Pages

March 2011

March 2011

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Cinderella's Shoe...

OK here's the deal, I would love to lose weight before our trip to Disney World this Spring. I thought about about starting a new blog but I have put so many recipes on this one to help children with Insulin problems- I'm just going to keep this one.

I want to be able to take photo's of myself and feel good about posting.- So I will add the count down on this blog. We walk daily- but I truly need to put more effort in myself.- Like additional work out time for me. I have three months to work really hard.

As for Patience she is doing well, we keep the same meal plan for her- She continues to look taller and stay healthy. She was Little Red Ridding Hood for Halloween. It made me feel so good when the clerk asked if maybe I was getting a size to BIG for her. ( kids clothing not Ladies anymore)

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Sweet Potatoe Soup

I have really had some health problems lately. So I decided to go on a only fruit and veggie fast for 10 days. Trying to lose weight and help my immune system.

I designed my own soup to drink when I'm feeling weak or need something filling.

I baked 3 sweet potatoes in the oven. Then pureed it in the food processor and added about 3/4 can of cream of coconut. Heated on stove and diced in some bell peppers.
Added Little salt,pepper,onion powder. This is so creamy and filling. I can already feel my immune system improving.

Some people add broth but this was savory and not sweet!!! Very much like butternut squash.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

No Excuses

We have moved to another State Jerry has a new job. Praise God
So for a couple weeks we are staying in a Micro Apt. Which means only a micro wave
and top burner. (until we find a home and neighborhood we like)

I refuse let that be excuse to eat junk food. Right now its alot of fruit,nuts, veggies with healthy dressing, water, tuna, grilled chicken for Patience.
And most of the times she will ask for a salad with no chicken or a veggie plate.

I just wanted to take the time to encourage anyone who come across the blog by accident to think about what you allow your kids to eat. I know times are tough and its quicker and easier to open up a can of spaghetti O's. And cheaper. I'm not judging.

What I have learned is food can be simple and just as less eating healthy. Bag of Apples 3.25, carrots sticks 1.25, compared to cookies and chips for lunch.
Those foods have no nutritional value. And it may not effect their weight just yet...
But it could in the future.  On our first night here we did go to Ryann's Buffet. And you wanna know what Patience asked for? SALAD. It was a smorgasbord of fattening foods(comfort foods) on the bar. And my sweet girl wanted a huge salad!!!

I hope you tonight you make a point of fixing a healthy meal for your child. Even if it is simple... that's fine also. Nothing wrong with a simple healthy meal. I know in the past when we ate alot of carbs, before we knew better I was making four or five things and Patience was still hungry a hour later. 

I just wanted to journal this time, moving to a new city doesn't give a excuse to neglect our health. We can do this!!! Even without a oven.  :) And it gives me the opportunity to experiment with more raw food recipes and vegan recipes.

Im sorry if i havent posted pictures lately. I hope to get a new camera cord this week.
Let's face it mine is lost.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

After eating healthy

After eating healthy for awhile now food is just that. Especially treat food

Just got finished cleaning the kitchen for the evening and looked over on the table

and seen a Tupperware container full of cupcakes. Patience birthday is in a couple

Days so just for fun the girls and I made cupcakes.

Now that Patience is accustomed to eating so healthy she says sometimes

I cannot eat all of this momma. When we go to the market she never asks for junk

food. And always asks for the best products.

The cupcake container made me realize We got this.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Mock Fecttuccine Alferdo (Raw food)

No guilt, No guilt!!! You could really eat as much as you wanted.

Aboutt 4 zucchini's peel all of them
Half head of Cauliflower
Half Lemon
Basil
Thyme
Oren go
Quarter cup of pine nuts
1 garlic glove
Cherry tomato

1. Spiral half the zucchini's in the food processor (make into noodles)
2. In blender put pine nuts, all the herbs, garlic, and cube zucchini in little pieces
and blend
3. This makes a wonderful Creamy sauce
4. Put cauliflower in food processor grate, it makes a Parmesan cheese
5 Sprinkle over pasta and sauce and squeeze lemon.

Yummy stuff. And all veggies. The herbs and the flavorings make it look like the real thing with no fat!! Just another creative way to make veggies.

I did not create this I found it on you tube.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Mock Tuna Salad

There is nothing wrong with Tuna, however since I have taken a break from meat
preparing meat makes me sick.

Patience still eats fish and poultry. It doesn't hurt to add vegetarian meals also.

