MORE THAN A PILL

This is the beginning of the 7th week of being on the Alli program for weight loss. As of this morning I have lost a total of 19 pounds. So far I am averaging 3 lbs per week but my actual current loss is 1-2 pounds per week.

Still have not experienced what they call TEs (Treatment Effects). It is simply a matter of following the meal planning, carefully watching the fat grams consumed and exercising. My son observed this weekend that the reason the program is so successful is because by the time I've planned my meals, I'm too tired to eat. LOL

This plan seems to actually work. While the effort has to be my own, the pill increases the amount of weight I lose by 50%.

I am not advertising for Alli and I have no idea if this would work for everyone. I simply know it works for me. My advice for anyone considering this would be that they sign up for the free Alli website and calculate their BMI to determine their recommended calorie and fat gram intake. Then follow the meal plan for at least three days before starting the pills and work it so you begin the pills on the weekend so you can be at home, just in case you experience TEs.

Yes, I'll probably keep talking about this for quite a while. Forgive me, but I'm just so excited. Look at it this way, at least I'm not talking about Valentine's Day anymore:)

New recipes that I like:

Swamp Chicken Chili

4 cans of Northern white beans (not drained!)
Shredded chicken (I used a can of white meat chicken)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups Salsa
1 tsp Thyme.

Mix all in crockpot and cook on low for about 3-4 hours. If cooked on top of stove, bring ingredients to boil, then reduce heat and simmer about 45 minutes. This has 300 calories and 10.5 fat grams per 1 cup serving. Quick and easy to prepare.

Chicken Skillet with spinach

1 tablespoon olive oil
6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
2 onions chopped
1 lb red potatoes cut in 1/2 inch cubes
1 cup chicken broth
1/3 cup white wine
1 teaspoon thyme
salt and pepper to taste
3 cups baby spinach

In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat, add chicken and cook till browned on both sides. Add onions, potatoes chicken broth, wine, thyme and salt and pepper. Lower heat; cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked. Serve on 1/2 cup raw spinach together a much as you can so it wilts correctly. 372 calories 6 fat grams per serving. (serves 6)


ABC Sandwich (Apple, Bacon and Cheese)

One thin sliced apple, two strips of crisp, low sodium bacon, 1/3 cup shredded low fat 4 cheese blend on two slices of wheat or multi-grain bread with Dijon mustard. This has 286 calories and 10.5 fat grams. (I adapted this from a Rachel Ray recipe that is well over 500 calories and almost 30 fat grams and her's contains 5 strips of bacon. Yikes!)

my all time favorite
Breakfast Burrito:

1 wheat tortilla (microwave dampened tortilla on paper towel in microwave for 20 seconds)
1 scrambled egg (I microwave one of my farm fresh, free range, low cholesterol, high omega 3, chicken eggs for about 30 seconds)
1 link of Jimmy Dean turkey sausage chopped into small bites (microwave 15 seconds)
1 sprinkle of low fat 4 cheese blend
1 Tbs. salsa.

251 calories and 15 fat grams.