tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71702175620226269712024-03-21T14:03:10.410-07:00Undercover Carrots: sneaking healthy extras into a busy, yummy lifeCMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02914252354477945149noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7170217562022626971.post-36360232738568622462013-09-14T09:03:00.000-07:002013-09-14T09:03:00.142-07:00Paleo Stuffed Peppers<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">My ideal Friday night would be having some friends over for dinner and board games. Sounds pretty awesome right? But paleo entertaining can be challenging. I’ve turned many a skeptic around with some delicious paleo dinner party worthy meals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">One of my fondest memories from growing up was coming home from middle school to my dad sitting at the kitchen table preparing a mixture for stuffed peppers. It was special to have him home early and a great surprise that he was making the family dinner. I remember sitting at the table with him, watching all the care and love he put into making our family’s meal. I doubt he remembers this afternoon, but it’s a memory I cherish. Isn’t it funny how the smallest events can have the biggest impact on us?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #222222;">Even though I can’t remember, if I know my Dad, his peppers were stuffed with bread crumbs, cheese and other tasty, but not at all paleo, items.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">My version, just as delicious, and completely paleo... but your friends and family would never know!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Paleo Stuffed Peppers</span></h2>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What you need</span></b></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bell Peppers 3-4, I used yellow</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sweet Italian Sausage, ground</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 cups spinach</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 cup sliced mushrooms</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 diced yellow onion</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 clove garlic diced</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fresh basil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tomato sauce (your favorite kind)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 tablespoons egg substitute or 1 whole egg beaten</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Salt and pepper to taste</span></li>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First put a big pot of water on the stove to boil and preheat your oven to</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 375 degrees</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. Then cut the tops off your peppers and clean the seeds from the inside.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If your water isn’t boiling by now, you can start to cook the mushrooms, onions and garlic. When the water is ready, pop the peppers in for about 5 minutes to soften them. Remove and let cool.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Meanwhile, remove your veggies from the heat and set aside, start to brown your ground sausage. When the sausage is just about done, add your veggies back in and add the spinach. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Allow the spinach to wilt before you stir in the tomato sauce and egg substitute. The key ingredient comes next! Chiffon (I just like to say that, but in less fancy terms chop up) the fresh basil. Add most of the basil to your filling but leave a little for topping the peppers.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Put the filling into the peppers. Spoon a little tomato sauce on top and sprinkle with the left over basil. Bake for 45 minutes. Let cool for about 15 minutes. Enjoy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What you get</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bell peppers are ubiquitous and really versatile. They are full of antioxidants which help strengthen the immune system and may fight cancer. They also have carotenoids. Yup, the same stuff as in carrots, so they are good for your vision! In fact, yellow peppers, which I suggest for this recipe, have lutein and zeaxathin which help protect eyes against cataracts and macular degeneration. Peppers are also a good source of fiber. And put down that orange juice! One bell pepper may have up to three times the daily requirement of Vitamin C!</span><br />
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CMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02914252354477945149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7170217562022626971.post-44071207058125590562013-08-31T09:36:00.002-07:002013-08-31T09:36:57.469-07:00Drink your vegetables!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had an AMAZING time at home in Michigan. Look at these
