Happy Biggest Loser day all! Although somehow since I am now watching “Chopped” I feel like I should change that intro Thanks for all the comments on the new Annie’s Digs ~ I can honestly say I am LOVING the new building and as crazy as this sounds ~ I LOVE the train and walking to work! It’s awesome that I can actually work or read or just plain Words with Friends instead of driving in traffic. Ummm, yes and I totally said “Chugga Chugga Choo Choo” a few times today LOL……
I am trying to remember how I got around in college with carrying so little! Today I learned the hard way that carrying 3 bags was just way too much work. Thanks for sharing all your ideas when I asked on Facebook and Twitter.
I “geeked” out tonight and bought this really cool all-in-one back pack (in black, not red) that I think will hold my work stuff, my workout clothes, my lunch, my water bottle and my wallet (probably the kitchen sink too!) I guess I travel like I cook ~ tossing everything in there
This morning I still managed to whip up a delicious breakfast at 5 am. I made an Egg-Wich
* 2 Slice Trader Joe’s Fat-Free Multi-Grain Bread (3 points+)
* 1 “Fried” Egg (2 points+)
* Sea Salt and Black Pepper
I rounded it out with 3 slices of Trader Joe’s Peppered Turkey Bacon (1 point+) and a nectarine I saved for snack later.
One of the COOLEST things we get to do is workout at any point during the day. My co-worker and I “broke in” our new gym with a mid morning workout. I spent 25 minutes of the Elliptical while watching Dr. Oz.
Post workout snack.
I actually lugged my lunch to work together but decided it would be one less thing to carry tomorrow if I had leftovers from yesterday’s fiesta.
I made a BIG salad with TONS of pico de gallo!
* 2 cups Tossed Salad
* 1/2 cup pinto beans – 3 points+
* 1/2 cup spanish rice – 3 points+
* 3/4 cup pico de gallo
* Tortilla Strips ~ I went back for more so Id say I had the equivalent of 12 chips (4 points+)
Mid afternoon I really wanted chocolate but I resisted it and decided to have my nectarine from breakfast with a lite string cheese (1 points+)
I actually put dinner in the crockpot before I left this morning so I wouldn’t have to “cook” dinner when I got home. I had visions that I could re-create one of my favorite Cooking Light recipes for Simple Roasted Pork Loin in the crockpot.
SIMPLE SLOW COOKED PORK LOIN RECIPE
INGREDIENTS
- 3 lbs center cut lean pork loin
- Sea salt and black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 15.5 oz Low Sugar Apricot Preserves
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 Tbsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Spray crockpot with nonstick cooking spray or line with a plastic liner. Season pork loin with sea salt and black pepper. Place in the crockpot.
2. Combine the chicken broth through the crushed red pepper flakes and pour over the pork.
3. Cook on high for 5-6 hours or low for 10-12 hours. Remove pork, shred and drizzle with about 1/4 cup of the sauce. Discard the rest.
Makes 12, four ounce servings, 4 points+ each
When I went to the Foodbuzz Fest last year, I received a coupon from Alexia to try their new Chipotle Fries. Tonight was the perfect opportunity.
I definitely think the “secret ingredient” is the Chipotle!
4 Points+ a serving.
This is what 3 ounces looks like pre-cooked.
Still a nice size serving ~ Delicious ~ sweet, spicy and I could probably eat the whole bag if I made it….good thing I cooked just one serving.
I was actually bummed that the pork wasn’t sweet glazed ~ it was more “roast” like. I topped it with a little BBQ sauce and that was the perfect addition. I might make it into carnitas tacos tomorrow night by adding salsa! (4 ounces plus sauce = 5 points+)
All together with a side of swiss chard.
After dinner I convinced The Husband to go with me on a shopping spree by promising him Starbucks! I got a tall nonfat decat latte with caramel drizzled just on top (to make it like a marshmallow) ~ 3 points. I had 3 Dove Chocolates with it for the perfect dessert (3 points+)
NEW AT FRIENDS FOR WEIGHT LOSS
* Quite possibly one of my FAVORITE pasta recipes ever ~ 7 Points+ Cheesy Stuffed Chicken Shells!
Q’s
What is your FAVORITE drink to order at Starbuck’s?
As you all know I LOVE Dirty Lattes, but, I actually CRAVE their caramel sauce ~ I LOVE it and probably would drink it from the bottle if I worked there. Next up from there ~ a Chai Tea Latte!
Night all!
Gail H. says
The pork looks great! Boy are you lucky you get to walk to work! Got a question: I see you measured out the Alexia fries before baking…is the NI for 3 oz before cooking, or after? Again, your posts are the best…you are my first go to blog at 5:30 am while I drink my first cuppa.
Lauren says
Those fries are amazing! I’ve tried the other variants of ALexia Sweet Potato and the Chipotle is by far the best!
