I would have to say Sundays are my favorite day of the week: its one of those days where you can truly just take a break from everyday life. Its the only day my husband and I can relax together and do 'whatever'. We get to catch up on housework, watch movies, have a mid-day workout, try new recipes, and just enjoy being with each other:)
After searching through Tosca Reno's cookbook, and finding lots of savory recipes to try, I became inspired myself. I decided to try out my own creative cooking skills and make a recipe of my own! Turns out I'm not half bad at cooking- (not to say I haven't had my share of mistakes and burnt attempts). Unfortunately for my husband, he's been subject to trying everything I make, good or bad. I try to incorporate a protein, good carb, vegetable, and fruit in all of my recipes, as well as a good fat. Today's recipe can be served hot or cold, and ingredients can be interchanged to suit your own taste buds.
Quinoa with a Mediterranean Flair!
1/2c Quinoa
15-20 Small- Medium Shrimp
1/4c Cucumber
1/4c Green Beans
1/4c Red Peppers and Mushrooms
1 tbs Seasoned Goat Cheese or FF Feta
4-5 Greek Olives
1-2 tbs Low Fat Sundried Tomato Salad Dressing
1/2 tbs Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Pepper to taste
Some other options would be to use chicken, lemon juice, or fresh basil.
1. Saute red peppers, mushrooms, shrimp, and dressing over med- high heat till browned, (aprox 5-10 min).
2. Mix quinoa, cucumbers, green beans, olive oil, cheese, and olives in bowl.
3. Let heated mixture cool, stir everything together and serve!
Enough blogging for now- time to snuggle up on the couch with the one I love most<3
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Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Tsunami
What a whirlwind of a day!!! Woke up to some unpleasant surprises- natural disasters to name the big one! But on a good note, my Tosca Reno cookbook did come in the mail! (and yes, I did insist we bring it with us when evacuating to a friends house!) It was obviously a necessity: in case we need to get creative with our canned goods of course! Luckily, the Tsunami did NOT hit, and I was not forced to try out my survivor cooking skills.
Its crazy, and a little sad, that it takes even the threat of something like this to put life in perspective. I have to admit I was scared OUT OF MY MIND this morning, but there is a beauty in what a good scare can do to clear your mind. Yes, we're safe, and yes, its over, but the reminder that life is short is still there. Bottom line: do what makes you happy, surround yourself with people who support and love you, take chances, don't let negativity effect you, and follow your heart. The only thing in life that is permanent is change- so live without regrets!
On a lighter note, now that I finally have my new cookbook be expecting LOTS of new recipes:)
Its crazy, and a little sad, that it takes even the threat of something like this to put life in perspective. I have to admit I was scared OUT OF MY MIND this morning, but there is a beauty in what a good scare can do to clear your mind. Yes, we're safe, and yes, its over, but the reminder that life is short is still there. Bottom line: do what makes you happy, surround yourself with people who support and love you, take chances, don't let negativity effect you, and follow your heart. The only thing in life that is permanent is change- so live without regrets!
On a lighter note, now that I finally have my new cookbook be expecting LOTS of new recipes:)
Been quite busy for the past couple days! Working 9 hour days can sure take it outta you! But, I have squeezed in some quality cooking time, and my husband has picked up the slack when I couldn't keep up! For my new recipes I made Stuffed Peppers and Brooke Johnson's Chicken Salad. The best thing about Stuffed Peppers is you can put anything in them you want! I stuffed mine with:
Boiled Chicken
Quinoa
Mushrooms
1 tbs Olive Oil
capers
garlic
...and topped them with FF Feta
....some other yummy options:
raisons
cranberries
nuts
couscous
salsa
tomatoes
anything your tummy is craving!!!
1. Cook quinoa or whatever your filling is first.
2. Cut and gut peppers. Steam until soft.
3. Stuff peppers and bake for 30-35 min and 375.
Brooke Johnsons Chicken Salad (healthy Waldorf Salad)
Makes 2 servings! (1 serving= 1cup)
4.5 oz chicken (I boiled mine)
1/3 c red grapes
1/3 c green apples
1/4 c 0% Greek Yogurt
1/4 c Walnuts
1 tsp Lemon Pepper Seasoning
2 Packets Sugar Free Packets (I like Truvia, Sun Crystals, PureVia, or anything with a natural Stevia extract base)
1/3 c celery (I used green onion because I don't care for celery)
This recipe is AMAZING! Tastes BETTER than the original, unhealthy version!
