Monday, August 31, 2009

Brown Rice California Rolls


I am usually against buying any type of sushi or roll from a market, due to a past bad experience, but yesterday I took the risk and purchased these brown rice California rolls from Trader Joe's. And to my delight they were amazingly delicious. The container contains 8 pieces one serving is 4 pieces.


Trader Joe's - California Roll W/ Brown Rice
Servings: of 4 pieces 1 pieces 1 container (8 pieces ea.)
Calories
140
Sodium
530 mg
Total Fat
4 g
Potassium
0 mg
Saturated
0 g
Total Carbs
27 g
Polyunsaturated
0 g
Dietary Fiber
6 g
Monounsaturated
0 g
Sugars
2 g
Trans
0 g
Protein
4 g
Cholesterol
0 mg

And only $2.99

Thursday, August 27, 2009

coffee smoothie


This smoothie is so BASIC. My son loves smoothies. So I usually make it with 1 cup non fat organic yogurt, 1 cup frozen raspberries, 1tbsp organic agave nectar. I decided I wanted one too, but I gave mine a little kick. After pouring his I added about 1/2 cup of leftover coffee from this am. It was so good, and way cheaper than starbucks!

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

I am a CARBOHOLIC


Some people have a sweet tooth....I love my carbs. Although there are a lot of bad carbs there are also good carbs out there that our bodies need to properly function. This handy article on carbs landed in my inbox this am so I wanted to share it with all of you.


Carbohydrates are an important part of a healthy diet, but there's much discussion about the good and bad carbohydrates. So how do you know which is which? The answer is both simple — and complex.
Carbohydrates and Your Diet: Good vs. Bad Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates, often referred to as “carbs,” are your body's primary energy source, and they're a crucial part of any healthy diet. Carbs should never be avoided, but it is important to understand that not all carbs are alike.
Carbohydrates can be either simple (nicknamed "bad") or complex (nicknamed "good") based on their chemical makeup and what your body does with them. Complex carbohydrates, like whole grains and legumes, contain longer chains of sugar molecules; these usually take more time for the body to break down and use. This, in turn, provides you with a more even amount of energy, according to Sandra Meyerowitz, MPH, RD, a nutritionist and owner of Nutrition Works in Louisville, Ky.
Carbohydrates in the Diet: The Detail on Simple Carbohydrates
Simple carbohydrates are composed of simple-to-digest, basic sugars with little real value for your body. The higher in sugar and lower in fiber, the worse the carbohydrate is for you — remember those leading indicators when trying to figure out if a carbohydrate is good or bad.
Fruits and vegetables are actually simple carbohydrates — still composed of basic sugars, although they are drastically different from other foods in the category, like cookies and cakes. The fiber in fruits and vegetables changes the way that the body processes their sugars and slows down their digestion, making them a bit more like complex carbohydrates.
The most important simple carbohydrates to limit in your diet include:
Soda
Candy
Artificial syrups
Sugar
White rice, white bread, and white pasta
Potatoes (which are technically a complex carb, but act more like simple carbs in the body)
Pastries and desserts
Meyerowitz says that you can enjoy simple carbohydrates on occasion, you just don't want them to be your primary sources of carbs. And within the simple carb category, there are better choices — a baked potato, white rice, and regular pasta — than others — chips, cakes, pies, and cookies.
Carbohydrates in the Diet: The Detail on Complex Carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates are considered "good" because of the longer series of sugars that make them up and take the body more time to break down. They generally have a lower glycemic load, which means that you will get lower amounts of sugars released at a more consistent rate — instead of peaks and valleys —to keep you going throughout the day.
Picking complex carbohydrates over simple carbohydrates is a matter of making some simple substitutions when it comes to your meals. "Have brown rice instead of white rice, have whole-wheat pasta instead of plain white pasta," says Meyerowitz.
To know if a packaged food is made of simple or complex carbohydrates, look at the label. "Read the box so you know what exactly you're getting. If the first ingredient is whole-wheat flour or whole-oat flower, it's likely going to be a complex carbohydrate,” says Meyerowitz. "And if there's fiber there, it's probably more complex in nature."
Carbohydrates in the Diet: The Glycemic Load Factor
Describing carbs as being either simple or complex is one way to classify them, but nutritionists and dietitians now use another concept to guide people in making decisions about the carbs they choose to eat.
The glycemic index of a food basically tells you how quickly and how high your blood sugar will rise after eating the carbohydrate contained in that food, as compared to eating pure sugar. Lower glycemic index foods are healthier for your body, and you will tend to feel full longer after eating them. Most, but not all, complex carbs fall into the low glycemic index category.
It is easy to find lists of food classified by their glycemic index. You can see the difference between the glycemic index of some simple and complex carbohydrates in these examples:
White rice, 64
Brown rice, 55
White spaghetti, 44
Whole wheat spaghetti, 37
Corn flakes, 81
100 percent bran (whole grain) cereal, 38
To take this approach one step farther, you want to look at the glycemic load of a food. The glycemic load takes into account not only its glycemic index, but also the amount of carbohydrate in the food. A food can contain carbs that have a high glycemic index, but if there is only a tiny amount of that carb in the food, it won’t really have much of an impact. An example of a food with a high glycemic index but a low glycemic load is watermelon, which of course tastes sweet, but is mostly water.
The bottom line: Just be sensible about the carbs you choose. Skip low-nutrient dessert, consider the levels of sugar and fiber in carbs, and focus on healthy whole grains, fruits, and veggies to get the energy your body needs every day.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Spinnig