views from canoeing the Huron River.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnr_LckTE989mimnQN3EvCXl1FyxacKWLYLvff-j4CU70Ohhjy9CUVZYnw3W-RCKbElNGSqsV6llg2v2pLrpHEwlZK-E-BFg11vQSXT-sP3a_yHlNYfSNppoN0HFjhFxDPGo9KydaPIg7s/s1600/1167495_10102946559782393_1643672083_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnr_LckTE989mimnQN3EvCXl1FyxacKWLYLvff-j4CU70Ohhjy9CUVZYnw3W-RCKbElNGSqsV6llg2v2pLrpHEwlZK-E-BFg11vQSXT-sP3a_yHlNYfSNppoN0HFjhFxDPGo9KydaPIg7s/s400/1167495_10102946559782393_1643672083_o.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmMCW2zOdHAT6XDNgot-NUToJDw8fTIVzoqsDBu6SlFatmgEy6W0cbpPxDclg20d_zixodHnXqfhP_kvS3mqNunfEH4UTTl-3piwuT9QDhMddsuhb7_4FR2EwgcZJJeesZ4zPngJA54Cw/s1600/980215_10102946560156643_1494397758_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmMCW2zOdHAT6XDNgot-NUToJDw8fTIVzoqsDBu6SlFatmgEy6W0cbpPxDclg20d_zixodHnXqfhP_kvS3mqNunfEH4UTTl-3piwuT9QDhMddsuhb7_4FR2EwgcZJJeesZ4zPngJA54Cw/s400/980215_10102946560156643_1494397758_o.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, back to Chicago and in dire need of a wellness tune
up. I barely slept at home; I prioritized catching up with family and friends
and don’t regret one minute of it. I also indulged with some incredible meals. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Started the day with a foggy and humid run… Seriously,
Chicago? 100 degrees and I feel like I’m swimming when I step out the door. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The streets are pretty quiet at 5:30am</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm still obsessed with my neon Newton's</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And a delicious <b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">kale</span></b> smoothie! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Green” smoothies are super popular. If you can drink your veggies and squeeze
in an extra serving, why the heck not?! But they are completely off-putting to
me for just that reason, most are literally green. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This one isn’t. It's a pretty pinky-purple and it kept me full and energized
until lunch!</span></div>
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<br /><span style="color: red;"><b>DISCLAIMER:</b></span> I blend coffee into my smoothies, not milk, I know
I have an addiction.<br />Here is the recipe without the coffee, you can really
use any liquid you want. Or only dirty one cup in the morning and throw your coffee in the blender too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">"Green" Smoothie</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What you need:</b></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kale, deveined and torn into pieces (Or if you want a less obvious leafy taste, use spinach! It will be more green in color, but less "green" in taste)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 banana (frozen for a creamier texture)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/3 cup Blueberries (fresh or frozen)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup Frozen peach slices</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Liquid (like I said, I usually use coffee, but almond milk is great too)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Vanilla protein powder (HEADS UP whey protein is not technically paleo)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Put it all in the blender and let it do it's job! Don't be a stickler for measuring anything. You can add more or less liquid to get the consistency you like. Also play with the fresh vs frozen fruits until you get a texture that is right for you! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbnPWmxv01PmRpxJTyeM451ewhZ9FxQKRvsmGJlXDhhuBy7MvRf4Y20SR9rO4an5bjm_x9rfRcC34wV2N1joiWxdYcTOYfHWLo8VeGEdjfpl4dyWWCCVJJtwQQpA8Jskox7ZWEFIUj9-g/s1600/IMG_20130827_070827426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbnPWmxv01PmRpxJTyeM451ewhZ9FxQKRvsmGJlXDhhuBy7MvRf4Y20SR9rO4an5bjm_x9rfRcC34wV2N1joiWxdYcTOYfHWLo8VeGEdjfpl4dyWWCCVJJtwQQpA8Jskox7ZWEFIUj9-g/s1600/IMG_20130827_070827426.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All in!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jc2QbSk2WR66S43fGqbFhWDyO-ruxkfeJ8YE7se9dD8M6bfS7EjDovXZf4H3UQAwMhL0w7AwnPqMvCOC0GygSCUXM5fFcoYvDA_jedxb1VGAa8AhJ2m5rnIhLcq7lMIpw64-OQC7gF33/s1600/IMG_20130827_072113615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jc2QbSk2WR66S43fGqbFhWDyO-ruxkfeJ8YE7se9dD8M6bfS7EjDovXZf4H3UQAwMhL0w7AwnPqMvCOC0GygSCUXM5fFcoYvDA_jedxb1VGAa8AhJ2m5rnIhLcq7lMIpw64-OQC7gF33/s1600/IMG_20130827_072113615.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pinky purple in color, NOT green!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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CMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02914252354477945149noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7170217562022626971.post-78666828593640335552013-08-17T13:59:00.003-07:002013-08-17T13:59:59.039-07:00Fiesta!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a SUPER busy week, so just a quick note and a
must-share recipe. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remember when I told you Cauliflower would change your life.
