Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Eating Healthy in the Fall ? IT IS POSSIBLE
Well fall is knocking at our door! I thought it would be fun to just have some simple tips for eating clean in the fall. It seems like the pumpkin spice lattes come out along side the pumpkin pie and its all over from there. Just remember, you don't have to eat it!
Tips:
Replace white flour with Oat flour. How you say? Buy Oat flour OR do what I do, and grind up regular oatmeal in the coffee grinder or in a bullet. Some sort of fine grinding machine. Grind oats to a fine flour! The oat flour is great and has been what I have been using in breads as well as muffins, pancakes, and cobblers.
Use RAW sugar or pure cane sugar over brown sugar and refined sugars. It is so easy to just buy the white sugar to go in baked goods or even coffee, but RAW unprocessed sugar is better then the white. Please Read --> http://www.naturalorganiclifestyle.com/unrefined-raw-sugar.html
Use applesauce in place of oil. It works and it is great!
Use dark chocolate when baking. Adding dark chocolate M&M's to cookies is a great alternative to milk chocolate chips.
Right now is a great time to get grapes! Grapes are an amazing healthy sweet snack and they are in season. I get mine at seven oaks for .79 a lb. That's a steal. Load up on these, rinse and throw them in the fridge and pull a handful out when you need a sweet treat!
Other 'in season' produce: Summer squash, corn, cucumbers, beets, tomato, peppers, melons, potatoes, pears, apples.
Keep chopped veggies on hand so if you feel the need to snack you can grab something that is ready. I keep some dip or hummus always in the fridge so I can eat a cucumber as a snack with some dip and when I'm done, I feel satisfied.
Making soups is a great idea right now. I made potato and Kale soup for dinner last night and it was great!
Another great tip is to buy the in season produce for cheap and invest in some freezer bags and wash, cut, and freeze fresh produce now, so you can enjoy the harvest all year long. I have a freezer full of Peaches, corn, and blackberries and I am looking to do some applesauce, peppers, and freeze tomato sauce. Please take advantage of your local farms now, while you can get it for such a great deal! It just takes small steps to keep a healthy you.
If you have yet to watch Forks over knives, please do so! It is a documentary that you can view on netflix or rent. It may change your life.
Here are a few recipes from their site!
Blessings,
Dani
http://www.forksoverknives.com/baked-french-fries-ketchup/
http://www.forksoverknives.com/vegan-thanksgiving-recipes-2/
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Berry Coconut Crisp
I went and picked some fresh blackberries today and had some blueberry's in the fridge. I told myself I wouldn't make this, but I couldn't resist! It turned out amazing. Please enjoy this recipe and feel free to share with me via email any special recipes you may have!
5 cups fresh berries, I used 3 cups black and 2 cups blue
2 Tablespoons RAW sugar
(Mix these two ingredients and place in the bottom of baking dish)
In a bowl, combine
1/2 cups Oats
1/4 cup Rice Flour or Oat Flour or regular
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 cup coconut shavings
4 tablespoons butter or butter substitute
Mix these ingredients together and cut butter in last. When mixture is course, add to the top of berries evenly.
Bake @ 375 for 30 minutes. Allow to cool and serve with Vanilla ice cream or topped with whipping cream.
This is my very own creation. I must say its amazing, my husband LOVES it.
Blessings,
Dani
5 cups fresh berries, I used 3 cups black and 2 cups blue
2 Tablespoons RAW sugar
(Mix these two ingredients and place in the bottom of baking dish)
In a bowl, combine
1/2 cups Oats
1/4 cup Rice Flour or Oat Flour or regular
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 cup coconut shavings
4 tablespoons butter or butter substitute
Mix these ingredients together and cut butter in last. When mixture is course, add to the top of berries evenly.
Bake @ 375 for 30 minutes. Allow to cool and serve with Vanilla ice cream or topped with whipping cream.
This is my very own creation. I must say its amazing, my husband LOVES it.
Blessings,
Dani
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Seven Oaks Produce List
Hope you all find this as helpful as I did! Its a little hard to see, but it shows what months they have certain produce! I love Seven Oaks Farm!
