It's Strawberry-licious!

I have been fortunate enough to have a copy of the California Strawberry Comission's latest cookbook.  I LOVE strawberries and this cookbook, Strawberry Recipes for Everyday, has given me some GREAT recipes and ideas!!!

I'm pretty sure that Strawberry Tostada's are going to be on MY plate soon!  I just have to get my hands on some jicama.   But talk about a refreshing meal....

Ingredients
2 1/2 cups (about 3/4 lb) fresh California strawberries, stemmed and quartered
1/2 lb jicama, peeled and cut into 1/2 dice
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1 tsp minced jalapeno peppers
2 tbsp lime juice
1 lb avocados, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2 inch dice
salt
6 (6 inch) yellow corn tortillas
chili powder
6 tbsp crumbled queso fresco
6 cilantro sprigs
1 lime, cut into 6 wedges

Preparation
Heat oven to 400.  In a large bowl, mix together strawberries, jicama, cilantro, peppers and lime juice.  Add avocados, fold together gently.  Seasonw ith salt.  Arrange tortillas on oven rack in one layer.  Toast about 10 mins or until crips and starting to brown.  Mound 1 cup of strawberry mixture in center of each tortilla.  Sprinkle each tostada with chili powder  and 1 tbsp queso fresco.  Garnish with 1 cilantro sprig and lime wedge.

Nutrition Info:
Per Serving:
252 calories, 14 g fat, 5 mg cholestrerol, 63 mg sodium, 30 g carb, 8 g fiber and 5 g protein.

I'll be sure to post a photo when I find the jicama.  I've got two more stores to check.... then I may just have to sub in another ingredient or leave it out altogether.

There are so many wonderful recipes in this cookbook.   Roasted Pears with strawberry Relish, Strawberry shrimp Ceviche, Strawberry Shortcake Sliders,  Grilled Mahi-Mahi tacos with Strawberry Salsa, Strawberry Muddle Cocktails.  Good grief, I could go on all day long!

You will want to be sure to order your copy today!  You can get it sent to you or download it, so you have it right away!

Check out my delicious looking and tasting salad:

So, I in honor of Strawberry-liciousness, I made my favorite strawberry shakeology this morning!

 This cookbook is going to get a LOT of use!

Discussion:  Do you use fruit in non-traditional ways?  Such as strawberry nachos?  What is your best one?

That Chicken laid an egg!

We had a blast yesterday again.  Had a HUGE  breakfast and then hung out with the gang for a while before heading home.

Got home and the kids came over for swimming, food and Madelyn's fireworks!

 With Madelyn, we had to do our fireworks early and they had to be fairly noise-free or she would ask for her silk and bink!

 That chicken laid an egg!  This was Madelyn's favorite firework, she kept asking Daddy to do another chicken!

 Chase did a great job with the fireworks show!

 The big balloon!  Taking off!

 It's way up dere!

 

 Hanging in the back of the truck, giving plenty of orders!

FIT CLUB WORKOUT

I've already got my morning workout done, I LOVE working out in the mornings and having it over with!  I also love working out with friends - so tonight is Fit Club!  I'm thinking ChaLEAN Extreme is in order! Burn It Off and Recharge! It's a great, quick workout that gets the job DONE!

I've also started the July challenge - TODAY!  We are eating clean, 1 raw meal per day.  This means all kinds of goodness getting into our bodies!  Eating a raw food diet is one of my favorite ways to eat, but in the midwest, it is hard - unless it is in the summer months when there is an abundance of local, fresh foods available.  So, we are just focusing on eating one raw meal per day.

Raw vs. Cooked from Webmd.com

Medical literature on the raw food diet is scant. Research tends to focus vegetarianism and veganism and the health benefits of a plant-based diet, among them lower cholesterol and better glucose levels
.
A few studies do appear to back up the belief that cooking vegetables tends to kill important nutrients.
One showed that eating raw, cruciferous vegetables (such as cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale) may reduce the risk of bladder cancer. Researchers noted that cooking cruciferous vegetables robs them of their isothiocyanates, agents that alter proteins in cancer cells. They found that even a few helpings a month of raw crucifers seems to lower the risk.

Another study that reviewed findings of about 50 medical studies on the raw versus cooked debate showed that eating raw vegetables helps reduce the risk of oral, pharyngeal, laryngeal, esophageal, and gastric cancers.

So, you can make your own judgments and decide for yourself.  I know that when I eat more raw foods, I feel better, have tons of energy and typically lose a few lbs.