And on other news...drum roll please...I am now a published writer! Yea!!! Check it out:
www.baysider.com February 25, 2010 Page B4!!!
Boiled Chicken
Quinoa
Mushrooms
1 tbs Olive Oil
capers
garlic
...and topped them with FF Feta
....some other yummy options:
raisons
cranberries
nuts
couscous
salsa
tomatoes
anything your tummy is craving!!!
1. Cook quinoa or whatever your filling is first.
2. Cut and gut peppers. Steam until soft.
3. Stuff peppers and bake for 30-35 min and 375.
Brooke Johnsons Chicken Salad (healthy Waldorf Salad)
Makes 2 servings! (1 serving= 1cup)
4.5 oz chicken (I boiled mine)
1/3 c red grapes
1/3 c green apples
1/4 c 0% Greek Yogurt
1/4 c Walnuts
1 tsp Lemon Pepper Seasoning
2 Packets Sugar Free Packets (I like Truvia, Sun Crystals, PureVia, or anything with a natural Stevia extract base)
1/3 c celery (I used green onion because I don't care for celery)
This recipe is AMAZING! Tastes BETTER than the original, unhealthy version!
And on other news...drum roll please...I am now a published writer! Yea!!! Check it out:
www.baysider.com February 25, 2010 Page B4!!!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Motivation
Today's topic: Staying Focused and Motivated!
As time goes on, and distractions arise, the temptation to quit or stray always pops up: often when most inconvenient... At these times we often question ourselves, and why we are doing the things we do, and if they truly are important. At this point, this very vulnerable point, it is so important to remember why you started doing what you are doing. Whether its a vow to eat healthy, to work out everyday, to start school again: whatever your goal is- remember it! Write it down and hang up so you can look at it everyday. You made that goal for a reason, and that reason is important because it was important for YOU!
Often times we feel selfish for doing things for ourselves. But by doing something that makes you happy, that happiness will shine through to everything else in your life, spreading joy to others when you don't even know it. I know you've seen it- I know I have. When people are happy and positive it radiates into everything they do. Its the people who greet you with a smile every time, who hold doors, and always have a 'can do' attitude. You'd be surprised how one accomplishment of your own can open the doors to so many more.
And what to do when we don't meet our goal? Or have had a bad day? Move on! I read an article from a trainer who told her clients to take their goals one week at a time. Say, you couldn't make it to the gym 2 days, and you treated yourself to dinner one night- that's still 5 successful days!! This can be applied to anything in life! One mistake is not the end of the world- we have so much to be grateful, and excited, for in this life!
Often obstacles and life challenges are daunting and 'easier sad than done', but by always doing your best you will have no regrets. I hope this brings encouragement to anyone who reads this!
"There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward." Kahlil Gibran
As time goes on, and distractions arise, the temptation to quit or stray always pops up: often when most inconvenient... At these times we often question ourselves, and why we are doing the things we do, and if they truly are important. At this point, this very vulnerable point, it is so important to remember why you started doing what you are doing. Whether its a vow to eat healthy, to work out everyday, to start school again: whatever your goal is- remember it! Write it down and hang up so you can look at it everyday. You made that goal for a reason, and that reason is important because it was important for YOU!
Often times we feel selfish for doing things for ourselves. But by doing something that makes you happy, that happiness will shine through to everything else in your life, spreading joy to others when you don't even know it. I know you've seen it- I know I have. When people are happy and positive it radiates into everything they do. Its the people who greet you with a smile every time, who hold doors, and always have a 'can do' attitude. You'd be surprised how one accomplishment of your own can open the doors to so many more.
And what to do when we don't meet our goal? Or have had a bad day? Move on! I read an article from a trainer who told her clients to take their goals one week at a time. Say, you couldn't make it to the gym 2 days, and you treated yourself to dinner one night- that's still 5 successful days!! This can be applied to anything in life! One mistake is not the end of the world- we have so much to be grateful, and excited, for in this life!
Often obstacles and life challenges are daunting and 'easier sad than done', but by always doing your best you will have no regrets. I hope this brings encouragement to anyone who reads this!
"There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward." Kahlil Gibran
Monday, February 22, 2010
Early morning wakeup call at 5:30 am today! And no complaints here! I am excited and ready for this day! I came down and cooked food for the day (except for dinner, I have a NEW one for tonight!), and am about to start my morning workout!! I'm feeling spunky this morning, I may even go for round two after work:)
My quote for today, to live by, and hopefully inspire others to do the same, is from Audrey Hepburn.
