Whole30 Update and Recipes

We are on Day 18 and the way we have been eating is beginning to feel like the new norm.  I am curious how I will feel on day 31 and I start to wonder what food will be the first to be added back in my diet but for now I am just really enjoying what I am feeding my body and honestly this past week I have had NO urges for any of the "off-limit" food groups.

I am exercising everyday which I believe is so important to not just your physical being but also your mental being. I feel strong, happy and my jeans are super easy to button.  Let's face it as women when we feel good in our clothes, life is pretty great!!  We stand a little taller, we walk with a skip in our step and our self confidence soars.  It doesn't even matter if the scale didn't move - it becomes how we feel inside when our clothes fit more comfortably.  Men don't get that but we women do! :)

So let's talk more about food choice, ideas and recipes.  I tried all new recipes this week - some were keepers and some my family politely told me I didn't need to make that again (Whole30 Italian meatballs)  LOL

My lunches were mostly salads this week.  It's so easy to do lettuce, veggies and top it with a protein.  I switched it up each day . . . . topped it with turkey burger, grilled shrimp and even egg salad.  I just toss with olive oil and lemon juice . . . I will never buy bottled dressing again!!  :)

So here were my favorite dinners this week and don't worry I am only sharing the family friendly ones!

Cauliflower fried rice . . . my husband was nervous but wasn't pleasantly surprised at how good this tasted.  I am not saying it was like PF Changs but it was pretty tasty option.  I didn't use the vegetables in the recipe I just pulled out the veggies I had in my fridge and used them - carrots, red pepper, mushroom, onion and I tossed in diced chicken as well the egg!  Get creative!

Perfectly Baked Salmon with Yams and Brussels Sprouts!!  I've made this salmon two times so far and it has come out perfect every time . . . it's so fast that this one will be in my weekly lineup! :)

Sloppy Joe's . . . . my family's favorite this week.  I was so sad, no leftovers!!  The secret ingredient were the dates and yes, I did say dates. They give it such a sweet taste.  I served it over yams and gave my kids their's on hamburger buns.  I think I eat yams almost every day! And I am making this again this coming week but doubling the recipe!

It's been chilly and rainy this week so I was looking for a soup recipe . . . . Butternut Squash Soup with Avocado Cream.  I liked it but the rest of the family wasn't wild about it.  The thing that made the soup was the avocado cream and actually my boys liked the avocado cream on quesadillas and it would be good for dipping carrots sticks or pepper slices as a Whole30 snack idea.

So less than 2 weeks to go and I will keep you updated.  I'm no Whole30 expert but I have been educating myself on this whole program and experience is one of the best teachers.  Feel free to email me at marciadeangelis@sbcglobal.net or message me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/marciadeangelisfitness/  any question or if you would like to be part of my FREE Whole30 support group.  :)

Chicken Bean & Cheese Burritos . . . in the crockpot!

Hey it's not every night your 14 year old tells you, you hit a home run with dinner! I got this recipe from  dashingdish.com, made a few changes and BAM it was a hit!

My two boy teenagers love to eat (growing boys) so this isn't just a perfect dinner but it's also a great after school or lunchbox option.  They come home from school and it's like a whole other meal in between lunch and dinner . . . more than a snack not quite a full meal but close.  LOL

I would rather they grab something healthy and filling rather sugary and junky.  And you can freeze the burritos and just warm them up in the microwave.

These are great for the whole family. I used regular flour tortillas for the majority of them and also rolled up a few in whole wheat low carb tortillas for me. :)

For those fixers:
1 burrito with ww low carb tortilla = 2 💛, 1 ❤️, 1 💙

Crockpot Chicken, Bean and Cheese Burritos 

• 2 lbs of chicken breasts
• 2 cup chicken broth
• 1 can diced Rotel tomatoes and  green chilis
• 1 can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can low or fat free vegetarian refried beans
• 1 jar salsa verde
• 1 1/2 cup shredded cheese

Place chicken in crockpot with chicken broth and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.

Take chicken out of crockpot and shred with forks.  Discard the chicken broth and place chicken back in crockpot and add the rest of ingredients in with the chicken.  Cook on high for 30 minutes and mix everything in crockpot with forks shredding any additional chicken.  Fill tortillas and roll into burritos.

Optional: I like to lightly brown the burritos on a skillet on both sides.