For those of you that have no clue where they are, here is their info!
Contact:
5504 Rogue Valley Hwy,
Central Point, OR 97502
541-664-2060
5504 Rogue Valley Hwy,
Central Point, OR 97502
541-664-2060
Blessings, Dani
DIY Fluoride Free Toothpaste
Very excited to try this home made toothpaste. It is Fluoride free, in case if some of you are wondering why I am excited about my toothpaste not having fluoride... its simply because it's poisonous. Some of the toothpastes actually have a Poison warning on the actual label. Which is why, you are supposed to spit out as much as possibly while brushing. I know it is such a small amount ingested but, if its capable of causing death in kids and adults if ingested in high amounts, I want to avoid it if I can. It's definitely something worth looking into for your family.
With having little ones around my house, they actually swallow quite a bit while brushing. So I found this recipe, and I am so excited to try it. It has great reviews.
Blessings,
Dani
Tooth-Soap
1 Tbsp Dr Bronners Castile liquid soap
5 Tbsp Coconut oil
1 Tbsp Olive Oil or water (to get the consistency, to get it to work through a soap dispenser)
20-25 drops of essential oil, Orange or Peppermint, if you use Dr Bronners mint soap, skip this step
Stevia to sweeten to your liking's
Mix up, put in an unused or cleaned soap dispenser or mason jar... whatever you want.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Whistle While you Work
Alright, I know what you are thinking... Dani, this is a healthy food blog. Yes, yes it is. But, for some strange reason, today I feel inspired to write about cleaning. Why? Well, because I feel if you have a clean home, you have a happy family, a safe and fun environment that your kids and spouse want to be in.
My theory is, if you start it and stay focused... before you know it, you're done! (It's that staying focused thing that tends to get us.) In this day and age, there are so many distractions. Too many 'devices'. Yes, I said it.
We tend to neglect the things that need done. Ouch huh? I am totally guilty of this one. TOTALLY.
So, my simple challenge to you this week and maybe in the weeks to come, is too map out a cleaning plan, jot down what really needs to get done. For me, its that I need to go through every bedroom and GET RID of toys/clothes/accessories. Clutter. I need to get rid of things so that I can remain organized. Do not be afraid to get your kids involved. I have 4 kids. 6,4,2 and one. My 6,4,& 2 year old clean their own room. They know where their toys go, most of the time I have to go in there and remind them, a couple... ok like 15 times to clean and not play... but hey, they know it is their responsibility. As they get older they are excited to help around the house because they know their help, means a lot.
Jot it down, map it out, stay focused and get it done!
Blessings!
Dani
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Whole Wheat Tortillas
My husband and I really enjoy these tortillas, they are delicious and filling. I hope you enjoy! This week try to focus on the main goal of this blog and that is Eat to Live, not Live to Eat. Have a great week!
Blessings,
Dani
Whole Wheat Tortillas
2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour
1/2 tsp Salt
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
1/2 cup warm water
Mix flour and salt in bowl.
Add olive oil and stir until combined.
Add warm water Tbsp at a time.
Knead dough on floured surface for a few minutes.
Allow dough to rest for 15 minutes. (sometimes my dough doesn't get a 'rest' )
Roll dough into sausage shape and then cut into 12 equal parts.
Roll parts into balls, if you are wanting larger tortillas then only cut into 6 parts.
With a rolling pin, start from middle of dough and work out.
Heat a skillet over medium heat, I use a nonstick pan with no oil.
Place tortilla on pan when it starts to bubble/dry, flip.
Keep tortillas warm by wrapping in a kitchen towel, or placing them in a tortilla warmer.
Friday, July 6, 2012
U Picks, in Jackson County
Here is a list of 'U Picks' in Jackson county! Most of the time you can get a better deal, because we are doing half the work... and its fun! I would map out your route before going out and maybe calling just to make sure they are open.
Blessings, Dani
Alta Vista Orchard - 2597 W. Stewart Ave Medford - BlueBerries!
