30-Day Paleo Challenge: Day 4

I typically find that if I can make it past the third day, when it comes to any food challenge, it seems to become somewhat easier.  It's probably all mental though, but I can truly say that most of my cravings are completely gone by this point.  I even made my white chocolate macadamia nut scones recipe last night. (For Jeff, of course.  I can't have him starve while I'm out of town).  I'm also currently in the process of making Monster Reese's Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies.  The old me would have sampled some of the batter by now.......ok, when I say some, I really mean sampled quite a bit.  However, I'm completely determined this time to change how I eat, so I can honestly, and proudly say, that I didn't even lick the little bit of batter that got on my finger.  Instead, I used a napkin and wiped it off.  I even turned down a donut from my favorite store at school today.  Now I know that that may not sound like a big deal to most of you, but you have no idea how much I LOVE sweets!  I get it from my dad.  Thanks dad!

Needless to say, I had another successful day following my meal plan for the week!  I'm currently feeling great, health wise, and even though I haven't been able to exercise yet, (I can't wait until I can) I've already noticed that my pants fit a little better, and according to my measuring tape, I've lost a couple inches around my legs, waist and hips!  That's definitely motivation to keep going!

Menu for Day 4:

Breakfast: 4 oz. chicken and 1/2 avocado
Lunch: Leftover stir fry from day 3
Snack: 7 thin slices deli ham (Oscar Meyer) and a handful of macadamia nuts
Dinner: Turkey burger, 1/2 avocado, spinach

I DID NOT EAT!  THEY ARE DEFINITELY NOT A PART OF THE CHALLENGE, THEY ARE NOT HEALTHY, AND THEY WERE NOT FOR ME!  (Although I'm sure they're delicious and was informed that they were)

Monster Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies
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Ingredients: Makes about

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 ¼ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup peanut butter
2 eggs, room temperature
1 tsp. vanilla
½ cup old fashioned oats
½ cup peanut butter chips
½ cup milk chocolate chips
Reese’s Pieces mini candies (1 bag)
Reese’s Pieces (normal size)

Directions:

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.  Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together, on a medium-high speed, until fluffy, the butter, sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter.  Add the eggs, one at a time, until well combined.  Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.  Pour in the vanilla, and combine.

With the mixer set to a low speed, slowly pour in the dry ingredient, and mix until just combined.  It is important not to over beat.  Using a wooden spoon, stir in the oats, peanut butter and chocolate chips, plus the whole bag of Reese’s Pieces mini candies.  Refrigerate the dough for 20-30 minutes.  While the dough is chilling, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat, or parchment paper.

Using the wooden spoon, scoop out about three TBSP. worth of dough and place it on the prepared baking sheet.  Press down the dough down until it’s in a disc shape, about ½ inch to 1 inch thick.  Add on, and press down a handful of normal size Reese’s Pieces.  Bake, six at a time, for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn a nice golden brown.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before transferring the cookies.  Enjoy with a tall glass of milk!

 

 

Source: Slightly adapted from Lemon-Sugar

30-Day Paleo Challenge: Day 3

Once a month at school, I'm in charge of organizing a 6th grade teacher luncheon.  This gathering is a celebration for anyone on our hallway whose birthday happened to be that month.  Honestly though, it's really just a nice, relaxing time to all get together and enjoy each others company (we're usually incredibly busy, and always have students' in our classrooms, even at lunch). 

When the time arrived, I was a little nervous.  Obviously, having very recently changed my eating habits, I really thought that the variety of food was going to present a challenge.  The reason I felt this way was because I knew what people usually liked to bring.  Luckily though, I planned ahead and made this month's luncheon a build your own salad.  Therefore, when it came time to eat, I was so good!  I completely stuck to the meal plan I created and wasn't even tempted by the cupcakes, breads, soda, etc. that was laid out on the table. 

So here's how today looked for me.......

Menu for Day 3:

Breakfast: Western Omelet
Lunch: Leftover Spinach Fajita Salad
Snack: 100 Calorie Pack of Emeralds Almonds, 2 Slices Canadian Bacon
Dinner: Chicken Stir Fry (with Broccoli, Red and Green Peppers, Garlic)

Overall, I had absolutely no sweet cravings today!  I even passed out a whole bunch of chocolate pieces to my students, as a reward.  They didn't even look appealing.  Now that's progress, at least for me! 