Freeze the burritos in a large freezer ziploc. To thaw, wrap in paper towel and microwave 30 seconds on each side (2 mins total).

Paleo Pumpkin Cake . . . You Are Going to Love Me! :)

Pumpkin season!!!  I love pumpkin but I don't want to burn out so I am taking it slow this month. I wanted to try some new pumpkin recipes, ones that I could add to new meal plans I am creating for my new online fitness group and this was yesterday's try .  .  . Paleo Pumpkin Cake!!  It fits in perfect if you are following the 21 Day Fix eating plan: 1💚 1/2 ❤️

Who would have thought something so easy would be so amazing.  This could be breakfast with some mixed berries on top (add 1 💜), a healthy snack with a spoon of vanilla non fat greek yogurt (add an extra 1/2 ❤️) or as a sweet treat with a 1-2 tsp of mini chocolate chips OR just eat it plain and it's amazing!!

I think I need to go stock up cans and cans of pumpkin!!!  :)

Paleo Pumpkin Cake

• 1/2 can of pumpkin puree (or 1 green container)
• 1 egg
• 2 tsp raw maple syrup or stevia
• 1 tsp of pumpkin pie spice

Mix everything in a bowl and spray a ramekin or microwave safe dish with coconut nonstick spray and microwave for 5 minutes.  Be careful, it's hot coming out of microwave.  Let cool a few minutes before eating.  ENJOY!  

Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies

Weeks ago I bought coconut flour and had no idea what I would use it for but figured I loved almond flour so I thought I would coconut flour might be a nice alternative.  BAM . . . paleo chocolate chip cookies!  I am not a pie or cake kind of gal.  I can easily pass up brownies or ice cream BUT chocolate chip cookies are my thing!!  This recipe did not disappoint.  I just have to remind myself that even thought they are heathy there are still calories attached to each cookie . . . .  about 100 per cookie.
They are super easy - you mix all in one bowl and they are delicious!

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup coconut flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup organic maple syrup or raw honey
• 1 tsp vanilla
• pinch of sea salt
• 1/3 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350°
Line cookie sheet with foil and non-stick spray or parchment paper.
Mix flour, eggs, oil, maple syrup, vanilla and salt with a whisk until the mixture changes to slightly thicker and the coconut flour begins to soak up the moisture.  Add a little bit more flour if needed for the correct consistency.  Mix in the chocolate chips.
Use a spoon to portion out cookies on cookie tray.  About 12 cookies.
Pat down dough balls with your fingers.
Bake for 10-15 minutes until outside of cookies are golden brown.

Chicka-Fil-A What?

I have never been to a Chicka-A-Fil-A.  Up until last night I couldn't tell you how their chicken sandwiches tasted!  I still can't tell you how their sandwiches taste BUT I can tell you my take on Chick-A-Fil sandwiches is delicious and so much healthier!

I hit it out of the ballpark with last night's dinner.  My family came to the table with hesitation -  really, Chick-A-Fil, made be me? BAM, they loved it!!  My picky 14 year old had 2 sandwiches and gave me the thumbs up and they all happily took leftovers for lunch today.

I got this recipe off  Dashingdish.com and I am so happy I gave it a try!  I love when I get the thumbs up from husband and kids!  VICTORY!  Fast food at home, the healthier option.

Chick-A-Fil Chicken Sandwiches

Ingredients

• 1 package chicken cutlets (4-5 cutlets)
• 1/2 cup dill pickle juice
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk or low fat milk
• 1 1/4 cup almond flour
• 1 tbs baking stevia or truvia or 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp pepper

Place chicken cutlets in ziplock, add pickle juice and marinade for 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line cookie sheet with foil and spray with nonstick spray.
In one bowl mix eggs, milk and paper
In another bowl mix almond flour, stevia, and spices and mix well.
Dip each chicken cutlet in egg mixture and than dip into flour/breading mixture.  Be sure both sides are evenly coated.  Place each piece on cookie sheet.
Bake in oven for 10 mins. than flip to other side an bake 10-15 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink inside and is crispy outside.

Place chicken on buns or lettuce wrap and serve with sliced tomatoes and pickles.  You can top with a quick sauce of ketchup and plain greek yogurt if desired.

