Healthy Meals...Keep checking for more to come!

Some Meal Ideas for you........Think outside the box




Tubule  over Greens with carrots, tomatoes, Peppers, cucumbers and pecans.  Great side salad with any Mediterranean dish

 Great Cookbook for anyone who wants something Fresh.  Homemade Hummus, Cabbage rolls etc....

Mexican Taco Bar- REMIX

Not your ordinary Taco Bar.

 Two Salsas

1. Quinoa Salsa
Cook Quinoa according to directions.  Fluff and add
Black Beans
Corn
Red pepper
Chopped cilantro
2-3 limes squeezed
1 avocado

2.  Avocado Salsa
Avocado- pitted and chopped
black beans
corn
1/2 cup favorite salsa   -Mine HERDEZ
Chopped cilantro about 1/4 cup
tortilla chips on top- Mine are homemade
squeezed lime juice as well, 1-2


3.  Shredded Chicken
I placed 5 boneless chicken thighs in a crock pot on low for 4 hours in a verde salsa with taco seasoning.  Shredded it up and placed on the side.


Optional- thrown toppings in a burrito, eat as a salad or place all on a plate with soup.

Mexcian Spicy Kale soup on the side or drizzle over toppings to add more flavor

Quinoa Beet Spring Rolls

I took leftover cooked quinoa, beets, pecans, and broccoli slaw into my spring roll.

Precooked Qunioa
1 cup minced Beets
Bag Broccoli Slaw or other coleslaw mix
Coated pecans, half a cup
Mix all together and prepare
Rice Paper prepared- Follow package directions



Other sides included in photo.....Sauteed brussle sprouts in olive oil and butter with Garlic Seasoning Salt  with  a COCONUT LENTIL Indian Flavored Store bought mix

Spring Rolls with Black bean pasta

Check any variety of recipes for Spring rolls and Try one you're family will like.  I used a Store Bought Coconut Curry Thai sauce, non spicy.  Making Spring Rolls can be intimidating but they really are not hard to make.  Go ahead a take the plunge!  Everyone I've encouraged to give it a try now loves to make them for their families. 

Don't be afraid of trying new pastas either.

 Italian Quinoa Pasta

2 small tomatoes or 1 can or homemade stewed tomatoes.
2 small zucchini
1 large  red pepper
2 tbsp Olive oil- place to pan and preheat pan
1/4 cup White cooking Wine
one container mushrooms
1 tbsp basil
Coat frying pan with olive oil and butter, 1-2 tbsp.  Cut all vegetables into chunks and toss into a Pan preheated on Med/High heat.  Stir till vegetables are al dente.  Preferred tenderness.  Can be eaten over Quinoa Pasta, or by it self as a side.

Side Salad
Blue berries, apple, and glazed coated walnuts in a Berry Vinaigrette Dressing

Tyson Brand Meat balls in a KNORR Pesto Pasta sauce   (Used for an optional sauce to put over choice of pasta for children  who may shy away from Italian mix.

Same Main dish just thrown on to different Grains.

Chicken and Beets

 Roast beets after you rinse them off for one hour at 350 degrees in a roasting pan with a lid.  once cooked they need to cool off.  peel off with hand or use a peeler.

KOREAN BBQ

Korean BBQ #1

Two versions of how to eat it here is the first.

What you need  Chicken, Mandrin oranges, rice sticks, greens, peas, Korean BBQ Sauce and Optional Kimchi, optional white/brown rice, couscous, Kasha (see below)

1) Preheat oil, Cut Chicken into chunks or strips and sautee in some olive oil over med/high heat for about 4 minutes, pour in Korean BBQ sauce and continue to stir fry chicken till sauce cooks down and thickens. 

2)  Make a bed of greens and top with favorites

3) Chicken and sauce, peas or stir fried broccoli, mandrin oranges and rice sticks not chow mein noodles.    Kimchi if you like it!

 Korean BBQ #2

1)  Preheat oil and slice some thin beef into strips.  Stir fry and toss in to a pan for about 3/4 minutes.  Add in the BBQ sauce.

2)  Stir fry some veggies of choice

3)  Stir fry seperately some mushrooms in a little olive oil and 1 tbsp butter (optional)

4)  Make a bed of greens and cover with favorites.  Consider adding a grain for fiber, protein, and a clean carbs.

