Shrimp Salad

Ingredients:
Green leaf lettuce
Fresh spinach
Shredded cabbage
Broccoli
Red grapes- slices
Cherry tomatoes-sliced
Green onion
Sauteed shrimp and shredded carrots w/ EVOO & seasoned w/ Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipolte seasoning blend.
Dressing- Lite Olive Oil Vinaigrette

Sooo good!!

Morning Snack

1/2 cup of whole grain plain oatmeal
Added small amount of splenda
Topped with Berries- raspberries, blueberries & blackberries

Very good & so healthy!

Chili is Served!

Dinner is Served!

See previous posts for details!

Potatoes with Fat Free Cheddar Cheese

Boil potatoes for 15-20 minutes
Preheat oven to 375°
After potatoes are done place in corning ware after spraying with EVOO. 
Season with salt & pepper.
Add small amount of milk.
Sprinkle with fat free cheddar cheese.
Cook in oven for approx 7-10 minutes.
Easy Easy side dish.  Portion in moderation.  Yum!

Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast

Season with EVOO
Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Salt
Lemon Juice

Add water while cooking to keep chicken moist.

So easy and so good!

Sauteed Veggies

So easy and quick to prepare for a side dish with dinner.
Ingredients for seasoning:
Season with...
EVOO
Salt
Lemon pepper seasoning
Lemon juice

Veggies used:  Red & Green Bell Pepper, White Onion, and Mushrooms

Simple & Healthy Chili Recipe

Ingredients:

1 lb. Extra Lean Ground Hamburger Meat (or Extra Lean Ground Turkey Meat)

1 Can Dark Red Kidney Beans (or Light Red Kidney Beans)

1 Can Great Northern Beans (or Black Beans)

**(Basically any type of beans will taste great- pick your favorite or what you have on hand.)

2 Small Cans of Tomato Sauce (or 1 Large) *No Salt Added

1/4 cup Chopped Onion (White or Yellow)

Chili Powder, Onion Powder & Salt

2 Cups Cooked Brown Rice

Fat Free Shredded Cheddar Cheese

**Serves 4

Instructions:

Start Browning Meat

Pour Beans, Onion, and Tomato Sauce in a medium size pot.  

Add all spices (amount depending on taste)

Once meat is done, pour in pot with beans and sauce. 

If too thick just add water.

Serve Chili over Brown Rice & Sprinkle w/ Cheese.

This is so simple and so good!  Enjoy and happy Cooking!

English Muffin Pizzas for lunch!

Simple & Delicious Breakfast!

Lunch!

My kiddos healthy breakfast this morning :)

Yes, they both loved this yummy healthy breakfast!! 
Italian Style French Toast with a side of fresh fruit and a cup of milk.

What's for Breakfast??? Italian Style French Toast

Recipe will be posted soon.

Our Breakfast this morning :)

Breakfast! The Most Important Meal of the Day!

Breakfast!!

Scrambled Eggs
Ingredients:
4 Eggs
Fat Free Milk
Feta Cheese
Fresh Spinach
Cherry Tomatoes
Red Onion
Salt, Pepper & Ground Flax Seed

Served with...
Multi Grain English Muffin (w/ small amt of spray butter)
2 pieces of Turkey Bacon
1 Cup Orange Juice

Snack @ 11am

4 Reduced Fat Triscuits
1 Cheese Stick
Bottle of water

Breakfast @ 8am

1 Whole Wheat Waffle w/ 1 Tbsp of all natural peanut butter

Half of a Grapefruit

Small bowl of strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries

1 cup orange juice

A Yummy and Healthy  Breakfast!

Question/Answer Tip of the Day: Regarding Carbohydrates

Is it Simple Or Complex?
How do you know if food contains Simple or Complex Carbs?

The words Simple and Complex aren't listed on food labels.  Some foods, like fruits and vegetables, don't have nutrition labels and many foods we eat are "combination foods" that provide both Simple and Complex carbs. 

The higher the amount of fiber listed, the more complex carbohydrate the food contains.
When choosing carbs, it's important to know the distinction between simple and complex.  Simple carbs are digested more quickly and raise blood sugar levels faster and more dramatically.  Complex carbs, on the other hand, take the digestive system longer to break down, and so they enter the bloodstream more slowly, raising blood sugar levels gradually. 