FIT CLUB RECIPE:
Gazpacho Andaluz from Ani's Raw Food Essentials

2 cups seeded and diced ripe tomato
1/4 c finely chopped spanish onion
1 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
1 cup peeled and chopped cucumber
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tbsp lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
1/4 tsp sea salt
2 cups filtered water

Place all ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well.  Chill for at least 30 mins before serving.

Discussion:  Do you eat many raw foods throughout the year?   Do you find one season easier to eat healthy?

Dig Deep!

It's Tuesday and we are going to dig deep at tonight's Fit Club!

FIT CLUB WORKOUT:

INSANITY - this is the first time I have offered Insanity at fit club, this workout is hard, but the group is up for it!  We are doing the best of Shaun T, and you can't have that month without Insanity!

I love the workout, but it is HARD!  If you are up for a truly challenging workout, Insanity is for you!  The first time I tried it, I couldn't get through the warm-up. I KNOW!

FIT CLUB RECIPE:

Shakeology Ice Cream by Tami French ( a fellow beachbody coach)

 Here is the recipe of the shakeology ice cream that I can't get enough of:

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup almond milk

1/4 cup coconut milk

1 tsp natural peanut butter

2 scoops of  Protein Powder (Vanilla)

1 scoop chocolate shakeology

mixed for a few seconds and then add a lot of ice to make it thick like soft serve ice cream.

Once it's the thickness you like scoop it into a bowl and top with a crunched Protein bar and shredded coconut! It's the best ever! Enjoy...


I'm heading out for a girls shopping day, I'm shopping for my dresses for Summit (the Beachbody Coaches convention).  Gonna be a good day!  I'll post tomorrow what I find!

rueben love

When I quit eating meat a long time ago, I cried because it meant no more rueben sandwiches.  Truly.  Not joking.....

But......

I made the BEST tempeh rueben sammy yesterday and I want to share it with you guys - that is just how much I like you all :)

First of all, get your tempeh.  I used 3 grain, but there are all kinds available.  It looks like a block and is shrink-wrapped.  I forgot to take a photo before I got it in the marinade.

I cut it the short way, but if you prefer cut it the long way - YOUR CHOICE!!

Then mix up the marinade:

I don't use measurements, just throw it in the pan.

bragg's liquid aminos or soy sauce
liquid smoke
lemon juice
chopped garlic
couple dashes of tabasco sauce
one dash of ume plum vinegar ( any kind of vinegar will do)

I like to marinate the tempeh for at least one hour.  Longer is usually better and a stronger flavor.

Then mix up your dressing:

veganaise (or mayo)
ketchup
dill pickle relish

When the tempeh is done marinating,  I put it and the marinade in a pan and just brown it.

Then you are ready for some sammy magic:

I like to toast the bread ( dark breads are my faves, but whatever you have on hand will work)
then a single layer of tempeh (don't be greedy here and eat it all at once, you will want a second sammy!!)

Pile on the sauerkraut and the dressing.

You could add some daiya or cheese if you want, but it really doesn't need it.  Try it both ways and let me know which way you like it better!

I ate the sammy before I took a photo, you'll just have to use your imagination!  I'll take one when I eat my second one!

Discussion:  Is there a food you don't eat anymore that you miss?  Have you tried to make a re-creation?  Did it work?

It's all about Shaun T!

Hey hey Hey!  It's Tuesday!!!

FIT CLUB WORKOUT:

May is all about Shaun T.  Yesterday was his birthday and we are celebrating tonight with a Hip Hop Abs workout!  Get ready to have some fun!  Dance away those lbs and inches!!

The plan for May is Hip Hop Abs, Rockin' Body, Insanity and Asylum.  One extreme to the other :)  I can not wait!

Looking at Shaun T certainly makes those workouts a little more fun!!

FIT CLUB RECIPE:

I've been having a lot of fun with my Shakeology lately.  Trying out some new recipes:

Twilight:
1 scoop chocolate shakeology
10 oz water ( I like mine thinner)
1 tsp vanilla
ice to taste

Cherry Monkey:
1 scoop chocolate shakeology
1/2 cup dark, sweet cherries ( I like to use frozen)
1/2 banana
8-10 oz water
splash of almond milk
ice to taste

Blueberry Dream Shakeology
1 scoop chocolate shakeology
8-10 oz water
splash of almond milk
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 banana
ice to taste

Shakeology Ice Cream
One of my favorites - recipe from Mike and Tami French:

1/2 cup water
1/2 cup almond milk
1/4 cup coconut milk ( or mimic creme)
1 tsp natural peanut butter or 2 tbsp PB2
2 scoops protein powder (vanilla, I love Sun Warrior brown rice protein)
1 scoop chocolate Shakeology

Mix for a few seconds and then add a lot of ice to make it thick like soft serve ice cream.  When it is the thickness you like, scoop into a bowl and top with shredded coconut, sliced almonds or even a crunched up protein bar!

