Breakfast Burritos only 3 Weight Watchers Points

I have been really trying to not only eat better but to stay within budget! These last 6 months have been really hard emotionally on so many people. I know we haven't been eating the best and we have depending on way too many "comfort foods". I am not sure why no matter how great my eating habits are when my emotions take over, they take over not only my health but my choice of foods. 

I know that the grocery store prices have been rising in the last few months. Maybe it is because of the shipments, demand or new mandate limits for employees to be 6 feet away from everyone. Whatever the reasons, you have probably noticed the increase of your grocery bill as well. 

Here is a little something I have been making that doesn't take up too much time, it's only $0.80 ea and doesn't take up too much space in the freezer. The best part is it is only 3 Blue Smart Points. 

Looking to join Weight Watchers be sure to use this link to score a month for free! Talk about a win/win. 

You could totally add any veggies that you want and really make these to your liking. This is "that" kind of recipe. Add what you want and what your family will eat. 

I can make about 10 burritos in about 30 minutes. That is to cook, assemble and package. 

Ingredients I used and the prices broken down. I do most of my shopping at Samsclub.

 

16oz Sliced Mushrooms          $2.88                                   

10 Eggs                                $1.10                              

10 Ole Tortillas                      $2.49                            

10 TBS Shredded cheese       $0.37                             

10 pieces of Turkey Bacon       $1.13                            

Grand total                          $7.97
This made 10 burritos at $0.80 each!

 

• Take the mushrooms and cook them down in a pan sprayed with Pam. About 5 min
• Cook the Turkey Bacon to your liking
• Then whisk together 10 eggs 
• When the mushrooms are done, remove them from the pan and apply more Pam in the pan.
• Start cooking the eggs and add the mushrooms back in. Cook until eggs are done. 
• In a griddle, cook the tortillas. (I have made some without doing this step and the tortilla falls apart)
• Put tortilla on the griddle until it starts forming bubbles, then flip. You are just "toasting" the tortilla.
• Take the tortilla with a couple of spoonfuls of egg mixture
• Add a TBS of shredded cheese
• Add 1 Turkey Bacon slice, crumbled
• Roll the tortilla like a burrito (or a Subway employee)
• Wrap with aluminum foil and then place them in a freezer storage bag. 

 

Be sure to check out my free guide 5 Intentional ways to lose weight on how I was able to lose 40lbs. 

Life wasn't always like this...

My entire life, I felt helpless inside of my own body.

 

I have tried every single diet and meal plan out there. I would give them a try and see a little movement on the scale but then the roller-coaster of life would happen. I was still not seeing enough of a result and therefore falling right back into the same patterns as before!

It was humiliating. Everyone was going to know that I tried something else and failed, again! I can't hide my issues, they are everywhere in plain site. On my thighs, stomach, double chin, booty, EVERYWHERE.

One day, I was introduced to a product that a lot of people are talking about lately. 

To be honest, I thought about it before, but I am a very skeptical person. It takes a lot of proof to give it a try.  

This time, I did know the company who made it and trusted the source—so I tried it, what did I have to lose at this point.

Now, my life is dramatically different. I used to have to put on a fake face and pretend that I didn’t feel like I was dying inside. 

Now, I’m finding...ME! And I’m on a mission to help a whole lot of people break free from the static or "normal" life and empower themselves with the knowledge and resources I’ve worked so hard to get myself.

 

Be sure to grab my guide "5 intentional ways to Lose Weight". We even have an incredible group of fearless women, learning how you can find FREEDOM with the knowledge and information we share in our exclusive community. 

Lime Shrimp Tacos only 3 WW Smart Points

Today is not only Cinco de Mayo but it is also Taco Tuesday!  So that means it's time for TACOS!!!

I am so in love with Lime Shrimp Tacos, it would be a crime not to share. 😃

If you are following the Weight Watchers Freestyle Points system, these bad boys are only 3-4sp each depending on which plan you are on. That's amazing for this power packed delicious meal. 

Lime Shrimp Tacos Makes 6 (3 sp Blue & Purple, 4sp Green each)

1 pound Shrimp Raw 

1 Cilantro bunch chopped 

2 Tbs Mayo 

5 TBS Greek Yogurt 

14oz bag of Shredded cabbage 

3 Tbs Garlic minced  

5-20 drops Young Living Lime Vitality or 1 Lime

1 Tbs Butter   

6 Ole Xtreme Wellness Low carb Tortilla 

Sauce

Mix the Sour Cream, Mayo, 1T Garlic and 1/4 of the bunch of Cilantro together.

