October Menu & a Recipe

I have been so busy with everything school-related that I let October sneak up on me.  Fortunately, I knew I didn’t have to worry about the first two days of this month because we had church functions both Saturday and Sunday evening.  I feel like I repeat a lot of meals every month, but those are our favorites.  I have added a couple of new recipes that I found on Pinterest, and I also added some soups because it’s getting cooler, and soups are easy and perfect for the crockpot on busy days.  I have included a recipe (below the menu) that I have made before but not in a long time.  I can’t remember where I got this recipe, but it might have come from a Pampered Chef cook book.  Planning this month’s menu was a challenge due to several meetings (mostly my husband but a couple for me), our church activities, and fall events.  Fortunately, we can have leftovers every night that we are home.  I ❤️ leftovers!

1. Dinner out
2. Dinner out
3. Chicken cordon bleu
4. Leftovers
5. Mexican Skillet Casserole
6. Leftovers
7. Baked Ravioli
8. Dinner out
9. Dinner out
10. Fishsticks and popcorn/butterfly shrimp (from the freezer for a quick meal)
11. Leftovers
12. Spicy Sausage Pasta
13. Leftovers
14. Grilled chicken, Lyonnaise Potatoes
15. Dinner out
16. Dinner out
17. Meat & Potato Casserole
18. Cajun Shrimp Quinoa Casserole
19. Southwest Skillet Chicken & Rice
20. Leftovers
21. Parmesan chicken and pasta (see below for recipe)
22. Dinner out
23. Dinner out
24. Chili
25. Leftovers
26. Spaghetti
27. Chicken tortilla soup
28. Leftovers/Dinner out
29. Dinner out
30. Dinner out
31. Taco Soup

Parmesan Chicken and Pasta (lighter version)

1 lb chicken breasts

2 egg whites

1 garlic clove 

1 cup croutons, crumbled

1/4 cup fresh grated Parmigiano Reggiano

1 tsp dried oregano

1/8 tsp fresh ground black pepper

2 TBSP flour

8 oz pasta

2 cups pasta sauce

1/4 cup shredded mozzarella 
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Trim chicken and cut to make four pieces.  In a medium bowl, beat egg whites until frothy.  Press/crush garlic and mix into egg whites.  Add crushed croutons and grated Parmigiano Reggiano to bowl.  Add oregano and pepper; mix well.  Coat chicken breasts with flour.  Then, dip the pieces in the egg white mixture, coating both sides and shaking off the excess.  Place chicken on baking stone and spray the top of each piece lightly with oil.  Bake 20-25 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in center.  Meanwhile, cook pasta and heat sauce.  When everything is done, place a serving of pasta on each plate.  Top with chicken, 1/2 cup sauce, and 1 TBSP mozzarella.  

Two Months of Eating Less and Moving More

When I began this weight loss journey over two months ago, my goal was to lose 20 pounds over the next four months.  The first two months have gone well with 5.8 pounds and 5.6 pounds lost each month.  While weight loss was my goal, I’m even more pleased with the inches that have come off and the way my clothes fit now!  

From July 26th to October 1st, I have lost 13 pounds, 3.5 inches on my waist, 1.5 inches on my hips, 2.0 inches on my right thigh, 1.25 inches on my right calf, and just over an inch on my upper right arm. I couldn’t see much change in my photos on September 1st, but I can definitely see the difference now, and I am so pleased that my determination and hard work have paid off.  

I know this isn’t the dramatic weight loss some of my friends have experienced following different plans and using various weight loss products, but I choose to do things the old-fashioned way–eat less and move more.  I lost a lot of baby weight too fast after I had the twins, and my stomach skin is still loose.  I would rather lose this weight slowly and be able to avoid any more loose skin.  I don’t if my belly will ever be tight again. 

About six weeks ago, my first period students were complaining about being tired and getting up “early” that morning.  I told them I had been up since 4:30 am.  They asked me why, so I told them that I work out in the mornings before school.  They asked why again, so I told them about my goal to lose twenty pounds.  They asked why a third time, and I said something about wanting to lose the weight I had put on after having the twins.  They didn’t seem to think that was a good reason.  I couldn’t tell them that I really just want my stomach to be flatter than my chest!  I can tell I’ve lost inches in both places, so I may never achieve that goal, but I will keep trying. 

A friend of mine posted this photo on Facebook last week in support of his wife who has worked her butt off (literally) the past year and lost over 100 pounds. I love this saying, and I will continue to do what I need to do to achieve my goals.