Be sure to check out the May issue of  O Magazine for a great article about some of the healthy ingredients in Shakeology.  Great article and the best part, all the ingredients are IN Shakeology!! 

  

Fit Club Tuesday!

Good Tuesday!  That means another Fit Club!  I love Tuesdays, I get to workout with my friends!  There is nothing better than getting healthy together!

Remember that we are at my house for the next month or so.  I'll be finding another location soon, but in the meantime......

Fit Club Workout: 

We are doing the BEST OF CHALENE JOHNSON this month!  We've TurboFire'd, Chalean Extreme'd and Turbo Jam'd.  So tonight we will be mixing it all up!  I'm thinking a little Jam first and then some abs (CE) and stretch (TF).  I think we can work all 3 in tonight!

Fit Club Recipe:

Strawberry Salad with marinated tofu

I LOVE strawberry salads.  I make them frequently and they are so easy and I can change them up according to what I have on hand.  Plus, they are so pretty!

This one is mixed greens, red onion, sliced almonds, strawberries and mandarin oranges (canned, drained).

Marinated tofu:

I used the cubed tofu, drained.

in a shallow bowl (pie plate works great too), I added bragg's liquid amino's, liquid smoke, chopped garlic, chopped onion, couple drops of tobasco sauce, dash of lemon juice.  Put the tofu in the bowl, pour the sauce over it and make sure all of it is covered.  Stir several times and leave it for at least an hour. 

When the tofu is marinated to your liking, you can bake it or saute it.  I sauteed mine.  I put a little bit of olive oil in the pan and then dumped the whole tofu and marinade in the pan.  I cooked it until the liquid was gone.

I put that on top of the strawberry salad and then used a balsamic dressing on top of that!

Equal parts balsamic vinegar and olive oil.  Add spices to your liking.

Then eat and enjoy!

So YUMMY!

Discussion:  Do you like  to mix up your workouts?

Best of Chalene Month!

It's another Fit Club Tuesday!  I love Tuesday's when we get together to exercise and share health and fitness tips!  It's so much fun to sweat together!

This month we are doing the BEST of Chalene!!!  Last week was TurboFire and this week will be ChaLEAN Extreme Burn it off!  and Recharge!  Can't wait!

If you are in the area, please check out my Fit Club!  6:30 PM at my house, see you there!

I'm still doing the ChaLEAN Extreme/TurboFire rotation.  This is the best of both worlds.  Weights and Turbo!  My dream workout!  Have you found your "soul mate" workout?  I tell you it makes a huge difference when you do. I can't wait to do my workout, look forward to it and I get upset if I miss one!

If you are looking for free fitness coaching, accountability, motivation and a chance to win fun prizes for working out, please sign up for your free account on my website. 

Fit Club Recipe:

I had a GREAT strawberry salad yesterday and decided to look for a recipe similar to share with you all.  I found this one in my cookbook collection:

Spinach and Strawberry Salad - Paula Deen (Paula Deen Celebrates)

1 10-12 oz pkg baby spinach, washed and dried
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1 pint strawberries, hulled and quartered
1/2 med cucumber, peeled, seeded and finely diced

Dressing:
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp white wine vinegar
1/3 c sugar
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp poppy seeds

1.  In a large salad bowl, toss together the spinach, almonds, strawberries and cucumber.  In a small glass dish or jar with a tight fitting lid, combine the emon juice, vinegar, sugar, oil and poppy seeds.  Whisk in the glass dish or shake if using a jar.

2. Dress the salad right before serving.

Serves 8-10

Discussion:  Have you found your soulmate workout yet?  If so, what is it?

a recipe for popcorn?

It's another Tuesday and that means another Fit Club night!  I love these nights, it is a time to get together with friends and workout.  Nothing better than that!!! 

We are still at my house for now.  I am looking for another location, but luckily, the basement is a great place to hold these workouts! 

We are doing Rev Abs!  I like these workouts, Bret Hoebel is a great trainer and he's easy on the eyes as well!!  That makes it even more fun!

I am hooked on popcorn these days.  It's a great snack and since I have a hard time getting all my B12 in, I have been sprinkling it with nutritional yeast.  YUM!