Pictured to the left.  Kasha a wholesome grain to change things up and will leave you satisfied.  Other grains to add instead:  brown rice, couscous, quinoa etc...

Meditteranean Cabbage Rolls

2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion finely chopped
large pinch allspice
1 tsp cumin
large pinch nutmeg
1 head of cabbage-(optional-2 bay leaves)
1lb pork loin
2 tbsp fresh parsely
Optional 2 tbsp fresh mint
1/4 cup dates or raisins
1/3 cup lemon juice or lemon wedges to squeeze on to eat.


I really enjoyed these!  Make a double batch unless you're cooking for two.  Be sure to buy cabbage that has dark green leafy pieces on the outside of the cabbage head.  These are not difficult, I took a few steps out to make it easy and more time friendly.

Step one.

Cook up quinoa with some chicken seasoning according to directions.  I made 2 cups before cooked.  You can always use leftovers for something else.  Bring a large soup pot to boil.  Remove tough outer leaves if you desire and inner core.  

 Once the Cabbage has been added to water and returns to a boil let it cook no longer than 5 minutes.  Keep and eye and check after 3 minutes.  Loosen with tongs and remove outer most leaves when it seems ready and continue to remove from pot unless not tender yet.

once the Cabbage is done and removed you'll need to remove the thickest part of the central vein cutting a V shape, Keep it small but so it will lay flat. 

Step two.  Cut up thin slices of pork loin, about 1 pound.,

Step three. Add chopped onions to pan till tender with olive oil on med. heat.   Mix the three seasonings and toss in with the onions when tender stir and toss in meat, stir fry about 5 min.

Step Four.  Prepare Mixture once quinoa is cooked.

Meat, quinoa, parsely, dates-toss it around, add meat and mix again.

Step 5.  Lay out Cabbage leaf and spoon about 1-2 tsbp of mixture on the middle in a horizontal position, fold in sides and roll upward and lay flat on seam.  Once you have finished if you want them warm rewarm in microwave or warm up in oven.  Squirt lemon on top to eat if so desired.  Try both darker and lighter leaves.  I prefer the lighter for taste and texture.

