Happy Wednesday all! My day started out in the usual way….coffee, train and then, I rocked run #2 of 4 this week. After my 33 minute run/walk, I couldn’t wait to dig into breakfast.
I never really thought about how I feel about Jelly/Jam until my co-worker asked me the other day if I ever use it.
I think when you have really good natural peanut butter on delicious bread, like Bay Muffins, you need nothing else (other than maybe banana “chips” on top!) (7 points+)
Or super sweet pineapple.
I think that I should’ve maybe had a pre-workout snack because I was hungry ALL DAY long. Only ONE more day and I get to hit up the Farmer’s Market to restock ~ yes!
I snacked on these Weight Watchers Cinnamon Pops about an hour later (2 points+) I LOVE these ~ it’s the “frosting” on top that makes them just melt in your mouth.
Lunch involved more Sucotash & Potstickers (7 points+). I think this actually tastes even better the next day because all the flavors blend in.
Spicy Asian Peanut Slaw (2 points+)
All week LONG I have been dreaming of my Iced Coconut Dirty Latte, but, there are 0 Starbuck’s near work. I pondered riding the bikes to get one, but, couldn’t figure out how to carry my drink back
Instead, I settled for a medium Peet’s Iced Dirty Latte ~ it’s ok, but, not the same (4 points+)
What made it worth it was they had MORE of Jo’s Dark Chocolate Sea Salted Caramels. They go so well with coffee (2 points+)
This afternoon we were all invited to the “Lemonade” stand at work.
Pink Lemonade, Grapes Galore…..made with REAL FRUIT JUICE!
Plus Organic Fruits from the Orchard….
That were used to make up the new Annie’s Organic Orchard Fruit Snacks!
The NEW Orchard Fruits are made with REAL FRUIT & each package contains 1 serving of fruit.
The perfect healthy 2 points+ treat whenever a sugar craving hits.
Which fruit would you pick?
Strawberry, Cherry, Apple or Grape?
Can you believe we had a Fruit Snack Party and I haven’t tasted any?!
I saved mine to try them with The Husband because they are his favorite and I wanted to share them with him…
Now that, my friends, is LOVE!
Just a few of the many reasons why I LOVE Annie’s!
Speaking of things I LOVE…..
I didn’t have to cook at all tonight ~ I just pulled out our delicious Grilled “Sticky” BBQ Chicken that I made last night.
This is the EASIEST chicken you will ever make for only 3 points+ a drumstick!
All I do is grill our drumsticks for 35 minutes, then, cover them in BBQ sauce every 3-4 minutes coating them twice.
If you are firing up the grill, make extra so you don’t have to cook the next night!
Trader Joe’s Baked Onion Rings (2 points+)
Crunchy, colorful salads…..
Start with 0 Points+ options to “build” in the crunch…..
* Organic Romaine
* Organic Red Cabbage (I LOVE the color & texture!)
* Organic Broccoli Slaw + Organic Shredded Carrots
* Organic Yellow Bell Pepper
* A few Organic Cherry Tomatoes
Add in a few treats that make your salad something you want to eat
* 1 Tbsp Dry Roasted Sun Flower Seeds (1 points+)
* 1/8 Avocado (1 points+)
* I had 1 oz LF Sharp Cheddar, but, ummm, I ate it before it was on the salad (2 points+)
Flavor it up with your favorite low-fat dressing
* Topped with 2 Tbsp Newman’s Light Lime Vinaigrette (2 points+)
The secret to a great tasting salad in my book is adding a few “fun” things to eat like sunflower seeds and creamy AVOCADO to go with all that crunch!
I made The Husband’s into a BBQ Chicken Salad with Baked Onion “Croutons” to make it easier for him to eat…..both versions are awesome and take 10 minutes or less to make!
NEW AT FRIENDS FOR WEIGHT LOSS
* Lexy of Fire Lites Fire shares how she lost 52 lbs!! She is only 2 weeks away from Lifetime and a total inspiration! Check out her story here!
Q’s
Name one thing you are absolutely LOVING right now!
Night all!
TracyP says
What a fun place to work! They are so creative.
I am loving that I am leaving for vacation to Lake Tahoe!! Yippee!!
Robyn @ Blueberries and Oats says
Jo’s Dark Chocolate Sea Salted Caramels? Are those Trader Joe’s? If not, where can I get them!! They look soo good.
