Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Coconut Granola...the health benefits!!

I have come up with a new granola recipe that is awesome and full of health benefits!

Coconut~Rich in protein, good for your thyroid, intestinal tract, kidneys and bladder.  It also helps with the healing of muscles after a workout.  Coconut increases your metabolic rate so it helps with losing weight.  It is great for healthy growth in children because it improves calcium and magnesium absorption.  It can kill viruses that cause colds because it is antibacterial.  Coconut is also great for diabetics and people with stomach problems

Oats~  Great for lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.  Women with higher intake of dietary fiber have a lower risk of breast cancer and oats high fiber content.  They are high both in soluble and insoluble fibers.  They are excellent for proper bowel functioning! A recent research has found that children who eat oatmeal for breakfast are 50% less likely to become obese when compared to children who do not eat oats regularly.  Like Coconut, Oats also enhance athletic performance and exercise.  When ingested 45 minutes before exercise they give extra energy boosts and offer better performance.  Who needs steroids when you have oatmeal! They also encourage the body to heal naturally because they are an excellent source of thiamin, folic acid, biotin,pantothenic acid,vitamin E, zinc, selenium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese and beta glucan. WOW!!!

Honey~ I have posted previously about the benefits of honey but here are a few more.  Honey is great for preventing fatigue, especially in children and athletes.  It helps improve the digestive system and fights disease. Honey kills bacteria associated with the common cold and sore throat.

Cinnamon~ Is awesome! It has an amazing ability to stop yeast infections, also has a anticlotting effect on blood and is known to help with arthritis pain.  Cinnamon is a natural food preservative and also boosts cognitive function and memory. It can also help control blood sugar!

Almonds~ The health benefits of almonds include relief from constipation, respiratory disorders, cough, anemia, impotency, hair repair, skin care, dental care and diabetes.  It is a great source of vitamin E, calcium, phosphorous, iron and magnesium.

Safflower Oil~This oil helps with eliminating excess fat from the body, regulates menstrual cycles, helps with diabetes, promotes hair growth and healthy skin and is good for dry skin and acne.

Vanilla~We know it smells great but vanilla also has great health benefits!  It keeps brain cells healthy and aids in preventing diseases such as Alzheimers.


So with all that in mind here is a great granola recipe with all of these wonderful ingredients!

3 Cups Organic Rolled Oats
1/4 Cup Whole Wheat Flour
1 Cup Organic Coconut Flakes
3/4 Cup Sliced Almonds
1/2 tsp cinnamon
3/4 Cup Honey
1/3 Cup Saflower oil
1 tsp Vanilla
  • Mix the Oats, Flour, Coconut, Almonds and cinnamon together.
  • Combine the Honey, Oil and Vanilla in a seperate small bowl.
  • Mix Oat mixture and Honey mixture together until it is all coated well.
  • Oil your cookie sheet ( I use the olive oil spray)
  • Spread mixture on cookie sheet and cook at 350* for about 20 minutes
  • Stir then stick it in oven for a couple more minutes
  • You want it to be brown but not burnt~ so keep an eye on it and stir it every once in a while.
This is great on yogurt, cereal  or just as a snack by itself!!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Chili for the season

This is a very comforting meal on a cold night. It is also packed with  zinc, vitamin C and B and beta carotene!
 Beef Butternut Squash Chili
1 lb lean ground beef
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 tsp minced garlic
2 cans italian diced tomatoes
1 can pinto beans
1 Butternut squash, peeled and cubed (remove seeds)
3 cups water
4 beef boulion cubes
1 1/2 tsp cumin
3 tsp chili powder
 
  • Brown the beef, bell pepper, onion and garlic then drain grease and water
  • Add remaining ingredients and boil for 30 minutes
  • Turn heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes
  • Serve with warm cornbread

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Salmon Patties

I grew up on these salmon patties! Salmon is very good for you. It is low in calories and saturated fat, yet high in protein, and has a unique type of health-promoting fat, the omega-3 essential fatty acids.  This is a fun and great tasting way to get in those nutrients!  These taste like they would be bad for you because they are fried but...I fry them in olive oil ! Yum! Healthy and Glorious!