The Berry Patch - 420 Sams Creek Rd. Gold Hill - Blueberries & Raspberries
Open 9-6 everyday in July, cash only
D & L Acres - 525 Fern Valley Rd Phoenix Oregon - Apricots
U pick price is .95 per lb. Open 7-Noon everyday
Sugar Plum Acres - 1850 Pioneer Rd, Phoenix -Cherries, Peaches, Roses, Tomatoes, Apricots
Valley View Orchards - 1800 North Valley View Rd Ashland - Peaches
Vaughn Farm and Orchard - 1014 Old Stage Rd Central Point - Blackberries & Pears, Available after august
Cliff Bars! Homemade
Ok, so... I know this is going to seem EXTREMELY cheesy. But, I have been far too busy this past week to stop, take pictures, download, size, post, delete, edit..... and so on. I mentioned to some friends that I made some Cliff Bars and a lot of people want the recipe I used, so... taken from another blog... here you go!
Hope everyone had a great 4th!
Blessings,
Dani
http://enlightenedcooking.blogspot.com/2008/06/homemade-cliff-bars-no-bake.html
Hope everyone had a great 4th!
Blessings,
Dani
http://enlightenedcooking.blogspot.com/2008/06/homemade-cliff-bars-no-bake.html
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Summer Days!
Just some more fun ideas for these summer days!
First off, we have coffee cubes, dropped into some vanilla almond milk! OK, thats amazing! I am totally doing this! If you haven't tried almond milk yet, drop EVERYTHING now, and GO BUY SOME!
Next we have a simply adorable idea for any kids birthday party! Skew grapes to make caterpillars! Add some frosting and a mini chip for the eyes!
Ridiculous right? RIGHT! So so cute!
Ok, this is a little boring, but a cute idea none the less! Bell Peppers for the dip dish! Pretty clever if you as me!
This is a great idea, because Watermelon and Cucumber are coming into season, check out some recipes for watermelon salads. This one has mint, sugar, vinegar, chopped watermelon and cucumber. Nice and refreshing served COLD on a HOT day!
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Fathers Day BBQ
I thought in celebration of fathers day I would post about something that my father and my hubby enjoy and that is 'Grilling'. Yes a post of healthier BBQ options. I hope you all have a blessed Fathers Day. Don't be afraid to join in on someone else's fathers day celebration if you don't normally celebrate. Let it be a good day!
Happy Fathers Day!
Blessings,
Dani
Happy Fathers Day!
Blessings,
Dani
Grilled Cabbage!1 tbsp EVOO, bacon bits, 2 tbsp Lemon juice, 1 Tbsp Worcestershire, 1/4 salt and pepper, 1 cabbage, quartered and individually wrapped. BBQ 20 minutes.
Honey Lime Chicken
Grilled Corn is always amazing
Grilled everything!
Salmon
Grilled Avocado stuffed with Salsa and some sour creme
Grilled Avocado stuffed with corn beans and tomato
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Summer Entertaining Treats
Strawberry's dipped in Vanilla Greek Yogurt and Frozen
Fresh fruit salad with baked cinnamon pita chips
Watermelon Punch Anyone? YUM
Cute way to dress up your favorite Lemonade
Baked apples cored out with cinnamon and sugar inside. After cooled insert vanilla
Ice cream and drizzle with caramel. Oh goodness!
This is fun when entertaining. Individual fruit salads.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Hummus is a healthy alternative to chip dips and even ranch...(dare I even say it). I know ranch is worshiped in Oregon. I have yet to find a healthy Ranch that actually tastes good.
I thought it would be fun to share some hummus recipes. My husband and I love hummus! If you are not a huge raw veggie fan, hummus allows us to eat those veggies with a little kick. Before you know it, you've eaten A LOT of veggies! It is also amazing with warmed or freshly grilled wheat pita bread.
Here is a recipe that I like. Please email your favorite hummus recipe and I will add it to the blog today. No picture needed. Thank you for reading! I hope you have a great day. Remember we want to Eat to LIVE, not LIVE to eat.