1 15 oz can of garbanzo beans
1/2 cup of low fat mayo
1/4 diced onion
1/4 cup celery
salt and pepper to taste

Mash beans with potato masher or place in food processor and process until beans are the consistency of coarse meal.

In medium bowl combine beans with the remaining ingredients. Serve as a sandwich filling. I got this recipe out of my Vegetarian Times cookbook.

Friday, June 22, 2012

Raw Food Monago Pie

No I haven't purchased a dehydrator yet but I would really like to adopt more Raw food recipes into our family's meals. I have auto immune issues and it just seems like the more natural that I eat the better I feel. There are so many raw food recipes out there that go past salad. I just feel like slowly adding these recipes wouldn't hurt.

8 oz dried mango's
In a measuring cup put mango's with water until it reaches 2 cup mark.
Soak for 2 Hours

Pour mango and water into blender and puree until chunks are gone. You made need to add about 1/4 cup of water if it seems to thick.

In food processor 3/4 cup of raw almonds, 3/4 cups of raw walnuts, 3/4 dried dates.
Press nuts and dates in pie pan. Spoon on pureed mango and chill and serve.

This is not a a recipe I created i found on the net and thought hey that seems like a nice summer dessert.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Easy as Pudding... (another Mock)

5/8 of a ripe avocado
2 ripe bananas
2 Tablespoons of coco powder unsweetened

I haven't turned vegan, I cannot take credit for that. But I am adapting alot of  natural recipes in our life. I came across this recipe on another site and thought wow that is so simple.

Puree in the food processor and place in serving dishes and chill in the fridge for a hour. There are different variation's of this recipe using raw chocolate and honey.
We did not have those products in the home. I know the bananas and coco totally hide the avocado. A nice sweet treat... that isnt so bad. :) We are not super health foodies but this has to be a step above the box right?

Very low sugar Pumpkin pie (crustless)

Pumpkin pie in the summer time? Well I came across the recipe and thought it looked to good to forget.

1 Can of small pumpkin (15 oz)
2 eggs
1 cup of skim milk or soy milk
2 tsp of cinnamon
1/2 tsp of nutmeg
3/4 cup of no calorie sweetener ( we use stevia or triuvia)

Blend all together and place in microwave for 8 to 10 minutes. Until the sides of the mixture pull away from the pie plate (microwave safe)

You could add a small amount of sugar free cool whip.
( I'm not to fond of those products because of the chemicals)

Just another sweet treat cheat. I found this recipe on spark people.

Monday, June 18, 2012

Mock Soft Serve Icecream!!!

In the past I posted how to make Ice cream with a zip lock bag. Which was alot like soft serve. And I believe i posted Dr. Sears soft serve.

So since summer is here I wanted to post this very easy soft serve. Sorry no photo I need a new camera cord because mine is misplaced.

4 frozen banana's

Pulse in food processor until it is broken into smaller pieces .
Scrape the banana's down the side and pulse about five more minutes.

You could add any flavor, vanilla, or berries, or even protein powder mix for a chocolate flavor, or even peanut butter. This is so good and so low in sugar.

Makes 4 servings at 1/2 each. 108 calories and very low in carbs. The kids cannot tell the difference. They just think its homemade icecream. I found this recipe on Spark People.

By the way Patience is doing great, And enjoying the summer. :)

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Down 11 pounds...

How did my vegan project go? Well I must admit on the last few days I gave in and ate egg product and cheese. But being a vegetarian is something I can do...Vegan is Little more difficult. I managed to lose 11 pounds!!! And my digestive system is more calm.

I believe a few days a week a can go without egg and cheese because I love veggies so much. On a side note Patience will be joining a karate class soon. I feel like it will help her stay active.

Jerry has come up with the idea to start baking healthy snacks and sale at work. So we may venture out into this to see how it goes. Using all natural products. I will post photos of items and recipes. - Once we decide what we are going to do.

Yes it would be so easy to bake up a batch of boxed brownies but how could we whole heartily do that? Healthy snacks = good for you snacks. Of course the best snacks for you is veggies and fruits. But... people like their sweet treats. I think we can do the baked goods to sale and remain fairly healthy. Once we pick the recipes I will share. :)

Thursday, April 26, 2012

So how's the vegan thing going for ya?

I admit it has not been easy the first week.  As I'm going to the store I look at the labels and so many items still have eggs, milk in the them. After my research in vegan ism they say you will go through a time of feeling tired in other words you have withdrawals.
Not necessarily for me but since our journey we filled up on protein. Now i have taken out that protein i really wanted a carb to give me energy. Obviously with my diabetes reaching for bread is not so great.

