Green Acres: Spring has Sprung!

I grew up with a garden. My father always grew some tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and green beans. Both of my grandfathers (maternal and paternal) grew backyard gardens, too. 

I learned at a young age that horse manure was gold and if you wanted to yield a fruitful garden the more shit, the better. 

Real Food: Chicken Something

We are in the midst of our 2nd Advocare 24 Day Challenge. The first 10 days is a "cleanse" so the idea is to not eat anything processed. 

You eat whole food meals. Fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and complex carbohydrates.

That means eliminating particular foods (but not limited to):

It's a Lifestyle: 24 Day Challenge - Part I

We are about to start our 2nd Advocare 24 Day Challenge. Aboy and I are already getting into mental readiness mode. 

The challenge starts on April 6th. 

For the first 10 days, we will do the cleanse portion. It's not a violent or volatile type cleanse... it's more of a gentle scrubbing of the flora in our digestive track. This helps prepare the body for the "Max" phase which is high in nutritional intake and absorption. 

It's a Lifestyle: Better than Mom's Cooking!

We went to NY this past weekend for our Niece's wedding. It was so much fun to go and enjoy family time. 

The trip was short but well worth it!

We took lots of pictures with our new #selfiestick. 

We really had a lot of fun! 

*****

Part of the requisite of visiting home is to indulge on phenomenal food. 

We spent more time in the car than we did visiting and doing stuff - but, we did eat!!

1. I had a slice of Pizza and an Eggplant Parmesan hero
2. I had Zeppoles
3. I had Rice & Beans with Steak
4. I had an Empenada
5. I had Fried Chicken Wings
6. I had a Leggios Hero
7. I had a Cinnamon & Raisin Bagel w/ Cream Cheese 
8. I had a couple hunks of Italian Bread
9. Not to mention, Subway and Zaxby's on the ride up. 

I weighed myself today...

I lost 2 lbs this week. 

Since January we drastically changed our eating habits - but going home is a treat and we definitely "treated" ourselves to some awesome food. We stuck with our #Advocare regimen while we traveled and got right back on the meal plan wagon when we got home (I did have some leftover Rice & Beans for lunch on Monday tongue emoticon ).

It's a Lifestyle: Is that Bacon?

If you've been following along, you know that we did the Advocare 24 Day Challenge that began on January 7th. 

Basically what the challenge does is it acts as a "Lifestyle Adjustment Tool". 

IT IS NOT A DIET. Like, I can't reiterate that enough. We are NOT ON A DIET. 

Change is derived from the word chaLLEnge (in Terri-Town) and we took the 24 Day Challenge to start the path for a lifestyle change. The food, tools and supplements that you use during the challenge prepare you for living a healthier lifestyle; to prepare your body to accept the nutrients you receive from real food. There are supplements to help keep you on the path. Think of them as tools to help build your foundation. 

Make sense?

++++++

We were almost 2 weeks into the challenge. Literally the no dairy, no unhealthy fats, and definitely no bacon part of the challenge. We were on our Saturday shopping trip to Trader Joe's and then to Whole Foods to pick up our weekly food supplies. 

Trader Joe's went great. We picked up our fresh fruits and vegetables. Aboy picked up organic coconut water and some healthy chips and other things for the road. I like their Brown Rice Pasta selection and also picked up some frozen fish.

On to Whole Foods. 

So, before I take you through that experience... let me set the stage a little clearer. We usually go on our shopping adventure right after we leave the gym. We have a piece of fruit or a healthy snack before shopping so we don't go in the store "starved"... and then have a nice lunch when we get back from shopping. 

Well, it was a Saturday morning and Whole Foods parking lot was jam packed. The Whole Foods we go to has an extensive deli type setting with seating and food to order. We walked in and were overcome by the smell of bacon. Like yummy, fuck the challenge - smell of bacon!! And the closer we walked to the restaurant area - the stronger the smell. 

We needed some coconut milk and yogurt - so, that brought us to the perimeter of the restaurant area. 

I wish I could show you the look on Aboy's face as we got closer to the smells perpetuating through the air. I have to admit - it was very enticing! 

We could have succumbed to the pressure, but to that point had really stuck to meal plan and decided once we got through with the challenge we could have some bacon as a treat.

So, we won that challenge!

++++++

In the world of nutrition and daily eating, bacon will be our treat. It tastes great but offers very little in the way of nutritional value. 

North Carolina is famous for it's bacon. We will always eat bacon. 

We just choose to use it as a treat and not a staple in our meal plan. 

It's a lifestyle: What's for lunch?

