Lunch is weight warrior's new challenge

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Well my weight loss is progressing slowly but surely, I'm down one pound from last week ... I'll take it. I thought I would've lost more, but that's okay, at least I didn't gain a pound. 

My weight loss support group at the Health and Wellness Center is a great group. I'm inspired by others' weight loss stories, and I love hearing everyone's tips, recipe ideas, etc. Also, I'm held accountable for my weight as our group leader, Amanda Cox, weighs us in each week and keeps track of our weight. 

Ms. Cox is an inspiration to all of us as she has lost 58 pounds and has kept it off for six years. She always has excellent advice and recently gave us some tips to rev up our metabolisms, which I will share with you. 

- Eat breakfast within two hours of waking
- Eat every two to three hours 
- Balance all meals/snacks with a carbohydrate and a lean protein 
- Avoid sugary drinks and limit alcoholic beverages 
- Don't eat after 7 p.m., or within three hours before going to sleep 

The two I struggle with are balancing the carbohydrates and lean proteins and not eating after 7 p.m. I'm working on it though! 

Next thing I need to work on ... lunch. The old dreaded "where are we going for lunch?" syndrome. Even getting a grilled chicken salad with low calorie dressing at a drive-thru can equal up to almost 500 calories. 

My coworker, Tech. Sgt. Allison Cademartori, is also trying to lose weight and goes to the weight loss support group meetings with me. She and I have been thinking of ways to combat lunches out. We know we could not only save calories, but also money. 

We have decided to start alternating bringing in healthy lunches. That way, we each get to try new healthy recipes the other has, and it won't get boring trying to think of what to bring to lunch each day. I will begin sharing recipes with you, beginning with one I'm bringing in tomorrow which is Mexican casserole. 

Good luck this week if you are trying to lose weight or even maintain what you have already lost. If you would like to join the free weight loss support group, just show up at 11 a.m. in at the HAWC classroom located in the Commando fitness center. If you would like more information about the group, call Amanda Cox at 884-4056. 

Mexican casserole

1 lb extra lean ground beef
1/2 cup onions, chopped
1 can green chilies and tomatoes
1 cup frozen corn
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup fat-free sour cream
1/2 cup low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Jalapenos to taste
Salsa to taste

1. Brown hamburger and onions in large skillet, drain
2. Mix in chilies and tomatoes, corn and black beans
3. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally
4. Mix in sour cream, simmer 5 minutes
5. Top with cheese, cilantro, jalapenos and salsa when serving