Marshmallowy Goodness

It occurs to me that I have not posted to my blog since before Halloween.  Halloween did not seem as big a deal this year as it was last year.  There was no mob about, just a few families here and there.  We brought home way to much candy, but we always do, and there were no other green lanterns out. 

Now that Halloween is over, my food focus has switched to thanksgiving and Christmas.  I work every thanksgiving, so I don't usually stress having to have a big meal, but I do try and have a small "thanksgiving" meal with my family on a day other than thanksgiving.  This meal usually consists of ham, green bean casserole and sweet potato casserole, not exactly the healthiest of meals.  With my new year of weight-loss, however, I'm sure I can make it healthier, at least the green bean and sweet potato casseroles.  I will post the recipes to the recipe page.  For the green been casserole it is simply a matter of changing ingredients, but for the sweet potato casserole, I have actually found a baked sweet potato recipe that puts the casserole inside the potato skin.  I have already tried this recipe and I can say confidently that it is the best substitute for someone that is watching their weight, but still wants to join in the eating fun of the holidays. 

Maybe it is because I have only ever eaten sweet potatoes in the traditional sugary, buttery, marshmallowy casserole that is standard fare for thanksgiving and Christmas, but I never knew sweet potatoes helped in digestion.  A sweet potato, even though called a potato, is more like a squash.  It has the vitamin and mineral content that you can find in a fall and winter squash, like pumpkin and acorn squash, without the super starch content of a regular white potato.  After eating the twice baked sweet potatoes I did not have the usual lump in the gut feeling I get after eating the sweet potato casserole with all of its greasy sugary goodness.  So look at my recipe page and try the potatoes in place of the casserole for a healthier thanksgiving and Christmas.  If you feel a need to have the marshmallows then put a few on top, but try to resist because they are healthier without.  Sweet potatoes really do have a wonderful flavor all their own, but too many people miss out on it because they load them down with junk every year.

Meat Pies, Spiced Nuts and Funnel Cakes Oh My...

I have been completely enjoying my homemade split pea soup.  Unfortunately I am going to have the last bowl today.  Next I will be enjoying my homemade spaghetti.  I wonder if i can make a crustless pizza this next week along with the chili I already have planned.  It would probably end up being more of a casserole, but what isn't to like about a casserole topped with cheese.  I love veggies on my pizza so it could turn out to be a super healthy "pizza." 

            If it weren't for the desire to have sugar and a sandwich with mayo, then there would be no temptations what so ever.  I have found, after following the HCG diet, that bread is not so much on my list of cravings, however, I miss the spreads or sauces that go with many breads.  Mayonnaise, jam, peanut butter, and probably anything else that you can spread on a piece of toast or a sandwich.  I just have to keep reminding myself of the Green Lantern costume that I am planning on wearing for Halloween.  I have already bought my costume so my ego will not allow me to change my mind.

            My little guy is looking forward to this coming Halloween.  He is going to be batman with a huge muscle chest and a molded gold utility belt.  The costume is a bit long for him, but we can deal with that.  October is definitely the month for us to dress up and play.  This weekend we are going to the Renaissance Faire in full faire garb.  Little man is so excited about the faire that whenever we even say the word faire he is caught running into the room asking if we are going tonight.  I think every time I have to tell him that it is not until this weekend he gets a little sad.  Of course it doesn't help that he has a minor cold and he was informed today that if he still has his cold on Friday then we will have to stay home.  We are anticipating the faire so much that the next few days are going to be like Christmas.  I only have to work two days this week before I take the days off for the faire.

            The days for the faire are going to be my cheat days for the week.  I will not have problems keeping up with my exercise since there will be a lot of walking around since the venue for the faire this year is suppose to be fairly large.  My diet, however, will suffer a bit.  I will have to report back on exactly how bad the results are, and whether or not I have gained any weight.  Meat Pies, Spiced Nuts and Funnel Cakes oh my... Meat Pies, Spiced Nuts and Funnel Cakes oh my...