I found a new way (new for me anyway) to cook green beans doesn’t require me to use bacon for seasoning. This is a challenge because I really like bacon.

But I have found that the Smart Balance buttery spread is a good, and somewhat healthier choice for butter, and it is wonderful to cook green beans in.

So this is what I have done the last couple of nights.

I put two liberal tablespoons of Smart balance in the pan and turn the heat on low.

I chop up some green onions (between two and four onions)and garlic (about two cloves) and put the in the butter spread. I turn the heat up to get them cooking.

Then I throw in a couple handfuls of green beans that have been cleaned and the ends snapped. I let them cook for 10 minutes or so — I like them to still be crisp and I like how bright they turn.

It is very good…I always regret that I didn’t make enough for everyone to have seconds.

OK, so you know how exercise has been a weak point for me…you know Ginger wants to walk and exercise but she isn’t doing it.

Well, I may have finally found the time and place. Since we have moved, Mr. X and I have taken several walks. And since I’m not close enough to go home for lunch I have recruited Amanda from work to take walks with me (we go two or three times a week). I’m thinking about seeing if anyone else from the office wants to particpate in a weekly walk because sitting in an office is no fun — well it has it moments

That sums up today, so far.

I got a chance to get off work early and took the opportunity to do some school work (it was an effort to get a little ahead).

But I was tired and couldn’t really stay focused. This happens to me from time to time — fatigue always dampens the best intentions. Usually, I try to counter the fatigue with something — food or drink — to give me a burst of energy. I know this isn’t the best of habits.

Since starting my little adventure, I’ve been pretty good about not just grabbing the easiest thing. Today, was not one of those days. I grabbed some cheese (OK not bad) then I got a slice of bread (OK, this is not the best snack option). What is really sad, neither helped. I’m still dragging myself along

So I went to the fair. I was in search of healthy choices. And I found some… however, I didn’t eat the things that were good for me. 

For the sake of research, I wanted to see what I could buy for $20, or close to $20.

It meant fried and sweat foods. The ice cream was great. Oh so good. But the fried stuff, well, it kind of made me go ick . It didn’t even really taste that great for me. I think my taste is changing a bit.

I guess time will tell if it is for the better! LOL

Name That Fruit

I know, another goal. But as I try to shed pounds and eat better, I need to make sure that I am hitting all of the food groups and eating at least one piece of fruit a day. 

Now I know I don’t want to eat the biggest piece of fruit I can get my hands on…they need to be about fist size. And they probably need to be easy to eat at my desk….

OK, now where to go get the fruit from?

Are killing me.

First, they wanted to bring in donuts at least once a week — just often enough for Brain and Willpower to have major bouts.

They have stopped that, at least for now.

Now, they are telling me to search the AP for certain words that bring up photos…you know photos of donuts or better yet, the new red velvet cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory. Yeah, cheesecake that looks so, well, I can’t put into words how good it looks.

They are just mean. Spiteful.

Boy, I sure am thankful there isn’t a Cheesecake Factory in Coos Bay!