** I doubled the recipe so I would have leftovers!  :)

Italian Wedding Soup

It's not quite fall yet but that doesn't mean we all can't start thinking about soup!!!  I pulled out some of my favorite cookbooks this weekend to get some inspiration and BAM I found this recipe that I used to make all the time! It's Ina Garten's  (Barefoot Contessa) Italian Wedding soup except I made some small changes. :)

I was so happy to be reminded of this recipe!  It's a great variation on chicken soup and it's a great one for the whole family!

Italian Wedding Soup

Meatballs:

• 1 lb of ground chicken or turkey*
• 2 turkey or chicken mild Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1/4 plain Italian breadcrumbs 
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup of Romano and parmesan cheese
• 3 tbsp of milk (low fat or fat free)
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 350 and line cookie sheet with parchment paper. Mix all the above ingredients together with fork and form meatballs (1") . . . I like to use melon scooper  . . . place on cookie sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, until lightly brown and set aside.

* It's easier to find ground turkey than chicken - either tastes great!

Soup:

• 1/2 large onion, diced
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 2 stalks diced celery
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 10 cups of low sodium chicken broth
• 1 package fresh spinach
• 1-2 cups mini pasta (whole grain or regular)*

Sauté carrots, onions and celery in 1 tbsp of olive oil until vegetable are soft (about 5-6 minutes).  Add wine and broth and bring to a boil.  Add pasta and simmer until pasta is cooked.  Add meatballs and simmer for 1 minute.  Stir in spinach and simmer for 1 minute.  Sprinkle little fresh parmesan on top of serving.
Serving size 1 3/4 cups
* I tend to go with 2 cups of pasta because I have boys who love their pasta! :)

21 Day Fix = 1 YELLOW, 1 RED, 1 GREEN, 1/2 BLUE

Dinner Inspiration . . .Crustless Quiche

I know I need some inspiration when it comes to cooking at this time of year.   Between vacation and getting my kids back in school and my oldest off to college I am off my game when it comes to cooking dinner.  My goal is to get back to meal planning and trying some old recipes with a new healthy twist. :)

So last night I made crustless Quiches . . . . a healthy twist on an old recipe.  And quiches are super easy!!!  I made a bacon, cheese and onion pie knowing anything with bacon would get my boys to eat it and one with zucchini, onions, turkey kielbasa and cheese.  Serve them with sliced tomatoes or a simply salad and you've got an easy dinner!  These are also great for brunch or lunch!

The beauty of quiches is you can add whatever you want - spinach, asparagus, tomatoes, leeks, ham, etc. - get creative, use what's in your fridge and enjoy!!

Crustless Turkey Kielbasa & Zucchini Quiche

• 1/2 kielbasa, sliced
• 1 1/2 zucchini, chopped
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 6 eggs
• 1 cup low fat milk
• 1/2 cup shredded parmasen
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp of dried oregano

Preheat oven to 350°
Sauté onions, zucchini and turkey kielbasa in 1 tbsp olive oil.
In bowl combine eggs, milk, salt and pepper and dried oregano and whisk.  Add onion and zucchini mixture and gently combine.  Spray pie pan with non stick spray and pour egg mixture into pie pan. Bake for 45 minutes until egg is set and a little brown on top.
Fix approved = 1 RED, 1 BLUE, 1/2 GREEN

Crustless Bacon, Onion and Cheese Quiche

• 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 eggs
• 1 cup low fat milk
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp pepper
• dash of dry mustard

Preheat oven to 350°
Sauté onions in 1 tbsp olive oil, until translucent.  Add bacon and remove from heat.
In bowl combine eggs, milk, salt and pepper and dried mustard and whisk.
Add cheese and bacon and onion mixture and gently combine.  Spray pie pan with non stick spray and pour egg mixture into pie pan. Bake for 45 minutes until egg is set and a little brown on top.
Serving size 1/4 of pie

Healthy Margaritaville

July 4th weekend is almost here!  My drink of choice is a glass of wine but this weekend as we all head to the pool, beach and BBQ's a Margarita sounds much more refreshing, festive and fun!  Being healthy doesn't mean giving up summer fun cocktails . . . . it just means going with some healthy alternatives that are just as good if not better than your standard Margarita which by the way on average is about 350 calories!!  These are all 21 Day Fix approved and about 100 calories or less because living a healthy life doesn't mean you have to feel deprived!!!  It's all about moderation, balance and staying within your container count! :)

