Who do you see in the mirror?

So this past year has been a life changing year for me. When I start something I dedicate myself to whatever it is completely.  For a while....... Then I usually jump completely off ship and revert back to my old ways. It's a vicious cycle I've been battling my whole life. 

After losing my son Wyatt in January of 2011 I completely gave up. I did what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it. I ate/drank to my hearts content. I justified my behavior by saying I deserved it. I deserved to let go. I deserved to find some happiness somewhere. I love my food and i love my drink but I was chasing a happiness that I could not find in food or drinking. It kept me satisfied for a minute but all I did was make myself VERY unhealthy and even more so unhappy. I hated that person looking back at me in the mirror. 

In November 2013 I joined Weight Watchers. I had to change something! I also tried to quit smoking which I quickly went back to. I dropped the first 20 lbs so easily! I wasn't exercising just changed my eating habits. I lost another 18 pounds over the next couple of months. I had lost 38 lbs by July 2014. Then I plateaued. I was going to meetings and halfway working the program. I was tracking my food. But not consistently. I was guessing points on foods which I'm sure was way off. Then came the good old holidays. Usually the time I would stop going to meetings and say I would go back but wouldn't. I did go back this time. The support from the meetings is something I have to have in my life! I crave my Thursday mornings with my amazing support group!!!! From August 2014-January 2015 I slowly put on 12 lbs!!!!! I was so disappointed in myself. But thankfully to my amazing leader Ali she wasn't gonna let me give up! Over the last 2 months I've lost 10 lbs and have started for the first time incorperating excersize 4-5 times a week. And I quit smoking again! 18 days!!!!

Even though I have not consistently lost weight every week I am so proud of who I am today. Today I look in the mirror and see a woman who has known the deepest darkest places but crawled out of that place. I see a person who still trying to find her way. I see a woman who is learning healthy living and succeeding. I see a woman who did not give up and will not give up! I'm not going back to the person who can't. Because I can. I see a woman who is healthy and refinding her spirit. Refinding her path to God.  Finding her happiness! 

I cannot wait to read this post a year from now. I know I will succeed.

Who do you see when you look in the mirror? If you don't like what you see.... How can you change that? Life is too short to not love our beautiful selves. This is your one life. Make it count.

~D

Let's talk Bone Broth...

 Bone broth. The first time I heard that term I thought "Ewwwwwwww that sounds disgusting!" Now when I hear the term bone broth my mouth starts to water. I don't know if it it is knowing all the actual benefits to drinking it, the process of making it, or both. Let me first tell you this is the cheapest, healthiest beneficial thing you can do for yourself. 

Let's first talk about all the health benefits of making your own bone broth.

 

I myself think that is quite the list of benefits! Not to mention is definitely helps with weight loss as well. Drinking or cooking with bone broth is so healing. It contains nutrients that are not usually in our every day food, including gelatin, collagen and glucosamine. These are especially good for healthy digestive systems, strong bones and joints. These are things your body requires to be as healthy as possible. Also great for your hair, skin and nails.  

Here is my BONE BROTH RECIPE

You can always save up bones and freeze them until you make a batch. This time I started with a whole chicken. Of course you can use beef bones as well. Some people add chicken feet and other stuff. I just stick to my recipe. :)

First I started my basic stock recipe. 

1 whole chicken 3 1/2 lbs plus

1 large onion

2 carrots peeled and roughly chopped

3 celery stalks halved

1 TBL chopped garlic

2 bay leaves

Salt and pepper

1 cup apple cider vinegar

Throw everything except the vinegar in a large pot and cover with cold water  Bring to a boil and simmer until chicken is cooked through. The chicken is done when the leg is loose and wiggles easily on the bone. 1 hour plus- depending on the size of the chicken. 

Remove the chicken carefully with as many utensils as possible since the chicken will be very tender.

Place it on a plate. If you do not have time to let it cool, get a bowl of ice water to dunk your hands in a and it will make the chicken easier to work with. Pull all the meat off and put aside.. Take all your bones and throw it in your crockpot with the stock you just made along with 1 cup apple cider vinegar. The vinegar helps soften the bones.  Cook on low for 12-72 hours. The longer you cook the more nutrients you will get. If icky scum is sitting on top skim it off. When done you want to strain it in the finest strainer you have. 

Then I split my broth into two. One I left as my traditional chicken bone broth. The other half I seasoned with cumin and corriander and lime juice for a Mexican bone broth.