Add 8 Drops of Lime Vitality or the juice of 1/2 Lime

Mix and put in a glass container and set aside.

Shrimp

In a large pan, melt remaining butter and saute garlic together

Add the shrimp

As the shrimp turns pink, flip them over.

Add the juice of half of a lime or 10-12 drops of Young Living Lime Vitality (to taste, we like it with lots of lime).

Add cilantro to taste and then place in a glass or stainless steel container to serve. (Don't forget that when you are working with citrus oils, you need to have them in glass or stainless steel container)

Assembling: 

Warm up tortilla

Add cabbage

Add Shrimp mixture

Add 1 Tbs of sauce on top.

Sprinkle with remaining cilantro
and enjoy

Remember, it's important to know that not all essential oils are created equal. You can't just go out to a retailer & trust that you're getting the good stuff. Lucky for you, I've got a source I trust.

What a week!

Things have been very crazy lately. Since when do we ask our friend, "On a scale of 1-5 how quarantined are you?" 

Not sure about your life but I was on a roll, finally getting a routine and then BAM! Now, I'm a bit frazzled. My routine is totally rocked, the kids are home and trying to figure out their new life on Google Classroom for 5+ teachers each. 😲 I am trying to juggle helping them with what time this zoom is and what time that assignment is due. All that while trying to figure out how to get more supplies, when the grocery stores shelves are close to empty. 

This mom thing is no joke, I just wish I got the memo to pick up toilet paper. Who knew! 😁

I see all the awesome mom's with their daily schedule, down to what time the kids have lunch, electronic time, math and you get the jist. I love that they are so organized and are great at this. I, on the other hand, am lucky if I get dressed for the day. (Don't judge, I am sitting here right now in jammies debating if I should bother getting dressed). 

I am working on setting 3 daily goals this week that will help me feel accomplished and working toward a better time being in this quarantined home. 

Apparently, getting up and dressed in the morning should be my first goal. Ha!

Drink lots of water- I know that sounds crazy when we are all short on toilet paper but that will help you not only stay away from the refrigerator, but it helps with your attitude, and all the reports I have read said to drink plenty of liquids. Preferably not iced drinks but room temperate or warm. I love adding lemon or lime in mine. If you are not able to find those you can always add a drop or 2 of Lemon or Lime essential oil to your water. It not only taste great but it will help your digestive system and helps uplift your emotions. I know I need that especially right now. 

Working out- Gyms here are closed and I am assuming they are closed in your areas as well. We have lots of options to workout. We can leave the house and go for a walk, ride bikes, go for a hike, just as long as you are 6 feet away from others. We also have options to workout from home! Thank goodness for technology! Right now you can head over to the YMCA Facebook page to gain access to workout classes that you can do at home. How amazing is that! Don't forget to comment here to score a 30 day family pass when everything opens back up.  

Declutter- Being home has made me realize how small this house is getting. Maybe it is all the "stuff" that we have. This is a great time to tackle an area of this house and start decluttering.
This is not my love language but I will tell you that having less, or at least knowing where everything is, can be such a blessing and reduce some of the stress and anxiety people are feeling. I could use all the help I can get. If you would like to work on your house as well. We are creating an accountability group for conversation, support and tips that I would love for you to join. Comment below for more information.

Don't forget that when we reduce the stress and anxiety levels we are also helping our immune systems. If we are trying to fight whatever is going around, we need to have strong immune systems.

What are you working on each day to get you through this time? 

Is Aquafit for You? Check it out in Person for FREE!

Look at that refreshing water. It is so inviting, isn't it?!? I love swimming, it is my favorite sport. I actually lettered in Swim Team 3 years in high school. 

Anyway, we are not here for all my high school memories. We are here to chat about the YMCA pool and the Aquafit class. 

Last month, I didn't attend any classes. I just went to the gym, the outdoor pool and that was it. The classes can be very intimidating especially if you are going alone. So this month was about me just picking a class I wanted to check out and jumping out of that comfort zone of mine. 

For those that don't know what Aquafit is, it's a water aerobic class that is in deep or shallow water. It is low impact. So if you have an injury or anything, this is great for movement without strenuous impact. That is one of the reasons I picked this particular class. I am having some major sciatic issues so I figured I would give this class a try and hope not to flare it up anymore. 

The first thing I learned is that you should be in chest level water. I was in the shallow water to begin with which was a mistake because I am tall. I was unaware and figure I should tell you now so you are not like me. 😊 Don't be like Geri. I do have to say that I met lots of great people that thought it was hilarious that I was on my knees doing some of the moves because I was WAY too tall for where I was in the water. 