SKINNY MARGARITA #1

• 2-3 fresh lime wedges
• 2-3 fresh orange wedges
• 2 tbsp. fresh lime juice
• ½ tsp. raw honey
• 1 cup ice
• 1 oz. 100% agave tequila
• 1 splash sweet and sour mix
•  lime slice for garnish

I added salt and skipped the sweet and sour. Counts as 1 yellow 💛 

SKINNY MARGARITA #2

1 ounce Tequila
3 ounces Fresca soda
juice form 1/4 lime
kosher salt for garnish  (optional)

Dip the top of your glass in bowl of water and than into plate of salt. You may need to turn it on the plate to get a good coating.  Add crushed ice to glass and add tequila, Fresca and fresh lime juice.  Stir and enjoy.  (70 calories, 1 yellow 💛)

COCONUT MARGARITA WITH Bai5 Molokai Coconut

• 1.5 ounce of tequila
• juice of 1/2 lime
• 3 ounces of Bai5 Molokai Coconut
• top off with sparkling water

Add glass to water and mix everything together.  It's about 100 calories.   1 yellow 💛

WATERMELON MARGARITA

• 1 cup fresh, cut up watermelon (cubed into 1/2" and frozen)
• 1 tbs fresh lime juice
• 2 tbs blanco tequila
• 1/2 tbs water (of more if needed)

Blend all ingredients until smooth and add more water (1/2 tsp increments) if needed.  Cheers.
1 yellow 💛 1 purple 💜

FROZEN STRAWBERRY PEACH MARGARITA

• 3-5 frozen strawberries
• 1/2 peach, peeled and chopped
• 1 ounce tequila
• crushed ice
• 3 ounces of sparkling water

Blend all ingredients until smooth!  1 yellow 💛 1 purple 💜

Taco (sort of ) Tuesday

It's hot outside and our a/c is broken and I grilled turkey burgers last night so I was looking for something that would not require the oven and heat up the house.   The answer . . . . turkey taco bowls!!!

TURKEY TACO BOWLS

Ingredients:

• 1 package of ground turkey
• 2 - 3 TBSP Southwest Seasoning 
• brown rice
• 2-3 diced tomatoes
• 1 can pinto beans or black beans
• lettuce
• avocado, sliced
• reduced fat shredded cheese

Brown turkey meat and add seasoning (more or less based on taste).  Cook brown rice according to directions on package.  Heat beans.  Put together bowls and enjoy!

For 21 Day fixers: Measure ingredients in specific container to build bowl (1 red for ground turkey in red,  1 yellow for rice, 1/2 yellow for beans, 1 blue for cheese and avocado, 1 green for lettuce and tomato)

A Health Spin on Fried Rice

Who doesn't like fried rice?!  But let's face it the kind you get out is loaded with salt and oil and white rice . . . . not what you should be eating.  Here's a healthy spin on fried rice that's easy to make and so yummy!  And it's 21 Day Fix approved!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups brown rice 
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 TBSP sesame oil, divided
• 1 TBSP canola oil, divided
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1/4 cup diced onions
• 2 large eggs
• 3 TBSP low sodium soy sauce
• salt and pepper to taste

Cook rice and set aside.  In a large skillet heat 1 1/2 tsp sesame oil and 1 1/2 canola oil over medium heat.  Once hot, add ground turkey and sauté and break up into small pieces until no longer pink.  Transfer to separate bowl.  In skillet add remaining 1 1/2 tsp sesame oil and 1 1/2 canola oil to pan and add onions, peas and carrots and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. Add garlic and sauté   Push vegetables over to side of pan and crack to 2 eggs into side of pan, scramble and cook.  Return ground turkey and rice to pan and add soy sauce and mix and sauté for 2-4 minutes.  Serve and enjoy!
Serving size: 4 servings, 1 cup

21 DF Container Equivalents:
2 yellow
1 Red
1 green
2 tsp

It's Been To Long . . .

Wow, I haven't posted since February!!  As many of you know we moved out of our house into our guest house the beginning of last November as we started on the remodel of our house.  Six months later we are all back under one roof living in a beautiful almost (80%) completely new home.  I still have workers in the house and lots of hammering and banging going on as they are working on the outside.  We haven't hung anything up on the walls and not every room inside is completely done but it is slowly looking like our home again.