Annie’s looks like such a great place to work. =) I would definitely choose the cherry ones! That is very sweet of you to save them to share.
Let’s see…I am absolutely loving…Kashi Golean Crunch (well..ok I always love it. Straight out of the box or with milk/yogurt!) and also DQ cherry dipped cones. Seriously. It’s a bad addition!
Tj says
I want the cherry fruit snacks pleeaasseee 🙂
Mmm BBQ chicken! 🙂 yumyumyum
Great job on the run this morning! Wtg!
Marisa @ Loser for Life says
You have the best workplace, Danica! I would definitely go for the strawberry!
Amanda @ RunToTheFinish says
soooo many wonderful colors! love the fun lemonade stand and I have some new foods ideas too
Mary (What's Cookin' with Mary) says
I love those fruit snacks ! ! Seriosly addicting. When you sent me my giveaway box those were gone in less than 24 hours .. lol!
Right now, I’m loving this game called Blur. It reminds my of Mariokart that I played with my brother when we were kiddos. SO MUCH FUN. ;P Mary = nerdy gamer HAHA
Lindy says
Every time you post a picture of Jo’s Dark Chocolate Sea Salted Caramels, I am thinking that would be a great giveaway lol !! They look so good.
Ok I choose cherry almost every time. I love all things cherry favored .
I love that the fruit snacks are organic and count as 1 fruit.
I am loving summer fruit right now, so sweet and in particular watermelon.
Roz says
That IS love!!!! Your husband is a lucky guy! I so envy your workplace, sounds like they really treat their staff well and involve you in new product launches! It must be such a blast to be in the marketing department!!! One thing I’m lovin’ right now? The fresh figs are coming into season here, and those with a touch of low-fat goat cheese??? YUM! Have a great day!!!!
Lynn says
Hi, Danica! I love your blog, and have found so many great meal ideas (and items to try from Trader Joes!). Thank you for all your effort maintaining it with such great info and pictures!
I do have a question/request. If you don’t think the information is too personal, can you keep us updated with your WW progress? Really, just your weekly +/-.You seem to be so successful with WW, any extra motivation is so helpful!!!
Please know all your blogging efforts are definitely appreciated! And, dang, is Annie’s hiring any engineers??? What a fun place to work!
Thanks!!
Lynn
Kara says
I know this is off topic, but I know you are involved with WW (I read your blog daily!) but I am lifetime and have been doing the old plan. I am scared to try the new plan, I feel like that is sooo many points! Did you find it was easy to follow or is the loss a lot slower? I would mostly be losing about 5-8 lbs. to get back to my lifetime weight, I am just thinking the calorie intake is too high on the new plan. Just wanted some opinions from fellow WWers! Its getting hard to do the old plan with no support from meetings, blogs, etc. Thanks everyone!
The Healthy Engineer says
This post just reallly makes me want to work at Annie’s
Kathy B says
Ever have PB2 from Bell Plantation? Powdered peanut butter you ask? You gotta try it. Fresh and peanutty and 2T for 1 Points+. Amazing.
Laura Jane @ Recovering Chocoholic says
Right now, I’m absolutely loving lavash bread chips!
Danica says
Hi Robyn,
I buy the caramels at Peet’s Coffee in a two pack. However, I have heard that they sell them at Cost Plus too.
Danica
Danica says
Hi Kara,
I think the new plan is awesome, but, I also do know that some people have had to adjust it based on their own bodies and how they lose weight. Even though the points+ daily target is higher, so are the points+ of several food items. In general if you stick to healthy, natural, whole foods (think lean proteins, dairy, fruits/veggies) and things that have nutritional value, you should do great. I also believe that the fruit being zero points+ is great. I will actually pick a banana now over something that has points+ and feel probably even more satisfied. I definitely say give it a go ~ you might be surprised at how easy it is to follow and eat healthier!
If you have any questions along the way, I’d be glad to answer them if I can.
Danica
Danica says
Hi Lynn,
Thanks for the comment and for asking. Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I fell way too far behind on my emails and I am just now starting to get caught up.
I am glad to share my weekly +/-‘s. You will usually find my posts on Friday or Saturday night include my weigh in and thoughts for the week since I weigh in on Friday.
Danica