Simple vs. Complex
Some people think that they should always choose complex carbs over simple carbs.  But the fact is, you need both in your diet; you just have to choose wisely.  There are some complex carbs that aren't so healthy, and there are some simple carbs that are very healthy.  So the question is...

How do you figure out which ones to eat and which to avoid?
Below is a list of some examples.

Healthy Simple Carbs:
FruitFruit-flavored yogurt
Pudding
Milk


Not-So-Healthy Simple Carbs:
Fruit-flavored drinks
Fruit-flavored gelatin
Soft drinks
Fruit Roll ups
(The carbohydrate foods that contribute significantly to weight gain are the simple sugars that are usually part of a high-fat package.  For example:  Donuts, Cookies, Cake, Candy, and Ice Cream.  It's not just the carbohydrate in these foods that are responsible for packing on the pounds, it's the fat content, too).

Healthy Complex Carbs:
Beans (Legumes)
Corn
Green Peas
Sweet Potato
Whole Grains

Not-So-Healthy Complex Carbs:
Potato chips
Plain white bread
Rice Cakes

Bottom Line...
If you choose to satisfy your hunger with Simple Carbohydrates, you will crave even more sweets.  But instead of feeling full and satisfied, you will feel constantly hungry.  So a diet that contains lots of simple carbs can lead to a vicious cylce of hunger, overeating, and weight gain.

When it comes to losing weight (or preventing weight gain), then, you should primarily eat Complex Carbs.  They have many advantages over simple carbs.  Blood sugar levels tend to remain stable when you eat complex carbs, which means your brain won't get a hunger signal for a much longer period of time.  They contain Fiber (simple carbs do not) and Fiber isn't digested.  The Fiber also adds bulk to your food, so you feel more full and satisfied after eating.

(I collected this information from a book that I recently purchased called, "Good Carb, Better Carb Cookbook").

Hope you have learned a few things about Simple Carbs vs. Complex Carbs.  Happy Cooking!

Eggplant and Spinach Casserole

Eggplant & Spinach Casserole Recipe/Instructions:

                                                                                 

Prep Time:  At least 45 minutes prior to Casserole going in the oven.

Preheat Oven to 375 Degrees

 

Ingredients:

 

1 Large Eggplant (Sliced in 1/2" round pieces) (also save remaining and Chop, cook with other veggies)

1 Medium White Onion (Chopped)

6 Mushrooms (Chopped)

Green & Orange Bell Pepper (Chop 1/2 of Each)

8oz Frozen Chopped Spinach (Thaw in microwave and Drain)

1 Pound Extra Lean Ground Turkey (Browned)

1/2 Cup Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) (Approx 1 Tbsp)

Minced Garlic (Approx 1 Tbsp)

Salt

1- 15.5 oz Can of Unsalted Tomato Sauce & 1 Small Can of Unsalted Tomato Sauce

2/3 Part Skim Ricotta Cheese

1/2 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt

1/2 Cup Fat Free Mozzarella Cheese   

1/4 Cup Grated Reduced Fat Parmesan Cheese

Approx. 1/2 Cup Panko Whole Wheat Bread Crumbs (This may be hard to find, ask your grocer if they carry it, otherwise just use any bread crumbs of your choice).

 

Instructions:

                     
Slice the eggplant in round pieces. Rinse pieces in cold water, place in bowl and sprinkle with salt.  Soften in pan w/ very small amt of EVOO (flipping over frequently). (Eggplant is like a sponge and it will soak up the EVOO so be sure to use very small amt).  Set aside.

 

On Medium High Heat Saute onion, mushrooms, orange & green bell pepper, and extra eggplant w/ EVOO and minced garlic for approx 15 minutes. 

After done add Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese and Large can of unsalted tomato sauce, stir.  Simmer on Medium Low for a few minutes (until cheese is melted). Set aside.

Brown 1 pound of Extra Lean Ground Turkey w/ small amt of EVOO and salt. Mix with veggies. Set aside.

In separate bowl mix Ricotta Cheese, Greek Yogurt & Parmesan Cheese together. This is the "stuffing" for the eggplant.  Take a Teaspoon full of the stuffing and put on Eggplant rounds then fold, set aside.  Once all are stuffed everything is ready to place in pan.