I have been wanting to take a spin class for awhile now and yesterday I finally worked up the courage to try one. And I LOVED it. I can totally see how people get hooked on spinning. I can easily see this replacing at least 3 of my cardio sessions a week.


What is spinning? Created by Johnny G., a world-class ultra-distance cyclist, it’s a stationery bicycle program primarily aimed at achieving maximum energy output. By adjusting the seat, hand position and the resistance on the flywheel, a rider can simulate the feel of riding outdoors. A person can burn an average of 500 calories in a 40-minute spinning session.


This philosophy of being mentally and physically fit is the basis of spinning. Coupled with mental empowerment and discipline techniques, spinning uses proven athletic training principles to create a workout that is both physically and mentally invigorating and challenging.

Spinning emphasizes everyone's individual needs, regardless of athletic ability, taught in a group atmosphere with a motivational instructor. Spinning instructors are required to partake in a nine month course of instruction before they become certified spinning instructors.
Spinning is just as much an inspirational workout as a physical one. Participants are encouraged to explore the journey of health, fitness and imagination-- to experience the reality, not just the theory, of the mind-body connection.

Friday, August 21, 2009

new favorite dressing




I get so bored with salads. This week I squeezed a lemon over my salad and mixed in 1/2 tsp of organic agave nectar and I seriously think it's better than any dressing I have ever made. I just love it. And its pretty mindless!


healthy water bottles


One of the biggest BPA predators are plastic water bottles. We have made the switch FINALLY to BPA free alummiun water bottles. Although I agree throwing a plastic disposable water bottle in your purse or gym bag is convient it is so DANGEROUS. An expert panel of scientists has concluded that exposure to extremely low doses of bisphenol A is strongly linked to diseases such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, and diabetes, and to reproductive and neurological development. Plastic containing BPA may also be called, Polycarbonate, Lexan and Polysulfone. Though it is generally clear, it can be tinted in various colors. Plastic that contains BPA carries the #7 recycling symbol, as well, so never use those bottles. Personally I reccommend staying away from these plastics as much as possible.

