These sweet potato fries are the yummiest and easiest way I get my kids to eat more healthy foods.
Not only are sweet potatoes amazingly good for you: packed with vitamin A, C and calcium, but they are so versatile. Here are a variety of different ways that I have implemented them in my foods.
- Instead of pumpkin puree I use sweet potatoes to make muffins
- throw some in your smoothie instead of bananas
- make yummy pancakes
- throw some in your chili
- or just serve it as a side dish
For these sweet potatoes you will need
-2-3 medium to large sweet potatoes ( preferably the same size )
-Olive oil for savory
-coconut oil for sweet ones
- cornstarch 1- 2 tbsp
- Favorite seasonings for savory
- Raw sugar and cinnamon to taste
- parchment paper / cookie sheet
1) Preheat oven to 415 F - Peel sweet potatoes and cut them julienne style. Make sure that they are all cut the same size
2) sprinkle your fries with corn starch ( use a ziploc bag for easy clean up ) Then shake out the excess using a colander. Very important to get out the excess because when I left the extra on there it was NOT a yummy taste.
3) Toss your oil of choice approx 2 tbsp.
4) Add your seasoning and place on your cookie sheet that is lined with parchment paper
5) Make sure that they are evenly on the cookie sheet, if not and this is something that I recently learned they will steam instead of get crispy
6) Start baking for 20 mins
7) Take out and flip
8) bake another 20 mins
Depending on the size that you cut them then these should turn out perfect. IF you cut them too tiny then they will blacken and get yucky.
I have also cubed them up and added the savory seasoning - sort of like mini tater tots - My toddler ate all these up !
Enjoy !!!
Monday, October 20, 2014
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
5 things you can DO TODAY to HELP with STRESS
I was having a conversation with someone about stress eating. They were so frustrated that they had packed on some extra pounds due to stress and turning to food for comfort. If this sounds like you then trust me... you are not alone!
Perhaps, it's a salty food item that draws your attention, or maybe it's a warm piece of bread. Heck, maybe anything and EVERYTHING tastes good to you when you are stressed. So, what can you do when you head to the kitchen? Well, here are 5 actionable items you can tackle today.
1) Go for a walk- Yes, go outside and get a breath of fresh air. Weather not cooperating ? Then pop open the garage and start doing jumping jacks, and lunges. No garage? Then try your front porch. Find a way to change your environment.
2) Clean something- if this is what ends up helping you relieve stress, then you will have one clean house! Or purse or car! What you are doing is forcing yourself to focus on something else aside from food. Scrub, vacuum, dust or wipe it down. Just try it and see how you feel after.
3) Call someone- I didn't say text or Facebook someone, BUT actually pick up the phone and vent your frustrations to someone you trust. This is a great way to see if what you are stressing about is really worth it.
4) Do some deep breathing - Take the time and do deep breaths that reach deep into your belly. Focus on this for a few minutes and even try playing relaxation music on. If you have essential oils then place those on your temples and wrists. Do some self talking such as " Is it true ? Then let it go " my friend gave me that phrase which was helpful to me during a stressful time and also try " I am a good person" many times I guilt myself to thinking that I am the bad guy or at fault. Repeat positive affirmations and the negative thinking will have no place in your mind.
5) Write your feelings out- there is something so therapeutic about putting pen to paper and just writing your feelings and frustrations. Write what you are really feeling, and then start listing 5 things that you are grateful for. Aim to write for 15 minutes, and if you catch yourself writing longer than that just keep going !!!
Stress is a real emotion that we all experience, just know that eating isn't the only way to appease those emotions. Try these 5 actionable things and put them to the test. You can overcome it! Don't let food control you !
Thursday, October 2, 2014
4 ingredient Ice Cream - that's HEALTHY and Low in calories !!
One of my most favorite things that I would buy and indulge in was- ICE CREAM. Seriously, it was a staple at my house. Walking thru the cold aisle I would automatically scan thru all the yummy flavors. Almost always stopping to pick up Cookies N cream. And my indulgence would begin, after dinner. preferably when the kids where in bed. It was the bowl and I … oh and my husband would almost always have to enjoy several scoops for himself.
It was after some time that I came to the realization that eating ice cream before bed was not good for my waistline. So, my trips to the freezer section became less. And this so called must - HAVE was no longer a priority.
Yes, I still do enjoy ice cream, but the bowl of yummy creaminess is much more enjoyable.
