Spinach Balls

I absolutely love spinach,I can pretty much put it into anything.... Lasagna, soups, spaghetti even shakes.  Its extremely good for you and literally help BOOST your metabolise.  I'm always trying to find new ways to include this green into our diet and tonight I took a recipe I found on The Curvy Carrot and modified it a bit to make into a healthy alternative to meatballs. I hope you enjoy these we made them for supper tonight and loved them. Let me know what you think :)

Ingredients

1T. EVOO

1T minced onion

1 teaspoon garlic powder

10-ounces package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained

1 8-ounce bag of herb seasoned stuffing mix

2large eggs

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup low fat ricotta cheese

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Mix onion, garlic, spinach, stuffing, eggs, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper into large bowl

Form into balls

Heat EVOO in skillet on medium heat

Drop the Spinach balls into EVOO and cook till browned

I usually cook for 3-4 minutes on each side

Serve with Pasta and Marinara

What Happened to Playing??

As I was filling out a little bit in my about me page I got to thinking about my

childhood....


The family at Kelly's Island (along time ago) Mom was taking the picture and yes Im the goober in the middle :)

We lived on a deadend street in a little town in Ohio, there was a open lot (more like 3 or 4) right behind our house that belonged to the neighbors, it had a creek running along the far side. I remember taking all the sticks and "big" rocks we could find and trying to dame it up. We'd ride our skateboards and bikes up and down the street, racing......We'd do this over and over again. We played baseball, house, tag, football, catch, hide and go seek and pretty much every imagianable outside game, from the time we got home from school till our parents called us in for the night (ok, ok! Most of the time we acted like we couldnt hear them and made them come out and find us, sorry mom).

We spent days at the park, watching bub play baseball.... walking to the library and even for Icees a few times.  We went to the beach and a couple trips to Kelly's Island, where we walked the boardwalk and soaked up the sunshine. 

 Something all these memories have in common? Being outside and being active. I dont think that God intended for humans to be as inactive lazy as we have become.

These were some of my best childhood memories, we were safe and we were having fun.  It just doesnt seem like this is the norm anymore.  Ive seen it happen, parents are to busy to let their kids actually play, they dont want them to get hurt, so instead of taking the time to watch them, they sit them in from of the TV, buy them every video game known to man and "lock" them away. 

I hate to admit it but Ive been there, Ive ocassionally used the TV or Angry Birds as a distraction cause I didnt want to take the time, but this is something ive been working on.  I try to get outside and do things with Evie, I want the memories Evie has of her childhood to be like mine, playing outside with mom, dad and friends, not of Dora or The Wonder Pets.

About a year and a half ago me and Nick took Evie to Kelly's Island.... She loved it!

Mommy Monday Link Up

Black Bean and Corn Quesadilla

Ive a girlfriend who whenever we go out together it seems like we always end up at one of those extremely corny looking but absolutely delisiouc Mexican restaurants.... and even though I tell myself "Just order off the kids menu and DON'T eat the chips and salsa" I almost always do.  So tonight I decided to try to make my own healthier Mexican fiesta....and this is what I came out with.

Black Bean and Corn Quesadilla

Ingredients

whole wheat tortilla shells

1 cup black beans

1/2 cup corn

1/2 cup reduced fat cheddar cheese

juice from 1/2 of a lemon

1 teaspoon of cilantro

pinch of salt

Directions

Mix together all ingredients except tortilla shells

Lightly spray skillet with EVOO cooking spray

Once pan is at a medium high heat place 1 tortilla shell into it

Take 1/3 cup of black bean mix and spread on tortilla

Top with another tortilla shell and very lightlyspray with cooking spray

Cooking until browned on both sides

Enjoy with fresh Perfect Guacamole and all the toppings you prefer

323Calories Per Serving

Perfect Guacamole

Ingredients

1 Avacado

1/2 C. Plain greek yogurt

1 Clove of garlic

Juice of 1/2 lemon

Pinch of cumin, cilantro and salt

Directions

Peel and mash avacado, mince garlic clove and then mix all ingredients together

Serving size 1/4 C.

