Kale Fajita Wrap

It was kind of a long day and my plan was to cook grilled chicken tonight with my famous brussel sprouts.  But alas, my dog got crooked and I had to make a stop at the vet.  He’s healthy as a horse but he’s walking sideways!  House M.D. for dogs anyone?!  I’ll be sure to update when/if we find something wrong.

So, I got home a little later than expected and decided to make grilled fajita’s.  On our “O” diet – Eat Right for Your Type – we shouldn’t eat corn or flour so that left greens for the wrap.  I have some awesome looking kale in the garden at the moment and decided to partake.  I cut up a few green and yellow peppers, onions and two no antibiotic/steroid…pieces of chicken breast.  We ate it so quickly, ’cause it was so good, I have no plated pictures. Haha. This is what we started with.

That is a paring knife! Huge leaves!

Eat on – heathly!

Gluten Free Night

How many of us bloggers can start off this way?

I had a great post all typed up, went to add media and now…my post is gone.  Yep.  Gone.  It is late and I am tired so I am going to throw up a few pictures and call it a night healthatarians. Insert slanted frown.

Brady making his pizza

I am trying gluten free on this little one to see if there are any health affects on behavior.  I have been buying the Daiya product brand and it is awesome, especially the fire roasted veggie pizza.  I also bought some boxed mixes and just got around to making one tonight.  The gluten free pizza crust.  Great Saturday night dinner.

Eat on – healthy!

The Choice’s Yours

Choices.  We have the ability to make them.  Some of us are indecisive and some of us choose at the snap of a finger.  When I decided to get healthy at the urging of my husband, over and over and over again, it took me a while to make my choice.  See, I kept thinking I  had to do it all…all at once.  I believe as humans when a decision has to be made, we do tend to think not enough but at the same time tend to over think the choice that is in front of us.

Recently, I saw a friend of ours out on the town and he made a comment that he thought he might have offended me.  He replied on Facebook to a post I made about how much water it takes to sustain the cows we use as food.  He likes to eat his red meat was part of the comment and that’s his choice.  No offense here. 🙂 That is the choice of many of us actually and to each his own.  People have been eating meat for a long, long time.  We just need to be aware of the consequences of our choices.  The consequences that aren’t just immediate but life lasting; last times that continue into the lives of our children.  Have you stopped to think about how the things you eat will affect the planet not just your appetite today?

             Using the power of decision gives you the capacity to get past any excuse
to change any and every part of your life in an instant. ~Anthony Robbins

Those of us who really stop to think about the decisions we are making are in essence stopping the excuses.  The moment you make a choice to get out of bed, to go on a vacation, to eat a salad instead of a three course meal – that is the moment that you threw the excuses out the window.  Wow!  How does that feel?  Liberating?  Scary?  Intimidating?  I’m sure that we could run the gamut on verbs and feelings but you just made a choice and the choice was yours.  You can be proud knowing that you made an obvious decision to stop the excuses and to try something or do something that will most likely have an effect on your life.  You just set yourself up for a responsibility.  You’re growing up!  That’s what choices are about.

My choice to get healthy was mine.  I will do it different from you.  I will not be prefect in the way I do it and I intend to succeed by means of making mistakes and moving past them.  (I went to Chick Fil A yesterday – half grin)  I am not going to judge you for any choice you make – well unless it is illegal – because that is not for me to do.  And I will not feel offended because you make a comment I may not agree with on my facebook page. Thumbs up!  Communication is great and disagreement breeds communication (hopefully).  I’m all for a healthy debate about healthy living. 😉  So stop the excuses, make the choices, communicate your disagreements and Eat on -Healthy!

 

Food Combining

This one is for my husband because this is the latest addition to our healthy lifestyle change.  We read about this years ago and pretended to do it I think.  At least we were up on the literature and the testimonials.  It is utterly amazing that when you actually read things, and follow the recommendations of those who have tried and trued the purpose, how change begins to happen.  Not sure why it is amazing as it is inevitable.  When something is proven effective why go mess.  Just believe.  Okay, that is my soapbox. 😉

Anywho, we started watching how we are combining our food groups, and I’m not talking about the American gov’t food pyramid dohickey.  I’m talking about the whole foods we are eating, when we want, how we want. I’m going to make this real simple because you can do the research yourself, though I may add a couple of links.  Simply put, don’t mix starches with meat and don’t eat fruit within an hour of anything else. The theory behind this type of eating is that different food digest differently whether in an alkaline or acidic environment. I’m going to go old school and hang pictures on the board!  Look and learn.

Alkaline vs Acid

What I would say about food combining, because there seems to be a lack of scientific research on the subject, is that if you try it and it works -great!  Keep it up.  Some people notice significant improvement with digestion and if you are one who has a lot of issues with this, it is not going to kill you to try this type of eating. In addition, it may even help you lose weight. Winner, winner veggie dinner! Eat on – Healthy!