QUINOA BURGERS- Here is the recipe that inspired me-  

www.eatingwelllivingthin.wordpress.com-----This is where I found the recipe that  inspired me off of pintrest. 2 rounded cups cooked quinoa (see note below for cooking instructions)-   I just used all the Quinoa in the pot with out measuring 1 cup smoked gouda cheese  (or other variety, if you prefer) 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese- IF you don't want this no worry add more cheese! 1 medium carrot, and 1 zucchini chopped or grated 3 eggs 3 tablespoons whole wheat flour or white will do 2 green onions, including white parts 1 /2 teaspoon  Truvia! 1/4 teaspoon black pepper  1/2 tsp Burger seasoning  I did not add extra salt because I seasoned my Quinoa with chicken boulion 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder 1 cup plain bread crumbs . To cook quinoa for the above recipe: 1 cup uncooked quinoa 2 cups water 2 tsp chicken boulion seasoning In a medium saucepan bring the 2 cups water to a boil over high heat.  Add quinoa and reduce heat to medium/ low.   Cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until all water is absorbed and the seeds are tender.   Allow to cool for a few minutes.  Keep an eye on the pot for the last 5 minutes to make sure there is still enough moisture in the pot,  turn to a low setting toward the end to prevent burning pending on how hot your stove gets.  I have a gas range. ADD two teaspoons of chicken boulion for a great taste every time you make it! . In a large bowl combine all cooked quinoa, cheese, cottage cheese, carrot, zucchini, eggs, flour, green onions, truvia, pepper, and garlic powder. Choose how to cook them.  Because it was my first time making these I decided to cook it two ways so I could see which way my family preferred.     This was my trial on the Griddle, no oil required! I used a  1/4  measuring cup to scoop onto griddle and then pushed down into form. These took about 4 minutes on each side, keep these thin, they don't shrink like beef.       I think I made these too big and also used too much olive oil.  I guess it was only suppose to be  enough to cover the pan, oops.   They took a lot longer to cook.  I used an ice cream scoop to dollop into pan and then pushed them down into circles. This way was more difficult but if you like the frying taste and texture you might just like it this way. (To help make sure they stay in patty form and don't fall apart,  cook them slowly on med-low so they have time to set up without burning.   Makes them easier to flip, too!)  Heat a frying pan and a couple teaspoons olive oil over medium-low heat.  Mixture will be slightly sticky, so using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, drop mixture into pan and lightly flatten to 1/2 inch thick.  Fry until golden-brown, about 4-8 minutes on each side.    How I ate mine.  Hummus, broccoli slaw, tomatoes, avocado on homemade wheat bread from the griddle.    Makes approx. 10 burgers. Per burger:  Calories 172; Protein 8 g; Fat 7 g; NET Carbs 18 g; (Fiber 2 g); Sugar 0 g; Sodium 200 mg These  are an estimate pending cheese you choose and added bread crumbs. MORE TIPS: Kid Friendly- I added cheddar cheese on the top of my children's burgers and let it melt after taking them off the griddle. Each of my children are different so I prepare there plates different 4 year old son- Burger on the bun with added cheddar cheese, a little light ranch on the bun and that is it. 7 year old daughter- Burger on the bun and eats its with lettuce, cheese, tomato, light ranch, avocado. 1 1/2 yr old son- Burger on the bun with added cheddar, light ranch, I press in down to thin it out as much as possible. I think when it comes to kids, you have to offer them what you make and what you eat.  Read them Green eggs and ham.   Let them know they might be missing out if they don't try it.  Sometimes you might have to add a little cheese, or dip, or other favorites if it helps a child enjoy or taste something new to them.  Let them help in the kitchen, my kids like helping I think they appreciate food more that they help prepare.   Things to try next time-  I would try adding black beans in the mix, do Mexican cheese and taco or other Mexican seasoning. Eat them in a wheat or spinach wrap, pita bread etc....... Make it for breakfast - make it the same but throw a cooked egg and cheese on in between a wheat thin round bread,  or wheat English muffin and you have a healthy protein and vegetable breakfast!

Spaghetti Squash Spaghetti and more vegetables!

Stir fry a desired amount of vegetables in olive oil, about 1-2 tbsp pending on how much you have in the pan.
season with some Garlic salt or seasoning salt to taste.

Cook spaghetti Squash in  the oven.  Prep it by cutting it open, spooning out seeds and lay open face part on the pan with about an inch of water.  350 degrees for no more than 1 hour.

Top your serving of Spaghetti squash  (about a 1/4 to 1/3 ) with Spaghetti sauce or with out.

Top it off with your stir fry Vegetables!  If you're choosing no spaghetti Sauce then you may want more seasoning, olive oil or a little bit of butter or just keep it like it is.

Quinoa Black bean Lettuce Wrap

So easy and Yummy.  Good for lunch or Dinner.  Just take some Quinoa already cooked with some chicken seasoning and put it on a lettuce leaf, add Avocado, Black beans, Coleslaw and a squirt of lime.  WRAP AND EAT!

Quinoa Black Bean and Hummus Spinach Wrap!

Take your Quinoa and add some black beans, hummus and broccoli slaw with some cabbage and put it in a spinach wrap.  So good and so easy! 

Orange Beef-Style Tofu Stir-Fry

1) Make sure to stir fry till it has a nice golden crisp tint to it.

I tried to eat this recipe different this time.

I did rice noodles with Mandarin oranges and lettuce all with the stir fry! So good!

SUBMITTED BY: JACKSKELLINGTON PHOTO BY: pineappleblonde

“When I get a craving for orange beef, I make up this tofu stir-fry! Pieces of firm tofu in a mildly spicy orange sauce. Serve over rice noodles, and use any vegetables you like!”

INGREDIENTS

• ¼ cup vegetable oil for frying
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 (16 ounce) package firm tofu, drained and cut into strips
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• ½ cup orange juice
• ¼ cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon chili paste
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 carrots, sliced

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat ¼ cup oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Place the ¼ cup cornstarch in a dish; press tofu slices in the cornstarch to coat on all sides. Stir-fry in the wok 5 minutes, or until golden brown on all sides. Drain tofu on paper towels. Allow wok to cool, and wipe clean.
2. In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, orange juice, water, sugar, chili paste, and cornstarch until smooth.
3. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in the wok, and stir-fry the carrots until tender. Form a well in the center of the carrots, and pour in the sauce. Bring sauce to a boil. Mix tofu into the wok, and continue cooking until coated with the sauce.

