first things first

For a little while now, I've been thinking about starting a food blog. I love to cook, I love to eat, and I love to exercise. I've been known to say that I cook (or bake) to work things out in my head. And I do, because it works.

Although I exercise quite a bit (I teach jazzercise 4-5x/week, and take Vinyasa yoga once a week), I need to lose a few pounds. Weight Watchers has always worked for me. I've lost 20 lbs on the program three times (yes, I've gained it back each time). This time around, I'm determined to make changes that last. I absolutely love the new Points Plus program because I've always been a big fruit eater. I've read lots of dieting blogs where the authors talk about the perils of sugar in fruit. Really? Who ever got fat from eating too many oranges?

Instead of posting my weight, I'll post my recipes, food & restaurant finds, struggles, and successes. And maybe some other random musings along the way.

Warning--I cook with actual food. That means real butter, real oil, real sugar. Please don't try to sell me on splenda or smart balance or any other highly processed products. I'd much rather account for the points, and use moderation than eat pretend non-foods. However, I do use reduced fat dairy products, skim milk, and non-stick cooking spray (I get the kind without the alcohol in it).I try to cook with whole foods, eat locally and naturally when possible, and find good prices. I sometimes fail at one or more of these things, but we can't be perfect every time.

So here goes my first recipe. Lately, I've been on a "breakfast burrito" kick for lunch. It keeps me filled up for hours. I usually eat this with 2 clementines on the side.

Breakfast Burrito- 6 points plus

1 egg

0.5 oz shredded low fat sharp cheddar (I like the Celtic light cheddar at Trader Joe's)

1 whole wheat tortilla (I've been using the Harris Teeter brand whole grain tortillas)

2 tbsp salsa

2 tbsp light sour cream

-heat tortilla in a frying pan till it's slightly crisp (but still flexible)

-beat egg with salt & pepper to taste

-remove tortilla from pan

-spray pan with nonstick cooking spray and scramble egg

-once it starts to cook, add cheese

-put egg mixture, salsa, & sour cream on tortilla, roll, and eat