Calories 64 

Oven Roasted Fries

French Fries!! Just saying the word makes my mouth water, but did you know that when you get fries from lets say McDonalds

• They are full of starch, which can cause diabetes
• The potatoes most of the time are sprinkled with sugar, to keep you wanting more (because everyone know us Americans are sugar addicts) which can cause diabetes and obesity
• They are covered with salt, which can cause high blood pressure possibly leading to a heart attack and stroke
• They lose all nutrition once fried

so bottom line.....

There are NO nutritonal benefits of fast food french fries at all

so here is a recipe my mom makes all the time, it was a favorite growing up and its a favorite in my home now

Ingredients

3 potatoes- I used rustic this time but my favorite are yellow potatoes

2 T. EVOO or enough to coat potatoes

1 T. Dill weed

1 T. Chives

1/2 T. Paprika

Directions

• Cut potatoes lengthwise into Strips.  
• Place cut potatoes in large bowl and rinse with cold water until water is clear. 
• Dry potatoes well and toss with EVOO, chives, dill weed and paprika (use just enough EVOO to coat – about 2 T.)
• Place coated potatoes on baking sheets and place in the oven.
• Bake for 15 minutes, then toss.  Continue baking (and tossing every 10 minutes) for 50-60 minutes or until evenly browned and crispy.
• Sprinkle with sea salt and serve.

Bake at 400 degrees

Serving size- 1 Cup

Calories per serving 140

Juicy Lucy: Chicken style

Can you say perfect cookout weather? This past week I have been wanting nothing but to throw some hamburgers on the grill, mix up some Strawberry Lemonade and sit on the deck. So tonight we did :) one of my favorite hamburgers is a juicy lucy, they are perfection on a plate (seriously).  So I got to thinking "Why not make a Chicken version?" Tonight was my first attempt and it turned out delicious,  even the Hubby who won't touch my healthy burgers, scarfed one down.

Apple Chicken Juicy Lucy 

Ingredients

1lb. Ground chicken

1 Medium apple (peeled, seeded and shredded)

1/3 C. Bacon (cooked and chopped)

1T. Garlic and herb seasoning

1T. minced onions

4 T. Crumbled lowfat blue cheese

Directions

In Bowl mix chicken, bacon, seasonings, onions and apple

Divide mixture into 8 parts

Take one part of mix and mold into hamburger

Put 1 T. blue cheese into center of hamburger and place another of the 8 mixture parts on top

Seal the edges by finger pressing them together

Grill or pan fry till center is no longer pink

top with favorite toppings and whole wheat bun. Great paired with Oven Roasted EVOO Fries :)

Calories

Without bun 211

I usually use a whole wheat bun, around 100 calories

No Harm Chicken Parmesan

Delicious as it may be, restaurant Chicken Parmesan is a high calorie, fat-filled meal. And since most plates of the stuff include a mountain of spaghetti, these dinners can easily have over a thousand calories. So why not try a lighter, homemade version? Its super satisifying and delicious.  So the next time you go out for Italian food, skip the Parmesan and get your fill of the stuff at home with this recipie. (On a side note Ruby Tuesday's version has 1,654 calories...wow!)

 

 

No Harm Chicken Parmesan

 

Ingredients

 

2 C. Panko breading

1T. Garlic salt

1T. Minced onions

1T. Chives

1T. Oregano

1T. Parsley

1T. Basil

1/2 C. Fresh grated parmesan cheese

2 Chicken breast (cut into strips)

1 Box whole wheat pasta noodles

1 Jar organic pasta sauce

 

 

Directions

 

In medium size container mix Panko, seasoinings and parmesan cheese. Slice Chicken breast into strips, trim fat and place in gallon size ziplock bag.  Pour Panko mixture into bag with Chicken and shake till coated. Srpay cooking sheet with EVOO cooking spray and lay chicken on it.  Cook in oven for 35 minutes and 350 degrees, turning half way through baking time.