Green Curry Chicken

Recipe courtesy Tyler Florence

Green Curry Chicken

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, cut in 8 wedges
• 1 green bell pepper, cut in 8 wedges
• 1 stalk lemongrass, white bulb only
• 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped fresh ginger
• 3 tablespoons Thai green curry paste, recipe follows
• 2 kaffir lime leaves
• 3 cups unsweetened coconut milk, 2 (13.5 ounce) cans
• ¾ cup chicken broth
• 1 ½ pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut in 1-inch strips
• Sea salt
• 1 lime, juiced
• Fresh Thai basil leaves
• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Lime wedges, for garnish

Directions

Place a large, deep skillet over medium heat and coat with the oil. Saute the onion and green peppers for 3 minutes to soften. Split the piece of lemongrass down the middle and whack it with the flat side of a knife to open the flavor. Add the lemongrass, ginger, curry paste and lime leaves to the skillet and stir for 2 minutes. Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth. Lay the chicken pieces in the mixture to poach; add a pinch of salt. Stir together and simmer over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes. Squeeze in the lime juice and shower with basil and cilantro; serve in dinner bowls with lime wedges.

Easy Taco Soup

This bowl was made for the kiddos

This was mine, no cheese or sour cream and it is just as yummy. You can even skip the chips if you feel the need to do so.

Taco Soup

Ground Turkey

Can or fresh diced tomatoes

black beans canned or fresh

corn-optional

kidney beans

tomato sauce

taco seasoning packet or south western seasoning (chili powder, cumin, cayenne all to taste)

onion

green chilies

limes to squeeze to taste

avocado

1. Brown the Turkey with onion

2. Add in all other ingredients

3. Serve with Lime, avocado, cilantro on top!

Quinoa Pilaf

Quinoa Pilaf

Quinoa is a much healthier alternative compared to Rice or Potatoes.

Sautee any of your favorite vegetables. I did zucchini, carrots, green peppers, green onions, garlic and chicken broth for seasoning.

Tilapia Fish-Olive oil with Old Bay Seasoning

Thai Chicken- Trader Joe's Sauce with Pav Bahji Over greens

with Chicken done on the Gorge Forman

Orange Stir Fry

Orange Tofu Stir fry Lettuce Wraps

Sun dried tomato sauce with Parmesan 4-chicken.  P.C. inspired by pampered chef

Make sure chicken is all thawed.  If you have big chicken breast slice them length wise to make two chicken breast instead of one.  

Baked chicken Parmesan

4-6 chicken breasts, split them into two to thin them

1 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs

1/3 cup Parmesan cheese or Italian blend shredded

2-3 lg eggs, beaten

2 tsp evoo-olive oil

½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Serve over pasta

1 jar  of spaghetti sauce, marinara sauce, sun dried tomato sauce

Preheat oven to 375.  Lightly grease an 8inch square pan or other baking dish

Combine bread crumbs with parmesan cheese in shallow dish.  Dip chicken pieces in egg and then into bread crumb mixture.  Arrange in baking dish and drizzle evoo over chicken.  Bake 25-30 min.  Add Mozzarella on top and bake additional 2 min. or until cheese is melted.  Prepare pasta according to directions and sauce.  

Chicken with Sun Dried Tomato-Basil Sauce

For the Sauce go to    http://www.gabbiskitchen.com/chicken-with-sun-dried-tomato-basil-sauce.html  

Use any kind of your favorite fish! Sprinkle with olive oil and old bay seasoning

Choose some healthy sides to eat with it.

Make it Your Own! MYO

Make it Your Own

I will be adding to this post the kind of recipes that are better when you make it your self.  When I say better that might mean.......more healthy, less sugar.  I also might add things that just are better when you make it your self.  

Chocolate peanut butter and Almond!

So here is my very first attempt at homemade granola bars!  