Friday Night Pizza

Friday night was pizza night at our house. It's a very simple recipe.
1 whole wheat pizza dough from trader joes
trader giottos fat free pizza sauce
garlic & herb goat cheese
1 organic tomato sliced
1 package of mushrooms slice
1/2 organic part skim mozzarella
bake at 450 for 20 mins







BYE BYE FRIEND

Today marks 1 week without my beloved friend diet pepsi. For those of you out there that know me this is HUGE. I love my diet soda. But I made a vow to eliminate it from my life completely! The first few days were hard but now I'm not even thinking about it. The addition of the sassy water to my life has definitely helped me nix this problem in my life. I am having no problem drinking water now. And I'm down 4lbs since last week. YES!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Lemon Pepper Chicken


Lemon Pepper Chicken is one my favorites, simply put on the grill and season with lemon pepper. We also had corn on the cob, organic brown rice from trader Joe's (this is microwavable and its the BEST tasting) and zucchini sauteed in olive oil with green onion, sprinkle with a pinch of Parmesan cheese and serve!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Sassy Water


Yesterday I stumbled upon an article from the flat belly diet on sassy water. I decided to make a batch of it last night to drink today. So far I am enjoying the taste of the water. Prevention magazine states:


You've probably heard that you need about eight glasses of water a day for adequate hydration. Drinking water and even eating "watery" foods like melon, greens, and other fruits and vegetables has enormous health benefits, including warding off fatigue. But perhaps the most important belly benefit of proper hydration is how it helps maintain your body's proper fluid balance and guard against water retention. It also helps prevent constipation, which can cause bloating.

Eight glasses of water is just a guideline; every one's fluid needs vary according to activity level and body. But eight is a good starting point. All fluids (and water-packed foods) count toward your overall fluid intake, but bear in mind that not all of these fluids are permitted on the Flat Belly Diet's Four-Day Anti-Bloat Jumpstart.

During the Jumpstart, you're required to drink one full recipe of Sassy Water. We call it Sassy Water, in honor of its creator Prevention nutrition director Cynthia Sass, and because it's a heck of a lot perkier than plain old water. But the ingredients aren't just for flavor: The ginger also helps calm and soothe your GI tract. Even more important: The simple act of making this Sassy Water every day will serve as a reminder during the 4-Day Jumpstart that life is a little bit different, that things are going to change. It will help you focus on the task ahead: Getting a flatter belly once and for all.


To make:

2 liters (3 1/2 pints) water1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger1 medium cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced1 medium lemon, thinly sliced12 mint leaves Combine all ingredients in a large jug, chill in the refrigerator and let the flavours blend overnight.


I will let you all know how this works. If anything it adds a little tang to my everyday water. But since I have to squeeze into a dress on the 29th for my uncles wedding if I loose a little bloat then even better :)

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Salad in the Sand

Today while enjoying my afternoon in Laguna Beach, watching my 4 yr old run along the sand I munched on this spinach salad mixed with, broccoli, tomato, onion, avocado and pecans. Tossed in olive oil, red vinegar and lemon pepper. Fresh and tasty











Forever YOUNG

It's no secret we ALL want to stay looking YOUNG. This article just landed in my inbox this morning, so I thought I'd share it with you all today. ENJOY

Can you actually look younger just by adjusting your diet? “Yes,” says June Breiner, MD, an internist in Maryland. "And what you put in your mouth can take years off of your appearance.” The right foods are chock-full of anti-aging and anti-wrinkle agents.
Understanding Antioxidants: The Anti-Wrinkle Crusaders
How can what you eat affect your body so positively or negatively? “Antioxidants are the key,” explains Dr. Breiner. “They are nutrients that are able to protect your body from the aging effects of free radicals, a nasty process called oxidation.”
Free radicals are formed through natural processes in your body and the environment — everything from exposure to sun, cigarette smoke, chemicals, even exercise. A free radical is simply a molecule or atom that has lost one of its electrons and, now unpaired, has become unstable. This instability causes it to seek other atoms or molecules (yours) to stabilize it, resulting in a domino effect of unstable atoms and molecules in your body.
This is a problem "because the end result is a change in your cells’ DNA, which includes your body’s largest organ, your skin," Breiner says. "Oxidative stress and inflammation are two major causes of the aging process.”

