One WEEK down & Healthy hash brown Recipe!

One Week Down 3 more to go!!!
I have read that the first couple weeks can be an adjustment to this new way of eating.
It is.
I have had some headaches lately and my guess is because my body is adjusting to not relying on sugary and carb loaded nutrition to get me through. (even though I thought i was eating healthy before)
The positive side is I am learning to be more creative and find delicious recipes that are easy and inexpensive. I LOVE eggs in case you haven't already realized this. I eat them everyday. I was really craving hash browns for some ODD reason today.... I don't normally eat those.

I thought about using sweet potatoes but remembered we were having them for dinner... then I saw it.
The Jicama, I picked up because it had a cool name last week. I read that it said mexican potato (it's white as can be so I'm not sure why it's mexican?)  I figured what the heck I will give it  shot... OUTSTANDING!!!
I made an onion, Jicama & sausage hash with over medium eggs today and SO EASY! Might be my favor recipe yet. This was our lunch but it can work for breakfast or even dinner....
Heres How:
Cook your sausage (if you want it) and place to the side until end.
Saute some onions (i use  white) for a couple min

Then throw in some peeled and shredded Jicama (as much as you want) & add 1 tblsp organic butter, I also added garlic and Natures Seasonings

Cook until it is at your desired crispy or softness, add your sausage.
  Then cook however many eggs you want, anyway you want and ENJOY!

This is making me want to get up and go make it again! it was really THAT good! Shockingly!
Nutrition Facts of Jicama:

• ONE cup raw sliced
• Calories: 46
• Protein: 0.86 grams
• Carbohydrate: 10.6 grams
• Total Fat: 0.11 grams
• Fiber: 5.8 grams

I was pretty excited after that recipe and made a little collision of veggies and turkey for dinner. 

I just sautéed more onions, chopped up sweet potatoes, broccoli, and ground turkey. I experiment with different seasonings all the time also to change it up. This is easy, cheap, family friendly and health friendly as well. 

I had to get  a talking too from my husband about throwing vegetable scraps down the garbage disposal. He told me this is my warning... next time I will have to call a different plumber and pay for it lol... yeah right. Please learn from my mistakes... veggie scraps go in compost, or  animal food, or soups, or trash... not is sink. BUT if you do need a plumber you know who to call... =)

 (just don't hug him naked I might get a little jealous ;) ) 

Keep yourself Healthy, Fit, and Fabulous!!

*Lallenia*

So BERRY cute Day 5 ... Awww NUTS!

TGIF! Now if only I could take a break from this Whole30 for the weekend like "normal" diet plans work I'd be super ecstatic! Unfortunately That's not how it works! No cheats on this bad boy! Today was another day of drooling at my sons breakfast. He decided to eat oatmeal TWICE today! I never envied a 2 year old so much.

You may be wondering if I am feeling any changes yet? Mentally I am being challenged for sure! Especially considering that my guys in the house are not following my Whole30. Which means I am surrounded by the food I am not supposed to eat and even have to cook it for them! If I weren't telling the world wide web about this challenge with this blog  I would tempted to "sneak" bites here and there because who is going to know!? I wouldn't have to report them to anyone so who cares? Then I would wonder why I am not getting the results I want in the end. I am a strong believer in karma so i will tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

If this is YOU taking this BLT's (Bites, licks, & tastes) and are wondering why you are not achieving your fitness goals... seriously write EVERYTHING down (measured and all) for 1-2 weeks to get a real idea of what is going in your body! You will be SHOCKED!

Back to how I am feeling... Mentally... challenged. BUT Every day I am proud of myself for not giving in. I just say only 25 more days to go Lallenia!

Emotionally, (Yes emotions and food go hand in hand especially if you are a female. I read a study about how women use food to express their emotions and Men eat because it sounds and/or taste good.) I get a little irritated when I realize I cannot have what my brain is telling me I want.

 Today for instance; we do our grocery shopping and to keep my 2 year old boy happy I always get some trail mix from the bins (I weigh it and pay for it) for him and my brother to snack on so they aren't driving me bonkers! Here is Wyatt lining up ALL the M&M's on the railing and telling me what color they are... I didn't care how smart he was at the time I just wanted to eat them.
SO I fished in the bag for the almonds instead hoping i would accidentally pull out a M&M and not realize what it was until I swallowed it.
No such luck.
He and Travis ate them all. So my emotions are fighting and getting upset because I REALLY wanted all of them just one. Then I felt proud and happy I didn't give in. This goes back and forth when your brain is trying to break habits. I expect it to happen now and understand I do not need to give in to the "evil" brain.

