Good morning everyone!! What's on the menu today? Well for me today is full of healthy proteins, g-fats, and sweet sweet fruits and yummy veggies!! And tonight is going to be a healthy dinner with a glass of wine!! woo hoo!!
See, for me, because I have chosen to make the way I eat a lifestyle, I pick which way I want to go with my extra calorie intake. Because I like wine, I know that for me to enjoy that wine and not have it bring my metabolism to a halt I have to make a choice between something extra bad yummy or wine. And tonight I choose wine. It doesn't happen that way too often for I just don't drink to often but I love the taste of wine. In the past I have felt that my calories will best suit me in the form of ice cream or pizza. But, right now in this point in my life I choose wine. The choice is yours too my friends. I love knowing that I can choose to keep my insides and out running and looking great!!! The choice is yours too!! So, how are you going to choose this holiday season? Below is a wonderful Christmas eve morning or Christmas day breakfast that the whole family will love and not send any of you into a Christmas day coma!! Enjoy:O)
Blueberry cream French toast casserole
1 loaf flax bran bread,or other whole grain cut into; cubes
1 (8-oz.) low fat or fat free cottage cheese, whipped
1 1/2 C. fresh blueberries, or berry mix tossed lightly with whole wheat flour
cinnamon
10 large egg whites
1 1/2 C. skim milk
3/4 C. brown rice maple syrup
5 Tb smart balance butter, melted
1 tsp virgin coconut oil
Directions
Coat a 13x9x2-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Layer one half of bread cubes in baking dish. Spread cottage cheese in dollops and scatter over bread. Layer blueberries over cottage cheese. Cover blueberries with remaining bread. Sprinkle generously with cinnamon. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over bread; press bread with spatula to help soak up mixture. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes. Make sure you play with the ingredients to make it your own!!!
Serves 8.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Tis the season:o)
Is it me or does anyone else seem to lose sight of what is most important doing the Christmas season? It is so easy to lose focus on what’s most important to us!! We seem to think that once the season in upon us we have to make this incredibly long unobtainable list of things to do. Everyone is so overwhelmed with buying that perfect presents, or what to make for that perfect holiday meal(which is important), or what is the weather going to be like on that day, I think you see the picture I am painting here!!
Although, these things have there place in our world of Christmas festivities they should not take the place of what truly matters. And that my friend is the Spirit of Christmas...and for me that is celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and sharing that intimate moment with the people all around me. All the festivities are a culmination of what we should be celebrating. Which is life and love!!! Always remember and this is for me too. Remember the reason for the season!! Sometime during our list of to do's, do something for someone in need? Reach out to those who other wise would not have a place to eat on Christmas day, or how about giving of our time to hand out presents to families that are less fortunate sponsored by your local church....most churches have a time where they deliver presents to those less fortunate. This is the best way we can show our children what is truly important about this time of year.
It doesn't have to be a big event. It could be a plate of homemade cookies wrapped in cellophane with a ribbon on it to give to our neighbors. Or, how about we just read the Christmas story to our precious children at night by the tree. All these things matter and don't have to be on some list. The skies the limits on how we can give of our time!! Whether it be to others or to the one's in our lives. We just need to think past the list. It will make our Christmas season a more meaningful and less stressful season for us and for our loved ones. Tis the season to be joyful and giving.....not just with gifts but with our hearts.
Sometimes I just get side tracked when I have a thought. All of that to say,Let's enjoy our families and friends and remember the reason we celebrate this time of year!! Be Blessed my friends!!!
Although, these things have there place in our world of Christmas festivities they should not take the place of what truly matters. And that my friend is the Spirit of Christmas...and for me that is celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and sharing that intimate moment with the people all around me. All the festivities are a culmination of what we should be celebrating. Which is life and love!!! Always remember and this is for me too. Remember the reason for the season!! Sometime during our list of to do's, do something for someone in need? Reach out to those who other wise would not have a place to eat on Christmas day, or how about giving of our time to hand out presents to families that are less fortunate sponsored by your local church....most churches have a time where they deliver presents to those less fortunate. This is the best way we can show our children what is truly important about this time of year.
