Healthy Soup and a Little Sweet Tooth Satisfaction As Well

Interested???

I have added some things back into my diet, like meat and a little sugar. But I'm really trying to not go back to my cake loving ways. Also, after my prolonged gluten detox I got the point that my body was happy to get rid of it so I'm now living life gluten free!

And you probably won't thank me for mentioning this but after I ate soup and Caesar salad for lunch a couple of days ago, both filled with dairy, I found myself very digestionally sorry about that choice of lunch so no dairy either...

Anyway, I have found some good recipes and healthy options for meals. Here's my lunch today...

This soup I made last night. A friend showed me how using pumpkin puree in soup makes it really filling, which when I'm cooking for my husband especially, is a good thing.

Chicken Veggie Quinoa Pumpkin Soup

(Keep in mind I make a big pot for a big family. I'm sure you can cut this in half as well as make it a vegetarian recipe by cutting out the chicken and using veggie broth instead.)

8 cups chicken broth
1 chopped onion
4 minced garlic cloves
1 cup chopped carrots
2 medium sized zucchini's cut into small chunks
2 cans diced tomatoes
8 oz can of pumpkin puree
1 cup of cooked Quinoa (I guess you could cook it in the soup, but I cooked it separately)
1 1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp of coriander
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp oregano
Mrs. Dash if it's not flavorful enough

Saute all vegetables and chicken. Put in a big pot with diced tomatoes, pumpkin and spices. Stir well and bring to a boil. Lower heat to allow it to simmer for 20 minutes. Add quinua and serve.

If you're wondering what exactly quinoa is, it's similar to a rice grain but according to the bag (purchased at Costco) and wikipedia, it's a complete protein with a high content of amino acids as well, easy to digest, gluten free and actually closer to a seed than a grain.

I've used it as a side like rice, in a salad similar to tubulie and in soups. Again if you're a vegetarian it will make the soup a complete meal even without the chicken.

And onto my sweet tooth satisfaction. My smoothie is organic frozen strawberries, almond milk, yogurt (the one dairy product I seem to be able to digest), honey and vanilla. Mmmmmmmmm....

What I Learned At Bible Study

This is a sidenote from what I was planning on talking about but I just want to throw in that it's really nice that even though I live in a small town, there seems to be a women's event for wherever you are in life. There's MOPS, homeschool co-ops, reading groups, play groups, precepts bible studies, Beth Moore bible studies, basically anything you feel like.

I like that because I've been in places where it's difficult to start, let alone finish a book, and then again I've been in places where I just can't get enough of the bible and studying each and every word is important to me.

Right now I'm going to a weekly women's bible study at The City Church, which is a big church with several different campuses. They have different speakers every week and they definitely lean toward the more joyful, charasmatic side of things. Not what I'm used to or always comfortable with but they are amazing women, it's a good church and it's perfect for where I'm at right now.

But here's what I want to tell you about... This week they invited a speaker named Deborah Enos, who is a certified nutritionist. She gave a 90 minute presentation on good health and good eating. She's written a book called "Weight a Minute" which has chapters that you can literally read in one to two minutes! After a morning of her giving practical tips on healthy eating, I purchased her book and devoured its contents over a cup of afternoon coffee.



What she said resonnated so much with my own feelings about food and health, what I've learned from watching Food Inc. and other good information that I've picked up along the way.

Her book is NOT talking about a diet. It's a long term plan that supports simple principles that you can live by.

For instance she says to eat breakfast within 30 - 45 minutes of waking up. This jumpstarts your metabolism and can improve your whole day! She gives good examples of breakfasts filled with protein and fiber which will keep you full for three hours and curb sugar cravings that magically appear, at my house, around naptime;)

She also talked about being positive about ourselves and our bodies and instead of focusing on what we think needs to change, focusing on what's good. Being healthy starts in our minds.

You may be rolling your eyes at this point, sometimes I do when it comes to the whole "positive confessions". But Deborah Enos did have a lot of good things to say that I already agreed with so I guess I could give some of that positive thinking a chance;)

One more thing. After watching Food Inc. which I mentioned awhile back, I felt very overwhelmed on my next trip to the grocery store. I felt so convicted about the way big meat companies treated their animals and was sold on the health benefits of grass fed cows, free range eggs and organic fruits and veggies, but didn't know a simple way to go about changing our habits. I found myself vigorously scrutinizing every package and label and driving my kids crazy in the process.

Deborah's simple practical tips made my next grocery store visit much more exciting and reasonable. Instead of walking out with next to nothing I had a weeks worth of meals planned out...breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks!

Come with me on this journey

It will be much less painful than it is for me...lover of sweets and baked goods (I'm sooo a dessert before dinner kinda gal)


Isn't it funny how as moms we usually don't know how we look until we see a picture? I mean, how could I know? I glance toward the scale every once in a while and actually stick out my tongue at it. I put my make-up on in front of the overhead mirror in the car (better lighting) and I AM the picture taker.