I wasn’t kidding.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6k2bb7hc6koGhwPr78BbkmsCySLncpTm-2HuIUS4Lz_5tRzVt6ZdC-vT-YKT1i13zZwsMMmadSofjYwer2XenDeLb3Vl88aTqqy10WH2UTgLOPZOvmQ82mYQkmYE3wQ6Mu0NPZwzS0hln/s1600/IMAG1443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6k2bb7hc6koGhwPr78BbkmsCySLncpTm-2HuIUS4Lz_5tRzVt6ZdC-vT-YKT1i13zZwsMMmadSofjYwer2XenDeLb3Vl88aTqqy10WH2UTgLOPZOvmQ82mYQkmYE3wQ6Mu0NPZwzS0hln/s320/IMAG1443.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">mmm delicious</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In college, my housemates and I went through a phase where
we ate burritos every night. A variety of kinds – homemade, taco bell (I
cringed when I typed that), BIG TEN BURRITO (just thinking about their salsa
makes me nostalgic), we loved our Mexican food. My boyfriend at the time and I
even hosted taco nights. Everyone brought their favorite topping and we
supplied the shells and the meat. It was a great time! But, alas, most Mexican
dishes are not quite paleo-friendly. The cheese, the flour, the deliciousness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wanted to share a picture of my incredible best friends
and college housemates with you all. But, it was exceptionally challenging to
find one of us where we aren’t in some sort of costume…oh, college. But here is graduation. Over five years ago.
Man, time flies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtOIzskjItVKSh066tDZZ9DIXnSceIv-VWXgBYUpF7ald1K7PUXN6zhWEScw2IF7PgXFig6Dd6w3YTUJLdJAPx-N3qATQ9yi_BJfyp9fMoC5llsELpYGMEszir74NnZTivCDCIwxJ-ui_/s1600/235_614983999993_390_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtOIzskjItVKSh066tDZZ9DIXnSceIv-VWXgBYUpF7ald1K7PUXN6zhWEScw2IF7PgXFig6Dd6w3YTUJLdJAPx-N3qATQ9yi_BJfyp9fMoC5llsELpYGMEszir74NnZTivCDCIwxJ-ui_/s400/235_614983999993_390_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">University of Michigan Class of 2008. Holla!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway! This cauliflower tortilla recipe is so good that, if
you have a food processor and an oven, I promise you, you won’t even miss the
flour! Or the corn if that’s your preference (mine too). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One head of cauliflower made 8 tortillas for me. I used them
as intended and made yummy lime-tequila fajitas. Then they became flat bread for
sandwiches and crust for mini pizzas throughout the week! I just kept them in
the fridge. Might not be a bad idea to always have some on hand!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsWBX2ZvSQo7gtjG8b3lqE8aaZSNum-N1nwNCjGs0AybWit6W_pKofFMWFwyBi4faORNCxbVZZqQyTO5K3DFsVxgK-26-2xezJqZa1owsbiy2yIFTDzq4AQkYZy8YyibrSDGx1a3-f4g3/s1600/IMAG1447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsWBX2ZvSQo7gtjG8b3lqE8aaZSNum-N1nwNCjGs0AybWit6W_pKofFMWFwyBi4faORNCxbVZZqQyTO5K3DFsVxgK-26-2xezJqZa1owsbiy2yIFTDzq4AQkYZy8YyibrSDGx1a3-f4g3/s640/IMAG1447.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9E1cOnK1ZFXFZGz0VRh-CYrMA7UeOLwL_6ljoFQzttXOvH-6RyhBo86hmkSUyZUruFjCTWiI-1FZsKZHlK7qt3tYIgBxYTS-bp-mKg_KbLQ6H_TXgUU7eKIDL54NQbrddjUfgO6SZsSV/s1600/IMAG1448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9E1cOnK1ZFXFZGz0VRh-CYrMA7UeOLwL_6ljoFQzttXOvH-6RyhBo86hmkSUyZUruFjCTWiI-1FZsKZHlK7qt3tYIgBxYTS-bp-mKg_KbLQ6H_TXgUU7eKIDL54NQbrddjUfgO6SZsSV/s640/IMAG1448.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Cauliflower Tortillas</span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What you need:</b></span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cauliflower </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 eggs, or equivalent of egg substitute </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Salt, pepper</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Seasoning, a little bit of garlic keeps them versatile but red pepper flakes were delicious to give them a kick for the fajitas! Be creative!</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Preheat that oven! 375 degrees. Nailed it! </span></div>