1 Can of Alaskan Salmon
1 small onion finely chopped
1 egg
sprinkle of salt, pepper and garlic powder
crushed whole wheat crackers or bread crumbs
  • Drain juice from can of Salmon
  • mix salmon,onion, egg and spices
  • from small patties with salmon mixture
  • Pat into crumbs until both sides are covered
  • Place in Skillet with 1/4 inch of olive oil on med heat
  • Cook until browned on both sides
  • Place on plate with paper towel to receive extra oil
I always serve these whole wheat mac n  cheese and either broccoli or spinach!  Kids get so excited when I make these!

Sweet Potato and Black bean lasagne

I have not tried this but it sounds yummy!
http://jeremyandkathleen.blogspot.com/2011/01/sweet-potato-and-black-bean-lasagna.html

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Whole wheat waffles or pancakes

This a whole wheat waffle recipe but I dont see why it couldnt be used for pancakes too.
http://thehungrymomma.blogspot.com/2010/10/whole-wheat-waffles.html

Whole Wheat Pizza

http://thehungrymomma.blogspot.com/2010/11/whole-wheat-pizza.html

Whole Wheat Italian Pasta Salad

I make this recipe different all the time.  You can throw in whatever in it is good. Ham, veggies, mozzerella...

1 Box of Suddenly Salad Italian Pasta
1 Box Whole Wheat Spiral Noodles
Kraft Free Zesty Italian
Canadian Bacon or lowfat Ham
Black Olives
Red Onions
Small pieces of broccoli or bell pepper

Cook your noodles then add whatever ingredients you like
Add season packet and 1/4 cup of Italian dressing
Refrigerate over night

My kids love this!!!

One Pan Chicken and Veggies

I learned this recipe from my mother.  It is easy and very yum.  You can always adjust the amount of ingredients you need.  This is for our family of six.

3 thawed chicken breasts
6-8 red potatoes sliced thin with skin left on
2 cups frozen long green beans
1 onion sliced in long thin strips
Bag of Frozen Corn
Packet of french onion soup mix
I take my biggest Cast Iron skillet and pour a little olive oil in it.  I take a napkin and smooth it all over the pan, sides included.
  • Cut chicken into strips and place in skillets sprinkle some salt and pepper or seasoning salt on the chicken (Med heat)
  • Brown chicken on both sides (about 2 minutes wort
  • Throw Potato, then green beans then corn on top of chicken
  • Top with sliced onion and french onion soup mix
  • Turn heat to low-med and put a lid on top.
  • Let cook for about 45 minutes to an hour
Serve with brown rice if you want.  We don't eat this with anything else and we are always satisfied.

Breakfast

When I am making eggs and candian bacon really quick in the mornings I just start my skillet on med heat, spray a little olive oil and first cook my canadian bacon. Really it just needs to be warmed up so it doesnt take long at all. When that is done I spray a little more olive oil and crack my eggs.  They cook in about 2 minutes.  As soon as I put my eggs in the pan I put my bread in the toaster.  It pops out seconds before the eggs are done.  Ten minutes and you have got a nutritious yummy breakfast.

Crockpot Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Here is the link   http://thehungrymomma.blogspot.com/2010/11/grandpa-branhams-peppered-pork.html

Basically, it is just a pork loin roast and a Jar of sliced banana peppers. I get the 6 dollar one for my family and the smaller jar of peppers.  Put the roast in the crock pot and pour the rings over it...juice included. Let it cook all day and then when you are ready to eat, shred it in its juice.
Toast your whole wheat hoagies with a little olive oil on a skllet and put shredded meat on them.
I also add a handful of the raw cole slaw cabbage mix for a little crunch.  This is an awesome quick meal. My family LOVES this!

