Soooo...summer is approaching, and although cold weather is still lingering in the North, the sun shines regularly and its beginning to look like spring. I LOVE IT! I am such a fan of warm weather and beautiful sunlight (w/healthy doses of sunscreen, of course). This comes as no big surprise as sun has already been proven to improve one's mood. However, I think that I am even more of a sun child than the average person. Even when I'm sitting in over an hour of traffic at 7 pm, I just want to roll the window down, crank the music up, and rock out in the vehicle.

This year, I think that I am going to do more to get out and enjoy the weather. Throughout the winter I have been increasingly more of a homebody. An ideal weekend has consisted of running errands in the morning...home and on the couch by noon (sometimes 10 am, if I want to catch the FoodNetwork morning line up)...snoozing and watching tv for the remainder of the day. Its sad, but true (and honestly not that uncommon for many folks during the long winter months). However, this summer I think that I'm going to make a point to enjoy the beautiful weather...bike riding (yikes...if I can re-learn how), walking or just reading/relaxing along the lake, heading downtown for lunch or a movie. Of course, we don't want all of this to get too expensive. However I want to soak up the beautiful days ahead and really appreciate this beautiful city for what may be my last summer here.

Do you have any plans to enjoy the great weather ahead?

So I have been thinking lately (rare, I know)...Am I the best 'me' that I can be? Am I even the 'me' that I want to be? I don't know about you, but I have a pretty clear image of who I imagine myself to be in 5 - 10 yrs. However, that person just seems so different from the me of today. Not completely different, but different non-the-less.

I don't know if I am just emotional today or what, but as I headed off to work the following mantra was playing in my mind "You're a mess...an absolute disaster." Now this is definitely not the type of positive thinking that I encourage, and I had to pause, count my blessing, and pray that I keep those things at the forefront of my mind. However, I do still believe in honest reflection and self-improvement. Here are the things that had me down:

- My skin just WON'T stop breaking out no matter what I do.
- Sometimes I dress super fly and look great, but other times I feel as though I just look frumpy and far from high end.
- I am easily annoyed and often moody (though I'm getting better).
- My relationship w/family is not what I want it to be (partially due to their actions, but also partially due to the above bullet).
- I'm a huge procrastinator (w/things that are required like paying bills or tasks at work).
- My cat won't use the litter box.
- I'm not the house keeper nor the cook that I'd like to be.
- I know how to eat right, but I'm still compelled to pig out on non-sense if the right excuse presents itself.
- And others that I just don't feel inclined to put out on the net.


Overall, I see things that I can improve upon and others that are just normal human flaws. Sometimes I get depressed b/c I think on the things that I have been trying to change for years, but haven't been successful. I don't know if I'm just not trying hard enough, not trying the right things, or if they are just a part of my personality that I need to learn to accept.

Meh, I don't want to bring everyone down, but I just wanted to express that things aren't all sunshine and roses. Even on the heels of great success I still have doubts and worries. I am trying my best to focus on the here and now...being thankful for who and what I am today. However, a little part of me feels pulled to work towards being a better me tomorrow.

My name is ThummyB, and I'm a food addict.

No seriously...I am. If it's in the house then I MUST eat it. I cannot express how much food I have eaten over the last 2 weeks. It is really scary. Basically, I cannot have crap in the house, and if I'm going to be around crap, then I need back-up healthy food to eat instead. I snack ALL THE TIME, even when I'm not hungry.

I'll be on vacation next week, so that's pretty much a wrap. My plan is pretty much to clear out my kitchen and re-stock w/good stuff. I need good stuff to snack on at home as well as at work. I may not be able to stop the snacking, but I can at least make sure that it's the right stuff.

So...now that I'm done with all of this diet/weight loss stuff, I want to focus on living well. Certainly I want to be around and thriving for as long as possible, and I want the same for my friends and family. This is part of the reason why I have cut back on meat, dairy, pop, sugar substitutes, etc. I also try to make sure that I'm hitting up the doc regularly and doing the necessary maintenance in between visits. Here are some decent tips from Shape.com to consider for long term health. I can even take some of this advice for myself.