It doesn't have to be a big event. It could be a plate of homemade cookies wrapped in cellophane with a ribbon on it to give to our neighbors. Or, how about we just read the Christmas story to our precious children at night by the tree. All these things matter and don't have to be on some list. The skies the limits on how we can give of our time!! Whether it be to others or to the one's in our lives. We just need to think past the list. It will make our Christmas season a more meaningful and less stressful season for us and for our loved ones. Tis the season to be joyful and giving.....not just with gifts but with our hearts.
Sometimes I just get side tracked when I have a thought. All of that to say,Let's enjoy our families and friends and remember the reason we celebrate this time of year!! Be Blessed my friends!!!
OK...prep and execution
Ok. Today is the day we put things together!! Ready set gooooooooooooooo!!! LOL Got to have a little fun! But seriously. How many of us have set our minds in gear only to be side swiped by OMG I do not think I can do this!! This is to hard! What am I doing? This isn't going to work!! We all have had those pesky thoughts!! But, let me tell u they are lies just lies to try and keep you from reaching your ultimate goal....optimum health and happiness. Here are a few idea's for meals that I use to keep me on track.
Remember, concentrate on one Macro-nutrient to work around(meaning proteins, carbs, and fats....macos). I work around proteins. I find that it is easier to create a meal in harmony if I know what protein I am using. Example: Let's say I make a making a big batch of ground turkey or chicken. For the rest of the week I use that meat to make meals. So, let us put a meal together so u can being to see how easy it is to create healthful and non mundane meals.
3 oz Ground meat
1/4 cup brown rice, whole grain couscous, Quinoa,tabbouleh etc
3/4 cup green beans, or 10 asparagus, or 1/2 cup of fresh spinach....the skies the limits!!!
1 tbsp olive oil and sea salt
what I do is mix together and eat!!! Easy breezy lemon squeezy!!
You can take some of these ingredients but change a few things to make something different.
3 oz Ground meat
1/4 cup tabbouleh
1/2 cup cucumbers
1/4 cup tomatoes
1/8 cup mild onions
handful of cilantro or mint
season with sea salt and 1 tbsp olive oil mix and enjoy!! This one is one of my families favs!!
See a trend happening here. Same meat to different meals.
3 oz Ground meat
a pinch of low fat Mexican cheese
tbsp salsa
lettuce
tomato
1 whole grain flour tortilla or corn tortilla
I think u get the picture.:O) One meat three different meals. All well rounded nutritionally sound meals. The funny thing is you are reading this and saying wow I can do that!! I know! Isn't it cool to see that what once look like an impossible task is only a few ideas away from your own inspired meals. Because that is what happens. You get ideas from someone and you turn it in to your own.
That is just one protein. Just think if you made two proteins in bulk. Say like a bunch of chicken breast and ground meat. The harmony making meals are endless with those two proteins!!
Let me give you one more meal idea with chicken breast.
2 to 3 strips of chicken tenderloin
2 Nonfat gluten free johnny cakes
2 tbsp of brown rice syrup( I know it sounds nasty but really good. Made with real maple)(You can get it at any store)
The johnny cakes are a take off of an old old recipe of my Grandfather's!! I grew up with these but back then they were not has healthful as I have made them!!LOL But just as good! When I eat them it still brings me back to a great time in my life!!! The sweet, savoriness from both the chicken,johnny cake and syrup mixed together is heaven!! And it is Carb conscious and gluten free for those who have to watch what they eat.
I had my daughter(6)try them last night and she absolutely loved them. At first she looked at me like I was crazy. She had the look like Mommy why are you eating chicken on top of what looks like pancakes and then putting syrup on it. I was like try it and she did and her little face lite up like OMG these are so good!! It is also a take off of chicken and waffles, which is a southern favorite!! Except the chicken I had last night was not fried but I got something for that too!!