Physically, since I am being so honest here... I am a little nervous because I feel like I am not going to really SEE any changes expect weight gain from the outside if I keep snacking on so many nuts. I need to really crack down and portion size it or I will be needing super size clothing. Inside physical changes, I definitely notice more energy especially if I am unable to get as much sleep as I should I find I am able to cope a lot better!


Awww NUTS! Which brings me to my day today.... nuts nuts nuts... they are good but VERY easy to go overboard on like i am positive I did today... I know they are whole30 approved but i am sure not as many as I ate. No worries they are raw! (positive thinking) All my snacks were either almonds, cashews or sunflower seeds. I did have a handful of dried cherries with no added sugar also.

Breakfast was the same AGAIN! And probably will be tomorrow because we are almost done with those Brussels sprouts (i guess I'm the only one who likes them).

Lunch was my Tuna Recipe from Day 2 onto lettuce leafs... LOVE!

Dinner was supposed to be spaghetti squash with a meat sauce i made homemade (paleo style) but instead I over cooked my squash, we will just call it mush.

So I microwaved a sweet potato and put the turkey sauce over that.... its was ok.

This will make you smile. I let Wyatt play in the sink when I cook to keep him occupied & out of trouble. I was washing some fruit so he decided to help:

SO BERRY CUTE! He makes me smile (most of the time) BIG!

I better get to bed before I eat anymore nuts and I need to rest up for the Warrior Dash! ( I made Tee-shirts for the hubby and i.... hehe you will see our team name tomorrow.... =))

Sweet Dreams!

Keep yourself Healthy, Fit, and Fabulous!!

*Lallenia*

Day 3 and a confession.

Here we are!!! Day 3 of the Whole30 day challenge! I feel a little lost here and there but am still excited about this new way of eating. It also helps that I am doing it with someone so we keep each other on track and setting a small goal of only 30 days.

Breakfast consisted of Eggs over medium and Brussels sprouts. Yep. Brussels sprouts for breakfast. I hate throwing away left overs so I will use them in anyway possible; to my surprise they complemented each other very well. J

My Brother (Travis), ornery little two-year-old son and I went to the zoo this morning! Aren’t they so cute?  '

I brought raw nuts for me to snack on, pitted dried prunes and an apple. Easy and portable! (Steal this idea please) Plus Wyatt had to eat some of my nuts and prunes… lead by example! Oh & yes prunes sure do work “helping” you (& little 2 year olds who eat too many) out in some areas of life where you might feel a little “clogged”.

I have a confession (dun dun dun)… I’m learning that I take mindless bites of Wyatt’s food more than I ever thought I did. For the past 3 days I have stopped myself each time (GO ME!) because my mind is set on eating ONLY whole food for these 30 days so I am conscious of what I am putting in my mouth. I am shocked at how often I have to stop myself. I can see how people have a hard time getting the baby weight off or losing those last few pounds with these unconscious actions/habits. (If this is you take note. Be aware and honest with yourself)

Just to clear it up No, My guys do not eat “bad” food by any means! My boys still eat their normal diet for the most part  (You know the stuff that’s not approved for Whole30 yet it is considered “health” food by the rest of the country) but with more veggies and raw nuts. My husband made the comment after work tonight that he is feeling really healthy lately and has more energy… hehehe don’t tell him my secrets k?

Lunch was same as yesterday! LOVE the tuna salad recipe! (Canned tuna, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, avocado, your choice seasoning ALL mixed up eaten alone or on top of lettuce leafs)

Had another apple for snack with almond butter… I am going to start measuring out how much almond butter I’m using because I think I like it a little TOO much… I mean it’s only ONE spoonful right? (Yeah I know it’s piled as high as it can be and dripping over the edge… What do you mean that’s more than one tablespoon?)

Dinner was ANOTHER success.

Grass fed beef with peppers, onions, garlic, kale, broccoli and natures seasoning.

Do you see my obsession lately? Onions and garlic! I am amazed at how much flavor they can add to dishes! It’s wonderful!  

Evening Snack is seeded raw sunflower seeds... i love them.