I went into this remodel with my eyes pretty wide open.  So many people had warned me of delays and struggles and there were days and weeks I was just done.  The hardest part was not having a kitchen for 3 months nor any central place we could hang out as a family.  There were weeks when I felt like nothing was getting done and the dust and dirt were just to much.  But then you would catch glimpses into what the final product would look like and I knew our decision was the right one.  

I have tried not to complain . . . I feel blessed that we have been able to do this so what's 6-9 months of disruption for years of enjoying our home with our family?!   My kids at times say I'm to positive but I figure if I complained that would give them the idea that they could complain.  Once we started there was no going back so we just had to roll with it.  Our delays have been minimal, the epic rains never came which we are so thankful for (I know we need the rain but) and overall the process hasn't been so bad.  We aren't quite finished BUT everyday there is progress . . . yesterday the plastic throughout the floor upstairs got taken up  - a sign that they are pretty much done with the upstairs.  I have really come to appreciate the little things. 

What I have learned is we don't need so much stuff in our lives and home!  I am not bringing back all that we took out.  We don't need to have multiple items in our kitchen, we don't need to keep every trophy or clothes that we haven't worn.  I have learned to purge and as we move forward I am not keeping what we don't need.  

The best news is I am slowly getting back to cooking.  I love my new kitchen and I am excited to start cooking more and try out new healthy recipes again!  

So with that said . . . . I make mini  Zucchini Turkey Burgers.  My inspiration came from the cookbook Jerusalem but I tweaked the recipe with what I already had in my pantry.  I made enough to have leftovers for lunch the next day and you can eat them warm or cold.  I topped them with Yogurt/Chive dip from Trader Joe's. 

Zucchini Turkey Burgers with Yogurt Chive Dipping Sauce

1 lb ground turkey

2-3 zucchini, grated (about 2 cups)

1 egg

1-2 tbsp chopped mint

1-2 tbsp chopped cilantro

2 cloves minced garlic

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Mix all ingredients in large bowl and shape into small patties (about 12-14).  Spray non-stick spray in large frying pan and heat.  In small batches, over medium heat sear the patties on each side.  Cook for about 4 minutes or until golden brown.

Transfer seared patties to baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in oven for 5-7 or until cooked through.

Serve warm with yogurt/chive dip or tzatziki dip spooned on top.

New Healthy Recipes

I am adding new recipes every week!!!

I wouldn't say I am a great cook but I do cook almost every night and I am always looking for fun healthy recipes that my family will like and they can work with the 21 Day Fix meal plan.  And they have to be easy!!

Let's face it, it's easy to become overwhelmed if a recipe is to difficult or has to many ingredients!!  The important thing is to get cooking.  It ensures you are eating clean, saving money, and the bonus is your family is more likely to all sit down at the table and enjoy what you made.

My husband is starting back on the 21 Day Fix today and is doing the EXTREME workouts.  I love the 21 Day Fix EXTREME and can't wait to see how he likes the workouts plus I'm doing the same so we can workout together a few mornings during the week.  I love the combination of cardio and weights with these workouts!!!

The big hit last week were these meatballs!  These are a great alternative to turkey meatballs and the recipe makes enough for 2 nights worth of meals!!!  You can't beat that!oFirst night I served them with spaghetti and second night I made meatball subs for the kids.

Baked Chicken Pamesan Meatballs

2 llbs ground chicken
3/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 diced onion
1 -2 tbsp Italian seasoning
2 eggs
3/4 cup shredded parmesan
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Rao's sauce or homemade sauce*
shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line cookie sheet with foil and spray with non-stick spray.  In large bowl mix chicken, breadcrumbs, onion, Italian seasoning, eggs, parmesan, salt & pepper.  Using your hands or spoon form small meatballs and place on sheet close together.  Spoon about 1/2 tablespoon of marinara sauce on top of each meatball.  Bake for about 15 mins.

Remove meatballs from oven and increase the oven to broil.  Spoon another 1/2 tablespoon on each meatball and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on each meatball.  Place under broiler for an additional 3 minutes, until cheese is melted and turned golden.  Serve with extra sauce.

* You need to really watch sugars found in jarred tomato sauces.  Rao's only have 3 grams of sugar per serving which is very low.  Most jarred sauces contain 5 - 8 grams and you shouldn't use them.  Make your own instead.