3/4 cup peanut butter

3 tbsp cocoa 

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp B. powder

 chopped almonds

4 cups Oats

1 cup whole wheat flour

(optional add in some flaxseed, coconut, chocolate chips)

1/3 cup honey

2 tbsp canola oil

2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla

2 tbsp Truvia

(taste after mixing before you add to the dry ingredients.  Add more of any of the ingredients to make it to your liking.  

(if you really need to sweeten it more, add a little brown sugar. 1/4 cup should be plenty)

Mix wet and dry. Once you have mixed wet and dry check the consistency.  Add a little more oats if you think its too wet, and add more oil or honey if too dry. 

Cook at 325 for about 30 minutes.  Let cook on rack and cut into strips after 15 minutes.  Store in container.  I thought they were better the second day.

 Dried fruit Granola bar

This recipe I tweaked from Shape Magazine October 2007.

This what I did different.  Instead of 2/3 cup brown rice syrup I used 1/3 cup honey.  I also added some cream cheese frosting on one for my children to try.

Make it your own - Taquitos
These are not healthy in the sense that yes they fried, however so much better when you make something fresh your self, you know what is in it and its not a frozen dinner.

 Leftover shredded meat of any kind.  What made them really good was the leftover meat from my Pork Pozole!  1/2 the meat was taken out and saved!  I added one packet taco seasoning.

These corn tortillas where gluten free.  

I had a hard time at first.  HERE'S the TRICK and TIP!  

Roast corn tortilla as pictured below on med heat comal or a frying pan of some sort that is lightly sprayed with oil till a little golden brown on one side.  Then remove and place on a plate or cutting board and add 1-2 tbsp of your shredded meat in the center.  Roll on up and stick it with 1/2 a tooth pick in two spots. 

Place in your Med High heat oil and cook till browning, turn over repeat and take out.

 Remove tooth picks before eating and enjoy with or with out dipping sauce.  SO GOOD!  Not recommended to eat more than once a month.

Light for Lunch!

Light for Lunch

When you need a little something more this is the best if you like Salmon

One piece of wheat bread or bagel, thin round...whatever  you choose!

Cream cheese, light

Spinach

tomatoes

Smoked salmon- you find this usually by the fish/meat area of the grocery store-it looks raw but is not.  Thinly pre sliced in the package.  

Put it all together and you are in love

                                                      Open Faced Smoked Salmon!

Indian Vegetables over Coleslaw

I bought a bag of broccoli slaw or coleslaw mix, a bag of pre-shredded carrots, peanuts and Indian paste with Light Coconut milk.  I ate these ingredients the last three days for lunch in a few different ways. 

1. First you have to choose your vegetables, choose at least two for variety and texture.

Carrots-1 to 2

broccoli a few flowerets

parsnip 1

zucchini 1/2 

peppers, mini sweet or regular. 1

?????  You fill in the blank 

2. Put 1 tbsp olive oil in a frying pan on med. heat and stir fry no longer than 5 min or till broccoli is slightly tender, so it doesn't get soggy.  Remove from pan and set aside.

3. Take a flavorful Indian paste of your choice and serve about 1-2 tbsp with your coconut milk, cook in on the stove separately from vegetables.  Note*  If you are the only one eating the amount of sauce will be more than one serving so use what you want for desired sauce and save the rest.  

4.  Take your broccoli Slaw or Coleslaw and put it at the bottom or your dish, cover with your stir fried vegetables and top with desired amount of sauce.  Toss with some peanuts on the top and Enjoy.

5.  Other ways you can switch this up

       a) I added a spicy Pineapple salsa by Wholly Salsa,  really good.

       b) You can add meat with your vegetable stir fry.  No longer than 5 minutes or no longer pink.

       c)  Add Chili Garlic Paste ( pictured below)  Spicy!

      d)  Put the combination on a lettuce leaf and wrap it or on any kind of wrap!

If you like your sauce spicy, Chili Garlic sauce with make it HOT!  A little goes a long way.  Even a tsp.

Why make things more difficult, if you're like me and you feel like you're in the kitchen all day, then you don't want lunch to be drawn out and you certainly don't want to skip lunch either.

What makes lunch easy for me some days....leftovers.

Try to utilize what you already have in your fridge, this not only will help you eat your leftovers but it will also be easier on your budget and save you time in the kitchen!

