Random thoughts of the day...

It's seems lately that I've been struggling more and more with this deployment. We are just now entering the fifth month, although it seems like a year has passed us by already. All I want is for my best friend to be by my side again. I want my children to laugh like they used to. I miss seeing their eyes light up when he entered the room. And most of all I want SLEEP! My nights of tossing and turning seems to be getting worse, causing me to be a complete bucket of emotions.

On a positive note, my new healthier lifestyle seems to be getting a little easier everyday. I'm combining the guidelines of the Biggest Loser weight-loss program and an IPhone app called Lose It (which is also available for use online). I think my biggest struggle in the beginning was the calorie intake adjustment. I was used to eating whatever I wanted, when I wanted to eat it. Therefore, it left me starving! I have finally come to the point where I am no longer opening the fridge 100 times a night looking a late night snack.

I really broke down today, after talking to my mother. She and my biological father have tons of on-going health issues. Both suffering from diabetes,  my father has even lost a few of his toes. I know this isn't the life that I want for myself. I want to have an active healthy life. I no longer want to live the sedentary life, that I've know for too long. This is my time, I've never been more ready or motivated that I am right now.

 I've also been using this deployment to fix myself. I'm finally standing up for myself. I found the courage to tell my Bio-Dad how I really feel. It wasn't the easiest thing to do, but I did it! It was hard to try to be in some sort of relationship with him, when there are so many things haunting my past. So many broken promises, let downs, and endless lies. I finally faced my fear. It may have not gotten me any further in the relationship, but now it's off my chest. I can finally breathe!!! With all the work that I've done in the past 5 months. I believe in myself. I can now move on to a better me!

Hawaiian BBQ Shrimp Pizza

                                        I've been doing a ton of experimenting with good for you recipes ever since I committed myself to a healthier lifestyle. Why can't food not only be healthy, but taste good also? I am determined to come up with a collection of recipes that taste like the real deal! So here it is, my very first healthy recipe.

 I was almost in shock when I took the first bite. The crust was perfectly crisp and not too chewy or grainy, like I'd imagined it would be. The BBQ sauce added a nice balance to the rest of the ingredients. I hope you enjoy!!!

For the crust:

3/4 cup warm water (110 degrees)
2 tsp active dry yeast
1/2 tsp sea salt (you could also use table salt)
1 tsp honey
2 cups whole wheat flour
* makes 1 Large thin crust pizza

Pour water, salt and honey into a large bowl and mix until blended. Sprinkle the yeast on top of the honey and water mixture and let set (approximately 5 mins) until foamy. Gradually add in the flour, stirring with a wooden spoon until formed into a soft slightly sticky ball. Lightly flour a clean surface and knead dough (adding more flour if needed) until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover and let set for 10 minutes before rolling out. Roll out thin with a rolling pin then place in a lightly greased pan. (I used spray olive oil) Pre-bake crust at 400 degrees for 7-10 mins

For the toppings

1 lb extra large pre-cooked shrimp
1 small red onion(sliced thin)
1 cup fresh pineapple (you could also use canned)
1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce (I used a low-carb kind)
1 1/2 Sargento reduced fat 4 cheese Mexican blend cheese
1tsp BBQ seasoning( I used Butt Rub seasoning)
2 tbsp Italian parsley finely chopped (optional)

wash and remove shrimp tails, then pat dry with paper towels. Season shrimp, then set aside. Add BBQ sauce to your crust and spread evenly. Arrange onions, pineapple, and shrimp to the desired amount. Sprinkle with cheese and parsley. Bake 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and crust is golden brown. For a crispier crust brush edges of dough with olive oil.