Blessings,
Dani
Thishungrymom@gmail.com
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Ingredients:
- 1 can of chickpeas/garbanzo beans (15 oz)
- 1/3 cup tahini (sesame seed paste)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1/2 cup -3/4 cup roasted red peppers (depending on taste)
Preparation:
In a food processor, combine beans, tahini, lemon juice and olive. Process until smooth. Add red peppers and garlic until desired consistency.
Garnish with parsley. Serve warm with hot pita bread or toasted pita chips.
Garnish with parsley. Serve warm with hot pita bread or toasted pita chips.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Mrs. Hampton's Spring Rolls
Here is meal share number 2! Thanks to my awesome sister Elizabeth! Ok... who am I kidding. Thanks to my awesome sister Buffy! I call her Buffy but her 'professional' name is ~Elizabeth~. So fancy.
So, on with this amazing recipe. I will be making this tonight. Once again it will be fun to add my favorites to this meal. My sister had some advice for the sauce and that is instead of water, use coconut milk. Hope you all find this recipe useful!
Spring Rolls
Dipping Sauce:
Dipping sauce
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
1/4 cup hot water
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons soy sauce
4 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspooon red pepper flakes
Rolls:
16 six-inch round sheets rice paper
3 ounces bean-thread noodles, cooked and drained
Shrimp- any amount
Chopped Lettuce (Can use cabbage, both colors)
Cilantro- any amount
So, on with this amazing recipe. I will be making this tonight. Once again it will be fun to add my favorites to this meal. My sister had some advice for the sauce and that is instead of water, use coconut milk. Hope you all find this recipe useful!
Spring Rolls
Dipping Sauce:
Dipping sauce
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
1/4 cup hot water
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons soy sauce
4 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspooon red pepper flakes
Rolls:
16 six-inch round sheets rice paper
3 ounces bean-thread noodles, cooked and drained
Shrimp- any amount
Chopped Lettuce (Can use cabbage, both colors)
Cilantro- any amount
To make the dipping sauce, combine the first seven ingredients in a small bowl and season to taste with red pepper flakes. Set aside.
To soften the rice paper, fill a pie plate or shallow baking dish with tepid water. Place 2 or 3 rice paper sheets in the water and allow them to soak about 45 seconds to one minute. Remove one at a time and carefully stack between sheets of paper towels. Continue soaking and draining until you have softened 16 rice sheets.
Turn over the stack and begin working from the bottom of the stack first. Place a softened rice paper sheet on a clean work surface. On the bottom third of the sheet, pile 1/4 cup of the noodle mixture. Just above the noodles, add cilantro, shrimp and then the lettuce. Or really however you want to stack it up.
Fold the bottom of the paper up and over the noodle mixture, then fold each side toward the center, rolling gently and as tightly as possible from the bottom until completely rolled. Place the rolls seam-side down on a plate and continue until all the ingredients have been used.
Keep the assembled rolls under wet paper towels covered with plastic wrap. Normally spring rolls can be stored at room temperature for 3 hours, but because these rolls have shrimp, they need to be refrigerated or eaten immediately. Refrigerating can cause them to dry out so keep that in mind.
Keep the assembled rolls under wet paper towels covered with plastic wrap. Normally spring rolls can be stored at room temperature for 3 hours, but because these rolls have shrimp, they need to be refrigerated or eaten immediately. Refrigerating can cause them to dry out so keep that in mind.
Tips
Rice paper rolls can be purchased at an international grocery store. Because the rice paper is very fragile, be sure to buy extra to work with.
Hope you all enjoy this meal share. I know I did! Thank you again Elizabeth for sharing it with us and I love the picture you sent! Very well presented! Rice paper rolls can be purchased at an international grocery store. Because the rice paper is very fragile, be sure to buy extra to work with.