So, when I stumbled upon this recipe that has 4 ingredients from mywholefoodlife.com and there is NO MILK! Say WHAT !
I decided to give it a whirl !
So here are the ingredients
-1 can of coconut
- peppermint flavoring extract- 1/2 tsp
- Maple syrup 2-3 Tablespoons
-Chocolate chips 2 T of
My son was eager to be my little helper.
It was after some time that I came to the realization that eating ice cream before bed was not good for my waistline. So, my trips to the freezer section became less. And this so called must - HAVE was no longer a priority.
Yes, I still do enjoy ice cream, but the bowl of yummy creaminess is much more enjoyable.
So, when I stumbled upon this recipe that has 4 ingredients from mywholefoodlife.com and there is NO MILK! Say WHAT !
I decided to give it a whirl !
So here are the ingredients
- peppermint flavoring extract- 1/2 tsp
- Maple syrup 2-3 Tablespoons
-Chocolate chips 2 T of
Pour the can of coconut into a bowl - I should have chilled the can of coconut or the mixture after, just an after thought.
He had to help me and of course dump the maple syrup! I think I would add a little bit more next time.
Mix it all up! Make sure to add the extract as well !
Now pour it into your mixer and set it for 18 minutes.
Add the chocolate chips at the 15 minute mark.
Here is my soft serve mixture. Doesn't it look like ice cream !!
He ate it all up! He did make a funny face at first, it threw him off but he was happy !
I had to add FRESH rasper berries to mine !!
Give this a try and you may be surprised at how much you do like it !!
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
New School YEAR = FRESH start for YOU !!
I love the start of something new.
A new day
A new week
A new month
And especially a new school year !
For me it helps me to regroup myself and regain my focus. It puts me back on a schedule and makes me push for my GOALS!!
I am a routine kind of person for sure !
Why do I love routines? Well, as a stay at home mom, I need a schedule to follow, goals to reach and limits to push myself to. By having a routine I am giving myself the ability to stay on track. I know that I have a limited amount of time to do all that I need to get done!
And just like children going to school they have a routine that their Teacher gives them to follow. It helps kids to know what to expect and feel secure in and confident in their tasks.
Do you have a routine ?
If not here are a few tips to help you get started on your own routine.
First what are your GOALS ??
I am a stay at home mom and I have 4 items that I try to focus on everyday. Doesn't mean that I will accomplish everything within my quadrant, BUT it makes me feel more balanced as a person.
Self = exercise, read, decorate, mediate
Family = 1:1 time, eat meal together, read, play game, drive and talk
Home = clean home, bills, shop for food, cook food
Biz = blog, talk to people about opportunity
Now, for me a good day looks something like this
-Wake up to do personal reading (self)
- Jump on computer to work on biz ( Biz )
- Exercise ( self)
- Get breakfast going, lunches made ( family )
- Throw load in laundry ( home )
- Get ready for day ( self)
- Run errands ( home )
- work on biz ( biz )
- Welcome kids ( family )
- help with homework (family)
- take kids to activities ( family )
- Cook dinner ( home )
- eat with family (family )
- Take care of home clean up (home )
- 30 mins of Biz (biz)
- Get kids ready for bedtime (family)
- Answer any other messages on Biz (biz)
- Bed time routine and Husband time (family)
For me knowing when MY time is to work on the biz, or my time to have for myself allows me to say ok, this is my scheduled time to buckle down and get to work.
Now there are days when my day does not always line up with how I intended it to go. But, that's ok. Being flexible and allowing room to breathe is all part of wiggle room or white space.
Realistically, my kids might need more on a given time or they may wake up sooner than intended. If they do then I would reevaluate my day and make sure our needs are being met!
I hope this gives you an idea of how to have balance and set yourself up for a routine.
Would love to hear from you and if you follow one already !
A new day
A new week
A new month
And especially a new school year !
For me it helps me to regroup myself and regain my focus. It puts me back on a schedule and makes me push for my GOALS!!
I am a routine kind of person for sure !
Why do I love routines? Well, as a stay at home mom, I need a schedule to follow, goals to reach and limits to push myself to. By having a routine I am giving myself the ability to stay on track. I know that I have a limited amount of time to do all that I need to get done!
And just like children going to school they have a routine that their Teacher gives them to follow. It helps kids to know what to expect and feel secure in and confident in their tasks.
Do you have a routine ?
If not here are a few tips to help you get started on your own routine.