"For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge you are never alone."
Such a beautiful quote, and on that note: have a wonderful day! I will be back to post tonight's new recipe!
My quote for today, to live by, and hopefully inspire others to do the same, is from Audrey Hepburn.
"For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge you are never alone."
Such a beautiful quote, and on that note: have a wonderful day! I will be back to post tonight's new recipe!
Food For Fuel!
In such a good mood! So much to be happy and grateful for! I'm sitting here with my wonderful husband watching the Olympics, which I'm embarrassed to say I haven't watched ANY of till tonight! It's so inspiring to watch such talented and dedicated athletes do what they've worked soo hard for. It makes me want to push myself that much harder, both physically and mentally. Which brings me to an important topic- being mentally prepared and excited about your HEALTH. When choosing to eat/ live clean and healthy you are making a physical AND mental commitment to yourself. It is so much more than just eating healthy and working out; it is a promise to yourself to exercise your mind as well. The more I learn about myself, and how this lifestyle has affected me- the more I am sure that I am practicing what my body and mind need. I find peace in constantly learning more about nutrition, sharing my knowledge with others, and taking time for ME, (whether its through a form of exercise, or anything else). Investing in your health is truly one of the best things you can do for yourself! It is not selfish! It is smart!
I know for me some parts of my journey have been easier than others. I have always been self conscience of my own writing (which is ironic since I am now writing a blog!) but recently I was assigned a writing assignment to try and write for a newspaper...and nervous as I was to receive rejection, I went after it! Today I just found out that my article I recently wrote, FOOD FOR FUEL, is going to be published in the Granite State newspaper!!! I am soo excited! As soon as its published I will post a link! So, moral of today's blog: PERSEVERANCE! Through perseverance you can attain your goals of a healthy lifestlye, both mentally and physically.
On a side note, I just ordered two of Tosca Reno's cookbooks and I am sooo excited! So get ready for some new recipes!!!...except they probally won't be here for another 2 weeks because it takes FOREVER to get anything to Hawaii!
No new recipes for today, but I have some helpful hints!
1. Always eat breakfast! Kickstart your day with something sufficent- something like MY USUAL (egg white and veggie omlette with oatmeal with fruit)
2. Eat 4-6 times a day to keep your metabolism up!
3. Include healthy fats in your diet like: nuts, nut butters, olive oil, avocado, salmon, and flaxseed.
4. Read labels!!! Some foods only APPEAR to be healthy. Look for words like 'enriched' and 'processed'- (aka NO GOOD!)
5. Variety is key! Be creative with cooking; look up new recipes and try them yourself.
I know for me some parts of my journey have been easier than others. I have always been self conscience of my own writing (which is ironic since I am now writing a blog!) but recently I was assigned a writing assignment to try and write for a newspaper...and nervous as I was to receive rejection, I went after it! Today I just found out that my article I recently wrote, FOOD FOR FUEL, is going to be published in the Granite State newspaper!!! I am soo excited! As soon as its published I will post a link! So, moral of today's blog: PERSEVERANCE! Through perseverance you can attain your goals of a healthy lifestlye, both mentally and physically.
On a side note, I just ordered two of Tosca Reno's cookbooks and I am sooo excited! So get ready for some new recipes!!!...except they probally won't be here for another 2 weeks because it takes FOREVER to get anything to Hawaii!
No new recipes for today, but I have some helpful hints!
1. Always eat breakfast! Kickstart your day with something sufficent- something like MY USUAL (egg white and veggie omlette with oatmeal with fruit)
2. Eat 4-6 times a day to keep your metabolism up!
3. Include healthy fats in your diet like: nuts, nut butters, olive oil, avocado, salmon, and flaxseed.
4. Read labels!!! Some foods only APPEAR to be healthy. Look for words like 'enriched' and 'processed'- (aka NO GOOD!)
5. Variety is key! Be creative with cooking; look up new recipes and try them yourself.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Ahhh off work for the day!!! And what did I come home to?? A wonderful home-cooked meal! Thanks to my wonderful chef of a husband, who whipped up a seafood buffet for dinner! It was nice to have someone else cook for a change! And he was even sweet enough not to put any butter on anything! Gotta love a man who supports what you!
Well, back to my cooking adventures! Yesterday I made Salmon with Dill.
