Every Week is a New Week

Do you watch The Biggest Loser?

I am a recent addict to the show. I watched an episode or two in the past, but something about this season has just hooked me in. Maybe it's because I am trying really hard to lose those last few pounds. Or maybe this was just the Spring where I wanted some extra motivation with a healthy life in general, and there is no doubt, the contestants on The Biggest Loser are incredibly inspiring. One of them literally has lost (in pounds) the equivalent of a size 8 woman. It is ridiculous.

Granted, these contestants are also in an atmosphere where all they do is workout and train their bodies. For the first 8 or so episodes, they did not have to go to work, socialize with friends, or take care of a family. They don't have to menu plan or stick to a budget with their foods.

Starting in the last few weeks, though, the show started shifting them back into regular life. They had to go work at a food bank for 8 hours each day, then fit in their normal workouts afterward. They spent a week at home with family and friends, and had to pick healthy food and drink choices despite their old habits. It was great to see the amount of success they all had back in the real world -- the healthy lifestyle concept is really sticking with them.

I have been on the WW bandwagon since Jan. 4, and I am so excited for where I am right now with it. But I am not going to lie, it's been a road of ups and downs. Some weeks I rock it. I stick to healthier choices, hit the gym a lot, and lose a few pounds. Other weeks (last week, ugh) I go out to too many social engagements, have too many drinks and fantastic meals out on the town, and don't lose anything or gain a pound (plus spend way more money than usual to boot). It's very frustrating. My body likes where it has been all these years, and so unless I can jolt it out of it's norm, it will happily just stay where it is.

I know where I want to be in a few months, and I can SEE it right there -- it is attainable. I also trust my sense of picking the healthiest options and really changing my lifestyle, rather than being "on a diet." So this week, it's game-on again. I have some good workouts planned, and I already stepped it up from last week and not only went grocery shopping (yay), but made soup for the week too.

This is another recipe I am trying this week, and wanted to pass it along since it is not only healthy, but very cheap to make, too. I am going to add a few cloves of garlic and some hot sauce to the mixture to kick it up a notch, and am going to serve them on those new Bagel Thins that I have heard are amazing.

It's the start of a new week. What is motivating you this week?

Veggie Burgers
Serves 4; 2 WW points per patty

1/4 c. each: minced onion, green pepper, carrot, celery
2/3 c. drained canned cannellini beans
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/3 c. Italian bread crumbs

In a nonstick skillet, heat a small amount of oil. Add onion, pepper, carrot, celery; cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until veggies are soft. Set aside.

Using a fork, mash beans in a medium mixing bowl; stir in egg. Add breadcrumbs and veggies. Mix until thoroughly combined. Shape mixture into 4 equal patties. Set patties on plate, cover, and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

In same skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of oil. Add 2 patties; cook over medium heat, turning once, until browned on both sides. Repeat with another teaspoon of oil and 2 patties.

Serve with buns, tomato, and lettuce, or whatever toppings you like on burgers.