First what are your GOALS ??
I am a stay at home mom and I have 4 items that I try to focus on everyday. Doesn't mean that I will accomplish everything within my quadrant, BUT it makes me feel more balanced as a person.
Self = exercise, read, decorate, mediate
Family = 1:1 time, eat meal together, read, play game, drive and talk
Home = clean home, bills, shop for food, cook food
Biz = blog, talk to people about opportunity
Now, for me a good day looks something like this
-Wake up to do personal reading (self)
- Jump on computer to work on biz ( Biz )
- Exercise ( self)
- Get breakfast going, lunches made ( family )
- Throw load in laundry ( home )
- Get ready for day ( self)
- Run errands ( home )
- work on biz ( biz )
- Welcome kids ( family )
- help with homework (family)
- take kids to activities ( family )
- Cook dinner ( home )
- eat with family (family )
- Take care of home clean up (home )
- 30 mins of Biz (biz)
- Get kids ready for bedtime (family)
- Answer any other messages on Biz (biz)
- Bed time routine and Husband time (family)
For me knowing when MY time is to work on the biz, or my time to have for myself allows me to say ok, this is my scheduled time to buckle down and get to work.
Now there are days when my day does not always line up with how I intended it to go. But, that's ok. Being flexible and allowing room to breathe is all part of wiggle room or white space.
Realistically, my kids might need more on a given time or they may wake up sooner than intended. If they do then I would reevaluate my day and make sure our needs are being met!
I hope this gives you an idea of how to have balance and set yourself up for a routine.
Would love to hear from you and if you follow one already !
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Menu for the week Fist week of July
I need to plan my dinners, every week, by doing this it has saved me money, time and stress. Who would have thought planning dinner would be stressful.
This is what we have on the menu for this week:
* = recipes are on the bottom
Sunday - BBQ chicken, dads instant potatoes, salad
Monday : Fish with quinoa* and watermelon
Tuesday: Leftover chicken, made enchiladas with side of pineapple and sweet potato fries* ( I made my own gluten free tortillas* )
Wed: Tofu with bell pepper, mushrooms, and quinoa
Thursday : Egg salad sandwich
Friday : 4th of July Turkey Burgers,
Saturday : Fish
Sunday : Will start NEW menu
Here are a few things that I noticed so far:
1-There are always some leftovers, so I need to make sure that they get eaten.
2-Not eating meat is ok and a huge money saver
How to cook quinoa
1- Boil 2 cups of water
2- Add 1 cup of quinoa
3 - lower heat to medium
4- continue to cook it for 15 mins
5- Add s/p
6- When liquid is almost gone BUT not entirely AND you see bubbles in the middle TAKE it OFF
7-Place lid over the pot and let sit for 5 mins
8- ENJOY
You can also add chicken stock or vegetable stock instead of water to give it more flavor.
Store the remaining amount in a container and enjoy !! Eat at breakfast, lunch or dinner to any side or main dish. The possibilities are endless of what you can add.
How to cook Sweet potato fries
1- Peel the sweet potato
2- Thinly slice it
3- place on cookie sheet @ 420 temp
4- Toss with coconut oil
5- sprinkle your seasonings- a little salt and pepper goes along way !!
6- Every 5-8 mins take out and flip sides to cook evenly
7- depending on thickness will determine amount needed to finish them
8-About 20 mins or so
9- ENJOY !!
Gluten -Free Tortillas
-1 CUP of G/F flour mix
- sprinkle of salt
- 1/2 tsp of Baking powder
- 1 tbsp of coconut oil
- 1 tsp of xathim gum
1- Mix all dry ingredients together
2- Add hot water about 1/3 a cup
( this is where I added too much water at once and I had to add more flour which we all know is not expensive )
3- Once all mixed together then roll boll out and take small balls
4- Roll out tortilla
5- place on hot griddle
6- press down and cook on each side
7- Cook for a few mins on each side
8- ENJOY !
Monday, June 2, 2014
Don't BE afraid !!
I had the opportunity to watch my daughter perform at her talent show the other day.
She is in the first grade and just turned 7 years old. When she came home with the news that they would be having a talent show at school for her grade and that she WANTED to participate, my husband and I were a bit taken back.
My husband's answer was " That is definitely not something I would have volunteered or agreed to do, she must get that from you (meaning me )"
And, you know what if she did, I think it's great.
She had practiced several times at home, sometimes to music, but in the end she decided that she was not interested in using music.