Salmon
Fresh, or dried, Dill
Black Pepper
Sea Salt
Lemon Juice
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Garlic, fresh or dried
1. Preheat oven to 400
2. Place Salmon in tinfoil and cover with ingredients (measurement is at own preference)
3. Cook 10-15 min (till pink) and serve!
The fresh Dill really gave off alot of flavor!
Well, back to my cooking adventures! Yesterday I made Salmon with Dill.
Salmon
Fresh, or dried, Dill
Black Pepper
Sea Salt
Lemon Juice
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Garlic, fresh or dried
1. Preheat oven to 400
2. Place Salmon in tinfoil and cover with ingredients (measurement is at own preference)
3. Cook 10-15 min (till pink) and serve!
The fresh Dill really gave off alot of flavor!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Good Morning! Finishing MY USUAL and planning what to make for the rest of the day. For meal 2 I'm going to try a new shake from Oxygen Magazine:
Kiwi Strawberry Shake
1 1/2c frozen strawberries (vitamin C can help flatten your belly)
2 ripe kiwis (to banish muscle soreness)
1 c FF Milk
2 scoops protien
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp honey
This is a great post workout shake!
I'll keep you posted on whats for later! I'm thinking salmon with dill....
Little side note, a quote from one of the most beautiful women that ever lived, Audrey Hepburn.
"I believe in Pink.
I believe laughing is the best calorie burner.
I believe in kissing, kissing alot!
I believe in being strong, when everything seems to be going wrong.
I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls.
I believe that tomorrow is another day,
and I believe in miracles..."
Kiwi Strawberry Shake
1 1/2c frozen strawberries (vitamin C can help flatten your belly)
2 ripe kiwis (to banish muscle soreness)
1 c FF Milk
2 scoops protien
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp honey
This is a great post workout shake!
I'll keep you posted on whats for later! I'm thinking salmon with dill....
Little side note, a quote from one of the most beautiful women that ever lived, Audrey Hepburn.
"I believe in Pink.
I believe laughing is the best calorie burner.
I believe in kissing, kissing alot!
I believe in being strong, when everything seems to be going wrong.
I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls.
I believe that tomorrow is another day,
and I believe in miracles..."
Thursday, February 18, 2010
BREAKFAST
Good Morning! 6:30 am here, husband just left for work and I'm just finishing up breakfast. I went with the usual: omlette and oatmeal. Sometimes its good keep some things the same: having a contsant something or other. What is that rule about doing something for some certain amount of days, and then it becomes a habit?? Thats kind of like my breakfast- occasionally I change it up a little, tweek it, but really its the same. So here's the basic recipe for...
MY USUAL
3/4 c egg whites
1/2 c brocolli
1 tbs goat cheese
Now really you can add whatever you like to an omlette- thats the beauty of this breakfast wonder! You can put any veggie, any meat, any cheese your little heart desires! Eat it with toast, with rice, hashbrowns, homefries, or even in a burrito! Combinations are endless!
and...the other half of MY USUAL:)
1/4 c oatmeal
1/4 c organic granola (for crunch)
1/4 c berries
Another great for variations! I like my oatmeal sweet so I usually add a couple drops of Stevia Extract or honey, but brown sugar, or dried fruit it great too. And apparently I am one of the only people who had NO idea whatsoever on how to make oatmeal on the stovetop, but in chance that I am not the only one, I'm giving you directions! (to avoid dumb blonde jokes)
1. First, boil what- first dilemma, how much?!? Answer- aproximately double of how much oatmeal you want to cook.
2. Stir in oatmeal once water is boiling, and reduce heat.
3. Cook until water is mostly gone.
Easy as pie! You'll be a master breakfast chef in no time!
Well, looks like its time for me to head of to the gym- long day of work coming up!
MY USUAL
3/4 c egg whites
1/2 c brocolli
1 tbs goat cheese
Now really you can add whatever you like to an omlette- thats the beauty of this breakfast wonder! You can put any veggie, any meat, any cheese your little heart desires! Eat it with toast, with rice, hashbrowns, homefries, or even in a burrito! Combinations are endless!
and...the other half of MY USUAL:)
1/4 c oatmeal
1/4 c organic granola (for crunch)
1/4 c berries
Another great for variations! I like my oatmeal sweet so I usually add a couple drops of Stevia Extract or honey, but brown sugar, or dried fruit it great too. And apparently I am one of the only people who had NO idea whatsoever on how to make oatmeal on the stovetop, but in chance that I am not the only one, I'm giving you directions! (to avoid dumb blonde jokes)
1. First, boil what- first dilemma, how much?!? Answer- aproximately double of how much oatmeal you want to cook.
2. Stir in oatmeal once water is boiling, and reduce heat.
3. Cook until water is mostly gone.
Easy as pie! You'll be a master breakfast chef in no time!
