Lets head to the south beach...

Im on the South Beach Diet (way of life) and loving it. Granted I am only on week 1 about to start week 2 of Phase 1. I have already lost 7 lbs. I am pretty sure thats water weight but hey its weight. I finally feel like I CAN DO THIS. I can get down to the weight that I maintained all through high school and so on. When I met cody I started gaining and 6 years ago I weighed around 145ish. And on my tall frame thats pretty good. I liked that size. I had curves but could wear cute clothes. I'd settle for getting down to 155 or 160. Both of those weight are way better than the 200lbish that Ive been before and after Dexter. I am sooo thankful that ALL of my baby weight came off after Dex. Now its time to work on all the fat that came before him. Im determined to lose it. And now I finally have a plan and motivation.

Today I was having some killer sugar cravings...I mean KILLER. So I decided to make some South Beach friendly brownies since I was also making regular ones for my mom.

They are pretty yummy.

Heres the RECIPE

Chocolate Black Bean Brownies

1 can black beans (can use white beans instead), drained, rinsed well, drained
4 large eggs
1 tsp. baking powder
3 - 4 T. unsweetened cocoa powder (good quality)
1/2 tsp. espresso powder (optional) [see my note just below]
1 tsp. vanilla
2 or 3 T. oil
2/3 - 3/4 c. Splenda
walnuts
dark/semisweet chocolate chips

(I sometimes add 1/2 tsp. almond extract for a change of flavor. I guess you could experiment here too with other extracts. This last time I added Watkins Caramel extract--that is now my favorite addition)

Make sure to put 2 eggs, beans, remaining ingredients (except nuts and chips), then last 2 eggs. Your blender will have a harder time blending the black beans. (can try a food processor, but my blender works better at fully incorporating the beans). Stir in walnuts and chips (or sprinkle over the top after batter is in pan). Pour into a sprayed 8 x 8 pan. Bake at 350 or 375 25-30 min.


I wrapped mine and froze them afterwards. I had one today while lounging in my bath robe. (a small portion *pat on back* with some Lite Cool Whip.

Now Im ready for a healthy dinner and another great start tomorrow.