4 Health Decisions That Really Matter

By Rachel Grumman

You've probably already memorized the mantra for maintaining a fit and healthy body: Eat well-balanced meals and stick with a regular exercise regimen. But those aren't the only smart moves you can make to ensure a long, enjoyable life. To help guide you, we've focused on the four most important choices every woman needs to make wisely, plus four smaller decisions that also can have a big effect on your health.

Rest Here

3rd place!!!! Not the top spot, but I get my $100 back. Really it's like I got to lose over 20 lbs for the free :-D

My competitors were awesome coming is at 15% and 16% respectively. They were also larger men with starting weights of about 220lbs, so they had to lose a lot of weight to make those percentages. The top winner lost 37lbs. Oh snap! Our entire team lost 187lbs among the 11 of us. We rock!

Now I just need to maintain...I won't tell you how much food I've already eaten today. Let's just say, that I'm stuffed. Sooo...tomorrow its back on my grind.

I must tell you that I really really don't endorse 'diet' living. This was a hard 12 weeks, and if there wasn't money at stake, then I don't think that I could have done it. Truly a healthy diet w/limited splurges and a regular exercise schedule is absolutely the way to go.

153.6lbs!!!!!!! Damn, I'm good. Hungry, but good. I can't remember what my original weight was, but assuming that it was 178lbs, then that is a 14.8% loss. Whooo hoooo! We aren't releasing the final standings until everyone weighs in later today, so I'll let you know the placement then. However, everyone just take a moment and do a happy dance. Now I'm off to enjoy a delicious breakfast corissant :-D

Revisions! Revisions! Revisions!

Sooo...do to some useful and concerned feedback from my conscience, I have decided that the plan listed below may be a bit too extreme. Here are the problems:

1. 3 days is a long time to go w/o food esp. when you are planning to maintain the same level of physical activity.

2. Avoiding eating at work is going to be challenging.

3. A plan such as the one described below requires a slow re-introduction to food. Clearly I am not going to be reintroducing anything back into my system 'slowly'.

Here' is the new plan.

Friday:
- Eat normally while at work (I'll bring in yogurt and 100 cal packs just in case the breakfast and lunch offered are heavy. Usually there is salad or turkey sandwiches available for lunch).
- Prepare a dinner of steamed veggies.
- Special tea after dinner

Saturday:
- MC lemonade for breakfast and lunch
- Steamed veggie for dinner
- Special tea after breakfast & dinner
- Herbal tea (as needed)

Sunday:
- MC lemonade for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Special tea mid-day
- Herbal tea (as needed)

More reasonable, yes?

Ok, I've got it!!!! Friday - Sunday...we're Master Cleansing!

Here is the plan (taken from mastercleansesecrets.com)

The Master Cleanse Recipe

"The Master Cleanse works just how it sounds; you consume primarily lemonade for the entire time you're on the diet. So the recipes for the diet itself are fairly simple. You should drink a minimum of 60 oz of lemonade a day, but can drink more if you like. You can also drink as much water as you want. I suggest you consume your body weight in ounces of water.

Below are two different recipes. The first is for a single serving of the master cleanse lemonade. The second will make 6 servings

#1 (single serving):

• 2 Tablespoons of organic lemon Juice (about 1/2 a Lemon)
• 2 Tablespoons of Organic grade B maple syrup (not the commercial maple flavored syrup you use on pancakes)
• 1/10 Teaspoon Cayenne pepper powder
• Ten ounces of filtered water

#2 (60 oz. daily serving):

• 60 ounces of filtered water
• 12 Tablespoons of organic grade B maple syrup
• 12 Tablespoons of organic lemon juice
• 1/2 Teaspoon cayenne pepper powder

There are a couple important things to remember when preparing the lemonade.

