Once paired up you guys can decide how you plan to encourage each other.

O yeah...take a button and post it on your blog. I tried to do that whole HTML thing but my head started hurting from thinking too hard; so, just copy and past the button to your blog. I also plan to  provide progress buttons, so check back.

LET'S DO THIS!

Motivation Makeover: Motivational Strategy

My writer's block stole my words;so, no witty repartee tonight. Every time I sat down to write, my mind drifted in SO many different directions. Tonight, I leave you with my #1 motivational strategy...trying on my old clothes.

Style&Co. size 20 crop pants...

 

 MAJOR NSV...TWO LEGS IN ONE PANT LEG!!

 

Well, that should motivate me to get off the couch and move!!

My homework...ending a blah day with 2 positive statements:

1. I looked in the mirror today and said, "HEY BEAUTIFUL!"
2. I chose to run 3 miles TODAY instead of sitting on the couch.

Motivation Makeover: Homework

So, did YOU do your homework? Remember...I challenged you to write down two positive statements everyday (until Saturday.).

Take a gander at my two statements:

1. By the power of Grayskull...I HAVE THE POWER (My bad. I just experienced a He-Man Flashback...lol @ myself). Seriously,  I HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE!
   
   
2. I WILL reach my weight loss goals! I WILL!

Please excuse all of the spelling errors in my previous post. I switched to the updated post editor, and I failed to locate the spell checker.   

JUST A THOUGHT

Anyone game for a challenge? Since most New Year's Eve Resolutioners lose steam around or right after Valentine's Day, I tossed around the idea of a short-term challenge to keep the weight loss momentum going. The Luck-O-The-Irish challenge would begin after Valentine's Day and end around St. Patrick's Day. The goal...lose 1 pound a week. I need to muddle through the details and will get back to those interested. Who's down?

CALLING ALL HOUSTON BLOGGERS!

I spoke with God's Favorite Shoes today and we discussed the idea of maybe planning a blogger meet-up. Who's game? Leave a comment.

Motivation Makeover (Pt. 2): My Playlist

Last Friday...

Prior to my workout, I made a mental list of 318 things I wanted to do besides workout. #1 on the list...NOT work out. After much procrastinating and walking around with one shoe on for 30 minutes I made my way to the gym and reluctantly stepped on the treadmill.

I touched the play button on my iTouch , hit the GO button on the treadmill, and proceeded to trudge along for 1 long, excruciating hour.

AND THEN...just as I started to jump off the treadmill, Bodies by Drowning Pool started blaring through the headphones AND THEN...SHAZAAM! I cranked the speed up to 4.5 (that's fast for me...lol) and took off like a streak of lightening.

For me, music makes the world of difference when working out. The music either makes or breaks my workout!

In keeping with my Motivation Makeover theme, I decided to redo my workout play list. Below, I listed my favorite songs by "genre". My taste varies and you may not like it, so keep an opened mind. Take a peek:

GENRE: Songs that...GET THE  PARTY STARTED. These songs generally begin the process of krunkin' me up to workout. GET KRUNK Y'ALL!

Krunkin': The act of being krunk.

Krunk: Drunk+Crazy = Krunk; also used to describe a very fun or enjoyable time.

"Get the Party Started Songs" include but are not limited to the following:

• Banquet by Bloc Party
• Let's Get It Started by The Black Eyed Peas (BEP)
• Hey Ya! by OutKast

 And my forever all-time favorite PARTY STARTER...Junior Kickstart by The Go! Team.  This song really gets me moving on the treadmill. I pretend to take on the role of Ms. Pac Man as I try to escape from the ghost. Huh, you say??? Watch the video and you'll see... 

GENRE: Songs that ...MAKE ME WANNA PUNCH SOMEONE IN THE FACE! 
The songs intensify my anger from running and running and running and running on the treadmill, but  never really going anywhere. Perhaps my anger stems from the fact that DAILY I realize I made me FAT and now I must PAY the price through sweat and tears.

These songs are not for the faint of heart:

• Bulls on Parade by Rage Against the Machine
• Given Up by Linkin Park
• B.Y.O.B by System of a Down
• Bodies by Drowning Pool

GENRE: Song that...MAKE ME STOP THE TREADMILL AND PERFORM A BOOTY POP!