 

Western Omelet
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Ingredients:

4 eggs – 2 whole, 2 egg whites only
¼ tsp. chili powder
3 slices Canadian bacon, cut into pieces
¼ cup, combination of red and green peppers, chopped
5-6 pieces of baby spinach, chopped (I just tore with my hands)
Black pepper for garnish

Directions:
Combine the eggs and the chili powder in a small bowl and whisk together. 

Spray a small skillet with PAM olive oil, place over a medium-low heat, and pour in the eggs.  Once the eggs begin to cook, choose a side and add on the Canadian bacon, peppers, and spinach.  Using a spatula, flip the half of the egg mixture without the ingredients, onto the side containing the ingredients.  This will seal them in.  After allowing the omelet to cook for about 1 minute on the one side, use a spatula and flip the omelet over to the other side.  Allow to cook for about another minute, and then transfer to a plate.  Garnish with some fresh black pepper and enjoy!

30-Day Paleo Challenge: Day 2

                                                        I have not gone hungry yet!

Day 2 was another successful day of Paleo eating!  In fact, I actually cut out a portion of the snack I'd planned for, due to the fact that I wasn't hungry.  Other then that, I stuck to the original meal plan I'd created.  Now, if I could just add exercise back into my routine, I'd be ecstatic!  Unfortunately though, after a long day at school, and a lot of walking around, my leg injury seems to be acting up again.  I find it to be somewhat discouraging, but ultimately I'm not giving up hope that it'll feel better soon.

Cravings: The unhealthy food cravings were a little less intense today, but I'll admit that wanted some tortilla chips, with cheese, when I arrived home from school.  This use to be my typical snack, (I love cheese) but I'm hoping that after a few days the cravings will be gone.  Instead of snacking, I turned my attention to gum!  Specifically, Extras Mint Chocolate Chip gum, which I swear is a lifesaver!

Menu for Day 2:

Breakfast: Apple Cinnamon Chicken Hash
Lunch: 1 1/2 - 2 cups, leftover Pork Loin with Veggies
Snack: 2 oz. shredded chicken with 100 calorie pack of almonds
Dinner: Rotisserie chicken, steamed broccoli, spinach salad with sunflower seeds and a tsp. of  balsamic vinegar

Apple Cinnamon Chicken Hash
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Ingredients:

1 tsp. olive oil
4-5 oz. leftover chicken (shredded)
1 granny smith apple
2 tsp. cinnamon
Dash of nutmeg
1-2 tsp. water

Directions:

Head the olive oil in a medium saucepan and add in the leftover chicken.  Slice the apple into thin strips and add to the chicken in the saucepan.  Sprinkle in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and water.  Stir around until well combined, cover, and cook on a low-medium heat until the apples become tender.  Make sure to continue to stir frequently, so that the food doesn’t burn to the bottom of the pan.  The process only takes a matter of a few minutes.  Serve warm!

Source: Heavily adapted from The Paleo Solution: The Original Human Diet

30-Day Paleo Challenge: Day 1

I hope that you don't mind, but I'm going to stray away from food for just a few minutes and talk about something else.  I know that I haven't posted in awhile, even though I swore I'd get better about it, but lately it's been one injury after another.  The latest one actually had me on crutches for about a week.  In fact, I literally just stopped using them today, but am unfortunately still in some pain.  Being injured is incredibly frustrating, especially to me, because I know that I'm addicted to exercise, and honestly, these injuries have kept me from wanting to do much else. 

However, after a lot of procrastinating, I've finally decided that something needs to change!  I'm tired of not feeling like my normal, perky self (I've put back on quite a bit of weight, and have definitely been eating unhealthy) and I'm sick of coming up with excuse after excuse as to why I've been being unhealthy......"I'll just have one bite," "I'll start eating healthy again tomorrow," "I'll go out for a run later," etc.  Therefore, I'm officially declaring that I'm ready for a change, and I know that it has to happen internally, before it can happen externally. 

"Just because you don't see results after a day, or even a week, don't give up.  You may not see changes, but every smart choice you make is affecting you in ways you'd never imagined." - I couldn't say it better myself.

So, with that being said, I'll let you know that I've completed diets in the past, and found one that actually worked for me and that I could stick to.  While I was following that diet, I lost a total of 45 pounds and managed to keep it off for quite a few years.  Even today, I can say that I've not gained all the weight back; which means that I'm not looking for an extreme diet, but rather a healthy lifestyle to live by.  This is why, very recently, I came to the decision that I would start to eat Paleo.  Before settling though, I wanted to gather more information about what exactly this meant. 