For one, the lemon juice used must be fresh squeezed. This cannot be emphasized enough. It is necessary to use fresh produce. Canned juice won't work and will erase most of the benefits of using the master cleanser diet.

Also, the maple syrup must be grade B maple syrup, not the sugar filled syrup that is used at the breakfast table.

The cayenne pepper might seem unnecessary, but it is actually very important. Not only does it help to add a bit of a kick, but the pepper helps to break up mucus and increases healthy blood flow. It also is a good source of B and C vitamins, commonly referred to as Super Vitamins due to their many benefits for the body.

Mixing teas with the recipe is one way to help modify things, just make sure It's decaffeinated tea because caffeine can restrict blood vessels and we want to keep your body passages as open as possible.

Adding a Natural Laxative To Help Flush Out Your System

Taking a laxative will speed up the detoxing process, and help your body eliminate waste.

I prefer ingestible laxatives like, sea salts, and herbal tea. These are ideal methods for cleaning the colonic tract without the harmful effects of colonics and enemas.

Drinking 1 teaspoon of unrefined non-iodized sea salt mixed with 25-35 ounces of water will flush out your system.

It's best to use either of these laxatives (or both of them) 2 times a day. I've found it best to take them in the morning and before I go to bed.

Also, I advise you give yourself at least an hour and a half before you go out when you do this. These laxatives will work fast, and you will discover why you should probably be at home near a bathroom when you use them."

Here are my primary concerns...I have a group training on Friday, which will out my master plan to the other competitors. I mean its going to be pretty obvious that I am not eating. Maybe I can dip away during lunch time...stating that I am going to meet a friend. I can return after lunch and say that I've already eaten. Also, I have to pack a large jug of this stuff to take to work. Booo hiss to that. I am thinking of filling two large water bottles (1 for the morning and one for the afternoon) and discretely pulling them out when no one is looking. Maybe that will work. I'll take some herbal (not laxative...I think we can save that for the weekend) tea bags to have some variety throughout the day.

Most importantly...ya'll pray for me :-( This is going to be the toughest challenge ever as I have NEVER (and probably never will again) gone w/o food for three days. Pure madness, I tell ya! I have a great book that I want to finish on Saturday, and Sunday I believe that I will clean my house...got to stay busy you know!

Last seven days! Whoooo Hooooo!

Lets see. I did a pretty decent job of working out last week. I got in 6 out of 7 workouts. Friday got dropped b/c I simply couldn't force myself to wake at 5:30 am for a 3rd day in a row, and I had after work plans. My evening exercise (a walk) was foiled by several inches of snow. However, I ate well and was really pleased with the week. I was somewhat at a plateau for most of last week...rounding out the week at 159.8lbs. However, yesterday morning I weighed in at 157.8lbs, which was nice to see. There is hope for 155lbs by Monday.

Here is the plan for this week.

Sunday - 1 hr swim
Monday - 1 hr yoga
Tuesday - 1 hr swim
Wednesday - 1 hr swim
Thursday - 1 hr yoga
Friday - 1 hr swim
Saturday - 1 hr swim & sauna
Sunday - 5K walk
Monday - 1 hr swim & sauna

I'm also going to try some sort of last minute fruit/liquid diet on Saturday and Sunday, but I haven't yet figured out what exactly to do. I am looking into this today.

Wish me luck!

To honor my peeps...

I'll keep the chain going w/this deal here:

1. I can’t believe I’ve never…...

gone away for spring break

2. Every time I think about … I still cringe

twisting my knee

3. I wish I’d …when I had the chance....

studied abroad

4. I’ve never felt so out of place as when I…...

tried to hang out w/the 'cool' girls in elementary and high school

5. … is/are my guiltiest pleasure.

Candy!!!!