So there I was with my restless 2 year old watching the other performances go on. And then it was her turn.
She started her cartwheels, front rolls and finished it with some splits. She stood up and said
"that's it" and then walked off .
Not exactly the way I pictured her to end her performance, but I was so proud of her and the effort and determination she took to get up there and do it.
Sure at last minute she could have backed down and said, I'm not good enough, I don't have a cute outfit, I'm too afraid. But she just did it like it wasn't no BIG thing.
As her mother it was.
It showed that she wasn't going to let FEAR stand in her way.
What is Fear anyways?
Fear is something that scares us. Perhaps it's speaking in front of crowds, making new friends, going on a job interview, or asking that special someone on a date.
A lot of these fears that we have are because we fear REJECTION.
But, how else would we know if we can speak in front of a crowd, make new friends, go for that job or ask that girl out if we DON'T TRY ??
That is my hope - my determination - to let others know to FEEL that they CAN !!
iT IS possible to not be afraid- take that leap of FAITH and GO !!
She is in the first grade and just turned 7 years old. When she came home with the news that they would be having a talent show at school for her grade and that she WANTED to participate, my husband and I were a bit taken back.
My husband's answer was " That is definitely not something I would have volunteered or agreed to do, she must get that from you (meaning me )"
And, you know what if she did, I think it's great.
She had practiced several times at home, sometimes to music, but in the end she decided that she was not interested in using music.
So there I was with my restless 2 year old watching the other performances go on. And then it was her turn.
"that's it" and then walked off .
Not exactly the way I pictured her to end her performance, but I was so proud of her and the effort and determination she took to get up there and do it.
Sure at last minute she could have backed down and said, I'm not good enough, I don't have a cute outfit, I'm too afraid. But she just did it like it wasn't no BIG thing.
As her mother it was.
It showed that she wasn't going to let FEAR stand in her way.
What is Fear anyways?
Fear is something that scares us. Perhaps it's speaking in front of crowds, making new friends, going on a job interview, or asking that special someone on a date.
A lot of these fears that we have are because we fear REJECTION.
But, how else would we know if we can speak in front of a crowd, make new friends, go for that job or ask that girl out if we DON'T TRY ??
That is my hope - my determination - to let others know to FEEL that they CAN !!
iT IS possible to not be afraid- take that leap of FAITH and GO !!
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Quinoa - Fast quick meal
I had a busy morning that took me from the library, followed by an unexpected visit to the zoo. I had thought about buying a zoo pass, but hadn't gotten around to it, finally today was the day! The sun was shining and the wind was real calm! So, I was in LOVE !
While at the zoo my snack supply had dwindled to yogurt pretzels for Gavin and a small container of almonds for me.
When I came home I knew I needed to cook something that was fast, healthy and YUMMY. Since I was out of, tuna, deli meat, and chicken I knew I had to get creative.
I pulled out my bag of quonia in the freezer, added a drizzle of olive to my pan and allowed it to get warm. I started to chop up onion, garlic and then became side tracked with a phone call from a dear friend.
Still I marched on adding my ingredients to the pan only to realize that it was pretty hot and started popping at me! Yikes!
After turning down the heat, I added frozen spinach, quinoa and pureed cauliflower to the mix... salt and pepper for taste and garlic powder !! Oh YUM !! Can I say YES !!
I tossed and sauteed it in the pan- and THEN plated my dish !
Wow! I was in heaven !!
This was absolutely filling and tasted soo good ! I didn't miss the meat one bit !!
Recipe for quinoa
2 cups of quinoa rinsed under cool water using a strainer
Add 4 cups of water to a pot
Bring the quinoa to a boil
Salt and stir
and bring it at a boil
Skim off any of the stuff that comes to the top
Let it boil at med heat for 10-12 mins
you should see small holes in the quinoa appear this will mean it's ready
Take off stove and let it sit for a few min- ENJOY !
When it has cooled down you can freeze some in a gallon size bag, break off pieces to warm up as needed !
Just know that when your food pantry is low on food you can always cook up an awesome meal with a few staples !
While at the zoo my snack supply had dwindled to yogurt pretzels for Gavin and a small container of almonds for me.
When I came home I knew I needed to cook something that was fast, healthy and YUMMY. Since I was out of, tuna, deli meat, and chicken I knew I had to get creative.