The Anti-Aging Diet: Foods That Smooth Skin
“Eat a fiber-rich diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables," suggests Breiner. "Eight to 10 servings a day will help keep you young. Fruits and vegetables are generally low-calorie and have the ability to detoxify and renew your cells." Add these great anti-aging food choices to your regular diet:
Colorful berries. The antioxidant anthocyanin is what gives berries their blue, red, and purple colors. To get a healthy dose of this potent antioxidant, eat plenty of blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, pomegranate, cherries, acai berries, and blood oranges, to name a few of the best choices. Each of these foods has a variety of other powerful antioxidants that repair and protect your skin’s cells.
Broccoli and broccoli sprouts. Quercetin is another powerful antioxidant that is found in broccoli, along with other foods including cranberries, onions, and apples. It is a natural anti-inflammatory agent as well, fighting the No. 2 cause of aging. Broccoli sprouts have 30 times more isothiocyanates (yet another antioxidant) regular broccoli.
Spinach. Lutein is found in spinach, kale, corn, and other vegetables. It has the ability to give additional antioxidant capacity to your skin and enhances skin hydration.
Garlic. Allium is an antioxidant that packs a punch. Garlic, onions, and scallions are loaded with this free-radical fighter that is good for your skin and your immune system.
Beans. “Eat your beans, too,” says Breiner. Anthocyanin is found in very high quantities in black beans and black soybeans. Soybeans are also high in isoflavones, also linked to anti-aging properties.
Tea. Catechins, found in green tea, dark chocolate, and red wine, are another antioxidant that packs a wallop. “Have four to six cups of tea a day with lemon, which enhances the antioxidants’ activity in your cells,” Breiner advises.
Wine. In addition to those catechins, resveratrol is found in red wine and has many anti-aging properties. It is another potent antioxidant.
Yellow and Orange Root Vegetables. Put plenty of beta-carotene on your plate. These super-antioxidants are good for your skin and eyes. Good choices include carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and squash.
Tomatoes. Lycopene, in red grapefruit, tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruit, is a powerful weapon against free radicals. It has the ability to inhibit sun-induced aging and can neutralize free radicals. Breiner suggests, “Fill your glass with tomato juice or V8 juice daily.”
Nuts. Eat a handful of nuts and seeds a day. They are loaded with “good” fat that helps “plump” your skin, antioxidants and lots of minerals that are good for your skin, too.
Salmon. “Eat salmon at least three times a week,” says Breiner. “It has a host of benefits for your skin, from the omega-3s to the high-quality protein. Make it a regular in your diet, and you will see plumper, more youthful skin in about six weeks.”
Water. Stay hydrated: Drink six to eight glasses of water a day. (And if you are drinking decaffeinated tea, that counts.) Caffeinated beverages can dehydrate you, which can contribute to dry, sallow-looking skin.
Eat fruits and vegetables raw when possible. If you cook them, steaming is the best way to go to keep all of the anti-aging, anti-wrinkle antioxidants. At the same time, cut down on sweets. Avoid processed, refined foods and sugars, which can increase free-radical activity.
If you choose from all these wonderful anti-aging and anti-wrinkle foods as often as possible, you will be on your way to a healthier, younger-looking you.

Monday's Dinner

If the boss man had his way every night would be meat and potatoes, while that might not be the case every now and then I give in. Last nights dinner was corn, red potatoes and tilapia. Quick, simple & DELICIOUS

Reformed Yogurt

So after reading a few of my fellow bloggers yogurt recipes I have altered my breakfast yogurt to look like this. Same ingredients just a new LOOK!