I didn't really have big expectations on this Aquafit class. I thought we would just hangout in the water, kick a little bit, maybe walk around in the water fighting against the current of the water,  boy was I wrong. We used different pool equipment, noodles and weights. We used our body weight to float (core strength) while doing arm and leg exercises. This might not sound that hard, but it let's you know right away if your core needs additional help or not. When I left, I felt muscles that I forgot I had. 

This wasn't a hard class it was a fun class that helped build on your core and strength gently. I had a great time and it was really fun. The people in the class were so friendly. I think they go everyday because they all seem to know each other but they welcomed new people in the class. I loved that. 

This class had some cardio, strength training and helped with endurance all while being refreshed and cool in the water. We need that when the temperature in Vegas yesterday was 113 according to my car. 

This class is great for all ages and levels. I even met someone in class that didn't know how to swim. She was in the shallow end and standing up the entire time so she was safe. 

Don't forget that this is the last weekend that the YMCA outdoor pool will be open for this 2019 season. I know my kids will be sad to see it closed.

Would you like to try Aquafit or any of the other classes this month? I have some FREE 30 day family passes to give away if you are in Vegas. Leave a comment below with one thing you hope to accomplish this fall. 

Air Fried Montreal Chicken Strips 0SP

I can't even tell you how much I am loving this air fryer! Why didn't I listen when I saw everyone one else getting one. I should have caved in on that peer pressure! So I have been really having some issues with meal planning and this week needs to start off right. We have tons of events and sports stuff to attend and time is limited. 

Today I went to Samsclub where I picked up some boneless skinless chicken breasts and decided I was going to be making a weeks worth of chicken and have it ready to go. 

This is one easy recipe that is no big deal but so worth it when you are running from event to event and you have no time for dinner!


Air Fried Montreal Chicken Strips 0SP 

Cleaned the boneless skinless chicken breast

Cut up the chicken into strips

Poured a little bit or as much as you want of McCormicks Grill Mates Montreal Chicken Seasoning. Nothing fancy. 

Sprayed the air fryer tray with Pam

Place on the tray in a single layer. 

Cook at 375 degrees for 6 minutes turn and cook an additional 5 minutes.  

These chicken tenders are so juicy and delicious. You can eat them just like they are, add them to a salad, make a wrap. The possibility are endless and they are no WW Smart points which makes it even better.

Win 30 day Family Membership to the YMCA Las Vegas

When you think of working out and getting in shape, I don't automatically think of the YMCA. I went there when I was little but that was about it. Last week I signed up for a 30 day membership to see what they have to offer. I have to say, that I am concerned because the last "gym" I took the kiddos too, they hated. Let's face it, if your little ones don't want to go then it's even harder to get yourself out the door to workout. I am personally not at the point where I crave working out. 

When I walked in I was immediately greeted with someone to help me. They set everything up and even had someone take me on a tour. My 13 year old was immediately wanting to play pool or table hockey in the hallway with some of the other teens. (so far that's a good sign).

The Y actually has a lot to offer! They have lots of classes throughout the day like, body pump, Zumba, Yoga, PiYo, Aquafit classes and so much more. The kids 12 and under have a kids gym. Kids 8 and older can also join you in the classes and "adult" gym area if they want.

Mine are preferring to hang out with mom which right now is good too because we do have a little bit of competition going on with how fast we walk on the treadmill, or reps on the other equipment etc. They are keeping me on my toes.
I have seen a few other kids there each time we have gone and it just seems different than other places. These kids know how to use the equipment, they are not playing around, they have been very respectful kids. So I am all for that!

Centennial location

I do have to say that in the last week we have gone to the Y about 5 times. That's between the outdoor pools and gym time. The kids are actually asking me multiple times if they can go, which is so motivating to me. Speaking out outdoor pools, check out those slides. How awesome is that. My son is all for the slides where my daughter will be found around the diving boards.

You can workout with cardio machines or circuit training! They have them all. 

The Y has just seemed different than other places in the sense of the people as well. So far everyone has been so nice, friendly, it's like a community. We are all there for the same goal and that is to be in better shape. We have really enjoyed this atmosphere. 

If that wasn't enough, with your membership they also have field trips for the kids. 

Parent's night out! HELLO Date Night! Where you pay an additional fee and you have 3 hours to have uninterrupted time. That is worth gold! 