After it is cooled I put in jars and bags. Freeze most of it. I kept a jar in the fridge for immediate use. 

I cook with it, or drink a cup of it. It is so delicious and it is great if I am ravenous in the kitchen at dinner time. I drink a cup while I am making dinner and it curbs my appetite and I end up eating less than if I waited and I inhailed whatever I was cooking. 

 

I hope you give this a try and see the benefits for yourself!

~D

Pork Posole

Let me start by saying I love Posole! It's a hearty, brothy stew from Mexico that features pork or chicken, onions, chiles, and hominy. Accompanied by chopped lettuce or cabbage, radishes, cilantro, jalapeño  and lime. I've tried a couple different recipes and love it. But the next day I'm so swollen from all the salt a traditional Posole has. This recipe calls for way less salt. 

Ingredients:

-3 lbs boneless pork shoulder or chicken, cut into 1 1/2 inch chunks

- 1 tsp salt

- 2 tsp olive oil

- 4 cups reduced sodium chicken stock

- 2 large onions, chopped

- 6 garlic cloves, minced

- 4 chipotle en adobo, minced

- 2 TBL chili powder

- 2 tsp dried oregano

- 2 tsp ground cumin

- 1 large can diced tomatoes

- 1 (30-ounce) can hominy, drained and rinsed

- 4 cups chopped cabbage

- 12 radishes, chopped

- 1 bunch chopped cilantro

- fresh chopped jalapeño 

- lime wedges

Makes 12 servings *5 points plus per serving

1. Sprinkle pork with salt. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium- high heat. Cook, turning occasionally, until browned, about 5 minutes. 

2. Transfer the pork to a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker. 

3. Add the broth, onion, garlic, chipotle, chili powder, oregano, and cumin; mix well.

4. Top with tomatoes and then hominy, in even layers. 

5. Cover and cook until the pork or chicken is fork tender, 4-5 hours on high or 8-10 hours on low. 

6. Serve the Posole in soup bowls with cabbage, radishes, cilantro, jalapeño and lime wedges on the side. 

This Posole turned out pretty tasty. It has a little bit more of a smoky flavor from the chipotle en adobe versus using ancho chilies. Nice and hearty and warm on a cold evening like tonight. Let me know what you think. 

Two Meals From One!

Even as a stay at home mom I am always looking for faster ways to accomplish things. (So I have more time to sit on the couch and watch soap operas and eat Bonbons of course lol). This recipe is perfect to make 2 nights of cooking satisfying meals for less money! Who doesn't like that? And to top it off they are super simple and lowfat!!!

Meal 1

Chicken and Penne with Artichoke-Tomato Sauce

serves 4 plus leftovers

Ingredients:

 2 cups uncooked whole wheat penne

 6 chicken breasts boneless skinless

 1/2 tsp salt 

 3/4 tsp black pepper

 2 tsp olive oil

 4 green onions, thinly sliced

 2 minced garlic cloves

 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes

 1 (13- ounce) can of artichoke hearts,    drained and quartered

1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken stock

 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley

Cook penne according to package directions. Meanwhile, chop chicken into 1 1/2 inch pieces. Sprinkle with half the salt and pepper. Heat oil on a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until cooked through aprox 8-10 minutes. Transfer chicken to a bowl. Transfer 2 chickens breast worth to a container and cool. 

Add green onions and garlic to skillet; cook, stirring constantly, until green onions are softened, aprox 1 min. Add tomatoes, artichokes, stock,remaining salt and pepper to skillet; bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until sauce is slightly thickened aprox 5 min. Toss in pasta. Remove skillet from heat and stir in parsley. 

Cover and refrigerate the set aside chicken breasts to use in the Crispy Chicken Croquettes. 

Meal 2

Crispy Chicken Croquettes

serves 4

Ingredients 

-reserved chicken from Chicken and Penne with artichoke-tomato Sauce

- 2 cups cooked brown rice

-2/3 cup shredded lowfat mozzarella cheese

-1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed 

-3 tablespoons low-fat mayo

-2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

-1 garlic clove, minced 

-1/4 tsp black pepper

-2 large egg whites

1/2 cup plain bread crumbs

-Jar or homemade fat free Marinara sauce

Preheat your oven to 400*. Spray large baking sheet with nonstick spray. 

Pulse chicken and rice in food processor until finely chopped. Transfer to a large bowl. Stir in mozzarella, mayo, Parmesan, garlic, pepper and peas. 

With moistened hands,form into 8 (3-inch) logs. 