 





While Chicken is cooking warm up spaghetti sauce and cook noodles

Making your own pasta sauce would be best but I cheated and bought organic sauce, I really like the Meijers and Target (Archer Farms) brand best.

Once chicken, spaghetti and sauce is ready plate and enjoy :)

serving size

2-3 chicken strips

1/2 c. sauce

1 c. whole wheat noodles

Calories

297

 

 

 

 

Week 2

Week 2

So I'm on week 2 of my new lifestyle changes and I still cant seem to follow all the rules ive set in place for the family. The most difficult is the no eating after 7pm. I usually get Evie down around 8 and then its my time to relax for a bit and what better way to relax than watching all those dvr'd shows Ive missed and munch. Haha ok maybe this is just America's favorite way to relax.

Other than the 7pm rule ive done extremely well. Drinking water like a fish, being active instead of my afternoon snooze sessions :) and even no take out or fast food, except subway once (but does that even count?) So I'm happy to report, that with alot of effort and work, I lost exactly 1lb this past week. So my total so far is 2.6lbs. My goal for next week is going to be really focusing on the 7pm rule and pushing myself thru to hopefully another 1lb lose next weigh in.

Any suggestions to help me stay on track when the late night munchies call my name? I appreciate all the help I can get.

Thanks and keep checking back for new recipes and tips. And look for my new weekend series "Momma and Lil E" Ill post more info soon.

Grandmas Picnik Sandwich ... Healthified :)

Talk about amazing wether here in lovely Ohio, its 65 degrees and quite beautiful outside.  Its officially starting to feel like Spring and after being cooped up all Winter its time to go out and play.  My favorite thing to do during Spring is spend the day at the park with Little E (Evalynn- she'll be 3 in a few months).  Usually we would grab some fast food and munch around while we played (okay, while she played and I sat and watched), but not anymore.  Today we will pack our own picnik and play together.

This is a recipie my Grandma makes for our weekely Sunday dinners after church.  Ive adapted it a bit to make it "Healthified".  I thought this would be the perfect quick picnik sandwich for our play time at the park.

Ingredients

Sandwich Spread

1 Pickle for Each Sandwich

1 Slice of Ham for Each Sandwich

1 Slice of Roast Beef for Each Sandwich

Spread

1 Block of Reduced Fat Cream Cheese

1. C. Feduced Fat Sharp Cheddar Cheese

3 Green Onions- Chopped

1/2 C. Mayo with Olive Oil or Reduced Fat Mayo

1 T. Worchestire Sauce

Directions

Mix all ingredients for spread let set in fridge for 10 minutes.  Once spread has set smooth 1.5 Tablespoons over top and bottom buns.  Arrange ham, roast beef and pickle on bottom bun, top with other bun half.

Calories- 290 in 1 sandwich

Pack some water, veggies and fruit  to go along with the sandwich and enjoy your day at the park.

Walking around the Clyde park

Then get up and play after you've ate!

Week 1

First Week Update

This week has been a little rough, I only made it to one of my workouts and this weekend I broke two of my March rules.  I drank a can of soda and I ate carbs after 2pm, but I'm promising myself to do better this week. 

Monday (yesterday) was my weigh in day and even though rules were broke I'm happy to report that Ive lost 1.6 lbs.  I was really hoping for 2lbs but honestly ill take any lose I can get. 