Pop your popcorn your favorite way, but keep in mind that air-popping is the healthiest option.  If you are using the microwave, put your popcorn in a brown paper bag and pop.  It works great!

When you pull the popcorn out, put in bowl and sprinkle with nutritional yeast (you can use Earth Balance or olive oil if you want).  I also like to use Garlic Gold or Parma Chipotle.

Enjoy!!!

It's no joke!

It's a Fit Club Tuesday again! Yippee Skippee!! 
We are focusing on Rev Abs this month, so all is good!  These workouts are no joke!!

Trainer Brett Hoebel is one of the newest  trainers on The Biggest Loser!  He is so cute and the workouts are so effective!  I hope you will join us if you are local.  Fit Club is now being held at my house, so email, facebook or twitter me for an address!  7 PM and it's free to attend!!

If you have been wanting to try Shakeology, please let me know.  I have Chocolate samples available to mail out.  I only request that you sign up for a free account on my website!  This is amazing stuff.  Check it out on my shakeology website and let me know if you want a sample!  YUMMY GOODNESS!!!

Fit Club Recipe:
We are getting ready to go on a little vacay, so I have been busy getting things ready.  One of the things I can not do without is HOT MUSTARD.  I LOVE mustard!  I can eat it on anything :)  I love making my own so I know that I am getting good ingredients!!!

HOT MUSTARD:
from my mother-in-law, Judy!

4 oz. dry mustard (Coleman's brand is best)
1 cup vinegar  ( I use apple cider vinegar)

Mix together and let stand overnight

Next day:

2 whole eggs (whisked)
dash salt
1 c sugar (I use sucanat)

Add to the mustard/vinegar mix and cook in a double boiler until it thickens (about 10 mins).

Let cool and then refigerate.

ENJOY! 

Oh and be sure to check out my amazon store - you can find all my favorite products there!!  Please give me some feedback so that I can add any other products you have seen me talk about!  I LOVE feedback and comments!!  I didn't know I could do that, it is pretty cool!

Discussion:  Is there a food you can't live without?

Rev up your abs! Fit Club Tuesday!

Wow, it's March already!  It's been such a busy Feb that it seems to me it just flew by!

The weather here in Feb was CRAZY, 20+ inches of snow, cold, 70 degree days and tornado warnings.  Nothing like living in Missouri.  You get all kinds of weather, usually in the same week!

With a new month, comes a new challenge,  be sure to hop on over to the message boards and check out the March - be blessed challenge!  We are thankful for all things in our lives.....  We have all kinds of topics on the boards, post away!  I love to get good conversations going!!

Fit Club Tuesday!

A few changes are happening at fit club!  We are NOT at the Community Center anymore, for now, we are back at my house. This is just until I find a new location!!!

Tonight's workout is REV ABS!  Brett Hoebel is the newest Biggest Loser Trainer and we have his Beachbody workout for March!  This is a good workout and you will get results!  I am on week 2 of the workout and am enjoying it!!

RevAbs™ - Your 90-Day Ab Solution

Rev it up with RevAbs™. This brand-new ab system is specifically designed to burn off the fat and give you a six-pack in just 90 days. Trainer Brett Hoebel teaches you to work your abs from six different angles, and to engage your abdominal muscles throughout your entire workout.


Here's what you get:


9 Workouts on 7 DVDs:

Abcentrics and How To Capoeira. Rev up your results by firing your abs throughout every workout, and learn Capoeira moves for full-body fat burning. (Approx. 35 min.)

Fire Up Your Abs. Calorie-scorching cardio combined with Brett's Six-Pack, the ab circuit that works your core from 6 different angles. (Approx. 40 min.)

Power Intervals. High-intensity cardio with intervals of lower-body resistance moves designed to rev up your metabolism, melt belly fat, sculpt lean legs, firm the glutes, and work your abs—all at the same time. (Approx. 30 min.)

Total Strength. Works all your muscles to build a lean, hard body and get rid of ab flab. (Approx. 45 min.)

Mercy Abs. The mightiest little ab workout you'll ever experience. (Approx. 15 min.)

Fat-Burning Abs. A fired-up routine of new ab and cardio combinations that burn fat fast. (Approx. 40 min.)

Power Intervals 2. Even more revved-up cardio and lower-body resistance moves to firm your booty and torch belly fat. (Approx. 30 min.)

Strength & Endurance. Build definition in your abs and everywhere else for a rock-hard body to match your rock-hard core. (Approx. 30 min.)

Merciless Abs. A fast and efficient shredding routine that makes your abs pop. (Approx. 15 min.)