Crockpot Black Bean and Chicken Soup

3 Chicken Breast (froz or un)
1 tsp garlic salt
3 tsp dried onion
3 tsp taco seasoning
3 chicken bouillon cubes
1 Can black beans...drained
1 Can pinto beans...drained
2 Cans Italian seasoned Diced Tomatoes
1 quart water

  • Put Chicken Breasts in crockpot
  • Cover with spices
  • Add beans, tomatoes and water
  • Add bouillon cubes
  • Let cook all day
  • Pull chicken out and cut or shred
  • Put chicken back in pot
  • Serve with a mini handful of crushed Tortilla chips

Weekly Menu 2

Family Menu Week 2 

MONDAY

BREAKFAST

  • Eggs
  • Canadian Bacon
  • Whole wheat toast sweetened with agave
  • Banana
  • Almond Milk
LUNCH
  • Whole Wheat Pita with Turkey, avocado, spinach and bell pepper
  • Celery Sticks
  • Orange
  • Water with Emergen-C
SUPPER
  • One Pan Chicken and Veggies
  • Brown Rice
TUESDAY

Breakfast
  • Yogurt, Granola and Blueberries
Lunch
  • Whole Wheat Italian Pasta Salad
  • Carrot Sticks and Hummus
  • Water with Emergen-C
Supper
  • Crockpot Black Bean Chicken Soup
  • Whole Grain Tortilla Strips
Wednesday

Breakfast
  • Whole Wheat Toast with Organic Peanut Butter
  • Banana
  • Almond Milk
Lunch
  • Whole Wheat Turkey Tortilla Wrap
  • Broccoli and Carrots with lowfat Ranch Dip
  • Water with Emergen-C
Supper

  • Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Marinera Vegetable Meat Sauce
  • Garlic Long Green Beans
Thursday

Breakfast
  • Oatmeal sweetened with Agave Nectar
  • Almond Milk
Lunch
  • Hot Mozzerella Pita
  • Organic Rice Chips
  • Water with Emergen-C
Supper
  • Salmon Patties
  • Steamed Broccoli
  • Healthy Mac and cheese
Friday

Breakfast
  • Eggs
  • Canadian Bacon
  • Whole Wheat Toast
Lunch
  • Chicken Taco Salad
  • Apple
  • Water with Emergen-C
Supper
  • Oven baked Pork Chops 
  • Steamed Broccoli
  • Honey Glazed Carrots
Saturday

Breakfast
  • Whole wheat pancakes with agave nectar 
  • Banana
  • Almond Milk
Lunch
  • Chef salad 
  • Fruit
  • Water with Emergen-C
Supper
  • Crockpot Chicken Rice Soup
Sunday

Breakfast
  • Protein Bar
  • Fruit
Lunch
  •  Crockpot Pork Roast Po boy sandwiches on whole wheat Hoagies
  • Celery sticks
Supper
  •  Spinach and Canadian Bacon Quiche
  • Fruit

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Scoping out the local health food stores Part 1

Today I had about 30 minutes of leisure time without children so I pulled into a little local store here in Norman called The Earth.  It is located on flood in between Main and boyd.  If you know me well, you know that I can chill with any type of person and enjoy myself whether you be the president, homeless lady on the corner, skater, rocker, mom of 12 or grandma of 97 yrs old.  Well, I said all of that to say I really liked the people here.  Very laid back (kinda like myself) a little hippiesh (so my mother would say) and just real.  I love the way this store smells.  Kinda a mixture of coffee, herbs, incense and dry goods. 
Here is what I discovered:  Great produce!!! Yay!!  Reasonable prices on it too!  They have more in the refrigerated section.  They try to buy as much as possible from local farmers and it all looked so so yummy.

They have a great selection of dried beans, rice and oats!  You purchase them by the pound.  This corner made me happy because it looked like something out of an old pioneer movie.  You scoop the beautiful beans out yourself and pour them in a bag.

They offered steel cut oats sold by the pound.  I have yet to try them because they take about 1 hour to make and usually mornings I am rushing around so much Im not sure I would have the brain power to make these.  I have heard they are worth the wait of cooking time though!





Look at how beautiful these red beans were!  I could smell the cornbread cooking when I saw these...Oh wait...Im trying not to eat cornbread anymore!
On the North side of the store is a giant wall filled with shelves that have every kind of spice you could ever imagine on them.  You can purchase these spices by the ounce.  AWESOME!!!
They do carry the whole wheat pastry flour I need to make my banana bread.  It is a little pricey at $6.99.
The coffee looked and smelled great.  I can't wait to purchase some when my current package is empty!