I have been blessed with "big bones" (that's what Nan Guy used to say)... in actuality - I've been heavy my entire life. 

What you don't know is, I have invested 49 years of investigative research to provide you with the following useful information. 

Skinny people eat all day long. 

Yup, no bullshit. They just snack on shit all day long... WHAT they eat is different than what fat people eat. 

That's the difference. 

Instead of picking up a twinkie, they eat some carrots or almonds. 

Simple, right?

Understanding that has changed our grocery purchasing habits (again) and approach to eating. If it doesn't come into the house, I'm not as likely to make a bad choice when I get hungry. 

Another thing yous don't really know about me, I have an inner Libertarian that rears it's head from time to time. I don't want anyone telling me what / where / how to do shit. I definitely don't want a doctor or the government telling me what I can eat, that I have to take medicine that is going to make me sicker than the actual disease and I don't want anyone in my personal business. 

So, at this point of my life - I have decided that my health is in jeopardy, which is something I have complete control of. I choose what goes in my mouth. I choose how much time I commit to exercise. I can reverse many of the things that I have brought on myself by making better choices.

If I can do it, ANYONE can do it!

There is no willpower involved. This is about control. 

Just because I'm an adult, I don't always make adult choices about what goes in my mouth. The consequences are too great for me to continue along that path.

Besides, I have so many other aspects of my life under control - this is really one of the only pieces left for me to come full circle in my own universe. It is a journey, after all - I'm just at that point of my journey that I want to see my grandkids have grandkids. 

*****

Since Aboy and I have started Advocare it has helped us wrangle in some of the demons of bad eating and manage our sugar, fat and caffeine addictions. And believe me WE were addicted. No doubt about it! We chose Advocare because we could eat real food (that is so important to both of us), not count points and not microwave pre-packaged meals (we threw out our microwave last year). 

I did a lot of research and found that one of the key ways to help change the way we eat was through preparation. 

Every video I watched, every blog I read... everyone said that preparation was the absolute best way to guarantee success. The products just help with supplementing nutritional deficiencies, energy and hunger control. 

Whatever they do - they are really helping. I am making it to the gym almost daily, I don't crave anything and I very rarely have the urge to go off meal plan. 

So, each week - we take a few hours on the day before Aboy is set to go back out and just cook a week's worth of food. I bake yams and potatoes, make rice, bake chicken and fish... then we portion it off so it's easy to put a meal together. 

It really removes the excuses to eat crap. Since the food is pre-cooked and frozen, it's easily heated up. 

It's healthier because we control the seasoning. There are no preservatives. It's pre-portioned, so the risk of over eating is drastically reduced. 

We are eating more. THAT is huge. We eat the right things, at the right time = it's not a diet, it's a lifestyle.

*****

If you read my blog the other day, you understand my frequent meal choices are influenced by Mexican Recipes. They're high in nutrition and low in calories. 

Today's lunch has become comfort food for me. I need 2 hands to eat it, it's very filling and it brings in all the things I need for a complete meal. 

Also, if you've seen some of my Instagram or Facebook picture posts... you know how much I love a snack scrap for lunch (you have to click the link to understand that joke).

Lunch for today: Chicken Wrap

What made it GREAT was the ingredients!

I used a tortilla we picked up the other day at Trader Joe's

Like I mentioned - we pre-cook the chicken and freeze it. I have a scale (to keep me honest) and I just throw the chicken into the oven for 10 minutes to warm it up.

I ALWAYS add Red Wine Vinegar. Pompeian is my fav!!! It makes me "ACK" (that's a noise I make if it hits the back of my throat with nothing coating it)... but, it has great zing and flavor!

I also add homemade guacamole and some roasted red peppers or sun dried tomatoes. Aboy puts a small garden on his (he is a big guy)...

 Like I said... you need 2 hands to eat it. It's very filling, hits all the taste buds and you won't think about eating again for a few hours!

It's a lifestyle: When in doubt, go Mexican

Aboy and I have enjoyed meals from all over the country. Most of them, right on Long Island or in the City because of the smorgasbord of people that have taken up residence in the area and the different cuisine's they've brought with them. 

One thing that Long Island never really had a lot of was authentic Mexican food. There is a large population of Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, El Salvadorians and Guatemalans... not a lot of Mexicans. You can find Bodegas that serve food all over the tri-town area (Bay Shore, Brentwood, CI)... but, the food has a Caribbean flair. It's a lot more sofrito and recaito based recipes.  