So for the extra energy boost I will drink a protein shake with natural peanut butter or puree some cauliflower- and make my mock mashed potatoes, or a piece of fruit, or some nuts.

Taking time to go vegan has been a journey in itself. You know when you watch these watch these weight loss programs and people cry. Cry because they realize something in their life. For me my "issue" has been my pregnancy losses. Although we were educated in what to eat there were times I still rely on food to cheer me up. Not that I don't find joy in my children, Jerry, or life. But there is that sadness because I have yet to have a rainbow baby.

 Yes of course it was healthy food. But none the less after going vegan it has given me time to be more humble. I mean you never really can over do on veggies. After i eat my meal.... I'm faced with the extra time. In that time i spend with my children, read the bible, cook, clean, home school planning, exercise.  I guess you could say its been a time of spiritual cleaning? Caring about what matters the most. I'm not saying I will not go back to eating eggs, cheese, fish. But for now it feels right to do this for my personal health.

Patience and Jerry are still eating fish, chicken, cheese, eggs.  It works for them. I do egg whites for Patience instead of whole eggs. And there are some meals i will make for Patience that is all veggies.  I'm proud of Patience she is more mature than most adults in her eating. If someone offers her garbage she says no thank you  without even thinking twice.

This fall she will start a new girl scout troop, I so hope the snacks are little healthier.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Black bean burgers

1 slice of whole grain bread or wheat
1/2 cup of shredded carrots
1/3 cup of  red onions, or white
 quarter cup of cilantro
1 tsp of cumin
1 tsp of salt
1- 15 oz of drained rinsed black beans
quarter cup of salsa.

Put bread make into crumbs in food processor, Add carrots, then onions, then spices. After all is mixed add rinsed black beans, Pulse do not mix. Then pour into bowl and added salsa. This makes four good size burgers. Shape into patties spray pan with olive oil and cook on both sides about four minute's
Although we try to limit bread this one piece that makes the bread crumbs isn't going to be to harmful.
Eating this will a beautiful plate of veggies. NO bread. I plan on making a batch and freezing.- Instead of turkey burgers and buying the pricey ones in a package.

Will post a photo soon!!! Going swimming today and a trip to the library with the family

Friday, April 20, 2012

Going vegan...

This really isn't for weight loss its for over all health. Basically we are pretty close to vegetarian. Expect for  fish and chicken.

Lately I have had alot of ucler problems so for myself I'm going to do vegan for at the least the next month. Which means no dairy, eggs, or animal products for me. I will continue to do fish and the lighter foods for Patience because it would be to much to ask her to go cold turkey. She like her eggs for breakfast and cheese in her salad.

Will keep you updated and you will see more vegan friendly recipes. For me i feel like i  need to rebuild my immune system. Im. going to start by drinking a aloe vera drink to help my digestive track.
And just eat as close to natural as possible. And drinking water, water, and more water. If  you have followed this blog you know in the past i have had auto immune problems. And lately I really feel like i need to do some healing with food. - I feel my best when i do all veggies. :)

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Radishes instead of Potatoes...

Radish  Brown Recipe....


One small onion diced in little pieces...
9 Oz. of Ra dishes
Salt, pepper

Clean, grate Radishes and squeeze out water.
You can use food processor to shred.
Chop onion.
Use low fat cooking spray. - Butter flavor if you like

And cook in skillet like you would potatoes.- season.

You know I'm all about the mock recipes. That are less carbs

I found this recipe on Spark People. I used red radishes because my grocer did not have white. They were good. They had alittle spice. If they had white i would have used them. Another Patience approved recipe. :)



Progress....

 Strawberry plants

 Green beans
 Onions

Sunflowers


We also have watermelons and tomatoes, cucumbers, squash.


It's a good feeling watching your plants grow. Something fun for the kids to do and gives a wonderful appreciation for how those grow. Like I said we used tubs f or some of our garden.
The watermelons of course need extra room. We are also planting a pineapple that will take two years to grow.:)

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Your childs health is in your hands...




Her health is in my hands how could I not work hard at preventing Diabetes.


This dress was a dress we got for Patience last year its hard to telll but she has went down another dress size since!!! Remember this was the little girl who had to wear ladies shirts because childrens clothing were to small On her kindergarden photo we had to purchase a ladiesX large shirt. :(. She has come so far.

Friday, March 30, 2012

Watching you grow..


