Who we are and why we are here:

'He' started out at 450 lbs. 'She' started out at 300 lbs (although had been as high as 330 lbs at one point). Between them they've lost weight, gained weight, and learned a lot along the way.

What you'll find here are our educated thoughts, opinions, and tips for a healthier lifestyle. 'He' minored in psychology, 'she' majored in history - two research heavy fields that have made them both skeptical and able to weed through the sludge in order to find gems. Neither of us is perfect by any means, but as much as possible, we will try not to lead you astray with unfounded, sensational, or fad information.

We are intentionally avoiding fad diets, expensive meal plans, and other extreme (expensive!) weight loss plans.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Soup Recipe

Boredom is a quick killer of healthy eating habits, but it's hard to find new flavors that tickle the taste buds, remain healthy, and are still easy and convenient.  This is one I found on the internet and did not change enough to call my own, but it was so delicious, I had to share it immediately!

French Chicken Stew


  • 4 cups sliced button mushrooms
  • 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 medium carrots, thinly diagonally sliced (or one bag frozen crinkle cut carrots)
  • 2 medium red potatoes, cut in 1-inch pieces 
  • 1/2 cup fresh green beans, cut in 1-inch pieces (or half a bag of frozen green beans)
  • 1/2 cup pitted ripe olives, halved
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 chicken boullion cubes
  • 2 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca (Minute Tapioca)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
  • 2 lb skinless, boneless chicken breast cut into chunks
  • 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 2 1/2 cups tomato pasta sauce
Directions:
(optional for softer potatoes) Boil potatoes for 10 minutes before cutting into cubes or microwave for 2 minutes.

In a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker, combine all ingredients with chicken on top. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 8 - 10 hours. 

If divided into about 10 1-cup servings: approx 200 calories

If you're not counting calories, it makes a fantastic comfort food with a grilled cheese sandwich and has a lot of delicious vegetables!