Wow, I’m fast approaching a whole year since I started Weight Watchers! In fact I think I’ll be on my cruise when it happens! I can’t believe how far I’ve managed to come since last February. I’ve been lucky so far, that I haven’t had any major setbacks. I knew it would happen sooner or later, especially now that I’m getting closer to my goal, and it finally has.
Today I had a small gain of .3 lbs, bringing me back up to 198.2. It was to be expected at some point, although it was a little surprising because I haven’t been overindulging. Still, I have felt bloated the past few days, so I should have expected it. At any rate, it was a tiny gain in the long run, and one I’m sure I’ll recover from quickly.
prior to my little gain this week, I was doing so well, I decided to treat myself to a little Christmas gift over my vacation. I bought two (yes two) Instant Pots. A 3 qt. Duo, and a 6 qt. Ultra. The 3 qt. arrived on December 28th, and it’s been getting quite the workout! I’ve used it every day (sometimes multiple times per day) since the day it arrived. I’m really loving it, so you’re going to see quite a few posts over the next little while featuring recipes I’ve tried in it.
The 6 qt. only arrived on Thursday, and sadly it has not had as much use yet. I did complete a water test in it to make sure it worked, and I plan to put it to use making homemade Greek yogurt, but first I need the ingredients, and second, I need space in my fridge for the bowl while it sets.
Today I’m going to share the very first recipe I tried in my Instant Pot (aside from hard boiled eggs). In fact, I may have to start doing more recipe posts for a while until the excitement dies down.
Lentil Soup
3/4 cup dried red lentils
1 red onion, chopped
1 medium carrot, chopped
1 tsp chili powder
900 ml chicken broth
Place all of the ingredients into the pressure cooker.
Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Allow to release pressure naturally (NPR). Once pressure pin has dropped, open the pressure cooker, and use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it’s smooth. Makes 2-3 servings
I served this with grilled cheese on flatbread, and some fruit.
This soup was a delicious first attempt, and was just enough for 3 meals for me. A win in my book, and a great introduction to my new kitchen gadget!
Life, Tea, and Everything 
Lentil soup is a winner in my book too! I am still amazed at your consistent progress this past year, and .3 is really just a blip isn’t it? I always seem to have a bloat period, and you have now probably shed enough weight that you will start noticing some monthly patterns. So, that is actually a win for the week? 😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m looking at it as a win. I was thinking the same thing, I know it’s going to get tougher as I get closer to goal, and a .3 lbs gain is, as you say, just a little blip. The point is to stay positive!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have had such an amazing year!! I remember when you first started and it has been so inspiring to follow your progress! I bought my daughter an insta-pot for Christmas and she just loves it. I had never even heard of it before but thought it was something she would like. Can’t wait to see what you insta-cook!!! 😀 😀 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have had a fantastic year! This year will be just as good, maybe just a little more challenging. I’m excited to try new things and share them, too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So if you had to choose just one of the instant pots to buy, which one would you invest in? I am thinking about getting one, but only one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Of the two I got, if could have only got one, I would have got the larger 6 qt, because I can cook smaller amounts in it, but it would still give me the capacity for larger amounts if I have company.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ok good to know! Thank you! I have a large crockpot and it’s not working well for me, so I find that interesting as I would have probably gone for the smaller one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was tempted that way too until people pointed out that you can cook less in the bigger pot, but you can’t overload the smaller one. The small one is great for a second pot though, and since I have both, it is the one I use most often. When in come to some dishes which are cooked pot in pot, I think the size of the 6 qt will handle them better, especially if you do 2 things at once.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmmm another good point. I thought it might be like the crock pot where everything just turns out burned because there’s not enough in it:(
LikeLiked by 1 person
The most important thing with it is the amount of liquid….you may have to add extra liquid to build up the steam for pressure, but you can then boil some of it off once it’s cooked. I’ve had to do that a couple of times, even in the smaller pot. But I haven’t had any issues with things burning. And if a dish is too thick to cook directly in the pot, you can cook it using the pot in pot method without having to water it down.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good info to know:)
LikeLike
Oh, if space is at a premium, the 6 qt is quite large.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Also (I hit the reply button accidentally), the 3 qt is a Duo, and the 6 is an Ultra. I don’t think I really have a preference there. They can both do the same jobs, one just has a dial instead of buttons, and the Ultra has more preset programs, but I can achieve the same thing on the Duo with the manual pressure cooking setting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m going to have to do some research I see. I hadn’t heard of them before I was in Arizona, but people were raving about them down there
LikeLiked by 1 person
If you’re on Facebook there are quite a few groups where you can get information. That was part of my research process.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ok great! I’ll add that to my to-do list:)
LikeLike
I have an instant pot and want to start using it more. Can’t wait to hear your winning recipes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m looking forward to sharing them!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Minor setback! You go girl! I have an instant pot but have seldom used. All it does is stare at me. LOL! Maybe this year. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You really should! I’ve been having fun trying out new recipes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
I’m not exactly sure how it all works, but my wife assures me that it’s perfectly reasonable to celebrate ANY loss, but a gain under a half a pound doesn’t really count. 😉 What’s important is that you’re doing the right things and trending in the right direction.
My wife doesn’t have an Instapot, but she’s had a similar sort of multi-function pressure cooker for several years now, and she loves it. I’ve been thinking about getting one (if I use hers, I can only cook vegan stuff), and now I’m even more tempted.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like the way your wife thinks!
LikeLike
I have been wanting an instapot! With this yummy recipe tempting me, I may just have to head over to amazon and buy one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah buddy, I may be having to get myself an Instant Pot. I see the author of Skinny taste post recipes for them all the time, and hers are always so good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love her recipes…not just the Instant Pot ones!
LikeLike
A year that’s amazing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
LikeLike