6. I hope … knows how grateful I am for …...

mom...all of her love and support

7. In my darkest hours, I secretly blame … for my dysfunction.

myself and my up-bringing

8. … changed my life forever.

Meeting Mr. Right

Not diet related, but lifestyle related...and that's also what this blog is about.

So I weighed in this morning at 160.3 lbs. No lbs lost...well that isn't completely true. I weighed in last Friday at 162 lbs. However, since I was about 160 lbs two weeks ago, then there is no major change there. My goals are still the same as they were in the last post. If I can get down 5 more lbs in the next two weeks (tough, but do-able based on my earlier success), then I'll feel good no matter what the competition outcome is.

This is also my last day of exercise freedom. Beginning tomorrow, I will be exercising everyday until the end of the competition. Its only two weeks, which is why I feel like I'll be able to make it through...but with out a doubt it will be tiring. I'll be getting up early to hit the pool about 3 days out of the work week, which makes for wonderfully free nights, but somewhat sleepy afternoons.

The snacking hasn't really turned around yet, and I haven't disciplined myself to get back onto my food diary. Basically I've been dining out (or snacking) more, which are calories that are hard to count. Since those episodes throw off my daily totals, then I have sort of abandoned them all together. However, there is no time like the present to get back into it. I will be away from the goodies that exist at my client today, tomorrow, and Sunday, so that will give me three days to get back into the habit before I get back to work on Monday.

Let's see...what else can I tell you. I think that's all for now, but I will try to find some fun dieting/workout tips to post later on. I know that you're tired of hearing me whine ;-)

I have NOT BEEN GOOD. I haven't been tracking my food/calories, and I have been snacking at work. Honestly, I am just tired, and my resolve has slipped some. I'm struggling to get back on track and get my iron-clad will back into place. I am still working out 5 times a week, and I am pumped for my last two weeks of non-stop exercising. However, I really just want this competition to be OVER. I don't even know why I want it to be over. I mean I don't really want to fall right back into my same old snacking habits, for which I am really at risk. However I do want to be able to stop feeling guilty about eating like a normal person. For instance, we went out for a team lunch yesterday, and I had curry vegetables with brown rice. It was delicious! However, I was feeling guilty about not choosing a salad. That's the type of thing of which I am ready to be rid. Here's my final 2.5 week goal. I'd like to get to 155lbs. That's 5 lbs in 2.5 weeks. Do-able, but it will take some effort. That would be a total of 24lbs and 14.5% of my body weight lost in 12 weeks. Now if I can't win with that, then screw it! I would have given it my best shot, and feel very pleased with myself. I'm going to get focused on skipping the snacks, cutting down on water intake (for the last weekend of the competition), sticking to my workouts, and even hit the steam room (last weekend of the competition). That's all that I can give it...beyond that I'm DONE!

I hit up the gym for an early morning swim today, and it was actually quite enjoyable and relaxing. The water was warm, and the pool was quiet and un-crowded. I also made an interesting discovery. The gym is full of black women first thing in the morning. I normally only see a handful of other African Americans at any given time. The demographic is typically majority white and Asian. However, I've noticed that the early morning crowd is about 80% black (well, at least in the women's locker room). I don't know what to attribute the difference to, but its actually pretty nice. These ladies are far more personable, and have sort of a community feeling about themselves. There is gentle chatting while folks are getting ready for work and a chorus of "Have a good day" when you head out. Me likey!

162.2lbs...so says the work scale. I am really pleased with this number. This is a 4 lb loss since my last official weigh in as well as since my return from vacation. It accounts to a loss of 9.1% of my body fat. This is still not quite enough to win the competition. I am behind two co-workers who are coming in a 10.3% and 9.5%.

However, I am not really concerned. I am going to stick with my routine (3 - 1 hr swims and 2 - 50 min yoga sessions per week) for the next 2 weeks. Then I think that I am going to step my game up for the last two weeks of the competition. My plan is to increase my swim schedule to 5 - 1 hr sessions/week. Basically I will swim Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, and Sun mornings w/my yoga practice on Tues and Thurs. This will be the MOST exercise that I will have ever done in my entire life...however, I only have to last for 2 weeks, which I believe that I can do.