I pulled out my bag of quonia in the freezer, added a drizzle of olive to my pan and allowed it to get warm. I started to chop up onion, garlic and then became side tracked with a phone call from a dear friend.
Still I marched on adding my ingredients to the pan only to realize that it was pretty hot and started popping at me! Yikes!
After turning down the heat, I added frozen spinach, quinoa and pureed cauliflower to the mix... salt and pepper for taste and garlic powder !! Oh YUM !! Can I say YES !!
I tossed and sauteed it in the pan- and THEN plated my dish !
Wow! I was in heaven !!
This was absolutely filling and tasted soo good ! I didn't miss the meat one bit !!
Recipe for quinoa
2 cups of quinoa rinsed under cool water using a strainer
Add 4 cups of water to a pot
Bring the quinoa to a boil
Salt and stir
and bring it at a boil
Skim off any of the stuff that comes to the top
Let it boil at med heat for 10-12 mins
you should see small holes in the quinoa appear this will mean it's ready
Take off stove and let it sit for a few min- ENJOY !
When it has cooled down you can freeze some in a gallon size bag, break off pieces to warm up as needed !
Just know that when your food pantry is low on food you can always cook up an awesome meal with a few staples !
Sunday, May 4, 2014
New month + Warmer weather = Get ready for summer outfits !!
I LOVE the beginning of the month… not only do I feel like it's a new opportunity for me to tackle my goals, BUT especially May because that means WARMER weather for us !! Alright !!
I seriously , um love it, - park play dates, jogging outside, letting the sun rays hit you. Oh man- it's going to be great !
I am going to start training for a Half marathon and I am super excited to start, well I was and then I'm like what was I thinking ?? But, I really do love the feeling of just running outdoors and pushing my mind and body to more then I could have ever thought.
But, I am going to incorporate cross training, by using the DVDs ... oh ya! I can already FEEL the burn!!
Other NEWS
P90X3- is on sale this month along with Turbo Fire. I haven't done Turbo Fire, but I heard amazing things from it.
P90X3, is wacky- ha, really what else is there to say about it! Tony is just wild BUT the guy knows what he is doing ! And you get this AMAZING workout in only 30 minutes !! Woot woot!!
I mean really, if you haven't tried to push yourself doing an intense crazy workout then you need to just dedicate 30 minters of your day and DO IT!!
I seriously get it done in the morning and then through out the day I have to remind myself that I FINISHED MY workout!! None of this torturing myself with late night workouts. I'm busy during the day and my mind is always thinking and when the night comes I don't want to push myself physically. True story!
Find what works
Listen if you can get an awesome workout in the evening and have energy to do it THEN go at it, but if you have never tried it in the morning then get some shut eye at night and PLEASE give it a go in the morning- YES thank me later :)
Those are my ramblings - I will check in with you all LATER this week !! Make it GREAT !
Q-Are you a morning person or NIGHT person when it comes to working out ?? Would love to hear in the comments !
I seriously , um love it, - park play dates, jogging outside, letting the sun rays hit you. Oh man- it's going to be great !
I am going to start training for a Half marathon and I am super excited to start, well I was and then I'm like what was I thinking ?? But, I really do love the feeling of just running outdoors and pushing my mind and body to more then I could have ever thought.
But, I am going to incorporate cross training, by using the DVDs ... oh ya! I can already FEEL the burn!!
Other NEWS
P90X3- is on sale this month along with Turbo Fire. I haven't done Turbo Fire, but I heard amazing things from it.
P90X3, is wacky- ha, really what else is there to say about it! Tony is just wild BUT the guy knows what he is doing ! And you get this AMAZING workout in only 30 minutes !! Woot woot!!
I mean really, if you haven't tried to push yourself doing an intense crazy workout then you need to just dedicate 30 minters of your day and DO IT!!
Find what works
Listen if you can get an awesome workout in the evening and have energy to do it THEN go at it, but if you have never tried it in the morning then get some shut eye at night and PLEASE give it a go in the morning- YES thank me later :)
Those are my ramblings - I will check in with you all LATER this week !! Make it GREAT !
Q-Are you a morning person or NIGHT person when it comes to working out ?? Would love to hear in the comments !
Would Love to hear from you- Contact me if you are interested in trying one of these programs out ! Ill Coach you for FREE !!
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
SPECIAL : Good until April 30- LOSE weight and Ill give you a GIFT CARD
i LOVE - i MEAN LOVE
T25 !!
