Our Quest to change our lives began in Feb. 2010 and we lost 224 lbs. We slowly gained a lot of that weight back and we're now on another journey for weight loss and better health using Bright Line Eating. This is the story of our continuing Journey. .
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Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Comfort Food for when it's COLD

The other night, the hubs and I went for a walk after the kids went in bed. It was nice and peaceful and MAJORLY COLD! The next morning I was imagining a nice hearty bowl of soup for my lean and green meal. So I checked out the latest Medifast Cookbook and found a “Hearty Chiken Vegatable Soup” recipe. I changed it slightly for what I had on hand and to have it in my crock pot.


Ingredients (that I used):

2.5 lbs chicken, boneless skinless

5 cups reduced sodium, fat free chicken broth

2 cups celery, chopped

2 cups green & red peppers, chopped

2 cups mushrooms, chopped

2 cups zucchini, chopped

2 T. parsley

1 t. Thyme

1/2 t. black pepper

2 cloves garlic (I didn’t have so I used garlic powder)

1/2 cup scallions, chopped (I didn’t have so I used some dried onion bits)

I started out defrosting my chicken tenders and then chopped up my veggies. I cut up the chicken into small pieces and cooked them on the stove top in about 1.5 T of olive oil until cooked tender and drained. Then I threw in the veggies and spices altogether for a few minutes.

Poured the broth in my crock pot and then added the chicken and veggies. I let it sit on low for 3-4 hours and it was nice and hot for dinner! Makes about 6 servings at about 380 calories per serving. I did add some sea salt also and it hit the spot for my soup craving. The original recipe also called for a little cream which I didn’t have and it was still yummy without those calories!



Yesterday at my daughters volleyball game, I saw an old friend I haven’t seen in like a year. She was coming and sitting right in front of me and I had to call her name just to get her attention. Then she said, “Wow, Margene, I don’t even recognize you, you’ve lost so much weight.” I wasn’t even thinking of my weight loss, but that made me smile. You see, one of the last times I visited with her was at an event where a bunch of desserts were served, and this picture was snapped of us. (Nov. 2008)

I had my plate loaded with cake, brownies, and cream puffs and was eating like a major pig! I remember even thinking that I was hungry and I just didn’t care what people thought. After I saw my friend yesterday, I looked up this picture. I should be totally disgusted but I think it’s more FUNNY now!! So not me anymore! Change is SO SWEET! Life is GOOD!!

9 comments:

Ann (-50 lbs in -60 lb challenge) said...

I love it! Margene, that was so fun, that your friend was so pleasantly surprised. The dessert plate photo is probably one most of us have - somewhere - hidden. LOL

The chicken veggie soup looks good! Thank you for passing that along. Now I want some!

:D

I use mushroom broth sometimes, when I cook. It makes my brain think "hearty" - even though I'm eating light.

Thanks for sharing your NSV and cream puff photo too. Enjoy your day!

Kimberly said...

My goodness Margene...I don't even recognize you in that picture!!! You've come so far.

I just love soup and try to make a big pot once a week, especially now that it's cold. This looks yummy!!!

Have a great day!!!

Michele said...

That looks like a great recipe. Thanks for sharing! It will be col in MN before long and this looks terrific!

Karla said...

Wow, you have come soo far- you look amazing.
Soup looks soo good, I am a total soup gal!!

Bring Pretty Back said...

Margene- WOW! You've come a long way baby! YOU are my inspiration!
Thank you!
Have a pretty day!
Kristin

Joy said...

Yummy ~ I love comfort food!!!

I had one time when someone did not recognize me. I was approaching him and I had this crazy smile on my face and he just looks at me. Most likely he thought I was a nut. After I realized he did not recognize me I felt so dumb that I avoided him. It's a fun experience!!!

Keep up the great work!!

Michele said...

That is very cool and an NSV. WOW what a tremendous transformation you have accomplished! Plus, I love your recipe and will give it a try as it starts to get cold in MN. Stay strong!

InWeighOverMyHead said...

you have come so far!

Julie said...

That soup looks amazing. I made soup yesterday too. I like making a huge batch so I can just soup out a cup and warm it up. I bet your friend was floored with how beautiful you look. You are beautiful, you know!!!!
Thanks for stopping by. I'm off to finish up lunch and get the wee ones in bed. Then that wood pile is calling my name.
Take care and have a blessed afternoon.