Winco Girl Rach

Since we began this family health challenge nearly six weeks ago, I have been truly converted to WINCO to purchase all the foods necessary for this diet. It was my first time shopping there when I went to prepare for week 1. Now it is my grocery of choice, and the only place I'll go! Here are the benefits of Winco, and why I am a Winco Gal:

1) The bins in the back. Pastas, beans, flax seeds, nuts, dried fruits, cereals, oats, you name it. It's all back there and besides it being kinda fun to pick out your own natural foods, it is significantly cheaper to buy from the bins.

2) Fresh ground almond butter and peanut butter. You push the little button that grinds the nuts before your very eyes. Jon and I are obsessed with almond butter now. SO GOOD. And again, way less expensive than buying pre-canned almond butter!

3) Produce. They have great prices in this section, and that makes such a difference when you have to buy green lettuce, fruit, tomatoes, broccoli, etc. every week!

4) Overall pricing of items in general. I have been comparing with Costco and Smiths. Winco is winning!

5) It is such a clean and professional environment. It feels cleaner to me than any other grocery store, which really does make a difference for me.

6) It is never as crowded as Walmart, Smith's Costco, or Macey's. You can actually park close to the front doors!

7) It's almost like a really great secret of Provo/Orem. And one of the best kept ones at that. Therefore, I will only reveal to you, you awesome Dittos!! Just cuz I love ya. Seriously though, I am converted and I think it's been THE place to shop for this health challenge. (And THE place to shop for the rest of my life!)

And that's the end. Who knew I would become so opinionated about a grocery store. Really. I guess that's how great Winco is!

Chicken Linguine

Sometimes Jon and I have pleasant experiences with the food that is allowed on this diet. Here is another satisfying meal that passes through the strict boundaries!

Chicken - Throw some in the crockpot with a can of chicken broth, garlic, italian seasoning, black pepper, garlic salt, and a pinch of paprika if you likey.

Whole wheat spaghetti (I only buy from the bins at Winco...you'll save more that way)

After noodles and chicken are cooked, toss with olive oil and sprinkle some parsley on top. If you haven't used your 100 extra calories, adding a little parmesan will make all the difference. Fat-free feta is almost as tasty.

This meal is great with steamed broccoli.

Take the Edge off the Sweet Tooth!

I have a sweet tooth. I am certain of it. This snack seemed to satisfy my momentary need for somethin sweet.

Toasted pita half
Almond butter
Honey

Try it. May it be a piece of heaven for you as it was for me today. That's all.

Chili Pita

If you need a meal that has a little more substance to it, try this.

Warm up some CHILI on the stove (very little out of the can will equal a proper portion size so take it easy)
FAT-FREE SOUR CREAM on the inside of a PITA POCKET(Sour Cream uses up some of your 100 cal)
OLIVE OIL
LEAFY GREEN LETTUCE
GREEN PEPPER (Important ingredient! This adds to the flavor)
FAT-FREE CHEESE (Depending on how much chili you use)
BLACK PEPPER

Success! It was perfect for my after-temple meal because I have to wait longer to eat as you all know. Hope you like it too. :-)

Sweet Potatuh!

Keep it real by switchin up what you eat. Today I had two slices of a sweet potato as a carbohydrate for my meal. Did you know you can just bake it and eat it? Sure, it might taste better with butter. But seriously my friends, I ate it on the go so I didn't even have salt and pepper. My critique? Delish. I baked it for about 45 minutes on 350. It probably would have cooked faster with aluminum foil but hey, it works! I love sweet potatoes! Maybe I'll find a low-cal butter for next time...

And yet, I will dream of these for my next day off:

Sweet Potato Waffles anyone? I'd certainly try them.