I don't want to over load you with to much information. So I will end it here with these ideas!!! So if u want the recipe for the Johnny cakes just let me know and I will be happy to get that to you. I have although put it on my twitter for all to see. But if you do not follow that just comment on this and I will get that information to you!! The Johnny cake recipe is a recipe that I came up with out of boredom...yes even I get bored with the foods I make. And when that happens BAM these type of recipes are born!! LOL TOO FUNNY.
So much good eating to be had and a lifetime to figure it all out!! One day at a time!! One exciting meal at a time!!
Alright my friends!! Have a great day and remember....be fit, have fun, and stay focused on living the best life you can!! Be blessed my friends!!
Remember, concentrate on one Macro-nutrient to work around(meaning proteins, carbs, and fats....macos). I work around proteins. I find that it is easier to create a meal in harmony if I know what protein I am using. Example: Let's say I make a making a big batch of ground turkey or chicken. For the rest of the week I use that meat to make meals. So, let us put a meal together so u can being to see how easy it is to create healthful and non mundane meals.
3 oz Ground meat
1/4 cup brown rice, whole grain couscous, Quinoa,tabbouleh etc
3/4 cup green beans, or 10 asparagus, or 1/2 cup of fresh spinach....the skies the limits!!!
1 tbsp olive oil and sea salt
what I do is mix together and eat!!! Easy breezy lemon squeezy!!
You can take some of these ingredients but change a few things to make something different.
3 oz Ground meat
1/4 cup tabbouleh
1/2 cup cucumbers
1/4 cup tomatoes
1/8 cup mild onions
handful of cilantro or mint
season with sea salt and 1 tbsp olive oil mix and enjoy!! This one is one of my families favs!!
See a trend happening here. Same meat to different meals.
3 oz Ground meat
a pinch of low fat Mexican cheese
tbsp salsa
lettuce
tomato
1 whole grain flour tortilla or corn tortilla
I think u get the picture.:O) One meat three different meals. All well rounded nutritionally sound meals. The funny thing is you are reading this and saying wow I can do that!! I know! Isn't it cool to see that what once look like an impossible task is only a few ideas away from your own inspired meals. Because that is what happens. You get ideas from someone and you turn it in to your own.
That is just one protein. Just think if you made two proteins in bulk. Say like a bunch of chicken breast and ground meat. The harmony making meals are endless with those two proteins!!
Let me give you one more meal idea with chicken breast.
2 to 3 strips of chicken tenderloin
2 Nonfat gluten free johnny cakes
2 tbsp of brown rice syrup( I know it sounds nasty but really good. Made with real maple)(You can get it at any store)
The johnny cakes are a take off of an old old recipe of my Grandfather's!! I grew up with these but back then they were not has healthful as I have made them!!LOL But just as good! When I eat them it still brings me back to a great time in my life!!! The sweet, savoriness from both the chicken,johnny cake and syrup mixed together is heaven!! And it is Carb conscious and gluten free for those who have to watch what they eat.
I had my daughter(6)try them last night and she absolutely loved them. At first she looked at me like I was crazy. She had the look like Mommy why are you eating chicken on top of what looks like pancakes and then putting syrup on it. I was like try it and she did and her little face lite up like OMG these are so good!! It is also a take off of chicken and waffles, which is a southern favorite!! Except the chicken I had last night was not fried but I got something for that too!!
I don't want to over load you with to much information. So I will end it here with these ideas!!! So if u want the recipe for the Johnny cakes just let me know and I will be happy to get that to you. I have although put it on my twitter for all to see. But if you do not follow that just comment on this and I will get that information to you!! The Johnny cake recipe is a recipe that I came up with out of boredom...yes even I get bored with the foods I make. And when that happens BAM these type of recipes are born!! LOL TOO FUNNY.
So much good eating to be had and a lifetime to figure it all out!! One day at a time!! One exciting meal at a time!!
Alright my friends!! Have a great day and remember....be fit, have fun, and stay focused on living the best life you can!! Be blessed my friends!!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Hmmm....what's on the menus today?
Good morning My Friends!!!