Hands down everyone that gets their hands on it starts to see results!
I love it so much that I want you to try it!
I will give you a Gift card to Amazon!
Details -
1-Buy the challenge pack
2- Connect on Facebook - add me as a friend
3- Send me confirmation that you bought it
4- Start working out to the program for 10 weeks
5- After week 5 I will send you your Gift Card to Amazon - easy peasy :)Monday, April 28, 2014
Eat foods FIRST made from the EARTH and then FROM the factory
Have you ever told yourself that you are going to stay away from donuts or that chocolate cake at an event. And guess what ends up happening, you just want to devour that cake and then some!
I don't believe in eliminating certain foods, but instead in finding alternative solutions that will remedy that desire.
Let's face it, some of the most delicious foods there are- can be filled with fat and sugar. Our taste buds have been conditioned to want them and crave them.
What I have learned is that it's not about the food you are craving that matter BUT what you ate through the day THAT will determine your CRAVINGS!
I don't believe in eliminating certain foods, but instead in finding alternative solutions that will remedy that desire.
Let's face it, some of the most delicious foods there are- can be filled with fat and sugar. Our taste buds have been conditioned to want them and crave them.
What I have learned is that it's not about the food you are craving that matter BUT what you ate through the day THAT will determine your CRAVINGS!
What do I mean?
If you fill your body up with foods that are pure, natural and healthy for you - throughout the day you will realize that you don't crave or desire for foods that are high in fat and sugar.Let me share an experience
I was visiting my husband at his work and he came out to share a chocolate candy with my son, I opened it and decided that i would try some… not that I wanted it, but only because it was there I decided I would try it. And I started to chew it and realized how gross it tasted. YUCK ! I spit it out!
This is what I am referring to, because my taste buds and my body are not used to eating this way the pure taste of it has left a disgusting taste in my mouth!
So, what does this experience mean to you?
To me, it taught me how my tastebuds have been conditioned to appreciate real food. When i feel like eating a piece of something sweet what I do first is eat a healthy treat and then drink water and then I will see if I really want that TREAT ! Usually by then I may enjoy a small treat but nothing over the top because I satisfied that need with something else in my mouth.
As you slowly make the transition to healthier foods you will realize what a difference it will make to your taste buds, cmon I dare you taste it for yourself !
So, what does this experience mean to you?
To me, it taught me how my tastebuds have been conditioned to appreciate real food. When i feel like eating a piece of something sweet what I do first is eat a healthy treat and then drink water and then I will see if I really want that TREAT ! Usually by then I may enjoy a small treat but nothing over the top because I satisfied that need with something else in my mouth.
As you slowly make the transition to healthier foods you will realize what a difference it will make to your taste buds, cmon I dare you taste it for yourself !
Friday, April 18, 2014
How Dieting and Budgeting are a lot alike
I was recently talking to a friend who was asking me for advice on how to lose some weight. She was frustrated with the results that she was getting.
I proceeded to ask her some questions. What do you eat? What are your workouts like?
As she explained to me what she did for workouts and what she ate, I then gave her an assignment.
I said I want you to track exactly what you ate for one day. And then report back to me.
She and I have similar goals. We both want to pay off debt and we both enjoy using the envelope system.
And, so then I went on to tell her dieting is like budgeting: Well how so?
If someone asked me for advice on how to pay off debt, I would ask them to start tracking where they are spending their money.
This is the only way one will know where there money is going.
Same way for losing weight - if you don't know where your calories are going then you will not get far.
So- where should you start from here ?
Take that pen and paper and start writing down where those calories or dollars are being spent- you may be surprised how much is being wasted.
I proceeded to ask her some questions. What do you eat? What are your workouts like?
As she explained to me what she did for workouts and what she ate, I then gave her an assignment.
I said I want you to track exactly what you ate for one day. And then report back to me.
She and I have similar goals. We both want to pay off debt and we both enjoy using the envelope system.
And, so then I went on to tell her dieting is like budgeting: Well how so?
If someone asked me for advice on how to pay off debt, I would ask them to start tracking where they are spending their money.
This is the only way one will know where there money is going.
Same way for losing weight - if you don't know where your calories are going then you will not get far.
So- where should you start from here ?
Take that pen and paper and start writing down where those calories or dollars are being spent- you may be surprised how much is being wasted.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Chicken Crockpot Recipes
I LOVE to cook, BUT there are days that I don't want to spend all my time in the kitchen and so if I can just throw my meat in the crockpot and pop it open when it's dinner time- then YES sign me up.