Having a small garden really gives you something to look forward to. We are growing tomatoes, strawberries, cucumbers, peppers, squash, watermelons. And it makes even the pickiest eater feel encouraged to eat healthy. I just want to take the time to encourage anyone to start little garden today. Even if you do not live in a rural area you can do container planting. As our plants progress i will show photos.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Spinach Souffle

1 10- ounce package of frozen chopped Spinach cooked and drained
3 Tablespoons of chopped onion
1/2 cup of low-fat cottage cheese
1 Teaspoon of lemon
1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
Ground pepper to your taste
2 egg whites

Assembel all ingredients . In food processor blend all the ingredients except egg white.
Gently fold in Egg whites. Spoon the mixture in ungreased souffle dish or casserole dish. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes. Serve immediately.
This is four servings 1/2 cup each.

Although Patience does not like cottage cheese anymore....lol If she does not see the container she enjoys this. We had Spinach souffle when we were eating Bistro Md meals. I found this recipe in  Missy Daisy Cooks Light. Just something different and a good way to eat veggies in a not so boring way.

The little cheats.....

I just wanted to give a example of how we do the little cheats without blowing it for Patience.For some reasons today I wanted creamed potatoes with  brown gravy. Potatoes really are not on our food list.
So I made grilled chicken, broccoli and zucchini strips.I did not drown my chicken in gravy. I put about 3 Tablespoons. We were out of Cauliflower so I oven baked the zucchini sprayed with olive oil   and at the end broiled and added Parmesan cheese. For us it's all about making most dishes with veggies.
Most of the meal consisted of veggies and protein. And the cheat was a small amount of brown gravy.
Patience as usual always happy with her mostly veggie meal. And we still had the comforting feeling of eating comfort food. Without totally going off course.
The small bit of gravy we will  work off at the gym. By the way we recently joined the local Rec center.

Also my sweet little angel decided to get her hair cut and donate to the locks of love. Her words "Momma it makes my heart feel good to help another child" who needs the hair. I of course cried my little girl is so wise and growing up. I Told the beautician "no do not give her the same basic hair cut like all the other little girls have. She wanted to give Patience the half bangs. I said she isn't All other little girls. I thought she is my Patience, One of a kind!!! Patience also got her ears pierced. We have been reading the book Madeline so I told her hair kind of looks like that. :)
And it does, she looks like a little french girl. :)







Friday, March 9, 2012

Zucchini Pancakes..

I will post a picture of this after we make the pancakes. I seen this off of Dr. Sears website and had to try. I truly value all that Dr. Sears has on recipes.

1 cup of shredded zuch.
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
dash of salt
1 Tablespoon of sunflower seeds or sesame (optional)

Heat skillet or griddle spray with non fat spray.
Mix but do not beat. When it is time to flip add the sunflower seeds or sesame. They are optional.

I thought this would be a very low carb treat. Because it involves no flour.
You can top with spreadable fruit or salsa. I topped mine with spreadable fruit.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Half of this is good....

Patience girl scout group is having a healthy cooking class to teach the girls about nutrition and the importance of excerise. YAY!!!!! I am all for that.

But you will never guess where they are going to lunch on the way back...



Yep...The Golden Arches? - McDonalds. - Patience knows how to pick the healthier of the choices, Like i said half the news is good.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Mini Chicken Pot Pie... a lower in fat comfort food.

I really do not take measurements on this because its so simple

2 celery stalks
1 cup of frozen carrots
1/3 cup of onions
Diced up chicken
1/2 cup of heavy cream
Seasonings such as salt,pepper, any other
1 teaspoon of unbleached all purpose flour
And any other veggies mushrooms, broccoli,
1 sheet of phyollo dough

Saute the onions and celery. Cook the chicken and dice. Cook carrots. I use frozen.
In a pan i heat the cream and season. Before the cream is heated i put in the flour.

Let me say this it sounds so fattening...But it is so much better for you than soup in a can such as Campbell's cream of mushroom. You do not need the sodium and sugar.

Spray a muffin tin and put the dough in. Let cook about 6 minutes watch it, It cooks quickly. And then assemble by putting your cream, veggies and chicken.
I have made vegetarian also with tons of veggies.

Like I said We would serve this for lunch with a pretty salad. Replacing Patience's bread for the day. I just would never want to go back to buying the sodium filled boxed chicken pot pie. When you can make your own healthier version. Honestly making it yourself is so much cheaper. And a healthier you. I had bought the boxed kind for my older children in the past but they did not have a health problem. Now that we are cooking healthier even My daughter Simplicity doesnt like the box.