Isn't it funny how in our society today we like to inform everybody of everything. But r we really listening to each other? I started this blog about a year ago just to chronicle my journey to the stage but have come to find out it is so much more than that. I want this blog to be about my up's and down's and good times and bad!! I want people to see how real I am as a person and because of that realness u as the the reader can look at this and say I too can achieve my dreams/goals just like her!!! I want this blog to show all the in's and out's of a healthful, happy, and focused lifestyle. It is so achievable all u have to do is DO!!!
I think it is so interesting how we can put so much energy into making excuses about how we cannot stay on track or how tired we are or how we are in a hurry that we made bad decisions. All of these problems can be solved if we only have a plan!! That is the beginning of end...a plan!!! So, How do we come up with a plan when all we have are excuses and regret u say? Well, The first thing is we have to make up our mind that we are so fed up with being fed up! I have been their myself and know the lows of being their time and time again. It is not a fun place to be, it is actually tiring being in that place over and over again. But, dont fret!!!.... cause the answer is right in front of you. All it is a little bit of time and consistency at the right time to make your plan work!!
SO, Lets begin!!
Let's take one day out of the weekend preferably Saturday or Sunday. On this day your objective is plan, prep, and execute!! Plan~ Select a menus that u would want to eat for the week. Look in Magazines for meal ideas--Clean eating Magazine is a GREAT resource!! I use it myself. Once u have your ideas go to store and buy essentials that you will need to make well rounded meals. It is actually fun putting food together that u will eat...did u hear that one--food that u will like and eat!!! Don't make it a drudgery to eat healthful. Try mixing it up a bit with what you eat. Try things that you would never put together. You will be surprised at how good certain foods are when put together and how much energy it gives you!! I like to say my body sings when I eat healthful!! LOL Prep~Prep time is crucial!! This is the time when we get all our ingredients and put our mindset on what we are going to do for the next few hours!! Like I said make it fun!! For me right now I put on Harry Connick JR Christmas!! So much fun to listen to and makes cooking a blast!! Whatever music you like it makes everything fun!! Now, once prep is over it is time to execute your plan!!! Make your food in bulk like the proteins so you can build off of that for the week. If you have your Protein set everything else is easy!! Example of meal: I Like egg whites in the morning so I make egg whites with veggies if have if not then just egg whites with whole grain toast and some black grapes!! Simple easy and yummy to me that is!! Make a breakfast that fits your lifestyle. If egg whites just dont do it for you then try adding a yolk. Or if eggs don't do it for you period then opt for something else in its place like protein pancakes with egg whites in it so you don't have to taste the egg or french toast--these things can be made ahead of time!! All I am saying is it is so doable and this lifestyle is so at your finger tips!! All u have to do is DO!! I love to see others achieve what I have achieved when it comes to food!! I love to cook but I also love the way my body feels when I cook and plan my meals the right way for my body to SING!!! Tomorrow I am going to have some meal Ideas for you to see what I am talking about when it comes to PREP and EXECUTION. I know it can be scary at first but once u get past that part it is as my girls would say...easy breezy lemon squeezy!! So silly!! I love it!! Well until tomorrow!! Be Blessed my friends!!!
Isn't it funny how in our society today we like to inform everybody of everything. But r we really listening to each other? I started this blog about a year ago just to chronicle my journey to the stage but have come to find out it is so much more than that. I want this blog to be about my up's and down's and good times and bad!! I want people to see how real I am as a person and because of that realness u as the the reader can look at this and say I too can achieve my dreams/goals just like her!!! I want this blog to show all the in's and out's of a healthful, happy, and focused lifestyle. It is so achievable all u have to do is DO!!!
I think it is so interesting how we can put so much energy into making excuses about how we cannot stay on track or how tired we are or how we are in a hurry that we made bad decisions. All of these problems can be solved if we only have a plan!! That is the beginning of end...a plan!!! So, How do we come up with a plan when all we have are excuses and regret u say? Well, The first thing is we have to make up our mind that we are so fed up with being fed up! I have been their myself and know the lows of being their time and time again. It is not a fun place to be, it is actually tiring being in that place over and over again. But, dont fret!!!.... cause the answer is right in front of you. All it is a little bit of time and consistency at the right time to make your plan work!!
SO, Lets begin!!