That all changed for us when we lived in Texas, though! Taco stands on every corner! They even sold tacos out of the gas stations! On the side of the road, Taco buffets, Tex-Mex... fuhgetaboutit! 

Needless to say we quickly acquired a taste for authentic Mexican food and barring refried beans and tamales... it's pretty good!

We like fresh food. Mexicans cook with a lot of vegetables. Tomatoes, peppers, onions, squash, mushrooms... just a lot of healthy stuff if you leave off the cheese and sour cream. 

So, if you're watching what you eat but you need a filling "comfort food" without the guilt and lots of nutrients... go Mexican!

*****

My new favorite "mayo" is guacamole!

Instead of having a sandwich slathered with mayonnaise, I put some guac on a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, boneless chicken and some red wine vinegar (for zing)... Oh Emm GEE!!! Total calories = less than 300 for something you need 2 hands to hold! 

My advice is if you are trying to eat healthier - give authentic Mexican a try!!

Click on the link for a Guacamole Recipe . It is so quick and easy to make your own. Homemade tastes so much better, anyway!!

Souper Sunday: Lentil Soup

I got absorbed in a looming project yesterday and all motivation for cooking was put on the shelf. I am doing Souper Sunday Monday today. Oh... and thinking about it - double win for #meatlessmonday

Delicious yumminess on the menu: Lentil Soup!

When I used to work in Bohemia, I used to buy Lentil Soup at the Deli next door to our building. I love the heartiness of it and always felt like it was so healthy. I also thought it was so hard to make. 

NOT!

I haven't had it in a few years and I am expanding our menu selections and decided I was going to make a nice big pot of it. What I don't eat, I can freeze and Aboy can take it on the road for a quick meal (or in his case, a snack). I did a calorie count look up and compared to Trader Joe's Organic Lentil Soup 1 cup has about 135 calories. Mine is much healthier though because I know exactly what was used in making it!

I found this recipe and liked it the best because it had all the ingredients I love the most!

It was even more attractive because it is a meatless meal that I can cook it in the crockpot. Nothing better than a set it and forget it meal! Another thing that made me excited about making Lentil Soup - I got to use my new Favorite Toy!!  #winning

As normal - I changed a couple of the ingredients (because that's how I do)... but, I did stick pretty close to the original recipe. I also don't usually measure my vegetables... if it calls for a cup or ounces... I just kind of make that up as I go along. I like vegetables and IMHO, more is better!

1 Onion, chopped

1/4 Cup of EVOO

Diced Carrots

Diced Celery

2 Garlic Cloves, minced

1 Tsp Oregano

1 Bay Leaf

1 Tsp Fresh Basil (it said dried, buy I grow basil on my window sill)

1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)  - it said crushed, but - I live dangerous

1 lb bag of dried Lentils (rinsed & drained)

8 cups of water

Spinach (LOTS of Spinach!)

2 Chicken Bouillon Cubes (instead of vinegar)

Salt & Pepper to taste

I just dumped it all into the crockpot and put it on low. It will be done in 6-8 hours. 

That's it!

Below are some pictures of my new favorite toy and how it looks in the crockpot.

My New Favorite Toy #2

If you read my post about my New Favorite Toy you know that idle time, a credit card and info-mercials are a deadly mix! 

In saying that - my New Favorite Toy #2 is my NutribulletRX.

It's much bigger than the regular Nutribullet and has some additional bells and whistles that "sold" me. 

1. The motor is a set it and forget it. I just plop the canister on the motor and it accelerates, then slows then re-accelerates until it's finished.
2. It makes SOUP!  No bullshit - I can put in all the ingredient and in 7 minutes I have fresh soup. It makes a great base of thick creamy soups and then I can add any extras like beans, more vegetables or a meat - for texture. 
3. It yields less pulp (well, I think it does). If I'm looking for a smoothie, I want pulp - but if I'm looking for a juice, I can add more liquid (water, almond milk, coconut water) to make it more like a "juice". It also pulverizes the fuck out of a chia seed! 

Then it does the regular things that the regular nutribullet can do - like make peanut butter and smoothies.

Clean up is a dream. I wanted to move away from my traditional juicer because of all the waste and clean up is a PITA. This, I can run it under water or just quickly run the scrub brush over it and it's clean. So. Much. Easier. I mean, life is hard enough. Clean up should be easy! 

If you're not into heavy juicing or are just starting to get your feet wet, we also have the regular Nutribullet - which works great, too. Aboy keeps his on the truck and it has really made it easy for him to have a quick healthy drink when he wants something more than water. 

Another "toy" that I am pleased with. 