Patience has went down a dress size...recently :) Yay Patience And she is starting to have a collection of jeans. If you can remember for two years she could not wear jeans. Because she had to wear ladies clothing. My sweetie has come far. :)

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Only 6 carbs cheat....( Pyhllo dough is amazing)

The best ever pastry…

(phyllo dough)


The awesome thing about phyllo dough is you can do so many things. And it is low in fat and one huge sheet is only 6 carbs. With one sheet you can fold it in half and make many things. Instead of bread you could make mini chicken pot pie, mini lasagna, mini taco salad, or go vegetarian .These are just to name a few things.   I just lightly spray a muffin tin and make little phyollo cups.

They make wonderful fruit filled cups also for dessert.

Such as a mini blue berry cobbler. We came up with this so Patience doesn’t feel totally deprived.


In this photo we have made two phyllo shells and filled with tuna salad. Yes they look huge but in real life they are muffin tin size..lol only 6 carbs for the dough when a whole wheat bun is 24 carbs. We still serve the whole wheat bun but phyllo dough is a really awesome option. And Patience feels like she is getting a treat. This works because Patience continues to have loose fitting clothes.

And the scales is going down as she growing taller.

So “cheat” a  little. - its ok. ;)



Saturday, January 28, 2012

Avocado Sauer Kraut cups

Avocado Kraut Cups


3 whole wheat tortillas

1 cup of sauerkraut ( drained)

1 tsp.. ground mustard.

½ tsp. ground pepper

1 avocado cut into small cubes


Preheat oven to 375


Cut tortillas into small circles with a inverted drinking glass as a guide. Tuck each round into mini muffin tin. You can spray the muffin tins with spray. Bake for 10 minutes at 375 until crisp. Set aside to cool.


In Medium bowl combine sauerkraut, dry mustard, and pepper. Mix well . Gently fold in avocado cubes. Spoon mixture into cups. Serve Immediately.


This serves 4 Serving size 3 cups. Kind of like a veggie taco salad. If Patience had this the tortilla would replace her bread for the day. I am very surprised she likes sauerkraut but she does. I found this recipe in Eating Well on a Budget.

Slow cooked onions with Apples





Slow- Cooked Onions with Apples and Sour Cream


2 Tablespoons of olive oil

4 medium sweet onions peeled and cut in quarters

1tsp. Dried thyme

¼ tsp. salt

¼ tsp ground black pepper

½ cup of no sugar added Apple juice

2 apples sliced

½ cup of sour cream ( low fat)




In a large skillet over medium heat combine olive oil and onions. Cook 7 minutes until onions begin to brown. Stirring often. Add thyme, salt, pepper. Cook 3 more minutes.


Transfer onions to slow cooker. Add apple juice. Stir and cover Cook on low for 8 hours or more until onions are translucent and tender. Serve with sliced apples and sour cream.


Although it sounds like a odd combo it’s pretty good.

Serving size is ½ cup and this makes 8 servings. I found this in a book called Eating Well on a budget.

We try to make very simple meals that will not cost a lot.

The flavor in the onions sweeten. Goes well with anything. Chicken, Fish, or more veggies.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Roasted Eggplant with tomato and mint

Roasted Eggplant with tomato and mint


3 tablespoons of olive oil

2 medium eggplants cut into 1 inch rounds

½ cup of feta cheese

1/3 cup of red onion diced small

3 medium tomato seeded and diced

3 tablespoons of mint leaves

2 teaspoons of red wine vinegar


Preheat oven to 425 brush baking sheet with oil. Arrange eggplants in a single layer season with salt and pepper and cook until both sides are brown. Flip each round and season with salt and pepper. Roast until undersides are browned and eggplant is tender. 10 to 12 minutes.


In a small bow mix together 1 tablespoon oil. Ricotta, onion, tomatoes, mint and vinegar. Season to taste with salt and pepper and more vinegar. Transfer eggplant to  a serving platter and top with Ricotta mixture.


Makes a nice low- fat snack. Found in Martha Stewart everyday food.

Creamy Salsa Soup

Creamy Salsa Soup


2 cups of salsa (16 ounces)

1 and¾ cups of veggie broth ( low salt )

2 tablespoons of heavy cream


Bring salsa and broth to a boil, transfer to a blender along with 2 tablespoons of cream blend until smooth.  Season with salt and pepper. You could add diced avocados and fresh cilantro.


Yes this has cream in it but it is not enough to make you gain because most of the day your eating fresh veggies, fruit and lean protein. This recipe is two servings. You could use chunky or regular salsa. This could replace a snack in cold weather. I’m more confident in giving Patience this for a snack than something loaded with sugar.