Lov'n Fresh Sandwich round skinny thins

Theses whole wheat rounds had only whole wheat flour, no enriched or bleached or unbleached anything.

These round save you 100 calories then a normal whole wheat bread sandwich with two pieces.

Red roasted  pepper hummus on both sides of bread.

Carrot sticks, mini pre cut

Spinach leaves

Black beans and corn with a little lime juice

( You can eat a little fruit on the side, smoothie on the side, or some healthy chips)

Pita Sandwich

I love toasted warm bread

We have something called a comal and you can use to warm bread, tortillas or to grill a sandwich.

This can make eating pita bread feel like SOUL FOOD!  Just for variety.  This will be more calories than a thin round but might leave you feeling more satisfied.

I added Hummus once again to the bread, cucumbers, sweet peppers, spinach and you can even throw in some leftover seasoned meat from a night before and call it good!

Breaded Chicken Tender SALAD

 So I think almost any mom or busy person at some point during the week is pulling out some Tyson chicken nuggets, tenders, patties, or anytizers.  With that being said, I love to eat more healthy than not but sometimes I do need a quick fixer for the family.  You can do this for lunch or dinner.
Take any kind of breaded chicken after its baked and then cut it up and throw on top of a bed of greens.  Then while you enjoy the sinful taste of breaded chicken you can also enjoy the healthy greens.
I also like to top with what I have around the kitchen.

You can take this and make it into any of the following:

Chinese style by adding-Mandarin oranges, Crunchy Rice sticks ( not chow mein noodles)
 Dressing-Mix about 1 tbsp vinegar, dash sugar, soy sauce to taste, and a little olive oil or veg oil.  This is a hard one because its mostly to taste.  Give it a try.  Top it off with Almonds!

Chicken with Apples.
Cut up apples, almonds, raspberry vinaigrette or light Poppy seed dressing

Mexican style
Chicken with salsa, peppers, black beans, avocado etc....

Keeping checking back for more!

Pizza made healthy

TACO PIZZA  

Prepare dough.  While you wait for dough to rise set aside and move on to step 1.  Once you have kneaded the dough, rolled it out and it is on a stone or pan poke with a fork in several places.  Place in oven and cook for about 5-8 minutes with nothing on it. 

1. Choose your meat, I use ground chicken!
2. While you cook the meat add Taco seasoning to it.  1 packet.

Once you have cooked the dough for 5-8 min, remove from the oven and top with taco sauce or Salsa, cheese and meat for about 10-15minutes.  Watch for cheese to brown a little.

After you have cooked pizza fully, remove from oven and top with all your favorites!

  Then you top it off with everything and anything you desire.

Lettuce, tomato, Salsa, sour cream, cheese, peppers, Crushed Dorrito Chips 

This picture is with white flour.  Pizza pictured above is with wheat!  Crust recipe found in the back to basics section.  To do the crust with wheat either to half wheat and half flour or all wheat.  

The incredible edible EGG!

EGGS!

4-5 Egg Whites with cheese and spinach.  The banana muffins are in the Something to bake section.

Omelette

Use whatever vegetables you have leftover from the night before. I added a little red roasted pepper hummus in the center. Add a little salsa on the top with a little cilantro.

I just had broccoli. Green beans, zucchini, carrots, peppers etc....would all taste great!

Taco Night

(with a twist)

I scrambled up eggs and threw it over a salad with peppers salsa cheese.

Smoothies

Smoothies

1. No YOGURT Smoothie!

PEACHES N CREAM

 Take 1 cup almond milk, 2 cups frozen fruit.  I ran out of peaches so I added in the mixed berries!
1 packet of Peaches N Cream Fiber drink ( does not cause cramping of Diarrhea)  and Yes, One packet instant peaches N cream OATMEAL!    I did all that and tasted it.  Smooth and thick the way I like it.  If you like them to have more liquid then do less Frozen fruit.

 Now you have your fruit, how about vegetables!  Add in a large handful of Spinach!  You wont even taste it.

 Kid tested, my son drank the whole 4 oz I have him and asked for more!

I recommend not having more than one a day and preferable one every other day.