You also get these tools:

RevGuide, filled with Brett's personal training tips and motivational secrets

Nutrition Guide, developed by a nutritionist with complete, customizable meal plans to fuel your body while losing fat

RevAbs Wall Calendar, which lets you know exactly what to do throughout the program, and helps you stay motivated by tracking your progress

Plus, get these 4 FREE bonus gifts to keep you motivated:

Rev It Up Cardio, an extra workout DVD with more fat-burning Capoeira moves

Anytime, Anywhere Abs, a guide to working your abdominals when you're away from home

Professional Fat Caliper, to measure your body fat before and after your RevAbs transformation

Plus FREE Online Support, to get 24-hour access to the RevAbs Web site, where you can chat with Brett and other fitness experts, and meet other RevAbs customers.

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee




Since it is National Pancake Day today, here is a recipe for healthy pancakes:

Blueberry Pancakes - Dr. Neal Barnard The Get Healthy, Go Vegan cookbook


2/3 cup all purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
2/3 cup plus 1 tbsp soy milk
1/2 cup fresh blueberries
vegetable oil cooking spry

1.  Mix the flour, salt and baking powder in a metal bowl.  Add the soy milk to dry ingredients and mix until wel combined.  Stir in the blueberries

2.  Spray a skillet with cooking spray nd warm over medium heat.

3.  Using a 1/3 cup measuring cup, pour the batter into skillet.  When the top bubbles and is mostly firm, flip pancakes over and cook for another 1 - 1 1/2 mins.  Repeat with the rest of the batter, if you are not able to fit all four pancakes in the same skillet.

Top with pure maple syrup!!  YUM!  Enjoy!


Discussion:  Are you watching this season of The Biggest Loser?  What do you think about the new trainers?

Get outta my mind!

We went out to eat with friends this week and one of them got chicken pot pie.  It looked and smelled so good and I could NOT get it out of my mind.  So I went online and found this great vegan pot pie recipe.  I changed it up some, used frozen mixed veggies (carrots, green beans, peas, and corn), used real onions, added in some Italian herbed garlic and regular garlic and  added in some Chick'n from Morningstar Farms and used veggie stock.  I also cooked it in the oven instead of the crock pot. It was sooo yummy!

Another thing I can NOT get out of my mind.  Mustard. I have a love/love relationship with it!  Right now my favorite is:

I've been putting it on everything. 

Brian and I did Power 90 1-2 Sculpt this morning.  I love it when he works out with me.  It doesn't happen very often, so I am sure to take advantage of it when I can!

Today things are going good, checking things off my to-do list like crazy.  I'm reading Go For No and I love it!  You have to check this one out!


It's a quick read, but VERY powerful!  I'm almost finished with it and I started it last
night.  Brian is going to read it next!












Discussion:  Is there something you can NOT get out of your head?

High and tight!

It's another Tuesday and we have anothe FIT CLUB!!!  I love getting together with friends and working out, it really makes it so much more fun!

FIT CLUB WORKOUT:  Brazil Butt Lift - Cardio Axe & High and Tight

Brazil Butt Lift®



Trainer to world-famous supermodels, Leandro Carvalho combines Brazilian dance, cardio, and his own signature lower-body sculpting moves to lift, firm, and shape your behind for a rear view you've only dreamed about.


Exclusive new Leandro's Secret Weapon BONUS Brazil Butt Lift® workout! Available on Team Beachbody®.  If you purchase your Brazil Butt Lift through my website, or your team beachbody account,  you get the bonus workout!


CARDIO AXE: Feel like you're dancing in the streets of Brazil with Leandro's signature axe (pronounced "ah-shay"), a fat-burning, cardio-blasting, dance-based workout that delivers all-over slimming results fast. (30 min.)

HIGH & TIGHT: Focus on all those stubborn trouble zones: the hips, glutes, and saddlebags. Leandro uses his secret weapons—the Booty Resistance Band and ankle weights—to lift your butt to new heights. (35 min.)

FIT CLUB RECIPE:
 
 
Baba Ganoush

Team Beachbody Kitchen

2 small eggplants (about 6 to 8 inches long)
3 Tbsp. tahini (sesame paste)
1 lemon
1 clove garlic
1/4 tsp. salt

Broil eggplant until top is blackened. Then rotate 1/4 turn and repeat until all four sides are blackened. Scoop out the insides and discard skin. Juice the lemon. Mince the garlic. Add garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and salt to the eggplant and mix. Water may be added to desired consistency.

 
Discussion:  Do you enjoy working out by yourself or with friends?

Fit Club Tuesday!