21 Day Fixers:
About 5 meatballs = 1 RED plus 1/2 BLUE (if you use extra sauce add in 1 PURPLE)

I also made Maple Dijon Chicken in the crockpot.  The chicken came out moist and flavorful. I loved the maple flavor PLUS it made leftovers which I used on salads for lunches the following couple of days.  I like to try one new crockpot recipe a week and I try and schedule it for the busiest day of the week when I know there is no way we can all eat together as a family.

Maple Dijon Crockpot Chicken

1 cup dijon mustard
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
2-4 chicken breasts

Season chicken with salt and pepper and place in crockpot.  Combine mustard, syrup and vinegar together and pour over chicken.  Cook on low for 6-8 hours.  Serve over brown rice or quinoa.

Holiday Cookies With A Healthy Twist

I like cookies, I actually LOVE holiday cookies because growing up we baked cookies like crazy during the holiday season!  I  learned how to bake making christmas cookies.  We had this recipe book called  "The Cookie Book" from Betty Crocker and I would start looking through it in November planning out what we would make.  Chocolate crinkles, almond cresents, thumbprint cookies, spritz cookies, rum balls, meringues and of course the cut out sugar cookies.  Each year a new cookie or two would get added or taken out of the rotation but there were always the regulars.

My mom didn't buy deserts the whole month.  We didn't do pies or cakes on Christmas eve or Christmas dinner . . . we had cookies.  Whenever people came over to visit during the holidays my mom would put out a plate of cookies and if we went anywhere we would bring cookies.  And I am pretty certain Santa had his pick to choose from each year at our house!

Years ago I searched for a copy of the cookie book and successfully found it!!  I still love looking through it as it brings back such memories!  But I choose not to fill my house with to many cookies yet there a few standbys that I will make every year. Holiday baking signals the start of the season for me.  This year is slightly different with no kitchen but the few days before Christmas we head out to the desert where I will have full access to a kitchen and I can't wait to get baking.  I have already chosen the cookies I am making and yes they have a healthy twist but guess what they still taste the way I remember them.  

Remember just because they are healthy doesn't mean they are caloric free and you can eat more! It still comes down to enjoying just one or two but without guilt!  

Here are my top four Healthy Holiday Cookies!

SNICKERDOODLES 

These are probably my family's FAVORITE overall cookie.  These are easy to make and only take 5 minutes in the oven.  You can also use a sugar subsitute (i.e. truvia) to make them even healthier.  

Calories:  54 per cookie

www.eat-yourself-skinny.com/2011/10/skinny-snickerdoodles-and-a-yummy-review.html

THUMBPRINTS:

These were my favorite holiday cookies.  I loved rolling the dough balls into crushed almonds and than pressing my thumb in them.  This version uses almond flour, raw honey and coconut oil . . . much healthier and still yummy!

lexiscleankitchen.com/2013/11/26/linzer-torte-thumbprint-cookies-a-note-to-my-readers/

CHOCOLATE CRINKLES:

These were always in our house during the holidays.  To me they were like little brownie balls with snow!!  I loved rolling them in confectioner sugar before baking.  I never thought I would find a healthy version of these!  :)
www.busybuthealthy.com/healthy-chocolate-crinkle-cookies/

CHOCOLATE CHIP MERINGUE COOKIES

Here's the best part about these cookies . . . they are sort of already healthy.  Use dark mini chocolate chips instead of semi sweet but otherwise you are good to go with these ones and at only 40 calories you can enjoy a  few! :)

www.busybuthealthy.com/healthy-chocolate-crinkle-cookies/

Roasted Chicken in a Crockpot

We are in month 2 of a whole house remodel which still means no kitchen and I just got word the kitchen install has to get pushed back 2 weeks.  As excited as I am about our new remodeled house including a kitchen that we got to design it has been a challenge to cook for my family of five.

I knew my crockpot and microwave would been invaluable but what has surprised me the most has been my panni press.  Grilled sandwiches, meatball subs, quesadillas and even warming up slices of pizza would be impossible if not for the panni press!!

The crockpot has been great for soups and stews BUT who would have thought you could "roast" a whole chicken?!  This came out perfect and no mess!

STEP ONE:
The foil balls just give the chicken a place to sit on without sticking to bottom of the pot but not needed.
Wash the chicken and pat dry.
Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper

STEP TWO:
Place chicken in crockpot and cook on high for 4 - 4 1/2 hours.