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<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Remember how to rice Cauliflower? Chop it up (florets only) and pulse it in your food processor until it looks like small grains of rice. I'd say the smaller the better.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDeBvHPOHOvSZP9e5B0N7mGM-cqUSLxFrFu0IZKwxSbhP1VakfNIMhyphenhyphend9fNLms8_LzqT_Q-VrOoZE862zouX2ke8FfAL44GESty8-9Z7MLW5eYZMnF2acmqKX-BAtJoSrhCuwcjLgzTizV/s1600/IMAG1444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDeBvHPOHOvSZP9e5B0N7mGM-cqUSLxFrFu0IZKwxSbhP1VakfNIMhyphenhyphend9fNLms8_LzqT_Q-VrOoZE862zouX2ke8FfAL44GESty8-9Z7MLW5eYZMnF2acmqKX-BAtJoSrhCuwcjLgzTizV/s400/IMAG1444.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then put it in a microwave safe bowl and cook the "rice" for 3-6 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes or so. There is no magic to knowing when it's done, it should be sort of translucent. IT IS GOING TO BE HOT. BE CAREFUL! Try to remove the excess water from your "rice". I squeezed mine in paper towel, but if you are fancy, cheesecloth would probably work best. Add your eggs and your spices, if desired. Mix well. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper (I also used a little nonstick spray). Shape the mixture into even circles about 1/2 inch thick throughout. Mine were about 6 inches in diameter and that worked well. The mixture may be a little runny, but it should definitely hold it's shape without spreading. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYKkkGaRwIbiwoc4k1gLcihI-R0DJw3ON1iNdyDF-C_sx2LAKZNJk2GY1-DDMCFufHMyRsoWKBrP_gYcBB4MxI5IivBtkzV4xyGLgrsS4WsC6qkRCZ7tXh8uHXwfOEfKYXdRx_mRaAGOz/s1600/IMAG1445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYKkkGaRwIbiwoc4k1gLcihI-R0DJw3ON1iNdyDF-C_sx2LAKZNJk2GY1-DDMCFufHMyRsoWKBrP_gYcBB4MxI5IivBtkzV4xyGLgrsS4WsC6qkRCZ7tXh8uHXwfOEfKYXdRx_mRaAGOz/s400/IMAG1445.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bake 10 minutes. Take them out, flip them over, and bake for 10 more minutes. Allow the tortillas to cool on a wire rack while you heat just a little bit of oil in a frying pan. DON'T SKIP THIS STEP! It brings out the flavor and strengthens the tortilla. Place them one at a time face down in the pan and press down the edges gently, wait until they are browned to your liking. Flip, repeat and eat! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEQszj_ebzDy_uoN-k5xSL7dxqluSZYKqeJ7lvenPFXaNJq7R8OBl72GhN-tQf-K-QoJczbS_boihw5mq-U-lo0pWW_exkL1IOlxw0TS46uqUSTaeZHC4cSlCfcBWkODkC9EYYSnZoj6I/s1600/IMAG1446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEQszj_ebzDy_uoN-k5xSL7dxqluSZYKqeJ7lvenPFXaNJq7R8OBl72GhN-tQf-K-QoJczbS_boihw5mq-U-lo0pWW_exkL1IOlxw0TS46uqUSTaeZHC4cSlCfcBWkODkC9EYYSnZoj6I/s400/IMAG1446.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /><br /><b>What you get:</b></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A new obsession with cauliflower, if I didn't hook you already using it as a pizza dough substitute! If you like this recipe, check that one out too! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
CMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02914252354477945149noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7170217562022626971.post-68897587032702074122013-08-10T07:56:00.001-07:002013-08-10T07:56:55.044-07:00In-GYM-idation <div class="MsoNormal">
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Cardio is kind of like cilantro: you either love it or hate
it.”</span></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - Women’s Health (the September
issue, go read it!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1.</b> I have not granted a second date to a man on the basis
of him not liking cilantro (well, maybe that was just my excuse but...) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2</b>. If you
love neither cilantro nor cardio…Perhaps you came upon this blog by mistake?