So this summer when I set down the camera while at the beach and my husband got ahold of it and took this shot I was a little surprised to see myself from behind!

And yep, that's a nice picture of my butt, which is so much cushier than it was before baby number 4...well no 3! Aren't you glad that I trust you people? And yes, I will admit to you and only you that that is back fat you see! Aghhhh!

Anyway, for some reason in the middle of cooking constantly, food galore and my bestest friends, jackets and scarves, I'm all of a sudden motivated to lose some weight, gain some muscle and just be healthier! You know, treat my body better...

Part of the reason is because I finally gave in and stepped on Bad Mr. Scale! That gave me a goal...lose 20 pounds!

Another reason is because I FINALLY found a workout that I love....ready for it? Zumba!

Yes it is so much fun! I took dance when I was younger and believe me...you lose those skills. The first time I went I was so lost and could NOT keep up with the steps, but by the end of the session I was such a sweaty mess and I didn't want to stop because I was having so much fun. I went again a couple weeks later and followed a little better but it still kicked my cushy butt!

Yesterday I daringly went all alone to the town's fitness center which is known for it's gossipy people; so out of my comfort zone. This was the first time that we actually were in a dance study surrounded by mirrors...yikes! This was the reason I went to the health club's Zumba, because I knew the mirrors would help me actually get some of the more difficult steps.

Which leads me to the final reason I'm wanting to do this. I got a look at myself in fitted workout gear in that full length mirror and suddenly saw the difference from when I was really in shape! I thought no wonder I feel the way I do! I know that was before children, but still, I want to feel good again. I want to be able to play tag with my kids and not get completely winded after only five minutes. I want to be able to go out dancing with my husband. I want to NOT have to rely on jackets and scarves to hide that middle area.

So here's my plan. I would totally go to Zumba 3x a week if I could, but that's not very practical with my already busy schedule, so I'll at least go once and then start working out at home too again.

The bulk of my diet (there has to be some room this time of year) is going to be whole grains, lean meats, veggies and fruits. I've also been drinking Acai berry juice this week and feel it doing something in my digestive system.

And lastly I'm going to tell you all about it:) Lucky you!

Corn & Potato Soup

This is my version of corn & shrimp soup from Cooking Light (my favorite cook book!)

3 cups chicken stock - divided (can be replaced by veggie stock)
3 cups frozen corn -divided
2 pounds potatoes
1 red bell pepper
1 green bell pepper
1 onion
1 cup milk (I used soy)
1 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper

Peel potatoes, cut into 1 inch chunks and put in pot. Boil for 10 - 12 minutes.

At the same time place 2 cups frozen corn in blender with 1 cup stock and blend. Set aside.

Chop onion and peppers and in large pan saute for 5-7 minutes. Add remaining stock, milk and corn mixture and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in potatoes, remaining corn and seasonings and simmer for an additional 5 minutes or until heated thoroughly.

Serve with fresh baked french bread.

Fajitas and Naan

First of all I'm going to start out with saying I was so low on energy yesterday that I was completely good for nothing except laying around and watching TV. And I had a lot to do so it was really frustrating. I also have had trouble sleeping the last couple of nights and my legs have been a little achy. I looked in my medicine cabinet and found some iron supplements (Thorne brand - it's the best!) from my last pregnancy. I took one with dinner I noticed how much better I felt immediately so I also took a couple of calcium supplements. Just working out the kinks of this:)

Thank you God for providing wisdom to those who seek it!

Veggie Fajitas

Marinade ~
2 Tbls olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp coriander
1 Tspl honey

Chopped onion
Chopped green pepper
Chopped red pepper
Zucchini cut julienne style
1 cup of frozen corn
1 can or 2 cups of black beans

Cooked rice

Mix together marinade, add veggies, except for corn and let sit in fridge for 30 minutes. Drain veggies, put in pan, add corn and beans and saute on medium heat for 3-5 minutes. Serve on top of rice.

Flat Bread

This is basic Indian Flat Bread or "Naan", but I called it Elijah bread. I remember reading the story about Elijah and the widow who only had enough oil and flour for one more day before her and her son would starve to death. Well, Elijah asks for food and she serves him her last meal. Her oil and flour supernaturally multiplies so that she and her son are sustained through the famine. When I read the story I remember thinking "How can you make bread from only flour and oil?

2 cups whole wheat flour
water (Have about 3 cups on hand)
2 Tbls olive oil
More flour for rolling out
More oil for cooking

*(If I were eating dairy I would use yogurt and milk instead of water because it's supposed to make the bread softer. I also might experiment with spices, although if used as a bread for dipping it's fine as it is.)