Loved this hole in the wall place and can't wait to return with my pocketbook next time!

Portion control for kids

If you have kids like mine they are always hanging on you saying,"I want a snack, I'm hungry or Give me something to eat before I die."  Well they also want to play in the street and pick up scorpions but if course we don't let them do that.  So why do we give into overfeeding our children so easily!  Well, lets be honest. It is easy to just hand them a sleeve of Ritz crackers and say"Here ya go, be happy."  "Whining be gone."  It works.  Problem is we are encouraging them to eat excessively which can eventually lead to cardiac disease, diabetes and insecurity.  We have got to learn portion control.  My kids are always HUNGRY when they get home from school so I try to pop a snack into them within minutes of walking through the door. They will continue to eat whatever you give them until finally an adult stops them.  These are a couple of things I try to do to make sure snack time doesn't count as 1,000 calories (which is the amount your child should be having for an entire day).
  • Snack time is like Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.  We don't watch TV and eat. We sit at the table, eat discuss events of the day or go outside and have a small snack picnic
  • I always try to give them a piece of fruit with some form of protein and whole grain so that they fill up faster and stay fuller longer
  • It is a snack so try to keep it below 200 cals
  • Healthy is not 100 cal snack packs.  That's fine if that is all you have but remember there is absolutely no nutrition in a packet of crackers or cookies so your child will be hungry again in 10 minutes
  • I only offer water at snack times.  Alot of times the kids will come home dehydrated and grumpy.  Water is awesome!  It makes them feel so much better!
I remember as a teenager coming home from basketball and eating 2 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and a quart of chocolate milk.  I couldn't figure out why I still had a belly even after running 5 in 1's for hours a day.  Well now, after birthing 4 kids and getting over the 30 mark I am 3 sizes smaller than I was in high school.  The key: Nutrition and Portion control
I have researched many sites and they are pretty consistently the same.  Here is one site that shows you how much your child should be eating a day.  ( My kids do eat a little more veggies and fruit than they suggest but I think my kids are above average in their activity levels too).  I would love to hear from you and see what your kids portion sizes are like and if that is working for  them or not!http://pediatrics.about.com/od/nutrition/a/0508_food_prtns.htm

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Kids and Spelling Tests

I have one kid that makes a 102 on every spelling test.  She doesnt even have to study but my sweet little red head has to really has to bury his head in the books and even if he studies he rarely gets a 100.  Over christmas break we went over and over his list of words for tomorrow's test. He wants that 100 soooo bad! (gets that from me, i think)  We added some extra omega 3's to our dinner tonight, lots of water and he had an extra serving of broccoli.  Tomorrow morning we are having a brain food breakfast.  Oatmeal with agave nectar and a piece of fruit.  Hopefully this will give him the little boost he needs to help him concentrate and get those words spelled right! Here's to my sweet little red head!http://www.powerscore.com/lsat/help/brainfood.cfm


Here are the results:

Benefits of Local Honey

Anyone remember your momma giving you a tsp of honey in the middle of the night when you couldn't stop coughing?  My father was a minister and took a positionin Indiana when I was about 7.  Well, for some reason we went from hardly ever being sick to being sick constantly.  I remember waking up in the night coughing and momma would take me to the kitchen a pour a big ole warm spoon on honey down my scratchy throat.  It would instantly bring relief and I would be able to go back to sleep.  The other night I was reaching up into the cabinet to pull down some cough syrup for one of my kids and the honey memory came back to me.  Why am I giving this cough syrup when I haven't tried honey first?  Well, the honey worked!  I have done a little research and it turns out that honey has quite a bit of health benefits, especially if it is local.  I bought some of Aurthur Noakes' Honey from the top shelf in Walmart.  Turns out, he gets it from his backyard...imhoff road.  Awesome!  This morning I had a piece of homemade wheat bread drizzled with this beautiful honey and sprinkled with bananas.  Paired with my organic coffee and almond milk it made a lovely breakfast that really satisfied me.  Go support your body and local entrepreneur and buy some honey today!http://www.localhoneyblog.com/