Blessings,
Dani
Monday, June 4, 2012
Mrs. Caldwell's Meal Share
HEALTHY MEAL SHARE
YAY! So, finally someone shared a meal! (after elbowing her a few times lol) My dear friend Rachel has shared a meal that she made for her family last week. It is delicious and I know this because she saved a bowl for me! Let me tell you, it was amazing. Loved it... and here it is:
Quinoa Black Bean Burrito
YAY! So, finally someone shared a meal! (after elbowing her a few times lol) My dear friend Rachel has shared a meal that she made for her family last week. It is delicious and I know this because she saved a bowl for me! Let me tell you, it was amazing. Loved it... and here it is:
Quinoa Black Bean Burrito
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 tsp chili powder (mild)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (spicy)
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- Salt
OPTIONAL TOPPING INGREDIENTS
- Grated cheddar or jack cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Pico de gallo or salsa
- Diced seeded tomatoes
- Hot sauce or sriracha
- Sliced avocado
- Guacamole
- Corn
This meal was so good. And it is so nice to dress a meal up how YOU would like it. If you are not into 'no meat' you can add some shredded pork, chicken, or beef to this meal.
Hope you all enjoy! Thank You Rachel Caldwell for sharing this yummy meal that you found! Remember we dont want to 'live to eat, but eat to live'.
Blessings!
Dani
Day 1 Sarah Mae
http://sarahmae.com/2012/06/the-reboot-day-1-distractions/
Dani
Following this new challenge! Day 1 today! Hope you can join in on the challenge!
Blessings!
Dani
Meatless Monday Meal
I'm sharing this Meatless Monday meal. I am currently following a fellow blogger that has been posting about Meatless Monday Meals. Its fun to follow and get some more ideas of healthy eating. Thought I would share todays, I plan on making this tonight or tomorrow.
Spring Rolls!
Ingredients
Spring Rolls!
Ingredients
Serves 8
Dipping sauce
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
1/4 cup hot water
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons soy sauce
4 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspooon red pepper flakes
Summer rolls
3 ounces bean-thread noodles, cooked and drained
1/2 cup finely shredded cabbage
1/2 cup finely shredded red cabbage
1/3 cup grated carrot
1 red pepper, sliced thinly
1/4 cup sliced green onion
1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted
16 cilantro leaves, whole
1 bunch Thai basil
1 pound teriyaki tofu, sliced thin
1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
16 six-inch round sheets rice paper
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
1/4 cup hot water
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons soy sauce
4 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspooon red pepper flakes
Summer rolls
3 ounces bean-thread noodles, cooked and drained
1/2 cup finely shredded cabbage
1/2 cup finely shredded red cabbage
1/3 cup grated carrot
1 red pepper, sliced thinly
1/4 cup sliced green onion
1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted
16 cilantro leaves, whole
1 bunch Thai basil
1 pound teriyaki tofu, sliced thin
1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
16 six-inch round sheets rice paper
Directions
1. To make the dipping sauce, combine the first seven ingredients in a small bowl and season to taste with red pepper flakes. Set aside.
2. To make the rolls, combine the bean thread noodles, cabbage, carrots, green onion, and sesame seeds in a large bowl. Place the cilantro, basil, and tofu in separate work bowls nearby.
3. To soften the rice paper, fill a pie plate or shallow baking dish with tepid water. Place 2 or 3 rice paper sheets in the water and allow them to soak about 45 seconds to one minute. Remove one at a time and carefully stack between sheets of paper towels. Continue soaking and draining until you have softened 16 rice sheets.
4. Turn over the stack and begin working from the bottom of the stack first. Place a softened rice paper sheet on a clean work surface. On the bottom third of the sheet, pile 1/4 cup of the noodle mixture. Just above the noodles, add tofu slices, a cilantro leaf, and a basil leaf.
5. Fold the bottom of the paper up and over the noodle mixture, then fold each side toward the center, rolling gently and as tightly as possible from the bottom until completely rolled. Place the rolls seam-side down on a plate and continue until all the ingredients have been used.
6. Keep the assembled rolls under wet paper towels covered with plastic wrap. Store at room temperature up to 3 hours; do not refrigerate because this will dry out the rolls.
