Food Friday & Friday Letters

Dear New Job, I am really enjoying you so far. I have had to adopt the learn as I go method as inevitably something comes up that I do not know how to do, but it's turned out OK.  It's fun to hear people talk about houses all day every day.  Dear Weather, Thank you for cooperating for another beautiful weekend ahead. 70's. It can't get any better than that.  Dear Ribapalooza, I have self titled this weekends event.  We are having ribs (as we usually do) for David and his Dad's birthday celebration.  I can't wait.  It's been too long. Dear May 3rd, We're excited that we've booked a trip up to NY to see family and attend Jen's baby shower.  We are just hoping that the kids behave themselves as it's just the girls and the babes!

Food Friday:
I have tried a lot of new recipes the past few months, but I have yet to post any here. I like to have them on the blog because it's so easy for me to look things up when planing my grocery shopping.  I have a bunch of recipes on pinterest, but it's SO hard to find after I pin them (they need to have a search box within your boards).  I swear I have posted this recipe before, but I can not find it anywhere so maybe I didn't.

No Bake Energy Bites, adapted from Smashed Peas and Carrots
Makes 18-20
Ingredients-
1 cup oatmeal
1/2 cup peanut butter (or other nut butter)
1/3 cup honey
1 cup crushed cheerios (she used coconut flakes instead)
1/2 cup ground flaxseed
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla

Mix everything in a mixing bowl

I used crushed cheerios as to help the bonding together of the ingredients as I don't love coconut flakes.

Refrigerate for about an half hour until the batter is workable. Roll them into balls and you can store them for about a week in the refrigerator.

She lists great variations that you can do if you don't like something or want to spruce things up a bit. So check them out. I love these and they don't take much effort at all.

Green Fruit Smoothie

As the new year gets underway I know a lot of people have been trying to eat healthier (our family included) so I wanted to share this smoothie recipe that we've been enjoying. I adapted the recipe a little from Whole Food Mommies (great site if you haven't been). The proportion sizes of all the fruits/veggies you put in will vary depending on your blender. I used our magic bullet, but the bigger container (but it's not the size of a full blender) so keep that in mind. The one on Whole Food Mommies is a HUGE blender so I basically cut the recipe in half.

Green Fruit Smoothie-
1/2- 3/4 cup red grapes
1/4" slice of lemon, peel and all (you can leave this out if you don't have it, it can be a little strong if you use to much and make you want to add vodka to the smoothie. Then again that might not be a bad idea, kidding.)
1/4 of cup canned or fresh cut pineapple
1/2 of a banana (I freeze my banana halves and then just pop them in)
1 cup frozen fruit (I use strawberries, but the mixed bags would be great too)
1-2 TBSP of ground flax seed
1 cup of almond milk
Spinach- Fill the rest of your smoothie up with spinach

*A few notes: I also threw in fresh blueberries so you really can't go wrong with the fruits you are choosing. For a richer more nutrient dense smoothie you can use kale instead of spinach, I haven't been brave enough yet (I've never had kale). Don't be afraid of the color, depending on how much spinach you put in, it will be green. Put it in a cup that you can't see through if your mom kids refuse to try it.

I love that I can make a batch and have enough for me to put in a big cup to go, give some to Max and have some left for my mom (David leaves too early to share). You also get a lot of servings of fruit and veggies right at breakfast. It keeps me pretty full (about 2-3 hours or so) before I want another snack (I do munch on toast with it).

Flax seed is very good for you, there’s some evidence it may help reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. It has Omega-3 essential fatty acids, Lignans, which have both plant estrogen and antioxidant qualities and fiber. Another interesting fact about flax seed that I just read was that it has been reported that 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed mixed into cereal, juice, or yogurt twice a day cut women's hot flashes in half.

Almond milk- This fortified beverage, made from almonds, has a surprisingly rich and creamy taste. Lower in calories and fat than regular cow's milk, it is high in vitamins, such as vitamin E. It also has just as much calcium as cow's milk. Here is an interesting article about the diff. types of milk out there. This has definitely peaked my interest in making my own almond milk and learning about kefir.

Spinach- Low in calories and high in vitamins, spinach is one of the most nutrient-dense foods in existence. One cup of the leafy green vegetable contains far more than your daily requirements of vitamin K and vitamin A. Read more.

Give it a try!

Super Foods

Over the past few months while trying to eat better and exercise I have learned of some super foods. Some most people already know are good for you, but others you might be surprised with. I got some of these from Ingredients Inc.

1. Blueberries- Blueberries are low in calories, high in fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants. They help prevent cancer, reverse memory loss and reduce cholesterol levels.

2. Wild Salmon- Wild salmon is an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids which boost heart health and nerve system functioning

3. Quinoa- Not only is quinoa high in protein, but the protein it supplies is complete protein, meaning that it includes all nine essential amino acids.

4. Almonds- High in antioxidants, protein and vitamin E. It is also proven to lower cholesterol and heart disease.

5. Spinach- Spinach and other dark leafy greens like kale, collards, Swiss chard, turnip greens and bok choy are loaded with calcium, folic acid, vitamin K and iron. It fights heart disease and cancer as well. 

6. Greek Yogurt- Greek yogurt has more protein than regular yogurt and is a great source for dairy.

7. Pork Tenderloin- Pork tenderloin is one of the leanest cuts of pork available. It is also leaner than chicken breasts and has plenty of protein and vitamin B.

8. Edamame- The soybean is a complete protein containing all of the amino acid building blocks. It also provides an antioxidant boost from plant chemicals called isoflavones. 

9. Broccoli- Broccoli provides a high amount of vitamin C, which aids iron absorption in the body, prevents the development of cataracts, and also eases the symptoms of the common cold. It is also high in fiber and potassium.

10. Avocado- Avocados provide nearly 20 essential nutrients, including fiber, potassium, Vitamin E, B-vitamins and folic acid. They aid in lowering your risk for cardiovascular disease

I have also been reading a few blogs that talk about organic/natural lifestyle choices and am finding it interesting. Check out this article from Organic Life Love.