This is a special Fit Club Tuesday!  This is the LAST Fit Club of 2010!!  We are going out with a BANG!

Me and Leah at the P90X video tryouts in Oct!!

Missouri Team Beachbody Event

Tuesday, December 28
7:00pm - 9:00pm

Carl Junction Community Center
303 N. Main ∙ Carl Junction, MO

Join us to learn how Beachbody, the creator of the popular fitness programs — P90X, Insanity, Brazil Butt Lift, Slim in 6, Turbo Jam, Power 90, Hip Hop Abs, and Shakeology "The Healthiest Meal of the Day" — is reversing the obesity epidemic.

7 PM - Team Beachbody Business Briefing Leah Reding will share information about Beachbody's amazing fitness programs, nutritional supplements, support community and incredible business opportunity.

8 PM - P90X Workout   Dana Moritz will lead us all in a fun workout from P90X. We will be doing Cardio X.  This is a great overview of all the cardio workouts and yoga!  LOVE IT!  Please come in comfortable workout clothes, with towel and bottle of water.

8: 45 PM - Shakeology Tasting  This ultra-premium health shake provides antioxidants to fight free radicals, a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals, prebiotics and enzymes for better digestive health, and 15 grams of protein to keep you full—all in 140 calories. Replacing just one meal with a Greenberry or Chocolate shake can help you achieve optimal health, increase your energy, and lose weight.

Contact Information:
Dana Moritz 417.434.4871 dana@missourifitclub.com
Leah Redling 402.610.6447 leah@bigredgym.com

Decide. Commit. Succeed.
There is only 3 days left for the FREE Beachbody coach signups.  We need YOUR help!  Get fit physically and financially and help others to do the same!  Let's ALL work TOGETHER to end this trend of obesity!  JOIN NOW! 
 

 
FIT CLUB RECIPE: 
 
Since the weather is so stinkin' cold everywhere, soup is on my mind.  This is a GREAT recipe that is made with things from the fridge!  Enjoy!
 
Rustic Vegetable Soup - Quinoa 365:  The Everyday Superfood by Patricia Green and Carolyn Hemming
 
1 tbsp butter ( I use Earth Balance)
4 cups chopped white button mushrooms ( can use a any type)
3/4 cup diced Spanish onion
3/4 cup halved and thinly sliced leek (white part only)
1/2 cup diced celery
1 tsp minced fresh garlic
1/2 tsp salt
4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
3/4 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup diced zucchini
1/4 cup quinoa
2 tsp minced fresh basil or 1/2 tsp dried
freshly ground black pepper (optional)
 
Melt the butter in a large saucepan on medium heat.  Saute the mushroom, onlin, leek, celery, garlic and salt until the begetables have softened, about 12 mins
 
Add the stock, carrots, zucchini, quinoa and basil and bring to a boil.  Reduce to a simmer,  cover and cook for 20 mins.  Season with pepper (if using) and serve.
 
I like this with a good crusty bread or cornbread.  Enjoy!
 
 
 
 

Wrapping it up!

I have been busy the last couple of days, trying to get everything ready for Christmas.  Gifts are purchased, wrapping has begun.  I have 5 more presents to wrap and then I'm DONE!  Several years ago, much to the kids dismay, I started using brown wrapping paper and putting beautiful ribbon on the packages.  Now the kids are used to it and I think it really makes the tree look so pretty!

However, my wrapping station doesn't look quite so pretty!!

I actually think I am feeling a little Christmas spirit today!  I'm getting excited!  My family is coming!!!!!

The Christmas meal has been planned and today I am going to brave the crowds and get the last few items I need.  The thought of the grocery store today is almost more than I can stand.  But stand it I will!  I'm going to go with a good attitude and plenty of time!  A HUGE smile on my face.  I may even take a video LOL!!! 

Yesterday was a great day.  I got some things done in the morning, my favorite girl went to lunch with me (we took her mom too!), met Grumpy and a friend and then I had a little girlfriend time while Brian was working.  We then went shopping and ran a few errands and ended up at the Mexican place for some guacamole and a margarita! 

We both feel like we are fighting a cold or something, so we called it a night and came home to veg out a little.  Top Chef anyone?  I love that show.  I also loved that the vegetarian dish was the winner! 

It sounds sooo good!
African Groundnut Soup

by Carla Hall

Ingredients:

Spice Mixture
3 tablespoons cumin (ground)
1 1/4 tablespoons coriander (ground)
5 tablespoons chermoula spice blend
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, combine the cumin, coriander, cayenne and chermoula. Set
aside.