 

Use 9x13 pan.
Pour small amt of unsalted tomato sauce on bottom of pan. 

Then pour half of veggies and meat on top.

Place all stuffed eggplant in pan in rows and then top with rest of meat and veggies.
Pour and spread the rest of tomato sauce (from small can).
Top with Chopped Spinach, Sprinkle Fat Free Mozzarella Cheese & Parmesan Cheese.

Sprinkle Panko Whole Wheat Bread crumbs on top.
Cook in oven for 20-25 minutes.

Dinner is served!!  This Casserole is amazing!!  Both of my sons LOVED it and asked for seconds!!  Enjoy!!!

My Story and Journey To Living a Healthier Life!

I wrote this on, January 19, 2011, and shared this with all of my Facebook friends.  I wanted to share this on my blog as well.  I also posted "Before and After" pictures to show everyone my progress through this life changing journey.  At the bottom you will see today's date with where I am at today.  (I tried to sum up everything, but it turned out to be a rather long blog...just wanted to let everyone know that, lol)!

Just a Little History...

A couple of years after Jason and I got married (July 2001) I started to gain a lot of weight.  I have no other explanation other than I loved food and ate whatever I wanted and never exercised.  When I could no longer wear my size 14 jeans and had to go buy a size 16 I knew something had to change.  Very shortly after I decided to start Weight Watchers.  I had family, friends and coworkers that had all had success with it.  I learned how WW worked and within a year I lost 43 lbs.  I never thought I would lose as much as I did and I got down to a size 4 before my first pregnancy.  I was pregnant twice and miscarried both times before getting pregnant with Nathan.  I kept all but 15 pounds off before getting pregnant with him.  I gained 25 more pounds during my pregnancy with Nate.  After having him I tried to do WW a few times, but never really stuck to it for any length of time.  Shortly after Nathan turned a year old we decided to start trying for another baby.  I had lost some weight but wasn't where I needed to be.  I gained 46 pounds during my pregnancy with Dylan.  I knew it was going to be really hard to lose this weight... and honestly I LOVED food too much and had decided that I didn't want to diet for the rest of my life.  I again tried WW and just couldn't stick to it for very long.  I lost a little weight, but had so much more to lose.  I would tell myself to just accept that I was over weight and try to enjoy life.  Obviously this is a hard thing to do when you are extremely unhappy with how you look and don't feel healthy.  I had given up and just flat out didn't care to focus on it anymore.

The Weight Loss Journey Begins...

On May 7, 2010, I woke up on a regular morning and decided to cook cinnamon rolls for the boys and my breakfast.  While our breakfast was cooking in the oven I got a call from Jason...  The first words out of his mouth were, "Let's start doing Weight Watchers today."  My first thought was, "I can't because I'm making cinnamon rolls for breakfast!"  But I agreed that we should and was happy that we decided to start this journey together!  So back to those cinnamon rolls...I ate 1 instead of my usual 3 that morning!!!  This was a big deal!!!  I was enjoying all the unhealthy food way too much and needed to give this another try especially since we would be doing it together! 

Dylan was close to 2 years old (May 2010) and I had gotten off 33 pounds since he was born.  My weight would go up and down, but I had reached a weight that was pretty much staying the same.  I was in a size 12 at this point.  The first week we started Weight Watchers together I lost 4.5 pounds and was excited that the weight was coming off.  By June 1st I had lost 7 pounds.  Jason and I had started walking in the evenings some and I was doing Yoga sometimes as well.  At the end of June I was up to a total loss of 12.5 pounds.  At our 3 month mark (August 6th) I had lost a total of 19 pounds doing strictly Weight Watchers, which was a total of 52 pounds since having Dylan 2 years prior.  Needless to say, I was happier and feeling great about myself.

The week of August 9, 2010, I did a High Intense "Boot Camp" with a group of ladies and at that point realized I needed to try and get myself on a better exercise routine.  It was one of the most challenging things I have ever done!  I will be the first to admit that exercising is not one of my favorite things to do, but I always feel great afterwards.  The following week I started exercising more on my own.  I continued on a pretty regular basis for about a month.  Shortly after I started having some personal medical problems and couldn't exercise as often as I was.  That's all taken care of now and I am trying to get back to my workouts!  I constantly have to tell myself I feel so much better when I exercise and I need to stick with it!