They are two of my favorite things! That would be blasphemy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In fact, I feel so comfortable with cardio that I can kill a
zumba class, run a 10k or sprint in spin without any complaints. I’m even fan of the mixed cardio-weights
classes. Usually, these classes are 98%
women and welcome all levels of fitness. But the boot camp and serious weight
lifting group exercise classes intimidate me. Men in their triathlon t-shirts,
lifting weights heavier than my body? Women doing box jumps four feet off the
ground? Holy cow! How
could I ever keep up?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, this past Friday, I overcame my <i>in-gym-idation</i> and headed
to Weekend Warrior. And yes, it was just as awful as the name implies. I have
never ran so many sets of stairs in my life, and certainly have never lifted
such a heavy barbell. But, dripping sweat and gasping for air, I completed the
class! I felt AWESOME, because I overcame my fear and my fellow gym-goers were
super supportive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Point being</i> – <span style="font-size: large;"><i>go take that class!</i></span> Few things bond people
together like overcoming shared challenges. And any teacher worth their salt
will include everyone, making modifications for beginners and challenges for
those who are more advanced. Not only
are you building your muscles, you’re building your confidence. <span style="font-size: large;">You can do it! </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And to reward myself for kicking butt and taking names, I
made this incredible, cilantro filled salad for dinner. Seriously, one of the
best things I have ever made! Nom nom. </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfOIWSYBl8eaBMF5VkXgrW7DYNxYZ4tS8UvgdtvUJ5vNMPm9kcSg3Z5OB-m_ZD6UGXCE5l5uIcZMXJeCMzcnVHyaDl8KI_9jXSiNYtQSF3QXGxJ45pBPT4qkwxFSwuBC9Kds6bkWURp0a4/s1600/IMAG1439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfOIWSYBl8eaBMF5VkXgrW7DYNxYZ4tS8UvgdtvUJ5vNMPm9kcSg3Z5OB-m_ZD6UGXCE5l5uIcZMXJeCMzcnVHyaDl8KI_9jXSiNYtQSF3QXGxJ45pBPT4qkwxFSwuBC9Kds6bkWURp0a4/s640/IMAG1439.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Mmm cilantro</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHi8Q-_n9qfSHMnXrk1gh7oYCVOSOffu7edjRJweK5WHKonN2durXe3ToZQpTBUeUaP5MYQszizcd6Z8hZ4aIuoMRUpadOXJ7W9ZCnJR4WVpx21_0O6meQVm9b_aNan938lnCvsL-MPsKj/s1600/IMAG1441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHi8Q-_n9qfSHMnXrk1gh7oYCVOSOffu7edjRJweK5WHKonN2durXe3ToZQpTBUeUaP5MYQszizcd6Z8hZ4aIuoMRUpadOXJ7W9ZCnJR4WVpx21_0O6meQVm9b_aNan938lnCvsL-MPsKj/s640/IMAG1441.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Awesome summer colors</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Lime Cilantro Shrimp Salad</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">adapted from about a bajillion different ceviche recipes </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What you need:</b></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 lb shrimp (mine were pre-cooked, frozen and defrosted)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 container cherry tomatoes, halved</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 avocado, diced</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 to a whole jalapeno, chopped with seeds removed (depending on your heat tolerance)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/4 red onion, chopped</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Juice of 2 limes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 T cilantro, chopped, with extra for garnish</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pepper</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sea salt</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Combine the olive oil, lime juice and onion together in a large bowl. Let this sit 5-10 minutes (while you chop everything else) to cut the bite of the onion. Prep all your other ingredients. Here it is...super easy...put them in the bowl. Mix, mix, mix. Salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with extra cilantro. Impress your guests...or yourself. I felt pretty darn special eating this!