and so it begins (again)....

okay, so it's 2010 and i haven't written on this blog for an age (in fact, i've deleted all previous posts, because i'm all for a fresh start). because i'm re-energizing the weight- and health-related efforts i started last year—and due to ongoing 'hints' from my friend kim about sharing my weight loss and foodie thoughts with the internets—i figured i'd start recording my thoughts on all things diet and exercise. in the last half of 2009, i lost about 45 pounds, but after several bouts of sickness this fall, the scale hasn't moved in awhile. i also re-joined a gym and have been enjoying increasing my cardio workouts (with hopes to incorporate strength training in the new year).

to start things off with a bang, here's a saucy, chili-like concoction i made tonight for dinner and served over some rice:

Turkey-Black Bean-Corn 'Chili'

makes approximately 5 servings

Ingredients
1 Tbsp olive oil or cooking spray to coat pan
1 lb 99% fat free ground turkey
3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
1 large onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
1 Tbsp dried oregano
1 1/2 to 2 Tbsp chile powder (or blend)
1 can black beans, drained
1 can corn, drained
1 can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
1/4 cup(s) ketchup
1 to 2 Tbsp soy sauce
1 to 2 Tbsp worcestershire sauce
1 to 2 Tbsp steak sauce (optional)
1 Tbsp sriracha hot sauce (or cayenne pepper to taste)
1 Tbsp canned tomato paste

Instructions
Using a heavy-bottomed dutch oven or large frying pan, saute ground turkey, chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper in olive oil or cooking spray until tender and meat is cooked, seasoning with salt and pepper along the way. Then add the canned veggies and all remaining spices and sauces. Simmer for 30 minutes on low to medium heat, removing the lid for the last 5 to 10 minutes of cook time if you desire the sauce to thicken even further.


for you WW people, this has 5 to 6 points per serving (not including the aforementioned rice). you can also add a couple tablespoons of lite shredded cheddar and a serving of reduced fat sour cream to the top if you want to balance out the spice. diced green onions and/or sliced black olives would also be quite tasty:).

enjoy and happy new year!