 

 

 

 

Healthy Kids Make a Happy Parent

“More than ever, our children’s health is at risk because of what kids eat – too much processed food, too much junk food, too much fast food. When Mom and Dad say “eat your fruits and vegetables,” it’s an unappetizing prospect to a generation fueled by sodas, fries, and candy bars.” -Juice Plus

I couldn’t have said it better myself while at the same time cringing at the fact that it was me putting those fries and sodas in their precious little bodies.  Yeah, kids don’t have many choices except the ones us adults give them.  They don’t drive by McDonald’s, stick a five out the window and inhale processed “nutrition” (using that word very lightly)…well, they do inhale it; But you get my drift. It twas I who allowed the artificial crood to enter a once pure body and ruin our meal time happiness forever.  That was until our kids started taking Juice Plus with us!

I’ve talked a little about this in some past posts; The fact that our children have changed the choices they make most times when picking a food.  At the bottom of this brief post I am going to include the link to the Children’s Health Study conducted by JP.  It is actually a survey a parent fills out when their child starts taking JP.  It is simply a way for the company to gather personal data on each child who intakes the food product.  Maybe not so scientific, but I can personally tell you the changes we have seen in our children since being on the product, and I will in list form. 😉

1) Less cravings – wanting fast food less
Spoken from the mouths of babes – My middle child now says when we go by a fast food restaurant that we need to tell “those” people inside that they are going to die from eating that stuff.  Of course I correct him and tell him the true reality of eating like that ALL the time.  We do teach them moderation.

2) Less sickness – granted our kids have hardly ever gone to the doctor for sick visits however the biggest things I have noticed is our youngest has not dealt with allergies since starting on JP.  He used the sneeze constantly between seasons and the inside of his head would come out of his nose…I know, gross!  We have not had ANY of that this fall!

3) Choosing better food options – Though we have chosen to only bring good, whole foods into the house I do occasionally have other things.  For instance, we may have chips after a party, or cheese sticks, or chocolate protein bars.  The majority of the time they opt for sliced cucumbers, carrots, apples or peppers.

Now, for me the biggest win is they have not been in the pantry constantly during the day.  Oh my, before JP our kids ate something at least every 15 minutes.  At least it seemed that way.  We were in battle all the time about them staying out of the kitchen or panty.  For the last 3 months I have not had to say that except maybe a handful of times, if that.  It is SO nice! If you are pondering why they would not be hungry and in the pantry all the time after taking JP the answer is simple.  They are getting more nutrients from the Juice Plus than they were getting from the non-nutrient dense crood that they were eating all day before.  One suggestion:  Keep good, whole foods in your home and they choice is easy. 🙂

For more information about the Kids Juice Plus study and some of the outcomes from the study thus far click the link below.

Juice Plus Children’s Study

More on the Study

Our Healthy kids and me

It’s OK to Eat Healthy Most of the Time

“Often times, people that are part of the 100% raw vegan lifestyle seem to think that anyone who isn’t following that lifestyle is not living “right”.  We often get criticized because we occasionally have eggs or goats’ milk cheese.  I want to emphasize that what is far more important than religiously following a 100% raw vegan diet is that you eat well, and eat healthfully  primarily fruits and vegetables and organic whenever possible.”
-Sundance “The Raw Food Family”

I am so glad that this message is out there in multiple places.  It is what I have said from the beginning. 

Since we have started our good food journey several friends have mentioned how they could never do what we are doing.  The question at the front of my mind is, “You can’t eat healthy?”  It’s really not that hard.  I think that the idea of eating healthy ALL the time is what overwhelms us and is the first thought in the mind.  I’m here to tell you that I have gone to Wendy’s and Chick FIL A more than I want, still.  I have had several sandwiches and a couple pieces of pizza.  Bread is a major culprit to my stomach bulge.  I know it is what I should NOT do and I still do it from time to time.  It’s OK.  I will repeat, It’s Ok.  Get back on the horse.

In saying that I also want to add that it being ok is, well, ok sometimes.  You know the drill…moderation.  To eat a healthy diet and keep your body running great try to eat more raw veggies and fruits than you do other things.  Along with our Juice Plus, we eat several veggies with meals.  If we have a meat, I try to include at least two veggies as sides.  Many times we just have vegetables and some form of non meat protein for dinner.  Once you start eating better and start JP, your body will crave more fresh foods anyway.  It gets easier to change your eating habits to those that are better.

So, for those of you who are already thinking failure before you even take a step…remember what Robert F Kennedy said, “Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” 

Eat on – healthy!

