Another Goal Met, Another Year OVER

 December was a hard month for me.  I won't rehash the details.  Suffice it to say that I am welcoming in a new year.  Hope springs eternal.

I did meet my weight loss goal of being down by 15 lbs by December 31st.  I am down by 16 so I'm going to have some FRIED food tonight.  I got rid of a few large bags of clothes and will soon be able to retire another size.  I am losing weight at a very slow pace and this feels right.  I don't have any fear that it will jump back on me like it has in the past.

Part of the reason for my confidence is that the changes I have made in my diet are permanent.  Like double fiber bread by Nature's Pride, non-fat powdered milk, Ocean Spray Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice.  Not letting my tongue rule my body.  Bonding with reason, divorcing passion.  But because this fitness journey is so difficult, I am developing a respect for myself.

I will share (paraphrasing) a New Year's thought with you that I heard from Dr. Wayne Dwyer on a PBS show.  If you tell yourself something is going to be too difficult to accomplish, you will not attempt it.  So even though it may seem to be a lie, you should tell yourself that you can do it and it is not only possible, but might also be easy for you.  I guess the bottom line is this.  Tell yourself whatever the hell it takes to get the job done.  Or in the immortal words of Larry the Cable Guy - Get 'er Done!

So.... whatever your goals for 2010, dear friends and fellow travelers on this journey to self-improvement - GET 'ER DONE! and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Tandoori Chicken and Brown Rice

Tonight I made Tandoori Chicken of a sorts.  Sorry, no photo.  But since it did turn out good, I'm committing it to post.  What's in Tandoori powder? 

Ingredients
Cayenne Pepper, Ginger, Granulated Garlic, Coriander, Salt, Paprika, Other Spices.

Now who knows what the other spices are, but I bought this Sun Brand and it's really good.  If you are not familiar with this spice blend, experiment with the level of intensity since it can be quite hot.  I've found that eating less fat and less sugar almost demands more flavor and tandoori certain provides flavor!

2 Chicken Breast Halves
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 tsp Powdered Chicken Boullion
Dusing of Tandoori Powder

Saute Chicken Breasts in Olive Oil just enough to sear all around
Remove and Cut each breast crossgrain into 5 medallions (10 total)
Meanwhile, add the following to the skillet

Sauce
2 Tbsp Asian Chili Sauce
1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
1 Cup Orange Juice
1/2 tsp Orange Zest
1 tsp Adobe All Purpose Seasoning (the kind without the cumin)
1 tsp+ Tandoori Powder (taste test and add more if desired)
1 Spring Onion (Scallion)

Add:
1 Tbsp Flour whisked into
1/2 Cup Coconut Milk

Add:
2 Cups Frozen Asian Vegetable Mix

Return Chicken to the mix, cover and simmer 10 to 15 minutes

Serve 2 medallions with vegatables and sauce over Brown Rice
Makes 5 Servings

I make the brown rice in the rice cooker.  This made enough for five small meals, so 4 went into the freezer.