Enough of me chatting about all the cool things at the YMCA. Why don't you check it out yourself! I was given the opportunity to offered 30 of my readers a 30-day family pass. This pass will be good for a family membership, that’s two adults and however many dependents in the household. You can check out a lot of stuff in 30 days. YMCA has 4 different locations in the Las Vegas valley. This contest is only for Las Vegas area.

Durango Location

Earn one entry to win for each of these items below.

-Leave a comment below telling me what you are most excited about checking out at the YMCA
-Share this post on your Facebook page
-Follow Geris2cents on Facebook, like the picture and tag 3 of your Vegas friends (tag 6 for 2 entries)
-Follow @Geris2cents on Instagram, like the picture and tag 3 of your Vegas friends (tag 6 for 2 entries)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

WOOHOO!!! We have some winners!

Sara R
TiffanyW
Acapp81
Angela SA
Stacey R
Ka-Lynne M
Elisabeth P
Heather R
Shanna B
Tiffa B
Jamie M

This is the first round of winners! I will be picking more next week! Are you going to be our next winner. Keep on tagging, sharing and liking to be entered to win.

All winners be sure to email me at geris2cents@gmail.com so that I can send you your pass! Congratulations.

Caramel Apple Salad 2SP for 1 Cup

Want something sweet and tasty but without the guilt! This recipe has you covered! I found this recipe at my WW workshop years ago and have loved it ever since. 

I have changed this up a little to make it perfect for my family. It's refreshing for the summer and light throughout the year.

I like that this recipe is super easy and large enough to make for potlucks. 

My kids like that it taste like caramel apples, ha! Hope you enjoy it as much as we do! 

Caramel Apple Salad 2SP

6 Granny Smith Apples Cored, and cut into bit size pieces

              (I use this Chopper and to cut them in seconds)

1 package of Fat Free/Sugar Free Butterscotch Pudding mix

1 can of crushed pineapples, undrained 

               (The picture shows pineapple chunks, I just blended them up making them crushed)

1 tub Cool Whip Fat Free/Sugar Free

Add all ingredients together in that order, mix well and chill for an hour.

Enjoy 1 cup is 2 SP

Weight Watchers Freestyle is for me!

 

I told you earlier this week that I would let you know what kind of plan I would do and here it is! I have chosen to follow the WW plan, formally known as Weight Watchers. To me, this plan makes sense! You are allotted a certain amount of "points" for the day and when you are done with those points, you stop eating. You are also given "weekly" points (I call that my savings account) so that you can go out or go to parties and not worry about it. This plan is a lot like a budget. This speaks my language! 

I joined Weight Watchers about 12 years ago and was very successful, I lost 44 lbs but then earned all those "activity points" and found myself pregnant with our second little munchkin. 😂😁

That's when I had to pause my weight loss journey and here we are back to basics. That's what I am going to call it. In the meantime, I have tried other weight loss plans, like THM, Keto and counting calories but those just don't seem to click with me like WW does. 

This time around WW has the freestyle program that gives you a bit more freedom! Yes they have zero point foods like chicken breast, FF turkey, fish/seafood, beans, fruits, veggies and eggs. This can be great or bad depending. I personally love this because if I am hungry and out of points for the day, I can just go grab some fruit or veggies and call it a night. On the other hand, I have seen some people have issues with the flexibility thinking that because it's a zero point food they can eat a ton of it. Everything still has calories and we are learning portion control. It just depends on you and your will power, determination and want. That's right you have to want to change in order to make anything work. 

Losing weight is hard, staying heavy is hard too. 

Which hard do you pick? 

Another thing about WW that I like is that you have online access and support! The WW app, has everything you need to succeed. It let's you know how many points are you allowed for the day, they also have an area on the app to help you with recipes, eating out. They even have a 24hr help "line" because you never know when you will need their help and they are there for you! Another great perk is the community. The WW Online app also has a "Connect", that is similar to Facebook for WW. I love that we are there for the same reason and can talk about the issues, recipes, struggles and wins we are going through. It just feels like they understand what you are going through more than others if that makes sense. 

To me, the app just isn't the only thing I need to do for myself. I also need to add in weekly meetings (workshops). Yep, I am one of those girls that has to go in look someone straight in the eye and participate in a meeting to not only stay accountable but also to be a part of something bigger than myself. 

I went back to the same meetings I was going to 12 years ago. I have the same coach that I love and some of the people that were there 12 years ago are still going every week. Some of them have reached their goal which is amazing and some of them are returning like me and that's great too.

With determination, hard-work and dedications, I will be at goal too. I was and am in a different season of my life and now is my time! Let's do this!  