Vegetable and Meatball Soup

Hello healthatarians, i.e. people who want to get healthy. I have been super busy as I mentioned in my last post.  I am working more than usual and also homeschooling, which is going well.  So, I have not been able to post all the thoughts I have had lately. Boooo.  I’m hoping to get some time to sit down and at least start some drafts for you about several things.   This post, however, will only be about our dinner tonight…and maybe yours tomorrow.  This is soooooooooooooooo delicious.

I saw a post somewhere, maybe Pinterest or Facebook, for this veggie and meatball soup.  It is so versatile that I thought I would do a post on it to show how you can change up most any recipe to be healthy.

Original recipe:

Broth and veggies before cooking.

1 package (12 ounces) frozen fully cooked Italian meatballs
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
3 cups beef broth
2 cups shredded cabbage
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 medium zucchini, sliced
1 cup fresh green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup water
2 medium carrots, sliced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

My recipe:

Finished goodness

Chicken or meatless meatballs (amount to your liking)
1/2 -1 cup fresh/frozen green beans
1 small zuchinni1 small yellow squash
1/4 cup red onion
1 can Rotel tomatoes/chilies
1-1 1/2 cup savoy cabbage or whatever kind you like
3 cups vegetable broth (chicken, beef or anything will work)
1 cup water
1 can Great Northern Beans
2 carrots sliced
1-2 minced garlic clove
1/4 tsp salt/substitute
few dashes of pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 cup Quinoa pasta (or whatever you like)

You add everything in at the same time and cook until tender, then add the pasta in to cook until done.  I used all fresh ingredients, so mine did not have to cook for 4-5 hours as the original recipe stated – crazy!  I cooked mine for about an hour to hour and a half total. I brought all ingredients to a boil except meatballs (they were cooking in oven) and then simmered.  When the meatballs where cooked almost through I added them to the pot. Then about 10 min before I wanted to eat I added the pasta.  I will add that it reheats well too.

It was delicious!  This was the second time I made it and I did it different both times.  However, it was by far my favorite soup I have ever made both times.  Hard to mess up.  You can make it completely vegetarian very easily and I am sure it would be just as tasty.  The veggies that are included really give it a great flavor and the addition of the Rotel this time gave it a little kick, just what I like. Perfection.  I did NOT add cheese to ours as much as I think that would just be over the top.  We started back on the Eat Right for Your Blood Type meal plan and dairy is not on our list.  Kind of cool Kevin and I are the same blood type. Works out just great!

If you try this recipe and alter it in any way, please leave a comment and let us know how it turned out.  And remember to Eat on…healthy!

 

 

One/Two Month Update

Wow!  We have had some big changes in our family this last couple of weeks and I have totally abandoned my blog.  I am now homeschooling!  That is a whole other blog.  Sorry if you were following.  I’ll try to be better about updating and giving info.  There is only so much time in the day and since this is a last “funadoo” (you know I make up my own words) for me, it gets left by the wayside sometimes.  Sigh.  It would be awesome to be one of the those babes that gets picked up by some TV show or foodie because I promote good eating.  Oh, I was day dreaming out loud again. hehehe

So, I had about three posts started and never published them…well, because they were all partially complete.  I just combined them in the last post and decided to just add this by itself.  “Why?” you ask.

 

TADA!  That is about 1 month into JP and changing my diet slightly.  Kevin wanted me to post a pic where I was wearing same clothes, so that is why there are two pics. I promise I am not squeezing anything in and though my arm is up in the 2nd pic, it is what it is.  My stomach is much flatter than before.

His pictures are at the beginning, one and two months into the diet change and on JP.  I can’t talk enough about how great I feel and I’m proud to say that I have had so many compliments on my skin.  I am sleeping SOOOOOO great!  That has been a big change for me and has made a huge difference in how I feel as well.  We believe in JP so much that we are ready to tell our story to others.  If you want to hear our story and sample something, please let us know.  Oh my goodness, I almost forgot to mention that I have also not experienced any of the allergy symptoms I usually have had by this time of year nor have our children really.  I sniffle here and there, nothing crazy.  I’m so excited to tell about our health and if you have the chance…little plug…go see Cowspiracy when it comes to your area.  That was off the subject, though we are going tomorrow and I wanted to urge you to view this movie. 😉

Eat on – healthy!

It’s Evident: The Facts and Nothing but the Facts

Let us take things as we find them: let us not attempt to distort them into what they are not. We cannot make facts. All our wishing cannot change them. We must use them.