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22-6wLlV3x3PYH8LTsByTxNktTBo-T40Gp77EVjxGPykPXKzwAF7fVYtD99ZYSzDQVTVZdmRDwk8y0L7MTF3Z3KK5tRtBIS6Onhfc6qNjYlLZ8b8bK4N5dU2ardRn9e71JMENqEQt0nNL/s1600/IMAG1437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22-6wLlV3x3PYH8LTsByTxNktTBo-T40Gp77EVjxGPykPXKzwAF7fVYtD99ZYSzDQVTVZdmRDwk8y0L7MTF3Z3KK5tRtBIS6Onhfc6qNjYlLZ8b8bK4N5dU2ardRn9e71JMENqEQt0nNL/s640/IMAG1437.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Make sure the tails are removed, we don't want that kinda crunch</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhqKq2coEAiGyr1TBvy-lD4jT3JJNNB54gacs8zrC8Vb3W-4CSUnA3zb4DZGwdb5VXFVmi7qKsU2Z9Jq5NPg9OZIcgx00MA3UBgw03DWVnB8zVM2xIzuGik1sVIRX2qYjKB0v9r2l3Rmj/s1600/IMAG1435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhqKq2coEAiGyr1TBvy-lD4jT3JJNNB54gacs8zrC8Vb3W-4CSUnA3zb4DZGwdb5VXFVmi7qKsU2Z9Jq5NPg9OZIcgx00MA3UBgw03DWVnB8zVM2xIzuGik1sVIRX2qYjKB0v9r2l3Rmj/s640/IMAG1435.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love me some jalapeno and lime</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhAqob4bV_Hsd3uMZDvI57dKaA-58DbawSN4ssyJWZcKKoSIXDyx7A94EnK44UeBgcHxbnQ4eXJ7ws3gZmvWP6Zt1tymj03Roj1knnRCf5YQkv1ShlWvoJ1ZbkzXEIoljRklhCqqTnQRv/s1600/IMAG1438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhAqob4bV_Hsd3uMZDvI57dKaA-58DbawSN4ssyJWZcKKoSIXDyx7A94EnK44UeBgcHxbnQ4eXJ7ws3gZmvWP6Zt1tymj03Roj1knnRCf5YQkv1ShlWvoJ1ZbkzXEIoljRklhCqqTnQRv/s640/IMAG1438.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mix, mix, mix<br /><br /></span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What you get:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Avocados are a super food and recently, have been getting a lot of press for their health benefits. They contain "good fats" or monounsaturated fat, which can help to lower your bad cholesterol. Avocado also has fiber to help keep you full and omega-3s! They are basically a multivitamin as well with vitamin C, potassium, two different B vitamins and folate. There is actually more potassium in an avocado than a banana! Maybe they should start handing them out after races... Mmm post-race guac...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And a quick note on shrimp - delicious, full of the antioxidant selenium, low calorie, with choline for brain health! However, watch your shrimp intake if you have high cholesterol, everything in moderation, but shrimp do have a pretty high cholesterol content. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eat up! </span></div>
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CMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02914252354477945149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7170217562022626971.post-85796242332457384752013-08-02T18:29:00.000-07:002013-08-02T18:29:09.975-07:00Modified Paleo and Cookies. Yes to cookies!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are going to ignore the length of time beneath blog posts. Okay? Glad we agree.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been inundated with Paleo information and opinions in the past few months. An attending (medicine word for boss) tried to convince me Paleo meant only raw foods, friends who picked up the whole30/whole9, the momma trying to cut back on processed foods, and most recently, a Grand Rounds (doctor speak for very serious, data-driven, presentation) on Crossfit and the Paleo diet. <br /><br />I've been asked my opinion on Paleo by friends, family, patients, and even colleagues. When I tell them I eat 80% Paleo, I get a lot of confused looks. </span><br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>My modified Paleo diet means:</b></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- I substitute or remove grains and cheeses whenever I can</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Lots of fruits and veggies</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Lean means and fish (cooked, let's be real)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Limited non-natural carbs (fruit has carbs, veggies do too, Paleo is NOT a low carb