Happy Monday all! Thanks for all the great questions and encouragement on my first day of Simple Start yesterday. You all are probably going to laugh at me for saying this, but, your reading gives me accountability ~ it totally motivates me knowing that you all are reading and tracking with me as I go along.
This morning started off with two of my favorite breakfast things ~ Eggs & Potatoes!
This mornings breakfast is my spin on the Eggs with Roasted Potatoes in the book with an easier spin on it. I “fried” Ore Ida Western Potatoes (they are simply frozen potatoes, onions, peppers & salt) on the stove versus roasting potatoes in the oven.
I “fried” my egg over medium low heat in nonstick spray and finished it with a little sea salt & black pepper.
“Fried” in nonstick spray and my 2 tsp. of healthy olive oil sprinkled with garlic salt, black pepper and paprika (for flavor and color) along the way.
Served up with a side of fresh, organic blueberries.
One delicious breakfast that kept me full for 4 hours. Oh and this morning I decided it’s a total sign I am getting better because Coffee sounded good again!
I really pondered this morning if I wanted to participate in this week’s working lunch or if I wanted to participate. I realized that honestly, I LOVE the sandwiches we get from the local deli and if I am going to indulge, I want to do it on real food.
Like…..big, mounds of freshly, baked seedy bread 
I did only take half and I picked a turkey sandwich with all the veggies as a compromise. 4 points+ towards my indulgence for that tasty bread.
Then, I got a little crazy ~ not perfect with a few successes….I walked past the chips and had none (success!) I walked past the cookies and decided eh, I can skip those too.
The mixed salad plate was staring at me and I decided to sample a bite of each for my other 3 points+ indulgence (what a serving of pasta salad counts as).
My favorite salad in the mix that I went back for….their pickled veggies. I could eat the entire container of these.
I ended up working just a little late so I decided to snack on a banana and lite string cheese before heading out so I wasn’t starving by the time I walked in the door.
The snowman on my window are totally using my banana as a half pipe aka ski slope 
Dinner tonight was surprisingly tastier than I had imagined it would be. We decided to give the Mediterranean Salad in the book a go by tossing a ton of veggies in a bowl.
In the mix:
- Trader Joe’s Organic Romaine
- Trader Joe’s Organic Power To the Greens blend
- Shredded carrots & red cabbage
- Trader Joe’s Organic Mini Cucumbers – 2 sliced into circles
- 1/2 an organic orange bell pepper, diced
- two handfuls organic cherry tomatoes
- 1 organic Fuji apple, seeded and thinly sliced
- 15 oz. organic chickpeas, drained and rinsed
All tossed in a big bowl (the goal was the make enough for 4 salads ~ 2 for dinner and 2 for lunches).
We each scooped out as much as we wanted into another bowl for tossing with a sprinkle of olive oil & red wine vinegar with sea salt and black pepper.
Definitely spend a little extra to get good quality oils and vinegars because they will make all the difference in how delicious your salad tastes.
I added a little protein power with a perfectly hard boiled egg.
One Delicious Salad ~ I loved the tang of the red wine vinegar with the sweet apples, creamy chickpeas and all the crunch in this salad. I can’t wait to have it for lunch tomorrow it was that good.
Here are my stats for today:
- Simple Start Day 2 Success, 7 WPA used, 35 WPA remaining
- And, Flex said he can’t wait for me to get movin’ against….just as soon as this flu bug is gone!
QUESTION OF THE DAY:
What is on the best salad you’ve ever made?
Night all!
Cosi salad: spring greens, pear, grapes, Craisins, pistachios, goat cheese (restaurant uses gorgonzola) and a shallot vinegarette. I could eat the entire bowl!
great job danica.my day two was successful also. keep up the good work.
what is the flex you talk about?
Hi Jill,
Flex is made by FitBit – it’s such a fun device – a bit fancier than a pedometer. It tracks how many steps you take, miles you go, calories you burn, how well you sleep and more. The most important thing it does though – it encourages me to move more! It’s fun because you can “compete” against your friends too.
Here is a small post I did explaining it a bit when I first got it.
http://danicasdaily.com/small-bites
Thanks,
Danica
I see I have a few more items to add to my TJ’s shopping list when it opens here in Delray! There is a Mexican Salad that was in a little WW diary a few years ago, it includes romaine, black beans, corn, red pepper, red onions, shredded cheddar, pickled jalapenos and a dressing made with olive oil and red wine vinegar…LOVE 🙂
Delray as in S. Florida?
Yes Randi, I moved from PA 11 years ago and now live in Delray Beach; are you close by?
I’m from Plantation, but I live in Socal. However, I have friends in Ft. Lauderdale who will be interested that TJ’s is opening.
Great second day! That salad looks amazing!
Are we allowed pickled vegs on simple start?
Hi Anna,
Pickled veggies are allowed as long as they are made with little to no sugar.
Thanks,
Danica
I love ALL salads as long as the ingredients are fresh! In the summer I love to add fruit and berries and in the winter roasted veggies such as winter squash are a great addition. You’re right…good quality oils and vinegars are a must. Fortunately we have a store close by that only sells o and v. It’s like a tasting bar and by FAR my FAVORITE place to shop!! Thanks Danica…so glad you’re back!! I need you for motivation…feel better soon! ????
Great posts Danica….I’m feeling very motivated after looking at your posts to try some new things…..like that breakfast…and those pickled veggies. thanks and go go go!!!!!! you’re doing great!
I do make a lot of salads. I like salads with blue cheese in it. I got my App and book on Simple Start. It is very restrictive but I might give it a try. I have been on WW since 1992. I have tried all programs 🙂
Can you tell me what do you use to do the graphic with all your stats? It is the last image on your post. Thanks.
Hi Helene,
The graphics come from my Fitbit Flex Dashboard. Flex is made by FitBit – it’s such a fun device – a bit fancier than a pedometer. It tracks how many steps you take, miles you go, calories you burn, how well you sleep and more. The most important thing it does though – it encourages me to move more! It’s fun because you can “compete” against your friends too.
Here is a small post I did explaining it a bit when I first got it.
http://danicasdaily.com/small-bites
I just snip how my day went with each post to track my activity when I log my food.
Thanks,
Danica
Thanks, I will have to look into this.
favorite salad ever: romaine or other favorite greens, a bit of thinly sliced red onion, salted sunflower seeds, crumbled blue cheese, dried cherries, tossed with light creamy balsamic vinaigrette.
Randi and Gail,
I live in Boynton Beach, FL. Just discovered this great website. Thanks Danica.
You mention buying quality oil and red wine vinegar- can you please recommend some for me? I love your blog! Thanks!