2. To make the rolls, combine the bean thread noodles, cabbage, carrots, green onion, and sesame seeds in a large bowl. Place the cilantro, basil, and tofu in separate work bowls nearby.
3. To soften the rice paper, fill a pie plate or shallow baking dish with tepid water. Place 2 or 3 rice paper sheets in the water and allow them to soak about 45 seconds to one minute. Remove one at a time and carefully stack between sheets of paper towels. Continue soaking and draining until you have softened 16 rice sheets.
4. Turn over the stack and begin working from the bottom of the stack first. Place a softened rice paper sheet on a clean work surface. On the bottom third of the sheet, pile 1/4 cup of the noodle mixture. Just above the noodles, add tofu slices, a cilantro leaf, and a basil leaf.
5. Fold the bottom of the paper up and over the noodle mixture, then fold each side toward the center, rolling gently and as tightly as possible from the bottom until completely rolled. Place the rolls seam-side down on a plate and continue until all the ingredients have been used.
6. Keep the assembled rolls under wet paper towels covered with plastic wrap. Store at room temperature up to 3 hours; do not refrigerate because this will dry out the rolls.
Tips
Summer rolls can be made up to three hours before serving.
Rice paper rolls can be purchased at an international grocery store. Because the rice paper is very fragile, be sure to buy extra to work with.
Summer rolls can be made up to three hours before serving.
Rice paper rolls can be purchased at an international grocery store. Because the rice paper is very fragile, be sure to buy extra to work with.
|
Recipe adapted from Wedding Showers by Michelle Adams and Gia Russo.
Happy Monday All!
BLESSINGS,
Dani
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Healthy Meal Share!
So, I thought it would be fun to see some pictures and recipes of healthy meals that you guys are making at home! This is all a journey and it is so nice to get insight as to what different combinations we can come up with regarding dinner meals.
I'm asking anyone that reads this to challenge yourself! Photograph your healthy dinner, give me the recipe and I will post in right here on the blog. This should be fun, so please participate. Just share whatever you think is a healthier meal for a family. I'm so excited about this!!!
My email address is:
Thishungrymom@gmail.com
So I just need the recipe and instructions, along with a photo... and a comment about your meal.
Happy cooking!
Blessings,
Dani
I'm asking anyone that reads this to challenge yourself! Photograph your healthy dinner, give me the recipe and I will post in right here on the blog. This should be fun, so please participate. Just share whatever you think is a healthier meal for a family. I'm so excited about this!!!
My email address is:
Thishungrymom@gmail.com
So I just need the recipe and instructions, along with a photo... and a comment about your meal.
Happy cooking!
Blessings,
Dani
Friday, May 25, 2012
1500 Calorie Meal Plan
http://www.brighamandwomens.org/Patients_Visitors/pcs/nutrition/services/healtheweightforwomen/eating/mealPlans/1500_calorie.aspx
I just found this great website that has meal plans for every day of the week. To see a plan laid out sometimes helps us to stay on track. This meal plan really gives us a good look at what 1500 calories per day looks like. A lot of times, we go way over, and maybe everyday.This is why people gain weight so fast. I think we need to start being honest with ourselves and take control over our eating. I know that I feel so much better, eating healthy food and giving my body what it needs and not what tastes good. With the plan to start eating better, and incorporating exercise in your daily routine, it will help you lose the extra weight as you remain faithful to the plan.
I just found this great website that has meal plans for every day of the week. To see a plan laid out sometimes helps us to stay on track. This meal plan really gives us a good look at what 1500 calories per day looks like. A lot of times, we go way over, and maybe everyday.This is why people gain weight so fast. I think we need to start being honest with ourselves and take control over our eating. I know that I feel so much better, eating healthy food and giving my body what it needs and not what tastes good. With the plan to start eating better, and incorporating exercise in your daily routine, it will help you lose the extra weight as you remain faithful to the plan.
Obesity has been linked to several serious medical conditions, including:
- Heart disease and stroke.
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Cancer.
- Gallbladder disease and gallstones.
- Osteoarthritis.