There is SO much running though my mind I want to talk type about but need to figure out how to organize my thoughts because this is making me tired thinking this much! If you have any suggestions or questions for me please ask away! This is my job passion in my pants and I ain’t afraid to show it! =) 

Keep yourself Healthy, Fit, and Fabulous!!

*Lallenia*

I KNOW my ABC's... how about YOU??

Hi Hi Hi!!!! yes it has been a while since i have posted....I do not really have much of an excuse but rather an apology! Haha, my problem is i want to post blogs all the time because i feel like there is so much to share that i get overwhelmed and then don't do it.... hmm... sounds like something i need to work on yes? Anyways here is an article (vent) about the food pyramid i wrote for a health class this week,... please give me your thoughts on this topic!!! 

I KNOW MY ABC's..... HOW ABOUT YOU??

 The food pyramid has been taught in schools for almost 15 years now. Yet the Western World is more obese than ever! My guess is this means something is not right about this kind of teaching….. I understand that the western society has been increasingly sedentary since the evolution of video games, big screen TV’s, meaningless reality shows, and computer social life. But let’s be real here… that all reflects back to just plain laziness! There is a major misconception about the food pyramid and exercise. Not many people want to approach that issue because it involves changing their lifestyle.   

 I see from an article on cnn.com that they are changing the food pyramid again, which, in my opinion, is much better than the last one. It still is just general and does not really TEACH people what and why they are eating what they are eating. Don’t you agree that when you know why and how to do something you are more inclined to do it?

“How many carbs do I eat?”

“I feel like when I eat more pastas, cereals, and breads I gain weight faster…. Don’t you?”

“What is a carbohydrate anyways?”

“If I’m supposed to cut back on fat why do all these health nuts (pun intended) tell me to eat more whole eggs and coconut oil??”

“How do I get rid of body fat?”

 These are very commonly asked questions by many people. Yet when they turn to the food pyramid for answers it tells them a general answer that is not necessarily going to help a person reach their health and fitness goals. So then what do they do? Listen to the media, listen to celebrities who are PAYED to promote a product, and pay all this money for pills, powders, shots, and JUNK that is going to leave them out of money, frustrated and possibly hurt their health even more!

 I know this because I have been there done that, tried it all and I see it EVERYDAY! This really frustrates and irritates me to no end! Why in the world does the government invest all this time and money into healthcare instead of health prevention programs? Think about this, if the government were to hire people to work at schools who are very well trained in fitness and nutrition (the ones who practice what they preach not just go buy a certification and go home and eat Cheetos all day). Make it a mandatory program where the students actually have to learn and get graded on assignments (not just play dodge ball or watch a PowerPoint). Don’t you think maybe they will learn something that will stick?

 I know how to spell, add, subtract, cursive writing, my ABC’s, the 50 nifty united states (& 13 original colonies), and so much more because the teachers/government MADE me and HELPED me learn…. Why not teach the children about what to eat and how to eat at a young age? After all this is when a person’s brain is developing and learning. Not only will kids retain this information but it is ESSENTIAL for them at this age to be eating a very healthy diet to help their brain and body develop strong. 

Why not set our society up for success to grow strong and healthy minds and bodies through what we put into our body? I honestly think this would solve SO many health issues! People will be able to enjoy their lives more, have more confidence, and want to work for a government that takes care of them and helps them. Then maybe, just maybe we might be proud to pay our taxes to a government who wants us to succeed and be happy…. But then I guess that would cut back on all the billions of dollars they make off of your prescriptions, doctor visits, medical complications…

 Works Cited

Agriculture, U. S. (n.d.). USDA Choose My Plate. Retrieved from http://www.choosemyplate.gov/: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/

Park, M. (n.d.). Plate icon to guide Americans to healthier eating. Retrieved from www.cnn.com: http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/06/02/usda.new.food.plate/index.html

 

SNowFlakes = Candy bars & milk shakes.... YUM!

“If all the snowflakes were candy bars and milkshakes…. Oh, what a snow that would be!!!
 Standing outside with our mouths opened wide, ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah…..”

( this was stuck in my head after running in the snow yesterday morning....)