Let's take one day out of the weekend preferably Saturday or Sunday. On this day your objective is plan, prep, and execute!! Plan~ Select a menus that u would want to eat for the week. Look in Magazines for meal ideas--Clean eating Magazine is a GREAT resource!! I use it myself. Once u have your ideas go to store and buy essentials that you will need to make well rounded meals. It is actually fun putting food together that u will eat...did u hear that one--food that u will like and eat!!! Don't make it a drudgery to eat healthful. Try mixing it up a bit with what you eat. Try things that you would never put together. You will be surprised at how good certain foods are when put together and how much energy it gives you!! I like to say my body sings when I eat healthful!! LOL Prep~Prep time is crucial!! This is the time when we get all our ingredients and put our mindset on what we are going to do for the next few hours!! Like I said make it fun!! For me right now I put on Harry Connick JR Christmas!! So much fun to listen to and makes cooking a blast!! Whatever music you like it makes everything fun!! Now, once prep is over it is time to execute your plan!!! Make your food in bulk like the proteins so you can build off of that for the week. If you have your Protein set everything else is easy!! Example of meal: I Like egg whites in the morning so I make egg whites with veggies if have if not then just egg whites with whole grain toast and some black grapes!! Simple easy and yummy to me that is!! Make a breakfast that fits your lifestyle. If egg whites just dont do it for you then try adding a yolk. Or if eggs don't do it for you period then opt for something else in its place like protein pancakes with egg whites in it so you don't have to taste the egg or french toast--these things can be made ahead of time!! All I am saying is it is so doable and this lifestyle is so at your finger tips!! All u have to do is DO!! I love to see others achieve what I have achieved when it comes to food!! I love to cook but I also love the way my body feels when I cook and plan my meals the right way for my body to SING!!! Tomorrow I am going to have some meal Ideas for you to see what I am talking about when it comes to PREP and EXECUTION. I know it can be scary at first but once u get past that part it is as my girls would say...easy breezy lemon squeezy!! So silly!! I love it!! Well until tomorrow!! Be Blessed my friends!!!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Nothing's gonna bring me down!!!
I heard this today from one of my besties!! She is truly an amazing person and such an inspiration to all. And as I read her text all I could think about was that is it!! This is what new beginnings are all about. Shake off the unmet goals of 2010 and blaze forward into 2011 with determination and focus!!! I feel like I can accomplish anything!! Today, let us set our goals and make them a reality!! A goal is a dream with a deadline!! We can do this together one day, one meal, one workout, one obstacle, one event, one hour at a time. We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength!!Phil 4:13 Even if God is not your center whatever it is take that energy and use it for good with in your self and others!!! We can make 2011 a positive start to the rest of our lives. Who is in this with me!! Be blessed my friends!!!!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Doing something different
So, I went to Big Sur with the fam today. It was unbelievably beautiful and what I needed!! We were at Julia pfieffer park. The trails and waterfall was magical. The longer trail was like out of Lord of the Rings! Truly breath taking. It so put everything in perspective from yesterday. Thank u Lord for such an amazing time in your house(nature). Still need to train though. Back to the grind!! Focus grasshopper. Must do legs!!!!! woohoo!! Love doing legs!! Later gator!!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Day in and Day out
Well, It has been a while since I have posted anything. Too Long. I am getting ready to end my building phase and enter my show prep phase. I am so ready to start this process. My eye is on the figure America stage prize!!! I want this so bad I can taste it!!! It has really been a long hard growing year. All I can say is day in and day out. It is a daily process and sometimes I just want to throw in the towel. It gets so hard when things get in the way of progress. It is so frustrating!! But I must dust myself off and give my problems and emotions to God. When I do that I know I don't have to worry about anything cause through the pain and obstacles of show prep when i give it over to God all I have to do is concentrate on what is in front of me. The hard part is not feeling sorry for myself and letting the storms of life get to me. As I am writing this I am getting so upset at the fact that I would let situations dictate my goal/dream. I will not let this happen!!! I am glad I got that off my chest. I feel better already. Have a great night.:O)
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