Monday, August 17, 2009

Sunday Funday

After an extremely busy Saturday we decided that we were going to have a nice relaxing Sunday. We started off the morning with breakfast burritosCage Free Brown Eggs
Corn Tortilla, 1 egg, a pinch of mozzarella and a splash of hot sauce

After breakfast we headed to our local farmer's market to pick up some produce for the week
Next stop to my mom's for some pool fun and carne asada tacos. These fruit skewkers are insanely delicious. Pineapple, strawberry,mozzarella, lightly drizzled with pesto. A friend of mine shared this recipe with me from Clean Eating Magazine. (My FAVORITE!)

Carne Asada w/maui onion and cilantro

All though these chips are white they are unsalted (0 sodium) and very tasty!

Throw it all together and you have homemade street tacos!







Thursday, August 13, 2009

Italiano

I can't imagine a week's menu without a taste of Italy in it. Tonight we had penne pasta, chicken basil sausages and fire roasted marinara sauce. I also had a side of steamed broccoli.
I love these crushed tomatoes from henry's. Pour the organic fire roasted tomatoes, then fill the empty can with water and add it to the sauce and add the organic tomato paste. You can also make a nice clean sauce with regular organic crushed tomatoes as well. This sauce is best cooked long and on low. Ideally I like to start my sauce no later than 3p.m.
Trader Joe's Organic Whole Wheat Penne, is good tasting and affordable :)

These sausages are fantastic. From henry's market they are chicken basil, I brown them in a 1tbsp of organic olive oil then add them to the simmering sauce. This meal just fed 4 adults and two children, delicious and economical. I think I just made a mistake feeding all these men during football I have a feeling they will be coming back. I did not inform them that they were chicken sausages and wheat pasta and they gobbled it all up :)



Clean Tuna

The hardest meal of the day for me is lunch. I am always on the go with my little guy and fast food is extremely convenient yet toxic, to both myself and my child. A typical lunch looks something like this: Tuna on half a whole wheat pita. Canned tuna in water.
Trader Joe's Whole Wheat Pitas are amazing
Trader Joe's Organic Mayo (1tbsp per can of tuna)

One slice of Maui Onion from my local farmer's market


One slice of tomato from my local farmer's market

Fresh Leaf Spinach from my local farmer's market. (As much as you can jam in your pita)

WaLa! This will usually hold me over for 2.5 hrs then an afternoon snack of some fruit and nuts (Go Raw Trek Mix, Trader Joe's)

My son is not a fan of pita, so this is what is plate looks like. He loves frozen grapes & frozen blueberries! (I am blessed with a non fussy eater)

Trader Joe's version of oreo's. He gets two. No trans fat and no HFCS. ALL NATURAL

The big guy (also not a pita fan) typically gets a turkey,spinach, avocado(1/4 avo) & mustard sandwich on a french artisan baguette complements of Trader Joe's











Is Excersing Making You Fat?

I came across this article in the paper this morning. And found it pretty interesting. While I don't agree that working out will make you fat. I do agree that it is WHAT you put in your MOUTH that really MATTERS.

This week’s Time magazine cover story makes a provocative argument — exercise won’t make you thin. The article argues that while Americans claim to be exercising more than ever, two-thirds of us are overweight and that working out may be harming efforts to get thin.
Author John Cloud writes:
Yes, it’s entirely possible that those of us who regularly go to the gym would weigh even more if we exercised less. But like many other people, I get hungry after I exercise, so I often eat more on the days I work out than on the days I don’t. Could exercise actually be keeping me from losing weight?
The article cites various studies on on weight loss that suggest what people eat matters more and that light activity sprinkled throughout the day (walking and taking the stairs) is most beneficial. One researcher is quoted saying, “In general, for weight loss, exercise is pretty useless.”
The article knocks the media, including shows like “The Biggest Loser,” for promoting the idea that exercise is crucial for weight loss. (Check out a story on O.C. residents auditioning for the show here.)
The article has stirred fierce reaction in the fitness world. The American College of Sports Medicine released a statement in response. In it, Janet Rankin, an expert in nutrition and exercise, said, “A practical response to the claim that exercise makes you eat more and gain weight is to look around. If this were the case, wouldn’t those who regularly exercise be the fattest? Obviously that isn’t the case.”
Dave Mugavero, one of the owners of Custom Bodies Fitness in Irvine, called the premise of the article preposterous. He said he works with all his weight loss clients on what they’re eating, not just how to burn more calories.
“We were having the debate this morning. We pulled up the article and were saying, ‘How ridiculous.’ Working out is not making America gain weight. It’s lack of knowledge about diet and nutrition. You can work out all day and if you eat horribly you’re going to gain weight. If you don’t change your diet, you’re going to be an in-shape overweight person which is better than being an out-of-shape overweight person.”
Mugavero said exercise may increase appetite but disagreed with the article’s suggestion that people are less active after working out because they feel tired.
“It has the opposite effect,” he said. “It gives you a lot more energy. If I’m exercising, I’m increasing my endorphins. Most of my clients when they work out, they feel like working out more, not less.”
What do you think? Is the gym partially to blame for bigger waistlines? Do you reward yourself with extra calories after a workout? What do you think is the best way to maintain a healthy weight?