Found this is Martha Stewart Every day Food.

Fennel and Leek Gratin

Fennel and Leek Gratin


2 Large leeks

2 bulbs fennel

2 oz of Gruyere cheese

1 Can of diced tomatoes with juice 14 oz

¼ cup of whipping cream

Salt pepper to taste


Bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Meanwhile in a work bowl fitted with slicing blade slice leeks and fennel Add leeks  and fennel to boiling water, return to a boil and blanch until tender and crisp about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon transfer to a prepared dish.


Shred the cheese in food processor.


Add tomatoes with juice, cream, salt and pepper to taste to leek mixture. Stir to combine. Sprinkle cheese evenly over top evenly in over 400 degrees until cheese is nicely browned and vegetables are tender about 20 minutes.


This is a nice Mediterranean inspired dish although it has whipping cream we are not to worried because we are eating veggies and lean protein the majority of the time.

Not as much guilt as potatos

Sunday, January 22, 2012

A sauce for Fish or Couscous Red Pepper Sauce

Red Pimiento  Sauce

½ cup  canned pimientos, drained

2 tablespoons lemon juice



Combine the pimientos lemon juice in food processor. Process 30-45 seconds or until sauce is smooth. Transfer in a covered container. Serve at room temperature.


So good over  cooked fish or whole wheat couscous. Trying new things is key to keeping Patience Happy with the food plan. We want her to have a variety of new tastes.

Found in South Beach Diet Recipe book

Tuna, Turnips, Tomato and pearl pasta

Tuna, Turnips, Tomato, and Pearl Pasta.

(whole wheat Couscous)


We try not to eat a lot of pasta but if we do couscous is first on our list. Because it is high in fiber, high protein, and lower in sugar.


Tuna  is very low cost form of protein.


This is just one of those easy meals that can be put together in a flash. And pretty healthy. Of course this would be served at lunch time for Patience Replacing her sandwich bread. This is Jerry’s plate we give Patience ½ cup of  Couscous.


Price Couscous- .79 cents

Tuna- 89 cents

Tomato- 55 cents

Turnips or Kale $1.50 or you could use can .77 cents


Trying to eat healthy does not have to break the bank. If we did use can foods we rinse them off and try to buy no salt.

Easy low sugar sweet treat

Mocha Ricotta Crème


½ part skim ricotta cheese

½ teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 package sugar substitute ( truvia or stevia)


Mix together the ricotta, cocoa powder, vanilla, and sugar substitute in a desert bow. Serve chilled




Vanilla Ricotta Crème

½ part skim ricotta cheese

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 package of sugar Substitute( truvia or stevia)

Creamed Spinach

Creamed Spinach

2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen spinach thawed

small shallots, minced

1 clove of garlic

½ cup of sour cream

¼ teaspoon of black pepper

In a skillet , heat the spinach over medium high heat for about five minutes or until the liquid evaporates. Add the shallots and garlic. Cook until tender. Reduce the heat to low . Add the sour cream, pepper, stirring until the sour cream melts. Do not simmer.



From South Beach diet recipe book. This is so good and another way for kids to get their vitamins in with the spinach.


Thursday, January 12, 2012

Simple Low cost "comfort food" Meal

Simple and Low cost comfort food…

Turkey Meat loaf and creamy veggies


I purchased turkey for $2.29 a pound.

The bag of veggies were from the huge bag Normandy Blend at Walmart for $7.50. Which last’s for about a week and half. And that is having veggies for at least 2 meals daily. For four people.


Onions we buy a bag weekly. Chopped whatever veggies I had and put in the meat loaf. (onions, celery) - We have used frozen spinach, shredded carrots- whatever you like. But we never use crackers or bread crumbs for the meat it isnt needed.

And just made a cream sauce with a tiny bit of heavy cream and shredded cheese. And seasonings.- (whatever you like) I used Cayenne pepper to give it spice.


The Home made cream sauce is a lot better than a can of Campbell’s cream soup. The sodium in can cream is terrible. A small container of cream is $ 1.25. I keep on hand to make easy sauces. Adding more veggies than sauce though. Just to give it flavor. Very simple- and low cost.  The cans of soup have so much sugar in them.






A meal like this will make Patience feel fuller longer than Traditional Mac and cheese. It is all about having what you like but modifying to be healthier.She of course eats the veggies with no sauce or cheese too. I just wanted to prove you can make your own Home made weight watchers type meals at home at a fraction of the price. We always use Sugar free Ketchup.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Cooking is Fun Momma...