Leading the pack, my new theme song...Video Phone by Beyonce. ft. Lady Gaga. In my mind, this song plays when I walk into a room..."Can you handle it?"

Rounding out my BOOTY POP favs:

• BOOM BOOM POW by the Black Eyed Peas
• How Low by Ludacris
• Imma Be by Black Eyed Peas
• Bidi Bidi Bom Bom by Selena
• Calabria by Enur

GENRE: CALL 911 songs...

I call these songs my 911 emergency tunes. At the moment when I feel like giving up and waving my white flag in defeat, these songs energize or re-krunk me up to push through and keep it moving!!

• Gonna Fly Now (The Theme from  Rocky) by Bill Conti
• Mr. Brightside by The Killers
• Jump by Van Halen
• I Got a Feeling by Black Eyed Peas
• Spider Webs by No Doubt

GENRE: Songs that...MAKE ME SAY..."BAM BIYOTCHES! HOW YA LIKE ME NOW!" 
I dedicate these  songs to all of the haters in my life: past, present, and future.

• It's Me B****es! by Swizz Beatz
• Ex-Girlfriend by No Doubt
• Show Em What You Got by Jay Z
• Swagger Like Us by T.I. feat. Kanye, Jay Z, etc.
• Bad Girl by Dannity Kane

And  I love to "run" to the finale song from America's Next Top Model (ANTM).. In my own mind I AM ANTM...a real women with curves!

GENRE: WITNESS FITNESS songs that get me krunk for Jesus.

 Last but not least, I've included a few Gospel songs that help me get the job the done: First up...God In Me by Mary Mary

Other Witness Fitness favs:

• Where You Are? by Dietrick Haddon
• Lift Him Up by Hezekiah Walker
• Looking For You by Kirk Franklin
• Always by Jason Champion

Well folks that's just the tip of my workout play list iceberg.  

Please share some of your 

favorites with me!!

My Weight Watchers homework

Remember the challenge? Write down 2 positive statements:

1. Instead of eating a bunch of super bowl junk food, I made healthy choices: buffalo chicken strips, homemade tortilla chips and salsa, and sliders.  I cooked my own food!!!
   
2. When my kids and I went to CiCi's Pizza ( I received 2 free buffet's for being a good Samaritan), I used the stop, rest, ad assess method to ensure I didn't stuff myself.

Motivation Makeover

I guess I need to let you in on the big secret. A few post ago I mentioned big things happening here on Me So Hongry. I originally planned a BIG giveaway...a $50 Amazon gift card to celebrate 50 pounds lost. And thanks to a weeks worth of  self sabotage I missed the mark yet again! For the last two weigh-ins I teetered of the cusp of removing 50 lbs. 


As you know, I lost 5.4 lbs. a few weeks ago, which placed my grand total at 48 pounds removed. Well, last week I confidently strolled into Weight Watchers knowing I lost the 2 pounds needed to hit 50. So, I stepped on the scale, waited, and started to jump off the scale. "WAIT!" the receptionist yelled. By now, the leader approached the receptionist and peered at the computer screen. Tick, tock, tick, tock, tick tock! So, there I stood anticipating my victory as they watched the computer waiting for the results. Now I know how roulette players  feel waiting for the ball to lose momentum and fall on to the wheel.  


Simultaneously both the leader and the receptionist utter, "Awwwwwwwwwww!"  Defeated, my face dropped and I needed a broom and dustpan to pick my face up off the floor. My weigh-in booklet reveled a loss of 1.2, just .8 shy off the 50 lb. celebration. I gathered my belongings and retreated to the meeting room.


This week I walked into Weight Watchers already defeated after a week of struggling with food. Instead of losing .8, I gained .8. Again, I retreated to the meeting room and received a much needed motivation makeover.  This week's meeting topic arrived just at the nick of time. For those of you struggling like myself, word of advice... RESILIENCE  is key. If you mess up, BOUNCE BACK! One day of blunders do not spoil your weight loss efforts. Repeating negative behaviors spoils weight loss success. 