-John Henry Cardinal Newman

Pretty profound words there don’t you think?  Facts: We can not change them from wishing and if you read further into that quote you may infer that they can be distorted.  Then I assume they would just become a lie, if you would have me be so bold. Or maybe just someone’s perception of the truth.  Let’s face it, your perception and mine of something may be way different realities.  However, the facts remain the same…if they are truly facts.  Why all the philosophical rhetoric?  I am going to enlighten you on some facts and myths about the nutritional saving grace our family recently incorporated into our lives. I came about this “research” on my own as I was sifting through social media about the company.  Again our perceptions may be completely on opposite ends of the spectrum, and I am going to try my best to keep my opinions in check. I am hoping to simply be able to post my findings and have you come to your own decision should you want to ever try this nutritional product.  The one thing I will ALWAYS state is that is is NOT a supplement.  It is actual food; nourishment that your body needs.

I took to Youtube first and found many videos with a wide assortment of beliefs about Juice Plus.  In order to find the truth sometimes you have to seek out the bad.  I am a questioner (did I just make up a word?!).  It’s my nature; comes with the territory. Guess that’s why I am a good teacher – of many things, but I digress. 🙂  I do advise you if/when you look up the product to go for the benefits and not the “company scam.”  There are many people who detest the MLM companies.  It’s not for everyone.  You have to be a go getter, social, network oriented to make it up the chain in most MLM companies.  I strictly want to talk about the nutritional benefits of this product when added TO your diet.  Those are the claims you should be looking for.

I’m going to post the links and then maybe some comment if I was able to get clarification on anything that was stated in the findings/commentary.

Doctors claim phytonutrients are great: This kind of astounded me as the doctors are major medical players in their fields and you don’t normally hear traditional doctors talking about nutritional elements as healers.

Nutritional Studies: Someone made the claim that these studies are not lengthy enough, are funded by the company themselves, and not done on a large enough scale (few participants). The fact that JP has been around for quite a while, has many blind studies conducted in major medical institutions and published in medical research books, should in itself stand for something. I haven’t found research stating anyone ever died from taking JP.  I have seen and heard of people dieing from (bad) diet related diseases.  JP does not claim to cure, prevent or do any of those other things that some “supplement” companies taglines say they do. The product is pretty much backed by consumer reports and research.

Juice Plus Facts: You can read the studies (above).

Working for Company – false claims? –   If you ever think about becoming a distributor this one is FALSE. I was able to ask about the things this girl claims. There is no contract.  There is also no such thing about paying for someone else’s product.  I think those were the two main things I questioned about this claim. I went right to the source to get my answers.
The one thing she is correct about is the product is a great one and worth incorporating into your lifestyle.

With those small samplings of information about JP that I found on the internet, I can tell you my truth.  My truth seems to follow the more positive notes about this product – and believe me I tried to distort the truth as much as anyone.  I’m good at doing that. However, the way I felt soon after starting the daily intake of more vitamins and minerals through healthy food made me a believer.  Remember it is not a “supplement.”  I consider it a food group in our home!

So, I ask you to check the claims, the truths, the myths and the falsehoods.  Talk to people who have been on the product for a while.  Some people it takes about 4-5 months to start noticing a difference.  Our family started noticing things within a couple of weeks but we advocate strongly about using natural methods for medicinal purposes.  I think our bodies were pretty clear of toxins to begin with and therefore helped to uptake the nutrients much quicker – but I could be totally wrong.  Whatever the reason, we have had great results and I will tell anyone our story to help them gain health and happiness – well as least the health part. 😉

Eat on – healthy!

What’s in your cart?

Funny, that is like the “what’s in your wallet?” commercials.  Just realized!

I thought I would share just a little bit of what I am “trying” to have our diet consist of.  Kevin and I have done a lot of research over the last year about what to put in our bodies and what not to put in our bodies.  We like to stay on the more positive side and are trying our best to eat only organic fruits and veggies, very little meat (which I think I mentioned before :-)), and keeping processed food outside the house as much as possible.  To go from a major fast food junkie (that was me) and having bags of stuff in every cabinet to only whole foods – I will tell you has been hard.  But not as hard as I thought it would be.  The secret to making it easy it to find foods that you really like and incorporate them into our diet more often.  Make different recipes with them, research things to use them in, ask friends for recipes or just eat it plain.  The less you cook things to more nutrients it has anyway.  When you start to change your pallet you will notice that your cravings will change or simply go away. So, I just wanted to share my last big shopping trip and some of the items that I purchased.  Maybe it will spark some ideas.

Your cart should look something like this…

More fruits and veggies (organic) is the key. Bottom is completely fruits and veggies.  I even bought Humus which I have never really liked but thought I would give it another shot.  Turned out it wasn’t so bad.  Just needed to tweak it a bit.  It did spur me to think about making my own.  I found several recipes that sounded very good.  If you have one you would like to share with, please do.  I’m open to suggestion!

Until next time…Happy healthy eating.