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Healthy Peanut Butter

I used to think that peanut butter was a health snack and I was right and wrong.  I have used peter pan peanut butter because it was so smooth and cream until I decided to read the ingredients one day. Peanutss, sugar,salt...here comes the bad...hydrogenated vegetable oil and partially hydrogenated cottonseed oil.  TERRIBLE!!!I instantly made the switch to natural.  Problem is most natural peanut butters are NASTY!  I have finally found one that I and the kids can enjoy. Naturally More.  You can find it on your Walmart shelf and its not expensive. 
I do have a child that is allergic to peanuts and all tree nuts so for her we choose the WOW! School safe soy butter! She loves it and doesnt seem to notice the difference.  It can also be found at walmart....for all those walmart crazy mommas!

Lunch for kids today

This is what I packed for my kids lunch today!  It is one of their favorite lunch options!
  • Brown rice cake with Organic peanut butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon.  I made it into a sandwich so it would fit in our laptop lunch box
  • Stonyfield french vanilla yogurt with frozen strawberries and blueberries
  • Freshly cut carrot sticks
  • Oatmeal Cocoa No Bake Cookies
  • Water with EmergenC
  • Snack: Craisins and Sunflower seeds
I use Laptop Lunchboxes because they are easy, convenient and offer perfect portion control...Which our kids need desperately.  They are a little pricey.  I had my mom buy them for my kids for Christmas a couple of years ago.  It has been the best and most well used gift they have ever received! You can find them on Amazon.http://www.amazon.com/Laptop-Lunch-Bento-Set-2-0/dp/B002Q0X54K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1294149742&sr=8-2
They slide easily into their insulated lunch bags.  I always add an ice pack or two to keep things cool and fresh!

Monday, January 3, 2011

Hot Mozzerella PIta

This is great for kids lunch at school. 

  1. Whole Wheat Pita cut in half
  2. Skim Mozzarella
  3. Spinach leaves
  4. Canadian Bacon
  5. Cherry Peppers
  6. Marinara Sauce (optional)
  • Cut your pita in half
  • In skillet or microwave heat up several pieces of Canadian bacon
  • When very hot add to pocket and immediately add cheese and spinach
  • Fold into Foil and put in insulated bag
  • I put cherry peppers in my little chopper and add that to it for some flare! My kids love that too!

Grilled Chicken Salad

Ok first of all this really isnt grilled.  I just slice my chicken into thin strips and cook it in the skillet with a little olive oil.  I then use it as a topping with:
  1. Greens ( i buy the lettuce mixture at sams..WAY cheaper there)
  2. Boiled eggs (I boil them by the dozen and keep them in the fridge...they last about a week)
  3. Red Onion( for myself and Corban)
  4. Broccoli
  5. Some spincach leaves
  6. You can always add turkey bacon if you have some cooked up
  7. I make ranch dressing with some light sour cream a little 1%buttemilk and a Hidden Valley ranch packet.  The buttermilk thins it out a little.  Makes Mazzios ranch with about 1/10 of the calories artery clogging.
You can cook enough chicken to last through a couple of salads for the week.  It will stay fresh in a ziplock for at least 3 days in the fridge.  Some people keep it longer..not me.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Exchange your current sweetener for agave!

My sweet friend, Naome, introduced me to this awesome sweetener!  I use it on toast...a little goes a long way.  It can go in your coffee and even can replace sugar in your baking! You can buy it at walmart.  The cheaper kind is found with the pancake syrup and not on the baking aisle. This is a great site that tells some of the benefits agave can bring.


http://www.allaboutagave.com/health-benefits-of-agave-nectar.php

Healthy Smealthy Banana Bread

1 1/2 Cup Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 egg whites
1/2 Cup Agave nectar
1 Cup of ripe banana
1/4 Cup Canola oil
Pinch of sea salt

  • Mix the dry
  • Mix the wet
  • Mix together
  • How easy was that? : )
  • bake in loaf pan at 350 for about 45 minutes