To drive home the motivation makeover, the leader mentioned the movie, The Wizard of Oz . In order for Dorothy to return to Kansas she must follow the yellow brick road to receive help from the Wizard. Along the way she meets three strangers, The Lion, The Tin Man, and The Scarecrow,  who each desired something they lacked. During their journey to the Emerald City,  Dorothy and friends discovered they already possessed the qualities they felt they lacked AND all along Dorothy held the power to return to Kansas.


The moral to the story...all of you struggling, including myself, like Dorothy WE GOT THE POWER!! From this point forward, we need not wait for the scale to determine our success. WE GOT WHAT IT TAKES TO SUCCEED AT THIS WEIGHT LOSS ENDEAVOR!!


Okay... I DECLARE,  next week we will all CELEBRATE my 50 lb. victory! To help me reach my goal I plan to use my inner resources:

• DRIVE
• DETERMINATION
• RESILIENCE
• COMMITMENT
• WILLINGNESS
• SELF KNOWLEDGE
• DESIRE

In addition, I must use my external resources as well:

• tracking
• food scale
• exercise
• blogging
• journaling
• cook books
• etc.

Before the meeting ended, the leader gave the members some Motivation Makeover Tools:

• Positive Self Talk
• Motivational Strategy- One of my strategies, looking at side by side pics of myself to see and savor my progress.

Another motivational strategy, trying on clothes. Pictured below, me trying on a Taylor Swift jean dress at Wal-Mart. My warlocks (boobs) restricted me from buttoning  the top of the dress.  I also try on old clothes that I grew out of when I gained weight. Before today's weigh in, I tried on clothes too keep my spirtits up in the event of weigh-in  defeat. NSV...I buttoned and zipped two size 14 skirts I hung on to from a previous WW stint years ago.

• And the last Motivation Makeover Tool...ANCHORING, one of Weight Watcher's tools for living which, serves as a process for creating cues and triggers to remind yourself of your weight goal and the inner resources you have to achieve your goal. 

To help maintain motivation, the leader challenged the members to write down 2 positive statements at the end of each day. So now, I challenge you to do the same everyday.   

What do you do to stay motivated?

Cornering the STOCK market...

Foreword...I forgot my bag containing my blog brainstorming notebook at work. I decided to publish this post sitting in the edit hopper...

Before I get into the stock market, let's talk about the HEEBIE-JEEBIES floating around! Last week at work (I teach Special Education students by the way.), I witnessed three students spontaneously projectile vomiting in various areas around campus. And not to mention, my students arrive daily, bright and early with fluids leaking like a faucet from their nose.

AND to top that off, I attended a staff development meeting last Tuesday afternoon and sat in front of a fellow teacher who violently coughed the ENTIRE time. At one point when I heard the teacher grasping for air, I started to turn around and offer my CPR and first aid services. Yes, the coughing sounded just that horrific. After that meeting, I felt as though I needed to get tested for TB, H1N1, and every other alphabetical disease known to man.

People, hear my plea...KEEP YOUR SICKNESS TO YOURSELF! STAY AT HOME...GEEZ! And PARENTS, KEEP YOUR SICK CHILDREN AT HOME! WHEN YOU SEND YOUR KIDS TO SCHOOL SICK, YOU PASS IT ON TO THE TEACHER, WHO SOMETIMES PASSES YOUR KID'S HEEBIE JEEBIES TO HER OWN FAMILY...GEEZ! My hands look like a Louis Vuitton bag from constantly washing them over and over and over and over again! I stay away from open flames for fear my hands might  burn baby burn  from the amount of hand sanitizer I use on a given day.

So, on to the stock market...

Once again, I made shrimp "fried" rice; so, my Mom suggested that I boil the shells and make a shrimp stock. And so I did:

I dumped the shells into a pot and boiled them for about 15 minutes.

After separating the shells from the stock using a strainer, I poured my shrimp juice into ice cube trays. Depending on my culinary needs, the shrimp cubes allow me to use a small or a large amount of stock.

I usually purchase low sodium stock, but making my own stock allows me to control the sodium level of my culinary creations. With my condition, I try my bestest (not a real word) to vigilantly monitor my sodium intake. Last month, I boiled my Christmas turkey carcass and used the stock to make many dishes:

• chili
• a variety of soups
• jambalaya
• chicken and pasta
• you name it

So, do you know any other tricks...like the shrimp cubes...that make life easier? Please share! 