I plan to keep my diet consistent b/c I really think that I will need the energy to keep up my exercise pace. I may switch up my water intake, but I am not sure how. I kinda want to drop some of my water weight for the final weigh in. It might give me the extra edge that I need. I'm not sure if this means decreasing my salt intake so that I do not retain as much water or simply decreasing my water intake. I don't know. I wonder what the folks on the real Biggest Loser show...I heard that's how they get down so low for their final weigh ins.

Anyway, I did another early morning swim today, so I am soooo looking forward to being able to come home and chill tonight. I'm honestly pretty undaunted by all of the morning swims ahead of my simply b/c I'll have my entire evening to myself when I get home. I love it! I'm also going grocery shopping again this weekend. I've missed my fresh fruit and salad, so I can't wait to be able to bring fresh (not pre-packaged goods) to work with me again. Even though I tend to loathe the act of grocery shopping, I sure love the end results!!!

So, as we enter the last month of the competition (this weekend will mark our last 4 weeks), I am beginning to think about a maintenance routine. I want to be able to hold my weight steady w/o killing myself. I have found that I actually enjoy my 5 workout/week. Its not a grueling as one would think, and I can see real improvements in my yoga practice.

I think that I am going to keep swimming on Saturday and Sunday for 1 hr at a time. I enjoy the cardio, and I can do it w/o feeling completely winded and ready to stop the madness. Then I'll swap out my 3rd swim for an add'l yoga session...bringing my yoga practice to 3/week. I'm not sure what days I'll do these on (prob Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, so that I can watch Top Model on Wednesday), but also long as I plan for and commit to getting the 3/week, then I should be all good.

Anyway, I'm really very excited right now. I love the way that my body looks. I feel, tall, lean and strong. Last night when I was practicing my yoga, I felt more flexible and light (on my hands and feet) than ever before. This morning I hopped on the scale pre-maturely and it said 160.3 lbs! That's probably about 162 lbs on the work scale, so I am really pleased with that number. We have our next official weigh in tomorrow, so I'll report back on what the rankings are at that time. I am still banking on winning and collecting MY $750. However, no matter what happens I feel on top of the world right now. I look and feel the best that I have in my entire life. It's like I am transitioning into a whole new phase, and I am feeling so eager and optimistic about what the future holds. YAY me!!!!!!!!

Pics...you would think that I would have made a point to get a bikini pic of myself...but I forgot. So here's a cropped pic of me sitting, enjoying a beer. I think that you can sort of see the weight loss. Next is a similar pic from last year for comparison.

Brief update. I'm kinda bummed today. I went to Jamaica last weekend and had myself a good time. My eating could have been worse, but it wasn't good. When I left I was around 162.5 lbs, and when I came back I was 164.8 lbs :-( I've been back on the grind this week...even getting in a early morning swim b4 work. However, at the end of the week I weighed in at an even 164lbs. On the one hand I'm really proud of my discipline b/c I haven't missed one workout even w/my scheduling changes these past few weeks. However, I hate that I slipped on my game and lost ground. I'm not longer in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place in the competition. Everyone else had surges over the last 2 weeks (losing 2-6 lbs), so I was overtaken. *sigh* I know that there are still 6 more weeks to go, and I have proven myself to have the long term consistency to make it to the end. I'm going to stay focused and end this competition on a high note. I'm just temporarily mad at myself and actually surprised at how quickly I put the weight back on. I believed that I would have an easier time maintaining my weight b/c I'm losing it 'safely/healthily'. I guess not.

**sidenote** I'm not that disappointed. I had some jerk chicken, fried fish/lobster, banana bread an porridge, and something called festival that was AWESOME! No regrets on that...just prob coulda did w/o the cappuccino cake, steak, or many cocktails, which were only average.