Healthy Snack Ideas

  1. Toasted Pumpkin seeds
  2. Craisins, almonds and dark chocolate bits (thank you angie p.)
  3. Cut up veggies with low fat ranch dip
  4. apples slices with yogurt
  5. Rice cakes with organic peanut butter and cinnamon
  6. No bake oatmeal cocoa cookies (ill post this awesome recipe later)
  7. Edename
  8. Skim Mozzerella sticks with fruit
  9. Gluten free crackers with Laughing cow cheese
  10. Whole wheat english muffins toasted with Skim mozzerella and marinera sauce
  11. Homeade protein bar
  12. granola
  13. yogurt with frozen fruit and granola.  it is awesome with toasted coconut too!!
  14. celery with organic peanut butter
  15. Banana with organic peanut butter
Always try to pair your snack.  A protein and a complex carb.  It will help you stay fuller and you will have more energy.  I try to send my kids with a small snack in their backpack everyday for mid morning snack.

Awesome Protein Bars


2 cups or 1 (16 oz.) jar natural peanut butter
1 ¾ cups or 1 (12oz) jar of honey or agave nectar
2 ¼ cups chocolate Arbonne Go Easy! Protein shake with INNER G-PLEX (or you can mix chocolate and vanilla)
3 cups dry uncooked oatmeal
¼ cup Arbonne Go Anywhere! Fiber Booster

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter and honey, heat in microwave for 70 -90 seconds, until it easily stirs.

Add protein powder, oatmeal, and fiber and mix thoroughly. It will be thick. Press into a 9 by 16 inch pan.

Refrigerate 1 hour, or until solid enough to cut into bars. 

The fiber boost is optional but this protein bar is wonderful and your kids will love it!

Eating Clean

This week starts the beginning of my family and I really eating clean!  We eat pretty healthy normally but I think it is time to make the complete change for good.  With childhood obesity and nutrition related diseases skyrocketing I want to make sure that my family is amoung the small percentage that is healthy and strong.

Eating Clean means staying away from:
  • Soda and sweetened drinks
  • Processed foods (thats pretty much any thing in a bag or box)
  • High fat dairy products
  • White Flour and Sugar
  • Fast Food
Sticking with:
  • Meat that hasnt been genetically enhanced
  • organic eggs
  • In season fresh fruits and veggies (just because its on the walmart shelf does not mean it is in season)
  • Frozen veggies and fruits if they are not in season
  • Brown rice and Whole Wheat products
  • Making most of meals at home
I know this will be hard.  Personally, I dont know one person who is busier than I am.  I have four kids, a hungry husband, a thriving business and I am in school full time striving to be a Registered Dietitian.  People ask me everyday how I do it all.  My response is, "I just do it."  Out of everything I do my number one priority is my family.  If I am feeding them McDonalds and packaged crap everyday I am not taking care of them and I would actually be slowly killing them.  If not physically, emotionally.  Noone wants to be the overweight kid who struggles at school.  My goal is to help parents prepare their kids physically and emotionally for a healthy, happy long life! 
I know you can't eat like this every single day for the rest of your life.  To say that you will never grab chick fil a or Taco bell on a road trip or when you are rushed heading to a game is just plain ridiculous because there are times when we have to do that.  Lets just make very rare! Here are some suggestions for the exhausted soccer mom:
  1. Make Sunday night your prep night, Cut up a ton of veggies and make a low fat ranch dip.
  2. Buy lots of frozen veggies. Keep the freezer stocked with broccoli, edename, carrots, chopped onion, chopped bellpeppers, mixed veggies, long green beans, blueberries, strawberries and peaches.
  3. If you dont like making your own bread find a health food store or buy some at the local farmers market.
  4. Instead of watching tv get off the couch and do something productive...not saying that any of you laze around and watch tv all day.
  5. Keep a planner with you so that you can work on your menu while you are waiting for kids to get in the car or while you are in the car wash. 
  6. You can cook chicken in the skillet and it will keep for a couple of days in the fridge.  Its great for adding to salads and pitas.  The leftovers can be used in a chicken soup.
More to come....