Dinner Delights!

Tonight I tried something new I saw on TJ's Test Kitchen, pierogies! I found these babies in the freezer section at Target. The inside of the dough like "casing" contains potatoes. You can bake, fry, grill, boil, and saute the pierogies.

3 pierogies, 3 points. 

I served my pierogies with chicken breast w/diced tomatoes and okra!

 

. . . More like BROKE all the THYME!

So, every Saturday after Weight Watchers I drive by this store called Frozen in Thyme. Well, THIS Saturday I decided to stop, pop in, and scope it out. According to Frozen in Thyme, they specialize in "solving the dinner dilemma for families, food lovers, and busy professionals."  In addition, Frozen in Thyme claims to offer simple, cost effective I beg to differ meal solutions to help  families balance their budget and time. 

After peeking at the prices, Frozen in Thyme may need to change their name to Broke All The Thyme!As a single mom "ballin on a budget" I found nothing cost effective about paying $30.00 for chicken picatta that serves 4-6. $30 BUCKS... and I still need to add a side dish. Check this out, a side of broccoli...$6.00 BUCKS!! I can buy a bag of broccoli for a dollar. Cost effective? You be the judge:

• French Onion Soup (Serves 4-6)...$22.50
• Amaretto Shrimp (Serves 4-6)...$29.00
• Baked Tortellini in Vodka Sauce (Serves 4-6)...$21.00
• Asiago Chicken Burgers (Serves 4-6)...$24.50

 Hey folks, just ignore me right now. I switched to hater mode to write this post. Truth be told, if my finances allowed for such an extravagance, I prefer to buy prepared meals rather than cook the meals myself. One can dream...until my finances multiply, I shall wait for my weight loss fairy godmother to appear, and grant my wish to receive a lifetime of prepared gourmet meals delivered to my home.  

While I wait for my weight loss fairy godmother to arrive, I opt for the next best thing, Mom's-Mealz-on-Wheelz program.  Basically, Mom's-Mealz-on-Wheelz consists of my Mom preparing  some fabulous, free cost effective culinary creations.  After my Mom lovingly prepares the meals, I roll on over to her house in my wheelz to pick up my meals.

On the menu this week:

 Chicken Tortilla Soup courtesy of TJ from TJ's Test Kitchen.

The Whole Enchilada Chicken Soup From HUNGRY GIRL Email.

PER SERVING (1 cup): 105 calories, 1.75g fat, 641mg sodium, 12.5g carbs, 2g fiber, 4g sugars, 11g protein -- POINTS® value 2*

Ingredients:
3 cups fat-free chicken broth (*My mom made her own chicken broth.)
1 1/4 cups finely chopped celery
1/2 cup diced sweet yellow onion
3 cups green enchilada sauce
One 15-oz. can pure pumpkin
10 oz. cooked boneless skinless lean chicken breast, chopped or shredded
1 cup frozen white (or yellow) corn
Optional: dash hot sauce, or more to taste
Optional toppings: shredded fat-free cheddar cheese, crushed baked tortilla chips

Directions:
In a large pot, bring broth to a low boil on the stove. Add celery and onion, and simmer for about 5 minutes, until slightly tender.

Stir in enchilada sauce and pumpkin. Once soup returns to a low boil, add chicken and corn, and mix well. Cook for an additional 3 - 5 minutes, until soup is heated throughout.

Add a dash or more hot sauce.  Serve and, top with shredded cheese and/or crushed chips. If you love Chili's Enchilada Soup, then you'll love this thick and hearty soup!

MAKES 9 SERVINGS

Mealz-on-Wheelz always keeps beans in stock:

Tonight I paired some pinto beans (2 pts.) with a quick and easy soft chicken taco made from some leftover chicken my Mom gave me:

Last week Mealz-on-Wheelz offered pinto AND black beans, garden fresh produce, and a rotisserie chicken:

I picked up 3 bags each of freezer friendly vegetable soup and beans.

Pinto-n-Brown Rice

Vegetable Soup

Rotisserie Chicken

Gardenfresh veggies!!

All of this culinary fabulosity comes at a cost...the cost of a 1/4 tank of gas. Now, that's what I call COST EFFECTIVE!