1)  Peach Smoothie
3/4 cup vanilla yogurt.
1 1/2 cup frozen peaches
1/2 package of Advocare Peaches n Cream Fiber drink
1 cup almond milk

This recipe makes 3 small serving sizes.  Smaller serving sizes are better to decrease sugar intake from yogurt and helps to get enough to satisfy without filling your belly to the max.  Good food is good to have but too much at one time is never good no matter how much you're eating.  Learn to satisfy your cravings with out over indulging and feeling too full.


This smoothie is like any other but with some added GREENS.   

1. 3/4 cup Yogurt
2. 1 cup frozen fruit
3. 1 banana
4. 1 cup spinach

The best part is that you wont even notice the taste being any different, only the color.  Try it!

Green Smoothie

Smoothie

I have been adding my Fiber Drink to oatmeal instead of drinking it.

However, today I decided to make it a smoothie.

I added about a 1-2 cups frozen strawberries, 1 banana, almond milk if you have it (6-8oz) or Diet Splash (this is what I used), and Fiber Drink.

It made two cups. I drank one for breakfast and will drink one later.

If you're just looking to make a great smoothie

1 cup or to taste-Activia Yogurt is my favorite.

1-2 cups frozen strawberries or other fruit

1-2 bananas, depending on the size

Liquid:Milk or Diet splash 4-8oz or orange juice (light OJ would be best)

Fruity Smoothie

Substitutes for your cravings

Substitutes for Cravings

I know a Rice Cake

I know rice cake does not amount to much, however with a touch of Laughing cow spread wedges and blueberries I can satisfy the action with out sacrificing calories.  Not an every day thing but is helpful.

So I was at a gas station and wanted a candy bar.  I almost bought a snicker bar until I saw this.  More protein, less fat, less calories.  Educate your self on your options and then you can make better decisions when you have the choice.  

This summer try to find ways to satisfy your cravings without all the indulgence.  

Instead of Ice Cream- -------Frozen Yogurt

Instead of Mayo         ------- Hummus

Instead of cheese  ----------Salsa

Instead of cream cheese------Laughing cow!

Instead of chips          -----  Popcorn

Instead of candybar   -------   granola bar

Instead of cookie    -------   cracker

Instead of pop    -------Flavored water

Something cruchy   -----   Carrots, sweet peppers

Instead of Sour Cream or Cream Cheese/cheese------- Try laughing cow Spread, less fat and less calories

While trying really hard to eat healthier I had some strong cravings the other day I wanted something crunchy, for lunch I had a salad with nuts and carrots in it.  This really helped me with the craving.

I also really like to have something after kids go to bed so here is what I try to do eat the healthier side. But the goal is not after 8:00pm

Yogurt with granola
pudding pop, light

natural Popsicles
Frozen Yogurt, Target Plain Brand is really good
Nuts
Kelloggs All Bran Crackers   ......These are really good
Emerald Breakfast to go packs
100 calorie packs whatever the content 

Organic, Back to Basics

Pizza Dough

Anything you can do yourself has less ingredients.

From Simply Pasta and Italian

1 1/2 tsp yeast

1 tsp sugar

1 cup warm water

1 1/2 c flour

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp olive oil

Place the yeast and sugar in a pitcher an mix with 4 tbsp water. 

 Let the yeast mixture stand in a warm place for 10-15 min or till frothy

Mix flour and salt separately 

Add oil to yeast mixture when frothy. 

Mix both wet and dry together.

Turn dough for 5 min.

Return to bowl and cover with towel for 30 min or till doubled in size.

Remove from bowl and knead again.  This recipe makes one pizza dough.  Cook in preheated oven at 400degrees F.  20-25 minutes.  

I like to heat dough for 5 min with out any toppings first, remove, add toppings, and continue to cook till brown.

  

Whole Wheat

So Summer is coming and we are all thinking about how to look better right?  Eating clean is a great way to get in shape for life not just summer.  I'm going to use this post to add some ways to prep food without all the added ingredients you get from processed foods.

This last weekend my husband used our own wheat grinder to grind up some Hard Red Wheat.  This morning we had our very own Cream of Wheat from scratch.  I love the comfort I get knowing there is nothing added to the wheat except what I put in it for a little flavor and taste.  Stay tuned for pictures and more advice on canning and other basics to help you have food in its whole form.