Therefore, I decided to ask a good friend of mine, because I remembered her saying that she recently took part in a 30-day Paleo challenge at her gym.  When I questioned her about it, she happily informed me that during those 30 days, she lost a total of 15 pounds and is currently feeling great!  After being inspired and listening to what she had to say, I decided that this was definitely the way to go!  It sounded very much like what I'd hope to accomplish.  Needless to say, I immediately hopped on Amazon and ordered the book, The Paleo Solution: The Original Human Diet. 

Now I just had to wait.......but while I waited, I began looking up paleo recipes.  This way I could get an idea of exactly what I was in for.

To my surprise, the book arrived yesterday! (after only two days!)  I was so excited that I immediately opened it and started glancing through, and reading some of the different sections.  I also set up and created a weekly meal plan to follow, because I knew I'd want to start eating Paleo as soon as possible.  I must be a little crazy though, because today marks my 1st day going paleo, and next week starts my spring break.  Oh well, what is life without challenges and obstacles.  I also know that if I can stay strong over spring break, then nothing can stop me!

So here's how DAY 1 went.......Honestly, the food I prepared was delicious, and definitely filling.  However, I can't lie......I did have strong cravings for sweets and chips; pretty much all things that are considered bad and definitely not Paleo.  I didn't cave though and even though it was an especially difficult day.  (I had to make a 1/2-sheet cake for a birthday party, my second job).  Jeff was such a good sport, and gladly volunteered to be my taste tester.  Thanks hun!

Menu for DAY 1:

Breakfast: 3 slices Canadian bacon
                 3 scrambled eggs (2 whites, 1 whole) + 1/4 tsp. black pepper
Lunch: Chicken fajita salad
Snack: 2 oz. chicken, 1/2 avocado
Dinner: Crock Pot Pork Loin with Veggies

Crock Pot Pork Loin with Veggies
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Ingredients:

3 lb. lean pork loin
1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
2 + cups sliced zucchini
4 cups chopped cauliflower florets
1 Tbsp. basil
1 Tbsp. Oregano
Dash of pepper

Directions:

Place all the ingredients into a crock pot, cover, and cook on low for 6-7 hours.  Serve warm and enjoy!  This recipe will definitely make enough for leftovers to be used later on during the week.

Source: Adapted from The Paleo Solution: The Original Human Diet

Cheesy Cheese Bombs

How can a recipe ever go wrong when cheese is involved?  Well that's simple......it can't.  There's just something about the gooey texture of warm, melted cheese that's incredibly addicting.  And don't even get me started on how wonderful burnt cheese is......yummmmm......burnt cheese...........Ok, ok, I just need a minute to wipe the drool from the corner of my mouth and then I'll continue.

So where was I?  Oh yes....cheese bombs. 

These cheese bombs are super easy to make, especially when you're short on time and looking for a little snack, a good appetizer, or even a meal.  In addition to being easy, cheese bombs don't require a lot of ingredients.  However, you could choose to stuff the bombs with other ingredients, ultimately making them your very own.  Ingredient ideas that I plan to try out one day are: chopped green and red peppers, ham, sausage, etc.  The possibilities really are endless. 

Cheese Bombs
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Ingredients:

1 container Pillsbury Grands Flaky Layers Biscuits
1 package mozzarella cheese, cut into about 2” cubes
Olive oil (for brushing)
Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Oregano/Italian seasoning, for garnish

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

While the oven is preheating, pop open the biscuits and flatten them out slightly, on a clean work surface.

Once the biscuit is flattened, place about 2-3 pieces of the cheese onto the center. 

 

 

Next, fold the sides of the biscuit up and over the cheese, until completely sealed.  Once the cheese bombs are ready, place them seam side down onto a baking pan.

Brush the tops of the bombs with a little olive oil and sprinkle on the Parmesan cheese, and oregano or Italian seasoning.  They are now ready to bake.

 

 

Place the cheese bombs in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until just until they start to turn a nice golden color.  Allow a few minutes to cool and then serve!

Source: Oh, Bite It

Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

If the weather keeps warming up down here in North Carolina, it'll almost be time to stop making soup.  I guess that means I'd better take full advantage of what little time I have left.