Homeade BBQ sauce

If you look at the ingrediants in your fav bbq sauce it will most likely shock you!  One of the main ingredients is High Fructose Corn Syrup. Yuck!  This bbq sauce will keep at least a week in your fridge but if kept in the freezer will last months!!

http://cleaneatingclub.com/clean-eating-recipes/dips/clean-barbecue-sauce/

Healthy Granola

2 Cups of Oatmeal (not instant)
1 1/2 Cups of Craisins or dried Cherries
1/2 Cup of slivered Almonds
1/2 tsp salt
2 Tbl butter
1/2 Cup of Organic Honey or Agave Nectar
  •  Melt butter
  • Mix oatmeal, craisins, almonds and salt
  • Toss mixture in butter and honey
  • Spread on cookie sheet and bake about 20-25 minutes on 350
  • Be sure to stir often so you will have even browning
*This makes wonderful granola that can be used as a topping but is great by itself also!  Store in ziplock bags or tupperware.

Sweet Potato Fries

3 Sweet Potatoes
2 Tbl Olive oil
1 tsp coarse Sea Salt
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp Paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
dash of pepper
  1. Remove skins from sweet potatoes and cut into thin strips
  2. Mix spices together
  3. Toss potato strips in olive oil
  4. Transfer strips to spice bowl and coat
  5. Lay them on a sprayed pan and cook at 450 for about 15 minutes

Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup

3 All natural Chicken Breasts...I buy mine at sams for now
1 Can of Black Beans
1 Can of Pinto Beans
2 Can of diced tomatoes
1/2 Package of frozen diced onion
10 oz. Frozen Corn
1 Can Green Chilis
1 Tb Cumin
2 Tb Taco seasoning
1/2 tsp Garlic salt

Throw all this in your crockpot, put the lid on it and turn to high.  Cook all day and when you come home throw it over brown rice or organic tortilla chips.  You can add a sprinkle of lowfat cheese and some salsa if you would like.

Family Menu Week One

MONDAY

BREAKFAST
  • Spinach and Cheese Omelet
  • Whole Wheat Toast with Agave Nectar
  • Almond Milk...mmmm
LUNCH
  • Whole Wheat Pita with Turkey, avocado, spinach and bell pepper
  • Celery Sticks
  • Orange
  • Water with Emergen-C
SUPPER
  • Grilled Chicken Burritos
  • Mexican Brown Rice
TUESDAY

Breakfast
  • Yogurt, Granola and Blueberries
Lunch
  • Southwest Chicken Salad
  • Apple
  • Water with Emergen-C
Supper
  • Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup
  • Whole Grain Tortilla Strips
Wednesday

Breakfast
  • Whole Wheat Toast with Organic Peanut Butter
  • Banana
  • Almond Milk
Lunch
  • Chicken Taco Soup in Thermos
  • Banana Bread
  • Water with Emergen-C
Supper
  • Crockpot Pasta Yummo
  • Green Salad with Vinegarette
Thursday

Breakfast
  • Oatmeal sweetened with Agave Nectar
  • Almond Milk
Lunch
  • Hot Mozzerella Pita
  • Organic Rice Chips
  • Water with Emergen-C
Supper
  • Pan Seared Tilapia
  • Steamed Broccoli
  • Sweet Potato Fries
Friday

Breakfast
  • Eggs
  • Canadian Bacon
  • Whole Wheat Toast
Lunch
  • Grilled Chicken Salad
  • Apple
  • Water with Emergen-C
Supper
  • BBQ Chicken
  • Green Beans with Mushrooms
  • Honey Glazed Carrots
Saturday

Breakfast
  • Yogurt
  • Banana Bread
Lunch
  • Whole Wheat Pitas with Turkey and veggies
  • Organic Rice Chips
  • Fruit
Supper
  • Whole Wheat Veggie Pizza
Sunday

Breakfast
  • Protein Bar
  • Fruit
Lunch
  • Rotisserie Chicken
  • Bag of Microwavable Steamed Veggies
  • Wild Rice
Supper
  • Chicken Soup