We Are trying to go beyond Spaghetti for a   Italian Meal for Patience.

For when she grows up I never want her to say “ when I was younger my parents put me

On a diet” and it was awful. Teaching her while she is young to enjoy

The beauty of cooking is so important. Food should  be something she enjoys.

It is always fun to try new veggies and fruit . And I love hearing her say hey Mom Can we get a Eggplant today..LOL


This week from the library we checked out “ There’s A Chef In My World” By Emeril Lagasse.

I plan to let her make her own recipe box to store her recipes in. The book has many easy lost cost recipes, very kid friendly.  I like the book because it tells the origin and history of the recipe. (It makes it more appealing to kids when you teach them something) Rather than saying “ Hey let’s eat this because its good for you”


Swiss Muesli


3 cups of Old fashion rolled oats

1 cup of silvered almonds

1 cup of coarsely chopped walnuts

½ cup of honey ( or agave nectar)

½ cup of dried apples

½ cup of dried apricots


This Granola- like cereal was invented by a Swiss doctor and makes a healthy breakfast. You can eat plain or spoon over yogurt or fresh fruit and drizzle with honey if you like.



1. Preheat over to 300

2. On a large baking sheet combine, oats, almonds, and walnuts and bake for 30 minutes stirring once after 15 minutes.

3. Using oven mitts remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the cereal

Hollandise Sauce...From Emeril's cookbook for kids


Patience loves steamed Broccoli and she also loves Egg’s Benedict.

So when I seen the recipe for Hollandaise sauce I had to add it to her recipe box

Hollandaise is a classic  French Sauce. Patience enjoys learning about little things like that.




Hollandaise Sauce


3 egg yolks

1 and ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice

¼ teaspoon of salt Pinch of cayenne

½ cup of salted butter.



Combine the egg yolks, lemon juice, salt and cayenne in a blender and blend on high speed for 20 seconds, until the mixture  is completely smooth.


Place the butter in a small saucepan and melt over me heat until bubbly. Do not allow to brown


With the blender running at high speed add melted butter in a thin steady stream . It is important to add slowly. It should take about 30 seconds to add all of butter. Turn off.


Transfer the sauce to small serving bowl. If the sauce has gotten to thick you can thin by adding a teaspoon of lukewarm water. Serve Immediately. Very good with eggs, fish, steamed veggies, or roasted asparagus..

We do not add tons of this because it is made with butter. But alittle over veggies and fish is nice.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Ala ( I love ) Peanut Butter.


Patience for lunch usually has turkey or grilled chicken sandwich. (having her breads at lunch) if not at breakfast or dinner. with a  piece of fruit. We serve her breads at one meal daily. Trying to focus on veggies, protien, fruit.
So i thought she would have a peanut butter Banana sandwich. Whole wheat of course.
I think right now Patience is chickened and turkey, tuna, out. She could have very well had carrots or any veggies with this. Today the sandwich was more than enough. All natural of course, almond butter is nice too.

When I made this simple lunch I thought of Sesame Street. :) If you were born in the 70s or 80s you know what i mean.


Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Dance Praise

I found a great, excellent deal...On another outlet the girls can use for P.e. in the Home school. A DVD collection of exercise Called "Dance Praise" The DVD usually range from 30- 50 dollars.

Never opened 10 DVDs for $10.00 with the mat.  So I'm happy we plan on using the DVDs on days it just way to cold for a walk. Patience loves it. I like it because the music is faith based. And its something we can all do together to stay active.

What does she eat... We are not so different

When we had first begun our Healthy journey at Patience girl scout troop As i stated in the past there were a few looks of sympathy for Patience. Of course those moms did not have daughter's with a insulin problem that could gain weight easily. So they looked at it as if i was being a rigid mean mom. ( i guess) Going by the comments and sad faces.
The snacks were supposed to be healthy, so dont get me started...

Anyway... Now her friends that she has went to the troop with for a few years now are gaining weight. One mom had said what size does Patience wear now. I told her. And then she said well...my daughter is the same size. And then asked what Patience eats...
Patience is still considered overweight but not obesse anymore. It will level out evenutally as she grows taller.
I felt alittle flattered she asked.  But sad the little girl has gained. It goes to show what you eat can catch up to you. I am so so glad we found help. The gift we received i hope will carry Patience for a lifetime. I dare not call it weight loss or diet.

Cheezy Popcorn ;)

Cheesy Popcorn ( almost)


½ cup of popcorn

1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast



Cook popcorn in air popper , transfer to large bowl and sprinkle with the yeast.


