R3P2D18 -.2 (-12.4lbs)

"To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow, Creeps in this petty pace from day to day." So said Macbeth...a more apt description of my losses of late does not exist.

Though, I should be happy. An unexpected visit from TOM (this only 9 days after a two-week visit...gawd, I. Hate. Menopause.) and even a .2 loss is something!

So, I believe I've perfected my Chimichurri recipe...it is the ideal topper to jazz up our somewhat lackadaisical dishes...very bright in flavor and color. A little bit, though, goes a long way...I use about a tsp. as a condiment and log 5 cals for this amount.

Chimichurri

Makes 1 cup; 5 cals per tsp.

1/2 small onion, quartered
1 large bunch fresh cilantro
3-4 cloves garlic (good sized)
pinch dry oregano
pinch crushed red pepper flakes
3-4 tbl. vinegar (white, rice, champagne or red wine...NOT balsamic)
1/2 tsp. sea salt
pinch ground black pepper
1 lime, juiced and zested
Splash of water (to loosen if necessary)

Place all ingredients in a mini-chop, and pulse 10-15 times (or finely mince all ingredients and mix in bowl). Should look like the image at right. Store in a glass, air-tight container in refrigerator. Will keep for several weeks (discard when bright green color has turned dark).

I love this on top of hCG friendly chilis, grilled meats, steamed veggies...I'll even marinate in it...the uses are endless!

Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!

R3P2D10 -.4 (-9.6 total)

Still shy of that magic first 10...oh well. Still focused and feeling great about this round.

I can not get over the difference eating clean and drinking gobs of water makes in relation to my hair, nails, skin...even sleep. Yes, this from the Ambien queen. Not to mention, dressing is a joy again...even with just 9.2lbs gone. Makes. A. Big. Difference.

Also, I noticed my focus is a bit better. Almost a case of "Look like a sloth? Feel like a sloth." "Look like a Goddess? Rule the world." Just sayin'.

Enjoying my Chicken Cacciatore with a 1cup shredded cabbage (sorta like spaghetti) for lunch today. I add it and a little extra water when I'm reheating my serving on the stove top. Key to do it there and not in the microwave...gets too mushy. The dish is quite good...I'll even eat it post-P2. The recipe is below.

Chicken Cacciatore (P2)
• Makes 6-1 cup servings (130 cals)

14oz Chicken breast, raw and trimmed of all visible fat
2 med. sized onions, chopped
Splash Red Wine vinegar
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
3 tsp. Italian Seasoning, separated (Morton & Bassett makes a great hCG friendly blend)
1 28oz can Whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand (Red Pack is a good brand)
1 tbl. tomato paste (again, check label for no added sugar, etc.)
1/2 tsp. granulated garlic
1/2 tsp. granulated onion
Salt & pepper
Optional: pinch crushed red pepper flakes

Bring 2 cups water and 1 tsp Italian Seasoning to a boil. Add chicken breasts and simmer 10-15 minutes until done. Let cool, then shred to bite size pieces.

Bring 3 tbl. water to simmer, add chopped onions, 1 tsp Italian Seasoning, vinegar and pinch of salt. Cook until translucent, about 5 mins. Add garlic. Cook 1 minute.

Pour in hand-crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, 1 tsp Italian Seasoning, garlic and onion powder (optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes). Simmer for approximately 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Add shredded chicken, salt & pepper to taste. Cook 5 minutes more.

Let cool and transfer to 1-cup plastic containers. Freezes well.

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Eat and be well,

Jane Doh!