Whisk egg whites in medium bowl. Spread bread crumbs on sheet of wax paper or seranwrap. Dip each log into egg whites, then roll in crumbs. 

Place croquettes on prepared baking sheet and spray the tops lightly with nonstick spray. Bake until golden,about 25 min. 

Meanwhile, heat marinara sauce in saucepan over medium heat until hot. Serve your croquettes with sauce for dipping. 

 

This recipe was a HIT in my house! Kaden hates rice and had no idea he was eating brown rice! Kaden is picky with peas so I made him 2  before I added the peas. Thinking about putting the peas in the food processor next time to see if I can sneak them into his diet.

I got a thumbs up! He even asked for seconds! Brian also loved them! I will definitely be making them again soon!!!

Hope you try these delicious recipes out!

~D 

The truth about garbanzo beans!

"Im hungry I need a snack!" You say? We'll let me share a couple of garbanzo bean recipes packed full of flavor that will NOT let you down! Planning your meals in advance can be hard enough as it is but if you have something like these prepped and ready to make or even made in advance you will thank yourself later! A couple of months ago I was introduced to  baked crunchy garbanzo beans. If you hate garbanzo beans you must try this recipe. Roasted slow, these beans transform into a crunchy corn nut like snack you won't believe they are garbanzo beans! These are protein and fiber packed foods to help curb hunger before meals!

ROASTED GARBANZO BEANS

Ingredients:

1 can Garbanzo beans

Drizzle of olive oil

Seasonings of choice * examples at the end of recipe

Preheat your oven to 350*

Open, drain and rinse your garbanzo beans. Spread paper towel down on counter and pour the beans on. Take another paper towel and gentle roll the beans to remove excess water.  I usually let them sit for 5-10 minutes to ensure the liquid is gone. The outside of the beans may come off and that's ok just toss the outer part. Place your beans on a baking sheet. Roast in oven for 15 minutes. Remove from oven drizzle with olive oil and seasonings of choice*. Return to oven shaking pan every 15 minutes until browned and crunchy, about 45 to 50 minutes, or longer for more crunch. Remove from oven, let cool. Use on salads or as a snack. 

* examples of seasonings to use

 -chili powder and garlic powder

 - garlic powder and red pepper

 -chili lime seasoning 

  I have only tried savory garbanzos but you can also make sweet like with cinnamon and sugar

Ok here is the second to die for healthy snack.

SPINACH, EDAMAME, GARLIC HUMMUS

Ingredients:

4 garlic cloves

1½ cup fresh edamame, shells removed, if using frozen, defrosted

1½ cup fresh spinach, stems removed

1 can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained

¼ cup olive oil

¼ cup water

4 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

11/2 teaspoon cumin

½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, to taste

Instructions

1. This dip can be made in a food processor, mini chop or blender. In a food processor: add the garlic and pulse until chopped.  Add all remaining ingredients and process until smooth.  If still too thick, add more water until you reach desired consistency.  Taste.  Add more salt, if desired and red pepper flakes, if you want it spicier. Mix again.

2. If made using a mini chop or blender, you may need to process in 2 batches. Add batches to a bowl and mix to blend together.

Makes 2½ cups. Serve with Pita Chips or fresh veggies.

Enjoy!

~D

New Blog New Adventure

I love to eat. More than that I love to cook. Over the past 20 years of my life I have experimented with a lot of foods and recipes. I even at one time took cooking classes. I love love love to cook and try out new recipes. Everyone gets stuck in a rut when it comes to cooking at one time or another. Cooking the same meals night after night week after week. It gets old real quick. But new recipes can be intimidating!!! I find it easier of I'm really prepared. Especially because I am on a new path in life and doing everything I can to get healthier! I re joined weight watchers on October of 2013. As of today I have lost 30 lbs just by changing the way I eat. I try to eat mostly clean and low-fat/low calorie. But I still do not deprive myself of things I want. That is what I love about weight watchers. You can still eat what you want! I have been trying to "re train" myself on how to cook. Less butter.... Mmmmmm butter.... More fresh produce  low carbs, less red meat, less FAT!  I have purchased cookbooks and search the web continuously to keep up new ideas and recipes. I have found that I'm enjoying my food more now than ever before!! I actually like eating healthy its crazy!!!!! Don't get me wrong I still do my share of eating things I shouldn't. So onto my blog! I'm am going to try those intimidating and maybe not so intimidating healthier recipes. I hope maybe I can share my recipes and experiences and help others get out of that rut! 

~D