Ok - this morning I weighed in at 162.8. That's really no change from last week, so I'm not super pleased about that. All in all, I'm still really happy with where I'm at, but I wanted to be down a pound rolling into this travel weekend. I'm swimming tonight, so all that I can really do is be reasonable about what I eat this weekend, and then get back on it next week.

Sooo, I did not swim yesterday (as planned). My evening ran long, and I would not have gotten home to shower and eat dinner before 9:30 pm, if I had headed straight to the gym. Instead I came straight home and did my Shape 30 min workout video. The calories burned were about 200 less than normal. However, I also ended up eating about 200 calories less than normal, so it all balanced out. Surprisingly the workout was pretty exhausting. I thought that I would have been able to handle a quick 30 mins w/no trouble...esp. since I can see clear muscle definition in my arms and legs. However, those weights were no joke. I was so happy when I finished the workout. I'm not sore today, though, which is awesome. Maybe I am more fit after all. Tonight I have yoga scheduled, and tomorrow I'm going to get in a quick swim. That should put me in a good place going into the weekend. Also, I'll post my weight tomorrow as an FYI.

Let's talk about food.

We'll I guess that we always talk about food, but this time we're talking about cooking. I've realized that it is NOT my fault that I cannot cook. I simply don't have the proper tools to cook. As I watch my normal Saturday morning Food Network line up, I see a bunch of essential tools that I don't have. Mixer, Food Processor, Sifter, Baking Pans, Measuring Cups, Pairing Knife, Grater, Wooden Stirring Tool Thingys, Etc. You see, I am far far from the chef that I should be b/c I simply cannot reproduce the masterpieces that I see on tv or read about online. *thinking to myself* "Yeah...that's it...I just don't have the right tools." Anyway, I haven't ever taken the time to invest in these things b/c they seem like the kind of items that you get when you get married. Total registry fillers. But...er...umm...yeah, I don't have any yet. However, inspite of my handicap, I managed to whip up an awesome breakfast today.

Can you say egg white omelet w/spinach, turkey and veggies? I sauteed diced onions, green peppers, and turkey in a skillet while I cooked frozn spinach in a pot. Once the veggies were cooked, then I separated out my egg whites and poured them into the skillet. I let them solidify a bit before adding most of my ingredients...the veggie/turkey mix, spinach, and low-fat shredded cheese. I finished cooking the egg, and actually managed to slide the omelet onto my plate and fold it over. (ok, it did burst open a little, but not too bad) Then I topped the omelet w/the remainder of my veggie/turkey mix and more cheese. It was delicious, and I calculated it out at about 350 calories & 2 grams of fat. YAY!

Ok, so I'm a total Food Netowrk junkie. I love their cake/baking challenges, Ace of Cakes, Good Eats...and then there is my dream team. Let me introduce you to my Food Network Favorites.

We'll start it off healthy with Ellie Krieger.

Ellie totally kicks butt w/awesomely tasty yet healthy meals. Here's an example of what she can do.

Chocolate and Strawberry Stuffed French Toast (From FoodNetwork.com)

3 eggs 1 1/4 cups nonfat milk 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese 8 slices of whole-wheat sandwich bread, crusts removed 1 (8-ounce) container strawberries, hulled and sliced 4 teaspoons bittersweet chocolate chips Cooking spray 2 teaspoons confectioners' sugar

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk and vanilla. Set aside.
Place 1 tablespoon of ricotta in the center of 4 of the pieces of bread and spread around slightly. Top with about 6 slices of strawberries and a teaspoon of chocolate chips. Cover each with another piece of bread to make a "sandwich".

Spray a large nonstick skillet or griddle with cooking spray and preheat. Carefully dip each of the "sandwiches" into the egg mixture until completely moistened. Then place on the skillet and cook over a medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until the outside is golden brown and the center is warm and chocolate is melted.