Moving On...I want to start by saying that I think Weight Watchers is a great diet.  It worked great for me both times that I was serious about losing weight.  I think you learn a lot about portion sizes and are forced to look at the nutritional facts, which results in better food choices.  One thing I  do want to mention is that I have never gone to a Weight Watcher meeting.  With my own home scale, the points finder, all the WW books, and the internet I felt like I knew enough about how WW worked that I didn't need to go to the meetings.  It obviously works and I give a huge amount of credit to Weight Watchers for my weight loss.

Why "The Abs Diet?"

By September 20, 2010, I reached a total weight loss of 57.5 pounds since having Dylan... So here's the answer to some of the questions about why I switched to The Abs Diet.  I had reached a point in this journey where I wanted to change things up.  I no longer wanted to "count points."  Believe me I will say that counting points WORKS, but I knew I didn't want to do it forever!  I wanted something that I could realistically stick to for the rest of my life.  Since having 2 babies obviously my body isn't the same and even with my weight loss my stomach has always bothered me.  I started to research how to get a Six Pack.  During this search I kept coming across "The Abs Diet for Women: The Six-Week Plan to Flatten Your Belly and Firm Up Your Body For Life by David Zinczenko.  I viewed his book on Amazon.com and in just the first few chapters I read I was HOOKED!!!  I went to the Library and brought home every book of his that was on the shelf...2 heavy bags, I think it was 11 books!!  I learned so much in just a short time and was EXCITED!!!  There are so many things that you will learn in the beginning of his book and it will make you want to keep reading.  I now have a couple of books on my Kindle and refer back to them almost daily!

My Results...

In just the first 2 weeks of following this plan I lost 1 inch in my waist and 1/2 inch in my hips and another 2.5 pounds.  By November I lost another 2 inches in my waist and hips and another 5 pounds.  Needless to say...this plan works and I do not at all feel like I am dieting.  As of today, January 19, 2011, I am at a total weight loss of 70 lbs since having Dylan almost 2 1/2 years ago.  I still have areas of my body that need to be toned and I know if I continue to exercise it will improve.  Bottom line...I'm happier, I feel great about myself, and I look in the mirror and I'm proud of myself for sticking to this!!

I think the key to losing weight and keeping it off is most definitely developing good eating habits.  Exercise of course is also important, but learning what to eat and what not to eat is the KEY!  The Abs Diet will focus on 12 Power Foods that will actually help you burn fat.  You are not at all limited to just these foods, but they should be put into your 6 meals per day.  I eat every 2-3 hours (3 meals and 3 small snacks throughout the day) and I do not at all feel deprived and I rarely ever have cravings.  Once you start reading "The Abs Diet" this will all make sense.  He starts explaining things in the very beginning.  It's a very easy book to read and not at all complicated to understand.  He also gives you weekly meal plans and workout plans to follow.  I have never followed it exactly, but  have gotten some great ideas on what to eat throughout the day.  This book is so worth reading!!  This has been life changing for us!!  This is just simply how we eat now!  We eat healthy and don't miss the cookies and all the white bread, lol!  And btw...I don't follow a recipe at every meal.  In the beginning I definitely cooked his recipes (and still do sometimes), but now I just know what foods to eat and that's what I cook with.  It's very simple!  I've told a few friends to give themselves at least 2 weeks to get used to it and it gets easier.  You will make a few grocery trips, but once you start buying all the "right" foods your grocery bill won't be any different from how it used to be.  Also just wanted to mention that David Zinczenko has other books that he wrote before this book came out.  This book just has extra things in it for women, but is the same book for men as well.  Another favorite book I have of his is "The Abs Diet Eat Right Every Time Guide."  It has tons more recipes and lots of other great information.

May 16, 2011

An update on where I am at on my healthier living journey...

I wanted to mention before I begin that I am a full time stay at home mom and wife.  With two little boys (who are almost 5 and 3)...There is never a dull moment in our house.  I stay very busy!  Being that life is so busy, I try to remind myself daily to not neglect myself.  This all together has made me a happier person!  Living healthy is so important for so many reasons!


I have always enjoyed cooking and trying new recipes.  Since my 70 pound weight loss and learning to cook and eat healthier, I love it even more!!  Now that I know what to eat and what NOT to eat, creating & cooking my own recipes has been tons of fun!!