Well, looks like its time for me to head of to the gym- long day of work coming up!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Perhaps this post should have gone before the other today, but like everything else, my writing is a little scattered- so bear with me! This blog I'm writing (in addition to what was written earlier) is going to hopefully- no, it WILL, keep me on track with my clean eating and healthy lifesytle. In addition, I hope to inspire, and get inspired on my journey.
So, I tried one new recipe today...Tosca Reno's Clean Egg Salad. I was a little skeptical at first- in mayo's place was cottage cheese...hmmm I definetly would not have thought of that! The final verdict: I give in an 8 out of 10. It wasn't as creamy as the original, but full of flavor and wayyy more healthy! Even my husband gave it try. He wasn't too crazy about the curry, but he managed to get it down: always a good sport!
Tosca Reno's Clean Egg Salad
1/4 c FF or Lowfat cottage cheese
1 tbs Skim Milk
1 tsp mustard
1/4 tsp sea salt
dash of curry
2 tbs green onion, chopped
2 tbs celery
4 hard boiled egg whites
1 hardboiled egg yolk
1. whip cottage cheese, milk, and spices.
2. fold in egg, onion, and celery.
I ate this with whole wheat toast and an apple. Hope you enjoy it!
So, I tried one new recipe today...Tosca Reno's Clean Egg Salad. I was a little skeptical at first- in mayo's place was cottage cheese...hmmm I definetly would not have thought of that! The final verdict: I give in an 8 out of 10. It wasn't as creamy as the original, but full of flavor and wayyy more healthy! Even my husband gave it try. He wasn't too crazy about the curry, but he managed to get it down: always a good sport!
Tosca Reno's Clean Egg Salad
1/4 c FF or Lowfat cottage cheese
1 tbs Skim Milk
1 tsp mustard
1/4 tsp sea salt
dash of curry
2 tbs green onion, chopped
2 tbs celery
4 hard boiled egg whites
1 hardboiled egg yolk
1. whip cottage cheese, milk, and spices.
2. fold in egg, onion, and celery.
I ate this with whole wheat toast and an apple. Hope you enjoy it!
Small Revelation
Well, it seems I've taken quite a break from writing. Good case of writers block, but its time to get back at it- no excuses! I recently watched the movie Julie and Julia, and cheesy as it seems, it really inspired me. Lately I've been cooking quite a bit, and am constantly trying to find food that is healthy and delicious. ...not always the easiest of tasks, believe me! To give you a bit of background: I am a fitness competitor, I eat 5-6 times a day, eat clean (no processed food for me), but I love FLAVOR! My husband on the other hand, is your typical meat and potatoes, nachos and wings kind of guy, that can eat anything and still look the same! My dilemma- cooking meals that we can both enjoy. What I love about cooking and food, is how it can bring people together. I love to entertain, cook a nice dinner, bring muffins to neighbors, but I want my food to be healthy. I want to not just 'feed' my body, but fuel it with the nutrients it needs. Soo, in a bit of Julie and Julia taste, I will be cooking my way through a number of clean, healthy recipes I find and reporting back which ones actually do have flavor!
This morning I attempted a fairly easy one: LEAN GREEN SHAKE, compliments to Oxegyn Magazine, where many of my recipes will come from.
2 c baby spinach
1 ripe kiwi, peeled and quartered
1 c low fat milk
1 scoop protien powder
1 tsp vanilla
Place all ingredients in blender, and blend baby till smooth! Pour over ice!
THE VERDICT: YUMMM! Not too sweet, nice and fluffy, and the vanilla completely disguised the taste of spinach. Great way to get your serving of veggies in!
This morning I attempted a fairly easy one: LEAN GREEN SHAKE, compliments to Oxegyn Magazine, where many of my recipes will come from.
2 c baby spinach
1 ripe kiwi, peeled and quartered
1 c low fat milk
1 scoop protien powder
1 tsp vanilla
Place all ingredients in blender, and blend baby till smooth! Pour over ice!
THE VERDICT: YUMMM! Not too sweet, nice and fluffy, and the vanilla completely disguised the taste of spinach. Great way to get your serving of veggies in!
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