Transfer to serving places. Top with remaining strawberries and sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.

Per Serving:
Calories 270; Total Fat 8 g; (Sat Fat 3 g, Mono Fat 2 g, Poly Fat 0 g) ; Protein 15 g; Carb 38 g; Fiber 5 g; Cholesterol 170 mg; Sodium 390 mg

Ok, next we've got a bit of international flare w/Giada De Laurentiss

Giada specializes in bringing traditional Italian cooking to the US w/a bit of a twist. See below.

Whole Wheat Spaghetti w/Swiss Chard and Pecorino Cheese (From FoodNetwork.com)

1 tablespoon olive oil 2 onions, thinly sliced 2 bunches Swiss chard, trimmed and chopped (about 14 cups) 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices 1/4 cup dry white wine 1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper flakes Salt and pepper 8 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti 1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives, coarsely chopped 2 tablespoons freshly grated Pecorino cheese 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts

Heat the oil in a heavy large frying pan over medium heat. Add the onions and saute until tender, about 8 minutes. Add the chard and saute until it wilts, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the tomatoes with their juices, wine, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer. Cover and simmer until the tomatoes begin to break down and the chard is very tender, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Season the chard mixture, to taste, with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring frequently, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the spaghetti. Add the spaghetti to the chard mixture and toss to combine.

Transfer the pasta to serving bowls. Sprinkle the olives, cheese, and pine nuts and serve.

Ok, on a sometimes healthy, sometimes not kick we've got Ina Garten.

She's got an awesome, laidback personality. Her food seems pretty easy to duplicate, and it always looks delicious. Check her out.

Roasted Shrimp and Orozo (From FoodNetwork.com)

Kosher salt Good olive oil 3/4 pound orzo pasta (rice-shaped pasta) 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (3 lemons) Freshly ground black pepper 2 pounds (16 to 18 count) shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 cup minced scallions, white and green parts 1 cup chopped fresh dill 1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 1 hothouse cucumber, unpeeled, seeded, and medium-diced 1/2 cup small-diced red onion 3/4 pound good feta cheese, large diced

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Fill a large pot with water, add 1 tablespoon of salt and a splash of oil, and bring the water to a boil. Add the orzo and simmer for 9 to 11 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's cooked al dente. Drain and pour into a large bowl. Whisk together the lemon juice, 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Pour over the hot pasta and stir well.
Meanwhile, place the shrimp on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to combine and spread out in a single layer. Roast for 5 to 6 minutes, until the shrimp are cooked through. Don't overcook!

Add the shrimp to the orzo and then add the scallions, dill, parsley, cucumber, onion, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Toss well. Add the feta and stir carefully. Set aside at room temperature for 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend, or refrigerate overnight. If refrigerated, taste again for seasonings and bring back to room temperature before serving.

Lastly the Food Network has finally added a bit of color to their lineup w/the Neely's.

This is a super awesome couple that make all of your Southern Favorites. Not really healthy, but sometimes you've just GOT to indulge.

Broccoli Cheddar Cornbread (From FoodNetwork.com)

2 (8.5-ounce) boxes corn muffin mix 1/2 cup whole milk 2 cloves minced garlic 1 (8-ounce) container cottage cheese 4 large eggs 1 tablespoon salt 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons grated Cheddar
1 stick unsalted butter or margarine 1 medium onion, chopped 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli, thawed but not drained

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Mix together all ingredients except 2 tablespoons Cheddar to create a batter in a bowl.
In a cast iron skillet melt butter. Saute onions and broccoli until soft. Pour batter over the vegetable mixture and sprinkle top evenly with remaining cheese.

Bake in oven until golden, 30 minutes.

If you're looking for some awesome recepies to try on your own, then check out my dream team either on FoodNetwork.com, or on Saturdays from 10-12:30 (CST).

Bon Appetit!