You know that just made you smile and reminisce about childhood memories of catching snowflakes on your tongue, building a snow ball then running inside to a cup of hot chocolate, chocolate chip cookies and cartoons. :-) 

Snow days are the BEST! It is SO beautiful to see the ground covered in a beautiful blanket of white, cuddling on the couch and watching Christmas movies, OR getting around to painting those ugly cabinets of yours… ok, maybe that last one is just me... 

This is also the time when we want that comfort food that has a tendency to add extra baggage on us until spring comes around, right? 


Well guess what?? That does not always have to be the case if you have chosen to live a healthier lifestyle and WANT to change your habits!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE cooking healthy meals and snacks ESPECAILLY now that I have a little man (hehe, and a BIG man) to feed. 


Nothing makes me happier than knowing that the people I care about most in my life are taking care of themselves inside and out by what they are putting in their bodies. That is one of MY personal motivations for learning how to eat and cook healthier all the time.

Here are some of my healthy, favorite, & FUN recipes for you to make when you are craving something not so healthy..... :-) 

I was in the mood for chocolate chips cookies last night so what did I do? Make them!!


 Here is the recipe I used instead of the one that comes on the back of the chocolate chip package:

(http://www.thewannabechef.net/2011/05/04/almond-flour-chocolate-chip-cookies/) You can modify this in other ways as well with egg whites or a different sweetener if needed!

Ingredients (Makes about 12 cookies):

•   1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) almond flour

•   1/4 cup butter, room temperature

•   1/4 cup sugar (or sweetener of your choice)

•   1 egg (or 3-4 egg whites)

•   1/4 teaspoon salt

•   1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

•   1/4 teaspoon baking soda

•   1/4 cup DARK chocolate chips

Preheat oven 375

Cream the butter and sugar mixture together until smooth.

Mix in the egg or egg whites

Next, add the almond flour, vanilla, salt, and baking soda and mix until it is combined.

Fold in the chocolate chips.

I used a spoon and scooped small rounded dough onto baking paper (parchment).

Place in oven for 10-12 minutes.

Let them cool then tell me how delicious they are!! They are even better after a couple hours of cooling down!

This would be my little man chowing down on these delicious cookies! yes he is wearing my bike helmet....lol

Who doesn't like some fried chicken or chicken nuggets?I know my little Wyatt LOVES dipping his food so I found a way to make HEALTHY chicken nuggets!!! YAY!

•    1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders or breasts, chopped into squares

•    1.5 cups of almond meal or almond flour (can also use quinoa flour, oat flour or 100% wheat if you must)

•    1 tablespoon paprika

•    1 teaspoon garlic powder

•    1 teaspoon onion powder

•    salt and pepper to taste

•    2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

2. In a large storage bag, mix almond meal, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.

3. Taking 5-6 pieces of chicken at a time, throw into bag and shake until chicken is full covered.

4. With a brush, cover baking sheet with olive oil.

Place chicken bites on sheet and bake for 12 minutes. Turn chicken over and bake for another 12 minutes.

An addition to the nuggets.....

For those if you who LOVE mashed potatoes but do not like the calorie count may I present to you…..

Mashed cauliflower…. Before you roll your eyes and laugh at me… TRY IT! Don’t knock it until you try it please! ;-)

·      3 large potatoes, scrubbed, cut into 1-inch chunks
 (or less BUT add more cauliflower!)

·      1 1/2 cups cauliflower florets

·      
1-2 tablespoons olive oil


·      Vegetable broth as needed

·      
Salt and freshly-ground black pepper to taste

1. Place the potato chunks in a saucepan filled with cold salted water and bring to a boil. When boiling, add cauliflower florets, return to a boil and cook, partially covered, for 20 minutes, until potatoes and cauliflower are very tender.

2. Drain potatoes and cauliflower, add olive oil, and gradually add vegetable broth to moisten, mashing with a potato masher or processing in a food processor until creamy and fluffy. Add salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.

Serves 4-6.

What to take from reading this besides some fabulous recipe ideas....

Stop pretending it's hard to eat healthy... it's not. The Internet is a wonderful thing! If you have a comfort food you want... make it HEALTHY!!!

 I am positive there is a recipe out there that will satisfy your craving without adding to your love handles.

ALWAYS be thinking about if what you're eating is going to make you feel strong and fit.... if not then what is the point? Who wants to feel gross and weak??

"If all the snow flakes we asparagus spears and broccoli slaw.... oh what a healthier world we would be..... "