- Gout.
- Breathing problems, such as sleep apnea (when a person stops breathing for a short episodes during sleep) and asthma.
I think it is so important to take control now, and stop living to eat, and EAT to LIVE.
Blessings,
Dani
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Lentil & Black Bean Soup
I just made THE most amazing soup! So good! Very high in protein... and I think that just about everyone would love it! Please give it a shot, it was so easy to make and just very satisfying. My kids ate it, I ate it, Aaron had 2 bowls... it was a hit! This soup is going in the books for sure! Let me know how yours turned out!
Comfort foods do not need to be high fat or high calorie. Soup is a great example. You can make delicious, nutritious, and satisfying soups such as this Lentil and Black Bean soup, which is packed full of low-fat, high-fiber goodness. If you choose to use vegetable broth, this makes a great vegetarian lunch.
Blessings,
Dani
Comfort foods do not need to be high fat or high calorie. Soup is a great example. You can make delicious, nutritious, and satisfying soups such as this Lentil and Black Bean soup, which is packed full of low-fat, high-fiber goodness. If you choose to use vegetable broth, this makes a great vegetarian lunch.
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp canola oil (I always use Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped onion
- 1 large celery stalk, diced
- 1 Green Bell Pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed and picked through
- 2 15-ounce cans reduced-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups fat-free, low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
Preparation:
In a large pot, heat oil on medium heat. Sauté onions, celery, bell pepper, and garlic until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Sprinkle cumin and chili powder, cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add lentils, black beans, tomatoes and broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 25 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
I topped mine with some chopped fresh spinach and a dash of fresh mozzarella! ENJOY!
Serves 8
Per Serving: Calories 127, Calories from Fat 14, Total Fat 1.6g (sat 0.1g), Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 503mg, Carbohydrate 22.2g, Fiber 7.1g, Protein 6g
Blessings,
Dani
Flax Seed
http://www.lifeaftercarbs.com/2011/08/flax-seed-meal-revisited-nutritious-and-low-carb/
I figured this would help out a lot. I know there are a lot of questions regarding flax seed and if you should or shouldn't buy it ground. Hope this helps!
Blessings,
Dani
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Sweet Potato Oatmeal Bars
What's great about this recipe is that you can change it up and make it your own. If you dont like Raisins, dont add them... If you dont want to use oil, DONT! Use Apple sauce or pear sauce whatever you would use as an oil substitute. They Smell great! A little crumbly, but that could be because I used applesauce. Taste good! Great for the sweet potato fan! Happy baking ya'll!
Blessings, Dani
Sweet Potato Oatmeal Bars
2 cups cooked, mashed sweet potatoes (microwave and peel)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, divided
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 canola oil ( I used apple sauce)
1/4 cup water
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup chopped walnuts(This is the fun part where you can add other nuts/raisins)
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour (I used Organic Brown Rice Flour and a little bran)
Serves: 8 Cooking Time: 30 minutes - one hour
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place sweet potatoes, maple syrup and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a food processor and mix until smooth. Set aside. In a medium bowl, mix oats, nuts, flour and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Set aside. Mix maple syrup, oil, and water separately and add to dry. Mix. Divide dough in half. Oil an 8x8 baking dish and press half of dough in the bottom. Spread the sweet potato mixture over the dough evenly. Crumble the remaining half of dough evenly over the sweet potato. Press gently. Bake for 20 minutes, until slightly crisp on top and golden. Let cool before serving
Silk Pure Almond Milk
I have been looking for an alternative for milk, not that I am completely switching from dairy to something else... but just something to put in my coffee, cereal, recipes, etc... Well I came across this product in the store and figured I would give it a shot. So far so good, we love it. It's Silk Pure Almond Milk. Here is some info on the product from their website.
Q. What are the nutritional benefits of Silk Pure Almond almondmilk?
A. Silk Pure Almond almondmilk is a refreshing, delicious and versatile choice for a healthy lifestyle.
- We've fortified our almondmilk so that it contains 450 mg of calcium per 8-ounce serving, which provides 50% more calcium than a glass of dairy milk.1
- Silk Pure Almond almondmilk is an excellent source of antioxidant vitamin E, supplying 50% of the recommended daily value in an 8-ounce serving.
