Showing posts with label Six-week Challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Six-week Challenge. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Artichokes and Tomatoes in Wine Sauce

I decided to have a "last supper" before my six week challenge begins tomorrow. So...I foraged through my fridge and cabinets and realized that I've done such a good job purging my home of junk that I had nothing unhealthy to cook! As a result, my last meal before my hardcore six week challenge is woefully good for me (but for the half cup of wine I simmered my veggies in): artichoke hearts, grape tomatoes, and capers simmered in white wine and garlic and served over whole wheat spaghetti.  I chased with unsweetened iced green tea, though I am toying with the idea of having a farewell glass of wine before bed.
 Download SprintPho...jpg (429.8 KB)
Artichoke & Tomatoes in Wine Sauce
1 6oz jar artichoke hearts
2 Tbs capers
Approx. 20 grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise
1/2 c white wine ( I used Toasted Head Chardonnay)
1 Tbs crushed garlic
Crushed red pepper and salt to taste

I sauteed the garlic in a weeeee bit of olive oil, added the tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and capers and let it simmer for about five minutes. Then, I added the wine, salt, and crushed red pepper and let it all simmer with the lid on for another five minutes. To thicken the sauce a bit, I removed the lid and let it cook on low for about four or five minutes. Then, I tossed my drained pasta in it and enjoyed it...

I swear by Ronzoni Healthy Harvest Whole Grain Spaghetti. It's got 7 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber per serving. As it's been about a month since I've eaten meat, I appreciate any source of veggie protein. It's got a shitload of carbs (41 grams), but I just tell myself it's the "good" kind and keep it moving. DON'T BE FOOLED! Ronzoni makes a "whole wheat blend" pasta and a "whole grain" pasta. The whole wheat blend is mixed with processed wheat flour.
 
This recipe made two servings. I will pack the leftovers for lunch tomorrow.

Six Week Challenge

Tomorrow marks six weeks until my 38th birthday. I haven't made definitive plans, but I am certain that they will involve me in a bikini on a beach somewhere...even if it's just the Jersey Shore. To that end, I plan to shed some body fat through an intensive workout and clean eating plan. I have been meat and dairy free for the last three weeks (except a minor lapse at a 4th of July barbecue on Sunday) and plan to expand that into a white flour and sugar ban. I am ignoring the scale and paying special attention to the mirror. My goal is to see some semblance of a stomach muscle in my two-piece swimsuit. Good luck to me..."BEFORE" pic is below.  I have blackened (whitened?) out my dreaded belly. I will unveil the before and after pics on August 17th.
I was cute in this bikini when I purchased it five years ago... Since that time, I seem to have gotten somewhat squishy about the thighs and belly.

I don't know why I look like I have a wayward breast implant or nasty bruise or hood-rat tattoo in this photo...maybe it's a shadow.