Broth & Potatoes
3 tablespoons cold-pressed peanut oil
3 large onions, roughly chopped
1 bulb garlic, peeled and smashed
6” ginger, peeled and sliced 1/4”
1 28-ounce can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes (can)
4 quarts vegetable stock
2 fresh bay leaves
3 pounds sweet potatoes
Cold-pressed peanut oil, to toss
Sea salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup peanut butter, fresh and unsalted
1 pound Adzuki beans, cooked in water with 2 bay leaves until tender
2 poblano peppers, roasted peeled and diced
3 red peppers, roasted peeled and diced
10 plum tomatoes, roasted peeled and diced
1 bunch parsley
1 bunch mint
Lime zest, to taste
1 cup peanuts (salted & roasted), roughly chopped
1/4 cup sea salt
1 lime wedge per serving, juiced per serving

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

2. Heat large pot on high heat. Pour in peanut oil, and then add onions. Sauté for 4-
5 minutes, then add garlic and ginger. Reduce heat to medium and continue to cook
until soft and translucent, another 10 minutes.

3. Sprinkle in half of spice mixture, salt to taste and stir until mixed well. Pour in
crushed fire-roasted tomatoes, stock and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then simmer
for at least 1 hour. Strain broth, then puree solids with 2-3 cups of broth until very
smooth. Strain through fine strainer.

4. While broth is simmering, reserve 2 sweet potatoes for garnish and dice
remaining potatoes into 1/4” pieces. Toss in peanut oil, salt and pepper, and roast
in 425 degree oven until just tender. Set aside to cool.

5. Place peanut butter into medium bowl and slowly whisk in 1-2 cups of broth until
mixture is smooth. Pour mixture back into pot with broth.

6. Toss together cooked beans, sweet potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, parsley and
mint. Season with salt, spice mixture and lime zest to taste.

Assembly:

1. In shallow bowl, pour broth, then spoon vegetable mixture into the center.
Garnish with chopped peanuts, lime juice, lime salt (zest of 2 limes mixed with ¼
cup Malden sea salt), and sweet potato chips. (Cut whole sweet potatoes into ½“
thick pieces. Use peeler to make thin ribbons. Fry in 300 degree canola oil. Salt to
taste.)

Discussion:  What is your favorite family Christmas tradition?

Fit Club Tuesday - Body Gospel Edition!

It's another Tuesday Fit Club!  I love Tuesdays and getting to share health and fitness with everyone!  LOVE IT!

FIT CLUB WORKOUT:

Body Gospel:

I love this workout.  It is not a super hard workout, but it is a HUGE calorie burner.  When I got to meet Donna Richardson-Joyner, I absolutely loved her.  I felt like we had known each other for years!  She was so sweet and took her time chatting with me. 

The inspirational Body Gospel workouts, set to chart-topping gospel music, combine the power of your faith with your desire to lose weight and get fit.

Body Gospel is a comprehensive fitness program that connects the power of your faith with your desire to lose weight and get fit. It includes fat-burning cardio workouts set to uplifting gospel music, muscle-firming resistance bands, and a complete nutrition plan created by inspirational fitness expert Donna Richardson Joyner to help you transform your body, mind, and spirit.


Order now and get Donna's 3-Day Jump-Start Plan to help you lose up to 3 pounds and 3 inches in just 3 days—guaranteed!

6 glorious workouts for a slimmer body and stronger spirit


Body Revival  Lift your spirit, slim your body, and feel energized all day long with this calorie-blasting cardio workout. (Approx. 35 mins.)

Power & Praise  Tone and define your muscles while you burn fat in this interval training workout that uses Donna's specially designed resistance bands. (Approx. 35 mins.)

Gospel Glory  Shrink your hips and thighs and flatten your tummy with this advanced body-slimming cardio workout. (Approx. 45 mins.)

Strength & Spirit  Sculpt and tone your body from head to toe. You'll alternate between strength and cardio training for maximum fat and calorie burning. (Approx. 55 mins.)

Core Revelation  Lose those love handles and define your abs while slimming and trimming your thighs and backside at the same time. (Approx. 20 mins.)

Stretch in the Spirit  Increase your flexibility, reduce stress, and breathe new life into your healthy temple. (Approx. 10 mins.)

Tools for tracking your progress

Total Transformation Guide  Track your progress with a 30-day workout calendar and inspiration journal, and read daily scripture to help strengthen your faith in God and yourself.

Feed Your Body, Feed Your Soul Nutrition Guide:  Lose weight, stay satisfied, and have more energy with Donna's delicious and filling recipes for meals and snacks.