Red Star nutritional yeast is a excellent source of  vitamin B- 12. It lends a cheesy salty taste without either. Nutritional yeast is not the same as Brewers or Bakers yeast, so don’t substitute.

Found in Eat Healthy Go Vegan.

Sweet Potato And Cauliflower chowder

I found this in the Healthy Vegan Cookbook...


Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Chowder

3 ¼ cups of veggie broth

4 large shallots minced

½ cup of chopped celery

6 cups of cauliflower (1 medium head)

1 cup of chopped red pepper

1 medium sweet potato peeled and cut into cubes

(about 1 and ½ cups)

1 bay leaf

1 cup of unsweetened soy milk

Salt and pepper to taste

. Heat ¼ cup of broth in a large saucepan over medium heat add shallots, celery and sauté for 5 minutes Add remaining cup of broth and 1 cup of water bring to a boil. Add cauliflower, Bell pepper, sweet potato and bay leaf. And bring to a boil.

2. Reduce the heat cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove the bay leaf.

3. Add Soy milk and salt and pepper to taste.


This could be eaten year round soup is refreshing with a nice salad for lunch in the winter. On the days Patience isn’t interested in a sandwich for lunch I would give her a cup of soup with salad with grapes or apple.


 



Monday, January 2, 2012

Chickpeas Nibbles..

Italian Chickpea Nibbles


1 15- ounce can of  chickpeas drained

1 teaspoon of olive oil

½ teaspoon of garlic powder

½ teaspoon of oregano

½ teaspoon basil

½ teaspoon onion powder

Sea salt to taste

Pepper to taste

Veggie oil cooking spray

.Preheat oven to 400


2. In a bowl combine the chickpeas, oil, garlic powder, oregano, basil, onion power and pepper.


3. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Spread the chickpeas onto baking sheet in one layer.


4. Roast the chickpeas until they are nicely browned about 10 minutes tossing them halfway through.


5. Remove from oven and cool chickpeas slightly



Just something for a snack instead of air popped popcorn. And its something Patience has gotten used to instead of chips. We make the veggie chips but there is no way she wants to look at the unhealthy chips...WAY to go Patience :)

Cream of Asparasgus Soup

Cream of Asparagus soup


3 cups of sliced asparagus about 1 pound

2 cups of veggie broth

¾ teaspoon of chopped fresh thyme

1 bay leaf

1 garlic glove

2 tablespoons of whole wheat pastry flour

2 cups of plain soy milk

Pinch of ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon of salt

¼ grated lemon zest

½ tablespoon lemon juice

Ground pepper to taste

Hot sauce to taste
. Combine asparagus broth, ½ teaspoon thyme, bay leaf, and garlic in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Discard bay leaf. Place the asparagus mixture in a blender, cover, and puree until smooth.


2. Place the flour in a large saucepan over medium heat. Gradually add the soy milk, stirring with a whisk until blended. Add the pureed asparagus mixture and nutmeg and stir to combine. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and strain. Add the remaining ¼ teaspoon thyme, salt, lemon zest. Lemon juice, and pepper. Add hot sauce for taste

Sweet Treat, cherry Nirvana

Cherry Chocolate Nirvana


2 cups of frozen cherries

2 bananas

1 and ½   cups chocolate soy or rice milk


Put all ingredients into blender and blend until smooth.


I found this in The Get Healthy go vegan cookbook

Of course this is a once a week treat. Instead of cookies or ice cream. When we do have treats once a week Patience appreciates them a lot more. Because its just that a treat.

She works very hard walking and doing her exercise daily

Peanut Butter soup

Peanut Butter Soup

Serves 1

2 tablespoons each of diced onion and celery

½ cup of canned veggie broth

i½ cup of water

1 Tablespoon of chunky peanut butter ( all natural)

3 medium tomatoes blanched, peeled seeded and chopped ( or canned tomatoes diced )- as many as you like

Dash of salt, pepper, and hot sauce


Spray small saucepan with nonstick
cooking spray and heat: add onion and celery and cook stirring for 2 minutes. Stir in broth, water, and peanut butter, bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat let simmer for 8 minutes. Add tomatoes, salt and pepper and stirring, return mixture to a boil. Transfer to soup bowl and add hot sauce and stir to combine.


This is a nice snack when your hungry but not ready for a meal. It may sound alittle odd but Patience enjoys it . I would rather her sip on this soup than eat cookies or chips. I found this in my Vegan cookbook. We plan on doing alot of vegan recipes this new year.