Today is the day I can eat Carbs again! It’s been a long 2 weeks of detoxing off the white stuff. I did have to cheat once on Friday when I was out with coworkers to celebrate a long painful project reaching fruition and my boss insisted that I drink. You can’t refuse the boss. Well, long story short it was either eat carbs or vomit so I made the executive decision to consume carbs (and sugar in my margarita) in an attempt to soak up the alcohol. It worked and I didn't feel too guilty because I'm only 2 lbs away from my goal weight.

Now I am happily moving into Phase 2 where I can reintroduce good carbs of the whole grain and whole oat variety, and cruise into "maintain" mode. My cupboards and pantry are now stocked with a nice hearty assortment of whole wheat pastas, oatmeal, breads, breadcrumbs, even whole wheat pancake mix. Thanks Aunt Jemima! And P.S. they are fabulous when you add in a little apple sauce and less milk.

Nicole asked for some South Beach friendly recipes so I have one to share with you today. I made this last night -- a little Italian to go with the Sopranos season opener:

South Beach Lasagna:

1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
¼ cup onion
3 garlic cloves
1 6 oz can tomato paste
1 8 oz can tomato sauce
1 8 oz can whole peeled tomatoes (mashed or blended)
½ tsp basil
½ tsp oregano
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp splenda (to sweeten)
2 tbs parmasean cheese
1 box WHOLE WHEAT Lasagna noodles (I use Hodges)
1 lb lowfat cottage cheese
½ cup fat free ricotta
2 eggs
12 oz shredded mozzarella (skim low moisture)

In a skillet, cook onion and garlic in olive oil until tender. Add meat. Cook only until no pink remains. Drain fat. Return to pot. Add All tomato ingredients plus dry basil, oreg, salt, pepper, splenda, parmasean cheese. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat simmer slowly covered but crack to vent.

Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. ***Tip – undercook noodles by a minute or two for easier layering. The rest will cook in the oven. Set noodles aside.

Mix cottage cheese and ricotta in a bowl with 2 eggs, salt, pepper, and parsley until blended. Set aside.

Preheat over to 350

When all ingredients are ready in a 13x9 in. baking pan (sprayed with Pam cooking spray)
layer as follows:

*3 lasagna noodles
*Cottage Cheese Mixture
*Mozzarella Cheese
*Meat Sauce
Repeat layering ending with noodles, cottage cheese and shredded cheese on top, sprinkle with parsley.

Cook 30 minutes covered, and the last 15 minutes uncovered. Let stand to cool for at least 15 minutes.

Mmmmmmm