Body Gospel Basic 10 Training Cards  Get a quick workout on the go—anytime, anyplace.

Body Gospel Bands  Sculpt and define long, lean muscles with these pro-grade resistance bands.

24/7 Online Access  Get training, nutrition tips, and amazing support from Donna and the Body Gospel community.

Plus 3 FREE Gifts

Bonus Workout – Stepping in the Spirit  Enjoy an inspirational walking workout set to uplifting gospel hits. (Approx. 20 mins.)

3-Day Jump-Start Plan  Lose up to 3 pounds and 3 inches in just 3 days with this safe yet effective quick-start program.


Bonus Workout – Body Gospel LIVE!  With this energetic, fun-filled workout to a live gospel choir, you'll be sweating in the spirit in no time! (Approx. 30 mins.)

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee  You have 30 days to try Body Gospel for yourself. If you don't get the results you want, simply return it within 30 days for a full refund of the purchase price (less s&h)—no questions asked. But keep the 3-Day Jump-Start Plan, Stepping in the Spirit, and Body Gospel LIVE! as Donna's gifts.

Consult your physician and follow all safety instructions before beginning any exercise program.

Body Gospel Bands contain natural rubber latex, which may cause allergic reactions.




FIT CLUB RECIPE:

Chocolate Shakeology Pie

2 scoops Chocolate Shakeology
1 container tofu, silken or firm (approx 12 oz)
1/2 cup natural peanut butter
2 Tbsp. milk (skim, soy, almond, rice)
1 premade pie crust (whole-grain or graham cracker)

Preparation:

Place peanut butter, tofu, Chocolate Shakeology and milk in blender; blend until smooth and creamy, adding a bit more milk if necessary.  Pour into pie crust and refrigerate until firm, atleast 1 hour.

Chocolate Mocha Mousse

1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology
1 TBSP instant coffee
1/4 cup blueberries
2 egg whites
1/2 cup water

Preparation:

Mix water, blueberries, 1 scoop of Chocolate Shakeology and instant coffee in a blender.  Beat egg whites (with a whisk or electric beater) until stiff.  Fold chocolate mixture slosly into egg whites, keeping as light and airy as possible.  Pour into a small bowl, garnish with more blueberries and eat with a spoon (Serves 1)

There are so MANY recipes for Shakeology.  If you want to have yours in time to start Jan. 1st.  You MUST order today!  Last day to order to guarantee delivery by 1/1/11. This goes for any Beachbody order.  Head over to Missouri Fit Club to get your fitness program started on Jan. 1.  I will be there to help you on your health journey!

Merry Christmas to me!  This just came today!  Can't wait to get started reading it, but alas, gifts MUST be wrapped!

Discussion:  What do you REALLY want for Christmas this year?

I dip, you dip, we dip!

It's that time of year, lots of parties and fun going on. This means that we are eating and drinking and having fun!  That is always good, but how do you balance that out with your healthy eating plans? 

I like to make my party treats a little healthier so I can enjoy the same things as everyone else, but have a little less guilt!

One of my favorite treats is Pretzel Crisps.  I love these!  They are tasty, have less calories than other chips and are great for dipping!  They are always a hit at our parties!

The everything flavor is my favorite, but they are all GREAT!  I like that the crisps are sturdy enough to withstand the dips!  I don't like the chips that break off.  If I'm going for it, I want a full dip!

I like to use the Knorr Vegetable Spinach dip recipe, but I have tweaked it a little.  I use tofu and veganaise instead of the sour cream and the mayo.  It tastes so good and no one knows the difference.  Hummus and crisps are also another one of my favorites.

There are so many great sounding recipes from Pretzel Crisps at their website.  Head over and check them out. 

CRANBERRY HOLIDAY DIP

- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- zest of one orange
- 2 tablespoons orange juice concentrate
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Blend first five ingredients with mixer until well mixed and “fluffy.” Stir in cranberries and pecans. Refrigerate at least 1 hour. Can be rolled into a log or ball and coated with additional chopped pecans before refrigerating for more decorative serving. Serve with Pretzel Crisps®.

I love the pairing ideas.  I love having soy cream cheese and the salmon on the everything crisp.  So tasty!  Hummus with some olive tapenade on the original is good, salsa is also another good option.  The options are endless, so be sure to use these in your next party!
 
I definitely think I'm going to have to try these bad boys:
 

 
 
I buy the big bag from Sam's, but the wonderful Pretzel Crisp people provided me with the sample bags shown above for a review.
 
Check out Pretzel Crisps on facebook and twitter.