STEP THREE:
Enjoy!!

It's Crockpot Season

What's Sunday morning like in your house?  With 3 teenagers my house is peaceful!  There are many weekend mornings we are up early for soccer or a school event but I cherish the Sunday mornings when every one sleeps in until at least 9 and there is a lazy feel to the morning.

The nice part is that to me sleeping late is 6:30! That means on those lazy mornings I can enjoy a cup of coffee and read, get a workout done and plan for the upcoming week before anyone besides my husband is up.  There was a time and it wasn't to long ago when I never thought my kids would sleep in on a Sunday morning.  They were super early risers and I used to wish they would just sleep until 7!!  That was also when they were a sleep at night long before we were!  LOL

We are in the midst of a major house remodel which is all very exciting as well as messy, dusty and displacing.  For the next few months we are adapting to living in a home of constant change BUT time goes by quickly and the end result will be amazing for all of us.  There maybe moments of impatience and things will be far from perfect for the next few months but it's all good stuff so we will all learn just to roll with it.

Dinner time in our house is an important part of our family time.  It's that one time that we all connect so my challenge is to figure out how to make that still work.  The key is to not always be eating out or doing take out.  That would be the easy thing with no kitchen but that also gets costly and really who wants to eat out all the time?!

I made a little "kitchen" in my laundry room and I have a crockpot, pizza maker, panini press, microwave and a great neighbor that will let me use her oven on occasion.  With a little planning each weekend this might all just work.  :)

Thank goodness it's stew, soup and chili weather and those work great in a crockpot!  The key is finding GOOD crockpot recipes.  Here are my favorites they are all healthy and ones I will be making the next few weeks.  Bonus they are all 21 Day Fix Approved :)

Crockpot Italian Turkey Meatballs
Great over pasta, spaghetti squash and make great meatball subs!!
21 Day Fixers serve over spaghetti squash or alone with roasted veggies or salad.

Salsa Verde Chicken
This is super easy!!!  Perfect for tacos, over salads!

Crockpot Turkey White Bean Pumpkin Chili
This is perfect for the fall season.  I will serve it with simple green salad and cornbread or quesadillas.
21 Day Fixers: 1 RED, 1 GREEN and 1 YELLOW

Chinese Style Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli
This is one of my favorites.  I need one pot meals and this is it. I just microwave brown rice and serve on top of that!
21 Day Fix: 1 RED, 1 GREEN and 1 YELLOW

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Who doesn't love sloppy joes and cheesesteaks?!  These were huge hit!  I used brioche buns for family and I had mine on whole wheat sandwich thin which was still delicious!
21 Day Fix: 1 RED, 1/2 GREEN, 1 BLUE and 1 YELLOW

Chicken Noodle Soup!

It's the cure all!!  If someone isn't feeling well it's the perfect thing.  If is't a little chilly outside it's the perfect thing.  It's perfect for lunch or dinner.  It's perfect on it's own or with warm crusty bread.  It's best when it's homemade and it's perfectly easy to make!!

I had one kid come home not feeling to well and I was able to quickly make a batch and the whole house was happy.

This recipe is so easy you will NEVER buy store bought chicken noodle soup again!!

Ingredients

2-3 chicken breasts, boneless
3-4 carrots, chopped
3-4 celery, diced or chopped
2 quarts (8 cups) chicken broth
salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Drizzle olive oil over chicken and salt and pepper.  Place in pan and roast for 35-40 mins.  Cool and shred chicken and set aside.

Simmer chicken broth in large pot and add carrots, celery and noodles. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes until noodles are cooked.  Add chicken, salt and pepper and cook for 5 more minutes.

Perfection!  :)

Chocolate PB Spoons

We all need/want a sweet treat every so often and this one is the perfect "healthy" one that is so yummy and satisfying but won't do any damage!  How cool is that?!

 This is a great way to use your shakeology in a non shake way.  And if you are following the 21 Day Fix, one spoon is equal to 1 tsp on the program.

• Peanut butter (I use only natural)
• 1 scoop of Chocolate Shakeology
• 1 tbsp of Coconut Oil
• 8-10 Plastic spoons

Mix coconut oil and chocolate Shakeology in a bowl until well mixed.  Spoon peanut butter on spoons and dip into chocolate mixture.  Lay on tray covered with parchment paper and place in freezer for 1 hour.  Enjoy!
I store mine in a ziploc in the freezer.

