Knockoff Spicy Jack Wedges

Who likes O'Charley's? Who doesn't like all the calories that come with a delicious, mouth-watering meal there? Me too and that is why I decided to experiment and create my own healthier version of my favorite Spicy Jack Wedges!

They're crispy, spicy and healthier than the deep-fried counterpart!

Ingredients:
1 large egg
1/3 cup bread crumbs
1 8-ounce package of pepper jack cheese
dash of red pepper/paprika

Directions:
1. Crack egg into a bowl and whisk, slice cheese into eight one-ounce slices and then cut diagonally so that each one-ounce slice is now consistent of two diagonal pieces. Thus the entire eight ounce package yields 16 wedges. Dip each wedge in the egg mixture.

2. In a separate bowl mix 1/3 cup of bread crumbs and your seasonings. Remove wedges from egg mixture and coat with bread crumbs.

3. Spray a cooking sheet and line each wedge on the sheet.

4. Cook on broil (4-6 inches from heat) for 5 minutes or until the wedges turn golden.

Notes: It is super hard to keep the cheese from baking out of the coating. I think these do taste great, but nothing can replace O'Charley's spicy jack wedges. These are a great replacement though! 

How To Lose A Pound

I just read a very interesting article on Huffington Post that shows what individuals around the world eat and how many calories they consume on an average day. If you would like to read it you can do so here.

As most of you know I started a lifestyle change in 2012 and haven't looked back. I count my daily calories and track my physical activity as well. On a typical week day I will walk 3-6 miles and eat right at 1,500-1,900 calories.

Proof that tracking your caloric intake and physical activity pays off! 100 pounds lighter! 

Now, you may be thinking for someone who is still plus size how can I only eat 1,500 calories and still manage? I eat healthier foods, but I definitely won't lie and tell you I always eat healthy and keep a clean diet. I would be fibbing to no ends on that one. Though, I will admit that I do eat healthier throughout the weekday and give myself a break on the weekends. Nick and I have Friday night dinners and sometimes we just want to lounge and do nothing so we become couch potatoes on the weekends or at least one day of the weekend; I get too stir crazy and have to do something.

So, to give a glimpse into what my daily calorie intake looks like and what I eat on an average day.

I didn't walk three miles on this day but I did walk to a local store to purchase fresh veggies for the week ahead so I was able to burn 300+ calories just by forgoing my car and walking.

THE GOOD AND THE BAD:
Pros: 
• M-F between 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., I drink 10-15 glasses of water | I eat plain oats every morning | I have at least one vegetable for lunch along with a lean protein and fruit.


Cons: 
• M-F between 6 p.m. - 11 p.m., I eat heavier meals and I am normally burnt out on water so I will drink some ginger ale, milk, etc., with my dinner. Sometimes I eat later than desired and I want dessert after dinner... EVERY NIGHT!!

• Saturday - Sunday I eat what I want to in moderation and I don't typically burn as many calories. 

The thing I recognize is that:
1. You can eat what you want but you have to remember moderation.
2. All calories aren't equal. You must move! Even if it is taking the steps instead of an elevator or running 5 miles a day, you must get to moving! Walking for an hour a day (3-4 miles) helps me burn right at 600-800 calories.

If you'd like any help, motivation or insight as to what I did and the steps I took please feel free to contact me.