Scoop flour into a mixing bowl. Add water and knead in with you hands until dough is smooth and can be formed into a big ball. Knead in oil. Cover with a towel and set aside for 10-15 minutes. Break off pieces and form into balls about the size of golf balls. Sprinkle flour on surface and on balls to keep them from sticking to rolling pin. Roll out to 6 inches in diameter. Heat oil in pan. Cook on medium heat until little bubbles appear. Turn and as you cook the second side press down edges. An air pocket will form and the bread is done when it's puffed up.

My girls enjoyed being truly authentic by using the bread to eat the rice and fajita mixture, but Bill and I cut the bread in half and dipped in hummus. Yummy!

Veggie Wraps

A lot of people are starting off the first 21 days in January with what's called a "Daniel Fast". Veggies, fruits, whole grains and beans and that's it. I've added honey because I have such a sweet tooth and it is all natural. I have to avoid meat, dairy, coffee (I'm giving that up next week, it's all too much for me at once. Plus I need some mental clarity to figure out what to make for meals and I'm a zombie without my caffeine).

Veggie Wraps

Whole wheat tortilla
brocoli slaw (shredded brocoli, carrots and cabbage)
avacado slices
extra virgin olive oil
tsp. soy sauce
1/2 tsp. honey
raisins (some might like these on the side)

Heat up oil in pan.
Saute veggies until color enhances or until they are tender crisp.
Add soy sauce and honey and mix around cooking another 30 seconds.
Remove veggies from pan and set aside in a bowl.
Cook one side of tortilla in pan until hot.
Put veggies on tortilla and then sprinkle with raisins and top with sliced avacado.

Yum yum:)

The After Holiday Turkey

Having been away from home for Thanksgiving I cooked my turkey the next week and so then was the task of finding what to do with this enormous bird. Plus turkeys are on sale after the holidays and I'm all about saving money. So, here are the three meals that we had after the initial turkey-mashed potatoes-green beans meal.

Turkey Spinach Salad



(I did not measure anything in this...just made enough for our family:)
Baby Spinach leaves
Chopped turkey breast
broccoli slaw
chopped craisens
chopped pecans
poppy seed papaya dressing

Mix it all together in a big bowl. Good with french bread. Sorry the picture is not so great.

(If you feel it's missing something you could add some feta or goat cheese)

2. Turkey Fajita Soup

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 chopped onion
2 minced garlic cloves
1 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon oregano
4 cups of turkey stock or water with chicken bouillon
1 can condensed tomato soup
2 cans diced tomatoes w/green chilis
4 cups cooked turkey (I used up the dark meat)
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 can black beans, rinsed, drained
2 cups frozen corn
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Toppings:
6 cups corn tortilla chips
3/4 cup chopped green onion
1 cup shredded Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese blend
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup sour cream
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Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and cook until onions begin to soften, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin and oregano and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
Stir in stock (water w/bouillon), tomato soup, diced tomatoes, shredded turkey, and parsley. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes. Add black beans, corn, sour cream and cilantro. Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes.
Serve soup with crushed tortilla chips, chopped green onion, shredded cheese and additional cilantro and sour cream.


3. Turkey Pesto Melts

french bread
butter
pesto sauce
parmesian cheese
turkey salad (chopped turkey breast w/mayo mixed together)
diced plum tomotoes

Preheat oven to 350. Butter french bread. Top each slice with 1 tsp of pesto sauce. Sprinkle with parmesian. Then carefully scoop on turkey salad and sprinkle tomatoes on top. Cook for about 10 minutes. Everyone loved these.

Easy granola

I don't know about you but I've been feeling the money crunch (ha ha) at the grocery store lately and I've been wanting to make more things from scratch. I love oat meal and so do the kids and its especially delicious now that the weather is getting chilly, but I also would like somewhat of a variety in what I feed my family. So, I looked for granola recipes and ended up making my own simple recipe from what I had. So here is it...

Preheat the oven to 300. Spray 2 9x13 pans with nonstick spray.

Mix together in a big bowl:
5 cups of rolled oats
3/4 cup chopped pecans (or whichever nuts you like)
3/4 cup of brown sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp powdered ginger
1 tsp salt

Pour dry ingredients into the 2 pans. On each pan pour 1/8 - 1/4 cup honey, 4 Tbsp syrup and 1 Tbsp canola oil. Mix well and spread evenly throughout pans. Bake for 30 - 40 minutes stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking. Let cool for 10 minutes and then put in gallon size zip lock bags or Tupperware containers and store in fridge. (After it was cooled off I also added in chopped dried cherries, but you could add raisens or dried cranberries. I also thought about adding chopped dark chocolate...mmmm).

It smells delicious while baking and my girls loved the warm healthy snack. This morning we made yogurt parfaits, layering vanilla yogurt, jam and granola and they loved those too.