- Silk Pure Almond Unsweetened contains no added sugars or sweeteners and has only 35 calories per 8-ounce serving; Silk Pure Almond Original contains 60 calories per serving; Silk Pure Almond Vanilla contains 90 calories; and Silk Pure Almond Dark Chocolate has 120 calories.
- Our almondmilk provides as much vitamin D as dairy milk: 25% of the recommended daily value.2
- Silk Pure Almond almondmilk is a great source of vitamin B12, providing 50% of the recommended daily value in an 8-ounce serving.
- There is no saturated fat in Silk Pure Almond almondmilk.
- Our almondmilk is cholesterol-free, soy-free, dairy-free, lactose-free and completely vegan.
Ingredients and Processing
Q. Where do the almonds used in Silk Pure Almond almondmilk come from?
A. All of the almonds used in our almondmilk are grown in the United States, which is the world's largest producer of almonds.
Q. Is Silk Pure Almond almondmilk natural?
A. Yes. It is produced without artificial ingredients and meets the same high standards of quality and integrity as the rest of the Silk product line. We keep processing to a minimum, beginning with whole, all natural almonds. The nuts are lightly roasted and ground to produce creamy almond butter. Then we blend in filtered water, natural sweetener, natural flavorings, vitamins and minerals. (Pure Almond Unsweetened contains no added sugar or sweeteners.) In addition, Silk Pure Almond almondmilk is certified by the Non-GMO Project, the nation's first system designed to test whether a product's ingredients have met defined standards for the absence of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs.
Q. What are GMOs?
A. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have been created using the gene-splicing techniques of biotechnology (also called genetic engineering, or GE). This relatively new science allows DNA from one species to be injected into another species in a laboratory, creating combinations that do not occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods.
Q. What is the Non-GMO Project?
A. The Non-GMO Project is a nonprofit collaboration of stakeholders in the natural products industry--including manufacturers, retailers, farmers and consumers--dedicated to the shared mission of ensuring the availability of non-GMO food and beverage choices.
The Nutritional Value of Almond Milk
Almond milk is one of the most nutritionally valuable milk substitutes available today. It is high in a number of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, selenium, iron, fiber, zinc and calcium. Almond milk is low in calories, at only 40 calories per eight ounce serving, and low in fat. It contains only three grams of fat per eight ounce serving. Almond milk is lactose, gluten, casein and cholesterol free; it's also free of saturated fats.
The Nutritional Value of Cow's Milk
Whole cow's milk is a very nutritious food. It's high in protein, with eight grams per serving. One eight ounce cup of milk meets 28% of your daily requirement of calcium, and fortified milk helps to fulfill your daily vitamin A and D requirements. However, whole milk is high in fat, with eight grams per serving, and saturated fat, with five grams per serving. Milk also contains 24 mg of cholesterol per serving, and contains 146 calories per serving.
Obviously, people are going to have their own opinion on what milk to use. I think that for what I am looking for it is going to be great. I tried it in my coffee this morning and it was very good!
Blessings!
Dani
Monday, May 21, 2012
Dani's Branni's
Here is a recipe I made up this morning after having not a lot of luck finding a recipe for muffins that is kid-friendly! These muffins are delicious. I made them for the kids and they love them! Beats a cupcake right? these ingredients might seem random but its because its what I had!
Blessings, Dani
Dani's Branni's :)
1 1/2 cups rice flour
1 cup Oat Bran
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 tbsp cinnamon
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp freshly ground flax seed
2 eggs
1 cup 100% orange juice
1/2 cup RAW sugar
1/4 brown sugar unrefined if possible
1/2 oil or oil substitute (I used mostly applesauce and added 2 tsp oil)
1 banana chopped
1/2 cup raisins or chocolate chips
Baked them at 400 degrees for 15-17 minutes.
Makes 20 muffins
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)