With that being said, today's soup was inspired by a recipe that I happened to find while scrolling through Pinterest.  (And yes, my husband likes to inform me that the site is becoming a major addiction of mine; but at least he's the one reaping all the benefits)  Jeff and I have always been big fans of hamburgers on the grill, so when I first spotted the idea for a cheeseburger soup, I knew right away that it was something we needed to try! 

I did end up altering the recipe a little, and still think it could be altered some more, based on ones taste.  For example, I would have loved to add some ketchup and mustard to the beef as it was browning, or stir in some dill pickle relish, but I knew if I did that Jeff wouldn't have eaten it.  (He can be pretty picky when it comes to certain things, but I can't say too much because I know I'm the exact same way).  None the less, the soup turned out great!

Recommendation: Garnish with a little extra bacon bits, some shredded cheese, scallions, a a dash of Frank's Red Hot Sauce!

Bacon Cheeseburger Soup
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Ingredients:

1 lb. lean ground beef
3 tsp. season salt
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. dried onion flakes
¼ tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. Worchester sauce
1 (32 oz.) package reduced sodium chicken broth
28 oz. Velveeta Cheese
4 oz. Jalapeno Velveeta Cheese
1-2 cups, shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 package Philadelphia Cooking Crème
1 package Ore-Ida Hash Browns
1 package Turkey Bacon, cooked and crumbled

Directions:
In a medium to large skillet, over a medium heat, brown the ground beef.  While the beef is browning, add into the skillet the season salt, garlic powder, onion flakes, black pepper, and Worchester sauce.  Continue to brown the beef with the seasonings.  Once ready, drain the excess grease.

Now generously spray your slow cooker with a nonstick cooking spray and add in the chicken broth, seasoned beef, almost all the bacon crumbles (save some for garnish), the Velveeta cheeses, the cheddar cheese, Philadelphia cooking crème, and the hash browns.  Stir around until the ingredients are combined and then set the slow cooker to high and cook for 4-5 hours.  Be sure to periodically stir around.

 

Once the soup is ready, place it in a serving dish and garnish with a little extra shredded cheese, some bacon crumbles, scallions, and a little Frank’s Red Hot Sauce for some extra kick!  Enjoy!

 Adapted from Living Life of Riley

Funfetti Popcorn (Love Addiction)

Wow!  It's hard to believe that it's already February, which means Valentine's Day is right around the corner.  If I'm completely honest though, which I usually am, I was never a big fan of the so-called "holiday," mostly because I don't really care about receiving flowers (I know, shocker!), and if I want candy or chocolate, I feel that I could always just go out and buy some for myself.  Don't get me wrong though, I love the idea about celebrating love and relationships, and with all that being said, Valentine's Day will forever hold a special place in my heart, because it's the day that my husband Jeff, proposed to me.

Valentine's Day is also considered, by some, a holiday, and I love holidays!  Therefore, I'll decorate, make special Valentine's Day treats, and buy cards for those I hold most dear.  One particular treat I enjoy making is funfetti popcorn!  This recipe is so super easy to throw together, can easily be adapted to meet your tastes, and goes quickly; which means you don't have to worry about leftovers!  It's also great for any holiday; all you have to do is change up the sprinkle and m&m colors!    

Funfetti Popcorn (Love Addiction)
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Ingredients:

3 bags, 100-calorie butter flavor popcorn, popped
16 oz. white chocolate chips or baking squares (I use Ghirardelli)
½- ¾ a bag of Valentine’s Day M&M’s
1 cup square pretzels, broken into bite size pieces
Valentine’s sprinkles (optional)

Directions:

Empty the contents of the popped popcorn into a large mixing bowl, being careful not to include any un-popped kernels. 

Also add in the pretzel pieces and gently mix around.

Next, melt the white chocolate, according to package directions, and evenly pour over the popcorn.
 

Now, using a wooden spoon, gently stir together until the popcorn is evenly coated with the white chocolate.  Lastly, add in the m&m’s and sprinkles, then gently stir together once more.

After the popcorn is ready, place a piece of parchment paper on the kitchen counter, or another flat surface, and empty out the contents of the bowl. 

 

 

Make sure to spread the popcorn around to allow for even cooling.  Once the chocolate has completely hardened to the popcorn, it's ready to serve!  I promise that it'll go quickly, however, if you happen to have any leftovers, store in an airtight container.

 

 

Source: Adapted from Cooking Classy