For the month of March I decided to come up with a list of rules to follow, things I know I should do and not do, but don't always follow. I made divided the list into 2 categories Yes and No's. I tried to keep it simple for myself :) Here's the rules im trying to following

NO's

• Soda
• Chips
• Eating carbs after 2pm
• Eating anything after 7pm (except Monday nights because I don't get home from Spin class till 8pm, and I feel its important to eat after a workout)
• Take out of any kind (fast food, pizza etc.)
• More than 1 cup of coffee a day

YES's

• Water, Water, Water
• 3-4 workouts a week
• 5 small meals a day (I even made an eating schedule to help me stay on track)
• Green smoothies
• Green tea in place of sweet tea or my morning coffee

Its been tough and as silly as it sounds writting these rules down and hanging them around the house (mostly the fridge) has really helped me keep my focus. 

Here to doing even better this next week!

Chicken Tortellini Soup

Ingredients

8 C. Water

3 C. Uncooked Tortellini (I perfer Schwans Live Smart Brand)

2 T. Chicken Bullion

3/4 C. Carrots- diced

3/4 C. Celery- diced

1/2 C. Onions- diced

1t. Garlic- diced

2 C. Skinless Chicken Breast- cut into bit size pieces

4 C. Fresh Spinach

Directions

In large sauce pan bring the water to a boil, once boiling add carrots, celery, onions, garlic, chicken and bullion. Let boil for 20 minutes, add tortellini, boil for an additional 5-7 minutes. Add spinach reduce heat and cover for 5 minutes.

Serving Size 1.5 cups

Calories per serving 200

Enjoy!

Sweetened BLT Salad

Toss

• 8 cups mixed lettuce
• 1/2 a cucumber (peeled and sliced)
• 2 carrots (shredded)
• 1 C. cherry tomatoes
• 7 slices bacon (prepared and diced)
• 1/4 C. reduced fat blue cheese crumbles

Dressing

In food blender combine

• 1/3 C. olive oil
• 1/3 C. vinegar
• 1 C. fresh strawberries
• 1/4 C. Agave or Honey (more or less depending on how sweet you like it)

Serving size
1.5 cups of salad with 2 Tablespoons of dressing
160 Calories



Spicy Coconut Chicken

Ingredients

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breast cut into strips
• 1 cup panko breading
• 1/2 cup coconut flakes
• 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon cayneen pepper

Directions

In a large bowl mix the chicken breast, red pepper flakes, and cayane pepper. Cover and set in fridge for 30 minutes.

In a skillet on low heat toast the coconut flakes till slightely golden, add to a mixing bowl with the panko breading.

After chicken has sat toss thoughally in the panko coconut mix

Spray a cooking sheet with cooking spray and add chicken

cooke at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes

Dipping Sauce

• 6oz plain green yourt
• 3/4 cup pineapple
• 1 Tablespoon coconut water

Blend all ingredients (if you dont have a food processor or blender just cut the pineapple into small pieces) Chill till ready to eat

Whip up a quick veggie as a side and you have a meal :)

Servings

3 strips of chicken and 2 Tablespoons of pineapple dipping sauce

342 Calories

Strawberry Lemonade

Fresh Strawberry Lemonade:

• 1 1/2 cup strawberries
• 1/4 cup agave nectar
• 2 1/2 cups fresh water
• Juice of 2 large lemons
• Extra strawberries for garnish

Blend strawberries, lemon juice and agave on high until quite smooth. Pour into a pitcher and add water. Whisk to combine and refrigerate until well chilled. Serve over ice and garnish each glass with a strawberry. Makes approximately 6 8 oz glasses.

First Attempt

This is officially my first attempt at blogging, so if its a little rough in the beginning just hang in there, I promise it will get better. 

Ive noticed something lately, a growing popularity with blogs connected to weight loss (hmmm Pinterest).  I always thought it was pointless, my typical thought was, "Common now maybe if you exercised instead of blogging you would be where you want".  I was wrong, after reading several blogs about people on their weight loss journey I have collected some great ideas to help me along also. Its more than blogging, its a place to help each other out and gather your thoughts.  So i guess that's what this blog will be about, Ill share tips, recipes and all sorts of neat and awesome ideas that are helping me along my journey and hopefully they can help you along yours.