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

what is clean eating?

What is clean eating? Some say its sticking to the outer rim of the grocery store, but there is more to it. I came across this list and thought I'd put it here for reference.

1. leafy greens, such as romaine lettuce, spinach, kale, arugula, etc... Darker greens have more nutrients, choose them over pale lettuce

2. vegetables, such as cucumbers, radishes, eggplant, squash, pumpkin, peppers, carrots, beets, mushrooms, peas, avocados, sweet potatoes, etc. You can’t go wrong here. To save money, choose produce that’s in season and buy from a farmers market for a fresher taste and better value. When you can buy organic!

3. fruit, such as tomatoes, apples, pears, peaches, bananas, pineapple, mangoes, kiwi, oranges, lemons, papaya, watermelon, blueberries, blackberries, etc. Again, go for fruit that’s in season to avoid paying too much. When you can buy organic!

4. frozen vegetables & fruit. Frozen might be better in some instances, it’ll keep longer and be a better bargain when trying to find produce that’s not in season. Make sure no sugar is added to fruit and no butter sauces, salt or breading is added to vegetables. Buy them plain.

5. canned vegetables & fruit. Try to get low-sodium or sodium- free canned vegetables and rinse them. As far as canned fruit… personally, I stay away from it, as it is almost always canned in some sort of corn syrup and is very high in sugar. I do however buy organic fire roasted crushed tomatoes for sauces.

6. dried fruit. Apricots, prunes, raisins, cranberries, blueberries, figs, dates, etc. Try to get them unsweetened, as they are high in sugar content as it is.

7. nuts & seeds. Almonds, walnuts, cashews, pistachios, pecans, peanuts, sunflower & pumpkin seeds, etc. Buy plain raw unsalted nuts and seeds. A lot of nuts that are sold in jars/cans have oil & salt/sugar added to them, so read the ingredient list.

8. nut butters. Natural peanut butter, cashew butter, almond butter, etc. Natural is what you need! Regular nut butters have sugars, corn syrup and hydrogenated oils added to them. You can make your own natural nut butter by processing nuts of your choice in a food processor with a bit of canola oil if you prefer.

9. whole grains. Brown rice, quinoa, wheat, bulgur, millet, rye, buckwheat, old-fashioned rolled or steel-cut oats, spelt, etc. You can’t go wrong here, unless the grain is refined, for example white rice is refined, brown rice is whole.

10. bread products. Whole grain wraps, tortillas, Ezekiel products, etc. Make sure the first word in the ingredient list is whole. Steer clear of an ingredient list with “corn syrup” (added cheap sugar) and “hydrogenated” or “partially-hydrogenated oils” (added trans fats) in it.

11. pasta products. Whole wheat pasta, brown rice pasta, spelt & quinoa pasta, etc. The same as with bread, make sure the grain is whole.

12. beans & legumes. Black beans, kidney beans, navy, pinto, garbanzo, lentils, peas, soybeans, etc. Don’t forget to rinse canned beans to wash out extra sodium.

