CRISPY POLENTA SQUARES

Thursday Evening


I didn't want to spend too much time in the gym tonight because it is sooo lovely outside! So I got in and did a quick 20 minutes on the arc trainer for 295 calories burned before carrying my workout outdoors. I came home and walked around my neighborhood for 40 minutes. Got to talk to Kori (my far-away friend in Georgia) on the phone for part of it and read the during the rest! Yes, I can read and walk at the same time and NOT fall over. One of my many few talents.

Weight: 115.4 I am over the moon with excitement!! The last time I weighed 115 was EXACTLY TWO YEARS AGO at 115.8! (I have food journals for the past couple years, this is how I know that) It has seemed like a barrier for the longest time to get so close to 115 and not make it and I have now lost over 7 lbs. since starting this blog. I feel so humbled and grateful and excited for what is yet to come!

On to dinner :)
I was excited and a little bit wary of trying tonight's recipe:

Crispy Polenta Squares! This recipe came from a Taste of Home healthy living magazine and I was eager to try it because a) I really like polenta and b) they were really healthy!

1) boiled the water, sun-dried tomatoes, salt, onion and garlic

2) whisked in cornmeal and then cooked until it was thickened and pulled away from the pan

3) added the parmesan cheese and the oregano and poured it all into a square baking pan and let cool
4) whisked egg and unsweetened almond milk in one bowl; mixed bread crumbs and cilantro in another
5) cut up the polenta into squares and dipped them first in the milk mixture, then in the crumb mixture

6) cooked just lightly on the stove-top until browned and served with a bit of FAGE


For accompaniment I made asparagus (just the way Zach likes it ;) )

and cumin and lime black beans from  the cookbook I Can't Believe It's Not Fattening. This was really simple!
Just heated the black beans on the stove and then added onion, lime juice, cilantro, cumin, sea salt and pepper.

The polenta squares were a thing of beauty!

 And Zach positively raved about the beans (proceeding to eat over half the entire amount I fixed...) Mind you, it's a big deal that I served beans as a side. During my transition from liking most foods to liking all foods, beans were the last battleground. For a long time I would eat anything but beans but I have finally accepted their nutritional value and their ability to taste good :) Now the only thing I avoid are refried beans (and those aren't a health food anyway!)

I could have eaten a whole 'nother polenta square, but I stuck with one! I want to get some fro yo later instead :)

I deem this meal a success! Now off to visit my mom and dad since they are leaving for Hawaii tomorrow!!!!

A little later...
Ended up vetoing the snack for tonight- just too full! I blame the fiber-packed beans :) Said good-bye to Mom and Dad for the next week and half. Praying for safe travels for them! Zach's at a friends watching an NBA game so I am settling in for the remainder of my evening with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two! Getting sleepy...