Marisa @ Loser for Life says
I used to take the train to work and I loved it! I never got so much reading done!!!
So cool that you can use the gym at work!
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
Yum, I love slow-cooked pork! I actually have a loin defrosting right now. 🙂
My favorite drinks at Starbucks are the hot chocolate and lemonade. 😆
Leslie says
I am not a coffee person, or a hot drink person, but I love their Chai Tea Latte Iced!
Shannon says
Hi,
I always order a Non Fat, Sugar Free Vanilla Latte with and add shot. In the afternoon I order an iced trenta 1/2 passion 1/2 green tea, 2 splends, & no H2O.
I have a question for you, in my Bountiful Basket (it’s a Co-op) this week there was some Swiss Chard, I have never tried or eaten this before, could you tell me how you cooked it? I wanted to make it for dinner this week.
Thanks a bunch,
Shannon
tj says
awww I noticed how dark it was outside when you snapped your breakfast pic! 🙁 So sad!
I’m glad you enjoyed the train ride and found stuff to do while cho cho choooing along! 🙂
Great job testing out the new gym too! 🙂 You go girl!
🙂
Mary (What's Cookin' with Mary) says
SHEESH! You have to get up SO early :l …but getting to ride the train def makes it better! I totally need to play words with friends with you! 🙂
My favortie Starbucks drink right now = triple venti, nonfat, extra hot – carmel machiatto w. only 2 pumps vanilla and ez caramel 😀 What a mouthful… whevever I order my drink I get asked if I worked there. Yep 😉
I think that SO COOL that you get to workout at work! SO COOOOOL. If I worked there, it’d be hard not want to get your workout in at lunch. Esp if there’s somewhere you all can freshen up at after.
M. Parker says
1st Things 1st Starbucks of course….My fav drink is a Venti Iced Coffee Unsweetened w/Soy!! If I’m jonesing for tea it’s a Trenta Iced Green or Black Tea Unsweetened No H2O!!
Hey Mary – How many points is that drink it sounds marvelous since I don’t do the SF thing I go with the real deal. I may just have to try it!
The pork looks fabulous and I love Swiss Chard, Yum Yum. Who doesn’t love sweet potato fries? TJ’s has the best IMO. Anyone wanting a little recipe on Swiss Chard look up Braised Swiss Chard good advice is a little squeeze of lemon when serving!! Delish!! Danica you rock and so stinkin lucky for a job with a gym I’d be in heaven!
Amy @ A Little Nosh says
Oh man, it’s dark outside still when you eat your breakfast. Poor girl. Hope you get used to the commute quickly. My husband used to leave when it was dark, and then come home when it was dark. He hated it.
Jen says
My kids and husband love pork, but i always make it the same way, so i’m excited for this new recipe and way of cooking!
My go to drink is a grande chai latte- ICED. It’s good warm, but freaking amazing iced!
Biz says
I haven’t watched BL yet!! Hopefully I’ll get a chance tonight.
I love your pork loin dish, sans onions of course. 😀 And a splash of Tabasco may be added to mine!
Happy Hump Day Danica! 😀
I still like the sugar free vanilla skinny lattes 😀
janetha @ meals and moves says
I am just like you with pico–LOAD IT UP.
Roz says
Its so great that you have the gym right there!!!! Sure sounds like the move was a good one for all of you!!! Have a great day Danica!
Amy says
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Skinny Peppermint Mocha. But, they only serve it in winter. Boo. So, I usually have a Pike Place or Cafe Americano.
Workout at work? Awe-some!
Stacey says
I made the pork loin recipe but I prepped it Friday night to cook in the crock pot all day long Saturday. I don’t know if it marinating in the crock pot all night long made a difference but mine came out sweet and a little spicy (pepper flakes). The hubby absolutely loved it. Then last night we had it as leftovers and it was even yummier (is that even a word lol). I have it today for lunch as the tacos. I actually cannot wait for lunch in an hour. My mouth is salivating now as we speak.
I will be making this more often! Thanks for sharing!
DanicasDaily says
HI Stacey,
Yeah!! I am so glad it turned out and you loved it. I think it’s the crushed red pepper flakes LOL 😀
Thanks for letting me know how it turned out,
Danica
DanicasDaily says
Hi Gail,
I calculated the nutritional information based on the uncooked, 3 lbs in the recipe. However, it does work out that 3 oz of lean cooked pork center loin is 1 points+ per ounce as well.
Thanks,
Danica
DanicasDaily says
Hi Shannon,
Sorry I am probably too late for getting back to you on this. Last week was insane with our work move and I am finally getting caught up now. I have only sauteed my swiss chard in a little olive oil with sea salt and black pepper or steamed it for 4-5 minutes. I think I need to try the braised recipe that someone listed below. I hope you found a way to use it. I LOVE it!
Danica