The Healthy In and Out Burger

My family's favorite fast food is In and Out.  They are actually building an In and Out in our town and my 16 year old just applied for his first job there . . . it's the free burger everyday that got him!  :)

I found this recipe on dashingdish.com  I would recommend checking it out - she has some great healthy recipe options!  I think the thing that makes this recipe so unique and delicious is the secret sauce!!

I doubled the recipe (remember I have 2 boys whose favorite meal is IN and OUT) which worked out great because I had one of the burgers for lunch!

Ingredients:

• 1 llb of lean ground turkey or lean ground beef (I used ground beef)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbs worcestershire sauce
• 4 slices of cheese of your choice (I did cheddar)
• 2 large tomatoes, sliced
• 1 head of iceberg lettuce, leaves removed

Mix the salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder and worcestershire sauce in to the meat and form 4 patties.  Grill patties on the grill or skillet  cook until no longer pink on the inside. About 3-5 minutes per side. Place one piece of cheese over each burger during the last minute of grilling.

Secret Sauce:

• 1/2 cup hummus of your choice (I would recommend regular)
• 3 tbs ketchup
• 1 tsp mustard
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1 tbs pickle relish

Mix everything in small bowl for the sauce and chill.

Place patties on lettuce wrap (or bun) and top with tomato and secret sauce and enjoy!
21 Day Fix = 1 RED, 1 BLUE, 1 GREEN

Turkey Chili With A Twist

I am so ready for fall!!  I just want to wear a sweatshirt and not sweat in my own house.  A ten degree drop in temperature would make me so happy.  I just want mild temperatures, not hot and not cold!!

Yesterday morning I felt a little chill in the air (very little) and that was enough to decide on making chili for dinner.  There are so many turkey chili recipes and I make chili often in the winter so I decided to try a new one.  I got this recipe off a blog I love dinneralovestory.com.  It's was a turkey black bean chili and it had one very interesting spice . . . . . cinnamon!!!  I would have never thought but  I decided to go with it especially since the recipe said DON'T skip adding it and the result was delicious.  I served it with a green salad.

Ingredients

• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1/2 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 3 tbs chili powder
• 1  28 oz of diced tomatoes 
• dash of oregano, thyme, cayenne 
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 tsp of cinnamon  (TRUST ME ON THIS ONE)
• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed

Sauté the onions and garlic in a little bit olive oil.  Add turkey and break into pieces as it cooks.  Add chili powder and let it cook for a minute.  Add diced tomatoes, spices,bay leaf and cinnamon and simmer for 15 minutes.  Add black beans and cook another 5-10 minutes.

Serve with diced avocado, reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese and a spoonful of non fat plain greek yogurt.

21 Day Fix = 1 red,  1/2 green, 1 yellow (1 blue if you use toppings)

New Twist on the Burrito

We eat Mexican at least once a week if not twice.  What I love is most Mexican food can easily be adjusted to be clean and healthy!  Some of my favorites are lettuce wrapped turkey tacos, healthy chimichangas and simple burrito bowls.  Last night I made chicken avocado burritos and got the thumbs up as everyone was to busy eating to talk! :)

I found this recipe online of a website called omgchocolatedesserts and with a couple tweaks I made a healthier version and it can easily fit into the 21 Day Fix plan.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, roasted and shredded
• 1 cup grated cheese (I used mozzarella)
• 2 avocado, diced 
• 2 Tbsp chopped cilantro
• 1 Tbsp dijon mustard
• 6-8 whole wheat or whole grain tortillas
• non fat plain greek yogurt
• non-stick spray (I use the Misto)

Place chicken, cheese, avocado, and cilantro in a large bowl.  Add 1 tbsp of mustard and mix everything together.  Spread a thin layer of non fat plain greek yogurt on each tortilla and add a scoop of the chicken/avocado mixture, roll into a burrito.
Spray non stick spray (or olive oil spray) on fry pan and heat pan over medium flame.  Place burritos in pan and cook 2 mins on each side or until the tortillas are golden.
Serve warm.

You can serve with a simple mixed green salad and/or black beans.

21 Day Fix (just burrito):  1 yellow, 2 blues, 1 red