Found this on the weightwatchers site. It spoke to me and I need to keep it in the front of my mind at all times.This journey is my choice!  

Time to Get Real

Talk about outside my comfort zone! That's where I am right here sitting in what seems like a chair but my heart is racing and I really am not feeling that great! Why is it that we don't want to be transparent? Afraid of rejection? Judgment? Probably all of those and a whole lot more. We are living in a Facebook world where everything is behind a computer screen, filtered, the pictures are perfect,  the counters are cleaned off (at least in that area), best day of your life is happening because let's face it, we are fake on social media!
Now it's time to get real and talk about my struggles with my weight loss journey, the fear of being compared and being judged. Now it's time to show the real me!

I have actually struggled with my weight my entire life! I don't remember a time when I was skinny or a similar size to my friends. There I go with all that comparing and judging again. I have tried so many different things but after a couple of days or weeks it just didn't stick. It was probably me, I like fries and sauces. They are really tasty and my kryponite. 

Last year I decided to join in on the Slique in 60 challenge. That is where you take Slique Products along with a healthy diet. I figured, it can't hurt right, it's only 60 days. I'm not sure what made this different. Maybe it was just my attitude and determination. It could have been that I was sick and tired of being this way. I didn't win the challenge, or did I? When I look at that embarrassing picture above, I see hope and possibilities that I never felt possible, along with cheek bones and a chin that has disappeared. Holla!

Am I perfect, goodness NO but I am just trying to be the best me I can be. I don't even know what that looks like exactly!  

As of last year I am down 38 pounds. That is a huge achievement for me and because of that I can actually believe that I can lose 38 more. I might not truly believe I will be one of those skinny girls but baby steps are happening over here and that's great! Maybe I am not meant to be the cute little skinny girl, I am just meant to be the cute little Geri and that's ok with me.

I have already signed up for this year's Slique in 60 Challenge. It helped me see less of a chin last year so let's see what else I can lose, maybe a roll or two from my stomach! HA! 

With all the fear that comes with it, I will be documenting my journey here if you are interested. I can't promise anything but my realness. I might have a great week but I could have a horrible week where nothing went good. I guess that's where the "Time to Get Real" comes in huh?!?

If you are on a similar fitness journey I would love to hear that I am not alone, leave a comment so we can keep each other accountable.

"Air" Fried Catfish and Zucchini Chips (9sp)

I feel like I finally joined the cool club! That's right, I finally got an, Air Fryer. This is a big deal! I have been wanting one for a real long time but I didn't know where to put it. I still don't but we will make due! 

Anyway I was able to open this bad boy up and play around a little. I am by no means a chef, cook or clearly a photographer but I have been asked how I made it so here it is. If this is helpful then I am happy to help you out. 

I really wish I would have purchased an air fryer earlier. This might be my new favorite appliance. (Don't tell my Instant Pot)  

It was crazy. I don't know how these machine works but the Catfish came out juicy and crispy at the same time. I don't think I will EVER cook this another way. This is definitely making it to my meal planning rotation.

Print out these recipes here 

Cornmeal Air Fryer Catfish (2sp)  

Ingredients: 4 Catfish fillets  (0 sp)
1/2 cup cornmeal  (7 sp)
Tony Chachere Cajun seasoning to taste 

Directions: 

Rinse off the catfish and then paper towel dry them
Spray cooking spray on your air fryer trays put aside
Dip the catfish in cornmeal and Tony Chachere Seasoning mixture
Place on Air Fryer Trays
Spray catfish with a little cooking spray
Turn the air fryer on 400 for 10 minutes, flip the catfish over and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until crispy

Zucchini Chips (7sp) 2 servings

Ingredients: 3 Zucchinis
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup Almond Flour
1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
Black pepper
Tonys Chachers Cajun Seasoning
Garlic powder
Salt
to taste. (I just put some in the bowl they are all delish, it will be great) 

Breading mixture  1/2 cup of Almond Flour
1/4 cup of Parmesan Cheese
Pepper, Tony Chachere Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt to taste
mix together

Directions

Cut up 2 zucchini to desired size, about 1/4 inch, put aside.
Spray cooking spray on your air fryer trays put aside
Dip the zucchini chips into milk and then the breading mix
Place on the air fryer try in a single layer
Spray zucchini with a little cooking spray
Put in air fryer on 400 degrees for 10 minutes, flip the zucchini over and then put back in the fryer for an additional 2 minutes.
If you feel that your zucchini is thinner than maybe you could lower the temp or time so they don't burn.

Print out these recipes here