This dish was so good it was hard to imagine that it was Weight Watchers. My husband and I have really tried to stick to a portion size that is more healthy for us. I’ve been able to maintain my weight since having my son and having my surgery. Now I only have 10 more lbs to go to get to that weight I’ve been wanting to be at for YEARS!! If it’s one thing I’ve been trying to work on it’s accepting the fact that life is too busy to have a workout schedule. So I’m not on a diet, I even said forget it to calorie counting because it stressed me out! Instead of a diet plan I just eat high protein dishes, hearty whole grains and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. When I eat out I am more aware of what I’m ordering and I still allow myself some snacking here and there, my new favorite is this low fat/low calorie popcorn my husband found!
I just can’t have the planned schedule of what days I get to the gym and what days I will work on legs and arms, nope no more time for that kind of schedule. It’s OK though, now I use working out as a de-stresser if anything. When I’m having a bad day or my son is more cranky than usual because of teething and won’t nap (nap time is usually when I get a chance to do a quick video or cardio program) I pop him in his playpen, give him toys, and bam 20 minutes. I used to say nah, what’s 20 min going to do? Well it does help. It makes me feel better, it’s better than doing nothing, and he is entertained by me looking like a dope jumping up and down like a crazy lady! I also started walking on the days the sun is out, even if it is only once a week right now in New England! Hey you know what they say, happy mommy, happy kids!
My next goal is to figure out how to get a workout in on Tuesdays and Thursdays when both kids are home for the day. What can I do with my toddler while I grab 20 minutes to myself? Any ideas are welcome though keep in mind this kiddo does nothing alone. I’m lucky if I can run upstairs and throw on a pair of yoga pants to start my day without a “Momma……….where are you? What are you doing? Yes that is after I told her I’ll be right back I’m just going to change out of my PJ’s. Yes I get out of my PJ’s. Most days. Last but not least I’m even learning to put a quick workout above cleaning the house and blogging. YES. Finally. Don’t worry if you visit I’ll make sure my bathroom is clean before you get there 🙂 Other than that…….the dust bunnies are gliding around and laundry is now being done on weekends thanks to my husband. Whatever works!
This recipe is going to be a go to favorite of ours because my husband loves beef in his dishes so you won’t be disappointed. I added diced green and red peppers to it too add some veggies to it. It was cheesy goodness that’s for sure! Sorry for the bad pictures, I only had my phone that night, when I make it again I’ll take better ones, besides it’s a messy bowl kind of dish!
Ingredients:
1 pound of ground sirloin
1 cup of onion, chopped
2 tsp. of garlic, minced
6 oz of cooked whole grain penne pasta
2 cups of roasted garlic pasta sauce
1/2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning
1/8 tsp of salt
4 oz. of Italian-blend cheese, divided
1/2 cup of part-skim ricotta cheese
Chopped fresh parsley (Optional)
Ground pepper (optional)
What to do:
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add first 3 ingredients; cook 5-6 min or until beef is browned, stirring to crumble. Drain well; return beef mixture to pan.
While the beef cooks, cook pasta according to package; drain and set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl combine the two cheeses, fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
Add the pasta to the beef, stir to combine. Dollop the cheese mixture on top of the pasta mixture spacing it out. Cover and cook on low for 5-8 minutes allowing the cheese to melt. Scoop and serve!
