Yummy/Healthy/Easy

I have been trying to lose some weight now that I'm "done" having kids. Actually, I could stand to lose about 50-60 pounds, lower my cholesterol, increase my metabolism, and do my heart some good. I need to change some old habits, and make some new ones. In particular, I have to get out more and exercise. That's hard for me, but I think I've found a slot in my day when I can get out and get some air and bring my heart rate up a bit.

Part of my new regimin will be changing our eating habits. Notice I didn't say, "My" eating habits. We all eat "not the greatest" and can all stand a little overhaul in our diet. I've changed it before, when Michaela had diet restrictions, and I know we can make it work again. The hard part is paying for the Better food. It's more costly to buy fresh veggies and leaner meats. But we're gonna try. I know HOW to eat healthy, I just have to make it happen.

A friend of mine posted a "recipe" (actually, it wasn't what you'd consider a recipe, just a list of ingredients) on her blog recently, and we've come to love it. It's can be really healthy (especially if you eat it with lean meat), and very yummy, and it makes me feel good to feed it to everyone. So, I'm gonna post it here, more in recipe form, and you can all tell me if you like it.......thanks Rebecca!

Rebecca's Pasta

One bag of frozen peppers (the tri-color and onions mix)
One bag of frozen cut-leaf spinach
2 cans of italian diced tomatoes
1 pound of pasta (your choice--we like Barilla's Penne Plus)
1 pound of meat (again, your choice--we like smoked sausage)
2T Olive oil
Minced garlic
Italian seasoning
Salt and Pepper

Cut meat into bite-size pieces. Using a large pan, saute garlic and meat in olive oil over med-high/high heat until cooked through (eliminate this step if using sausage). Add all vegetables. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to directions. Add seasoning and spices to vegetable/meat mixture according to taste. Let simmer on medium heat until vegetables are tender and meat is heated through. Drain cooked pasta and add to mixture. Serve with salad and/or fresh bread. Serves 8 (approx.).

Our whole family eats this dish, and we still have a good amount of leftovers to spare. I think 8 adults could share this if they had the sides with it.

Oh, and if you couldn't tell, it's VERY easy to make. I've made it on Sunday afternoons after church, and it doesn't take very long to put it together at all (we're all starving after church, and hate to wait!).

Also, I love all the color in this meal! And from what I hear, that's a good thing when you're eating vegetables. A healthy combination that tastes good--who woulda thunk it?

Does anyone else have any other yummy/healthy/easy meals they want to share? I'm looking for some more good ideas!