Garden Risotto

I have been wanting to make a risotto dish for sometime now. My husband and I do not eat alot of heavy pasta like dishes ( I know this is rice) but thought this would be a good fall comfort meal. I also wanted to keep it on the healthy side. I have seen many add cream and butter. I did make a few changes to use the veggies we had in the house. I do not think it changed the nutritional info too much. I know spinach has more value than mushrooms but still amazing.

I used mushrooms, onions and sun-dried tomatoes.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/garden-risotto-recipe/index.html

This was a huge hit with my husband. His next request is Lobster Risotto!

Dear Diary

Last night my sister told me about this book by Tal Ronnen who was on Oprah yesterday.

I am going to check it out later today.




C25K: Week 1 Day 2 felt great. Worked out with a trainer first and then did this walk/jog. I am really following the program as I have to watch for knee pain. Yesterday was a cardio day and I actually went swimming. I did laps for 30 minutes. Now a 30 minture workout normally would not be enough however for a non-swimmer! Wow is all I can say. Today during the walk/jog I could actually envision myself running a 5K. I can see it in the future. A great feeling.

I told you I have a lot on my mind. What else

Hearty Minestrone Soup: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/recipe.php?recipeId=448
I made this soup last night, my second time making it. This time I used vegetable broth. Pretty good is my vote. Its not my favorite but its good. Better cooled off not piping hot --I usually like my food HOT. This is better when you wait.


Today I have a doctor's appt. to discuss more testing on my thyroid levels. We have to get to the bottom of this first. My guess is I will have more blood work on Monday and then go from there. I am actually looking forward to this because I want to feel better. I want to feel like myself again.

Butternut Squash Soup -YUM!

I did not always love soup. This was before I started cooking. I was afraid of soup. I was afraid of the salt and cream hidden in soups that would otherwise seem healthy.
I love butternut squash---like LOVE LOVE LOVE. I guess you get it. I found a healthy recipe through Whole Foods website. I made their Hearty Minestrone in the past and thought they would have some good ideas.

Sundays are usually my cooking day or my big cooking day. I was not sure what my husband was going to say because he generally likes soup that is cream based. I try to fight him.....this time .... I did add a tiny bit of half and half....sometimes he is just right! It needed just a little. : )

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/recipe.php?recipeId=1975

The Kind Diet

I am almost done with reading this book and have to say I really really enjoyed it. Alicia does not sound preachy or better than..... I think its a really good guide on how to make small changes which she hopes will eventually become bigger and permanent changes. I do think some of the recipes are a bit intimidating as I have never heard of some of the foods. However simply googling or asking someone at the market helps.

I am also following and learning on her new site www.thekindlife.com

My favorite soup -Ribollita

I really have to share this with anyone who loves soup. It's by Giada DeLaurentis ( I love her! ). I first had this soup at Re Di Macchia, in Montalcino, Italy. One of my favorite city/towns in the world. Hers is a bit different than Roberto's but its still great.
The only changes ---I do not use pancetta. The last time I made this I used turkey bacon. Since I am slowly making changes towards a vegetarian diet the next time I make this I will omit the turkey bacon and use vegetable broth. Not sure about the cheese that may be hard to part with.... I still expect it to be delicious and comforting.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/ribollita-recipe/index.html

COUCH 2 5K and why I am doing it.

Okay let me start off by saying I am not a runner....yet. I would not define myself as a couch potato...if you read my profile you know I teach spinning classes. I am active however I am in a rut. A little history--sorry if this is boring but its my blog. :) I will keep it short and sweet. I have maintained a weight loss of 50lbs for over 10 years. I struggle and 2009 has been tough. ( this is a bit personal ) I went off birth control in Nov. 2008 because my husband and I are ready to start a family. Fast forward to May 2009. I have gained 10lbs and my periods stopped. JUST STOPPED. Fast forward through all the testing. I have PCOS - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. So we are continuing our trying to conceive journey but I wanted something else to focus on in addition to having a baby. In 2001 a friend convinced me to run a 1/2 marathon which I did proudly and happily but have not been able to pick up running since. I do have to watch my knees and even passed over reading about this program in the past by just saying--I am not a runner. After talking to my sister, who lives in CA, we decided just last night that we will do this program together!!!!

So today is:
Week 1 Day 1 10/21/09

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml
I will continue track my progress here.