I give it 2 snaps!!

Souper Sunday: Homemade Chicken Vegetable Soup

This is definitely for the lazy cook!

The entire prep took me 10 minutes (most of that was peeling / cubing the potatoes)

Great meal for
1. you don't feel good
2. you don't feel like cooking
3. you're freezing
4. you're cleaning out your fridge / freezer

I made enough for dinner and a couple days of leftovers (so, adjust accordingly)
2 Boneless Chicken Breasts (chunked up)
4 Potatoes (peeled and diced into cubes)
1 medium onion diced
1 lb bag of frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
1 carton (I think it's 32 oz) of Chicken Stock
1 pack of Goya Chicken Broth
1 cup of water
1 tbsp. parsley
Salt & Pepper to taste (I would wait till it's done to add salt & pepper - the broth / stock combo can be a little salty)

Put all the ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a boil. Let it boil for about 10-15 minutes (to cook the chicken). Simmer for 15 minutes on medium heat.

That's it!

Serve with bread and maybe a salad! Chicken soup ALWAYS hits the spot!

Meatless Meal: Tomato Basil Pasta

I found this recipe on Facebook. I have made it a few times and when you're in a rush or don't know what you feel like eating - this is very quick and easy. I always make sure I have the ingredients on hand.

I can promise you - the taste is restaurant quality!

I like to add some garlic bread and a glass of red wine. If I play some Billy Joel, I feel like I'm back on Long Island eating in my grandparent's kitchen!

Tomato Basil Pasta
12 ounces pasta (I prefer linguine or fettuccine)  
*depending on the thickness of the pasta - you may need to add a little water
1 large can diced tomatoes with the juice 
1 large sweet onion, cut in julienne strips
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
2 large sprigs basil, chopped
4 1/2 cups vegetable stock
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Parmesan cheese for garnish

*I also add about a pound of Asparagus cut into 1 inch pieces - I like the flavor it adds to the pot. Aldi sells frozen asparagus - so, I always have a couple bags in the freezer.

Directions:
Place pasta, tomatoes, asparagus, onion, garlic, basil, in a large stock pot. Pour in vegetable broth. Sprinkle on top the pepper flakes and oregano. Drizzle top with oil.

Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a low simmer and keep covered and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes or so. Cook until almost all liquid has evaporated – I leave about an inch of liquid in the bottom of the pot because the noodles are going to absorb it anyway once it cools.

The starch leaches out of the noodles and makes a rich, warm sauce for the noodles. The other ingredients cook right along with the pasta Ingredients.

No straining, just stirring!

Season to taste with salt and pepper, stirring pasta several times to distribute the liquid in the bottom of the pot.

Serve garnished with Parmesan cheese.

Meatless Meal: Roasted Vegetable Soup

O. M. G.!!!
 
Today began Souper Sunday.  My first selection is Roasted Vegetable Soup.

I always do chili or stew, so adding a real "soup" is nice... especially because it is absolutely dee-lish!
 
I found the recipe here
 
1 head garlic
3 pt. cherry tomatoes
2 large bell peppers, cut into ½-inch chunks
2 medium zucchini, cut into ½-inch chunks
¼ cup olive oil
½ tsp. smoked paprika
1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
4 Tbs. sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
 
Preheat oven to 450°F

1. Rub papery skin off garlic, and cut off top of head to expose clove tips. Place on square of foil, and drizzle with 1 Tbs. water. Wrap garlic, and roast 35 to 40 minutes, or until soft.
2. Toss tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, and oil with paprika in large bowl. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Spread on 2 baking sheets, and roast 35 to 40 minutes, or until vegetables are browned and tender, stirring once. Cool 10 minutes.
3. Squeeze roasted garlic cloves into bowl of food processor; add half of roasted vegetables and 1 cup water. Blend until smooth, then transfer to large bowl or saucepan. Pulse remaining vegetables in food processor until chopped, then stir into puréed soup with corn and vinegar. Warm, if necessary.

So, I have to tell yous... it is Uh-MAY-Zing!

I added a variation (because I beat to my own drum)....
I only did 1 TBS of Red Wine Vinegar
and I added a 1/2 roasted eggplant - to the ingredients (I had it in the fridge)
Instead of water I used vegetable stock
and I added extra corn
and a can of black beans...

The hardest part was the mess. You have to run the roasted veggies through the food processor... but other than that - I am very pleased!

It is very hearty and full of flavor!!! The Paprika added a nice yum to it!

And, I baked bread!!

Another meatless meal - added to the menu!