Since sharing my story with friends and family, I have had so many ask for healthy eating tips and recipes.  I started thinking how neat it would be to create a Facebook page and a new blog to share all my tips and recipes with everyone who may be interested in following.  As of 30 seconds ago I checked and there are 85 people who have "Liked" my new Facebook page.  http://www.facebook.com/foodbyjules
This makes me so excited!!  Once I realized that living a healthier life and sticking to it was easy, I wanted to share with everyone my success!!  I will say it again...this is just how we eat now and do not at all feel like we are dieting.  6 meals a day and eating the right foods is the key!!  I am here to share the things that have worked for myself and my husband (who by the way, has lost almost 80 lbs in just 1 year)!!  Eating healthy doesn't mean you can't enjoy food!  I hope to inspire those that want to change their life!  Feel free to ask me anything, and remember...no question is a stupid question!  If I don't know the answer I will try my very best to get you an answer!

Thank you all so much for taking time out of your busy lives to read my story!  Happy and Healthy Cooking!  See pictures below from most recent to 1 month after my second son was born.

April 2011 Disney World Vacation

March 2011 Galveston Beach

February 14, 2011 Special Day Out w/ Jason

January 2011 The Woodland's Children Museum

December 25, 2010 Christmas

November 16, 2010 Photo Shoot w/ Photography By Joyelle

November 2010 Thanksgiving Feast w/ Nathan

September 2010

July 2010 Summer Vacation in San Antonio

June 2010 Summer Trip to Dallas

May 2010 Nathan's 4th Birthday

April 2010 Zoo Trip

April 2010 Spring Break

March 2010

December 2009

October 2009 Halloween

July 2009 Dylan's 1st birthday

May 2009 Pool Time w/ the boys

March 2009

December 25, 2008 Christmas

September 2008 My parents visit to Texas

August 2008 Dylan's 1 month old Photo Shoot

Dinner (Quick and Easy)

I ended up deciding to have a small dinner since technically my next meal was suppose to be dinner anyway.  Like I said before our meal times are off today, but this is a pretty low calorie meal.  See Below...

1 bun is 100 calories 1.5g of Fat 3g of Fiber and 5g of Protein

1 Link is only 100 Calories 4.5g of Fat and 10g of Protein

Not my typical dinner, but still over all not a high calorie meal.  This is so much better than eating a "hotdog" for dinner on a white bun.  The cheese stick is 70 calories and 5g of fat.

My next "Meal" :)

I decided that 1/2 a graham cracker, 1/2 Tbs of peanut butter, 1/4 cup of Banana Chips & a spoon full of raisins w/ a cup of almond milk sounded good to eat for tonight.  Our meal times have been off today...I will have my last snack/dinner in about 2 hours.

Lunch!

We try and not eat Deli meat sandwiches for lunch everyday.  Jason and I both love shrimp and my yummy pico de gallo so this is what we had for lunch today!  See photos below for each step.

Thawing 20 Pre cooked frozen Shrimp in warm water for approx. 15 minutes.

All ingredients needed for the Pico De Gallo.  Chop Red Onion & Cilantro, Dice 2 tomatoes, use Juice from 1/2 of the lemon and 1/2 of the lime (making sure there are no seeds in the mixture).  Mix all together in medium mixing bowl adding approx. 1/2 Tsp of minced garlic, Sprinkle small amt of Cumin, Salt & Garlic Salt.  Stir & refrigerate until ready to serve.  (Marinating over night is also recommended for great flavor).

This is so good and so easy to make!

All ingredients needed for sauteing Shrimp.  Warm 1/2 Tsp EVOO in pan, Add 1/2 Tsp Minced garlic, Add shrimp (remove tails before placing in pan), Add 1/2 cup Shredded Carrots.  I added a small amt of Lemon juice and seasoned w/ salt & Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipotle Seasoning (very small amt, this is spicy).

Cook for about 5 minutes on medium high heat.

Wraps (purchased from Wal Mart)

Ready to wrap up and eat!  Fresh spinach & Mixed Greens Sprinkled w/ Fat Free Cheddar Cheese.

Closer view w/ side of mixed fruit.

Ready for Lunch!!  (Jason and I shared this side of fruit.  This shrimp wrap is so good and very filling)!