13. meats and poultry. Lean cuts of beef, pork, ground beef, ground turkey, chicken breast, turkey breast. Make sure to remove all visible fat & skin.

14. fish. Salmon, tuna, cod, halibut, snapper, etc. Fresh is great, frozen will keep longer and will work in recipes just as well. When using canned tuna or salmon, make sure they are canned in water, not oil.

15. dairy & eggs. Low-fat or skim milk, plain non-fat or low-fat yogurt, low-fat of fat-free cheese, cottage cheese, kefir, eggs, egg whites, egg beaters

16. non-dairy milk. Unsweetened soy milk, unsweetened almond milk, etc. Great alternatives if you do not consume dairy.

17. soy products. Various soy products, such as soy nuts, tofu, edamame are great protein sources for vegetarian meals.

18. oils. Extra virgin olive oil, canola oil, sesame seed oil, flaxseed oil, vegetable cooking spray.

19. spices and herbs. Basil, cilantro, red & black pepper, rosemary, oregano, sage, etc. Again, can’t go wrong here! Experiment with different herbs & spices to add great flavor to your dishes. It doesn’t have to be just salt & pepper!

20. condiments. Low-sodium soy sauce, mustard, vinegars, low-fat mayo, hot sauce, salsa. If you are looking for salad dressing, try lemon juice, balsamic vinegar or make one yourself.

21. sweet stuff. Honey, maple syrup, agave syrup, blackstrap molasses. Use sparingly. Natural sweeteners are still sugar and to your body it is just that.

22. drinks. Plenty of water – at least 8 glasses a day. If you’ve never drank that much water before, start with 6 to 8 glasses and work your way up. Remember that your body looses a lot of water when you work out, so drink even more if you exercise regularly. Green tea, black tea and black coffee is also ok in moderation.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Turkey Tortilla Casserole a.k.a Mexican Lasagna




Tonight's menu is a family favorite at our house. Mexican Lasagna. 291 Cals per serving 5g fat, 6g fiber. For ww followers this is 5pts. The entire lasagna is 4 servings.
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons canola oil
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 onion chopped
1/2 pound ground skinless turkey breast
one 14.5 ounce can stewed tomatoes
1 cup fat free refried beans
six 6" corn tortillas, quartered
1/3 cup shredded mozzerella cheese


Cook It:


1. preheat oven to 350


2. In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil. Add the pepper and onion; cook, stirring as needed, until softened about 5 minutes.


3. Add the turkey and cook, stirring as needed, until, browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, and beans; bring to boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered stirring frequently, until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.


4. Spoon one-third of the turkey mixture onto the bottom of a 10x6" pan. Arrange half of the tortillas evenly over the top. Repeat the layering once more, ending with the turkey mixture. Sprkinkle evenly with the cheese. Bake covered 20 minutes. Uncover and bake until heated through and golden, about 10 minutes longer.

Yogurt Galore

For those who know me, my obsession with yogurt is not a secret. I love yogurt in all forms. On a typical morning I have 1 cup organic non fat plain yogurt, w/1tsp organic blue agave sweetener from trader joes, 1/4 cup whole grain muesli and 1/2 cup mixed raspberries and blueberries. I usually purchase fresh berries when they are on sale and throw them in the freezer. I put them straight in my am yogurt frozen, wait a few minutes and they are on their way to a thawed out berry. These frozen berries are also fantastic for smoothies.

the start of clean

Recently I have enjoyed clean eating. I intend to use this blog to share my clean eating meals with the world. In January 2009 I drastically changed my eating habits and shed 50 lbs over the past 8 months.
This photo is from July 2009

This photo is from from December 2008. About a week before I started my complete lifestyle change.

Although I am happy about my recent weight loss. My goal weight is 140. That leave me with 38lbs to go. My main goal with this blog is to share what I have learned, and also learn from ideas and suggestion you have for me.