Here are some of my favorite ways that you can use chicken.
-We are a family of 5 and surprisingly we used 2 big breasts for our meal the other day and that was plenty to go around!
-So if you cook more and have leftovers know that you can surely use it for other meals or please FREEZE it
-italian dressing
- salsa
- water with some salsa
-Salt and pepper to your taste
- Garlic- you can't go wrong with this- either powder or minced
- onion- again you can try using powder or throw in whole cubes
- Add water to keep it moist
Once your chicken is done then you can shred it up and eat up to your content
- Pulled pork with barbecue w or with out buns
- Serve it over brown rice or quinoa
-Tacos
-Serve with Pasta
- Make Chicken Soup
Here are some of my favorite ways that you can use chicken.
Ingredients -
-Boneless skinless chicken- This is by far the FASTEST and less MESSIEST way to cook chicken, you shred it and you are DONE. I have cooked the ones with bones, but it does take more time.-We are a family of 5 and surprisingly we used 2 big breasts for our meal the other day and that was plenty to go around!
-So if you cook more and have leftovers know that you can surely use it for other meals or please FREEZE it
Add-ins
This is where it can vary tremendously here- everything from-italian dressing
- salsa
- water with some salsa
-Salt and pepper to your taste
- Garlic- you can't go wrong with this- either powder or minced
- onion- again you can try using powder or throw in whole cubes
Directions
-Toss your chicken in the pot and set on HIGH for 5-6 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours- Add water to keep it moist
Once your chicken is done then you can shred it up and eat up to your content
Meal Ideas
- Shredded Enchiladas- Pulled pork with barbecue w or with out buns
- Serve it over brown rice or quinoa
-Tacos
-Serve with Pasta
- Make Chicken Soup
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Are you really HUNGRY ?
Have you ever gone to your pantry to look for something to eat. You weren't sure exactly what you wanted to eat, but you figured hey why not.
This is how I get around the afternoon, when my son is napping and I am looking to be productive- therefore I look for a snack because, ya that's productive.
But, what I have learned is that either I am thirsty or I need to stay busy and need to find something else to do.
This is how I get around the afternoon, when my son is napping and I am looking to be productive- therefore I look for a snack because, ya that's productive.
But, what I have learned is that either I am thirsty or I need to stay busy and need to find something else to do.
How to determine if you are really hungry
One new thing that I am trying to do is make sure that I drink water. Take a big glass of water and drink it up. Then leave the kitchen and go throw a load of laundry in the washer. Distract yourself with something else to see if you are still hungry.Drink some Herbal Tea
I love tea with a little bit of honey, sometimes that is all I need to curb that craving. Enjoying a nice cup of tea can be the ticket to kicking that HABIT of thinking that we are hungry. It fills us up because with liquid, plus the herbs provide a therapeutic way to help our senses.
Brush your teeth
Do you like to eat after you brushed your teeth? I don't. So by brushing your teeth it can become a trigger for many of us to say wait I just brushed my teeth I am not going to ruin that fresh taste in my mouth. You should give it try.
Next time you find yourself going for the kitchen for a snack, ask yourself if you are really wanting to eat or if it's just out of boredom.
Next time you find yourself going for the kitchen for a snack, ask yourself if you are really wanting to eat or if it's just out of boredom.
Monday, January 20, 2014
Motivation
I enjoyed how they persistently sounded out certain words. There were some words that were much harder for them to sound out, but I didn't once think to tell them - STOP, you can't do that. You WON'T get it. Instead, I aided them along thru those challenging words
And as I left I thought to myself: Why is it that when I want to muster up and try something new and difficult that I just tell myself nope stop you can't do it? Why is it as adults we don't allow ourselves to struggle and prove that we can achieve difficult things? Is it because we know we can take the easy route? Is it because we are afraid of failure ?
I look at my 2.5 year old who is always trying do things on his own. He loves to hop in the car and climb into his carseat and buckle himself up- do I tell him NO, do't try doing that because it's too hard.
As a mom of 3 I know that in order for my children to become independent and to have that feeling of self fullfillment I have to allow them to try to put their shoes on, or learn to sound out those tough words, or struggle a bit on their math homework.
So we should allow ourselves to do the same thing- push and try and even though it may be hard, just don't give up because it's saying that I tried my best that will taste so good then to say I give up.
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