diet) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- I don't completely cut out dairy. Vitamin D and calcium are super important to bone health. Sure, you can get them through Paleo friendly foods like almond milk, but I love greek yogurt. It is an awesome substitution in baking and cooking and I couldn't give it up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most importantly:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-<span style="color: red;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Everything in moderation</span></span>, for me that means one full day off a week or maybe one meal off a few times a week, or maybe a vacation when I don't eat Paleo at all! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And in truth, I feel SO much better when I'm eating this way. I'm energized, I get fewer side-stitches when I run, I sleep better and have fewer headaches!<br /><br />But, I also love to bake. And the immediate question I'm asked is how do you eat Paleo and make delicious baked goods!? Shouldn't you practice what you preach? A cookie or cupcake without flour?! Gross!!!<br /><br />I respond by saying, I eat what I want when I want. I know that eating mostly Paleo makes my body happy. But sometimes, a delicious, cream cheese frosted cupcake, makes me happy!<i> In fact, just typing that makes me want one</i>. BUT I will also prove that Paleo baking is delicious by bringing them<span style="font-size: large;"><i> THESE AMAZING COOKIES! </i></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwsy58mMa377b2ZfEeYdRRFHLjsPmppFwZK3TaNjtPYZL3RW-rsvz-f9HLcpM5Odt0EZHr1qHmuuKD_a57Na1YhOwPoVz6nRKgdsPf40kPiyActNSNsnB36_N6RXh8qI3FrDaTe7qPdhp/s1600/IMAG1364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwsy58mMa377b2ZfEeYdRRFHLjsPmppFwZK3TaNjtPYZL3RW-rsvz-f9HLcpM5Odt0EZHr1qHmuuKD_a57Na1YhOwPoVz6nRKgdsPf40kPiyActNSNsnB36_N6RXh8qI3FrDaTe7qPdhp/s400/IMAG1364.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fresh out of the oven</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhr3ixI0ZfcPU2p4xpVF3zdBRfpSJiIyY2nkdAs4efLYoHcb8yZRTlflUmTmiZFX1CCtTSTG_ZpLZAPalfaOtq33H8pKkp0po8qSOg6Je0caLMYWFzkO-znoBpt1E5GFRI-aYVuu8jJjk9/s1600/IMAG1360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhr3ixI0ZfcPU2p4xpVF3zdBRfpSJiIyY2nkdAs4efLYoHcb8yZRTlflUmTmiZFX1CCtTSTG_ZpLZAPalfaOtq33H8pKkp0po8qSOg6Je0caLMYWFzkO-znoBpt1E5GFRI-aYVuu8jJjk9/s400/IMAG1360.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I couldn't wait to try one until I was done taking pictures...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nsmst8W5urvJ0mvYSBYCjZvPfl4zhBJMHXiKb7hBfVVfsfEkFfvKYqU36cuAQbQr4jeZEywevl9gJE7tQ3sacJY2CyQf1SJUKjqOkueT9Uq4L1SDA4yJW3YN15ECQZMpWSpQtFeyl2Xu/s1600/IMAG1361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nsmst8W5urvJ0mvYSBYCjZvPfl4zhBJMHXiKb7hBfVVfsfEkFfvKYqU36cuAQbQr4jeZEywevl9gJE7tQ3sacJY2CyQf1SJUKjqOkueT9Uq4L1SDA4yJW3YN15ECQZMpWSpQtFeyl2Xu/s400/IMAG1361.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whoops, a bigger bite</span></td></tr>
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<h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Pale-OH-MY-GOODNESS-these-are-awesome chocolate chip cookies</b></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">adapted from PaleOMG, a blog you should really check out if you want to go gung-ho paleo</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What you need:</b></span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 cup Almond butter </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/3 cup pure maple syrup</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 egg, beaten</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 teaspoon vanilla (mine was double strength)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 teaspoon cinnamon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 teaspoon baking power</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 teaspoon baking soda</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/8 teaspoon (a pinch) of salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 cup chocolate chips (dark chocolate or cocoa nibs you want to be serious about the paleo business)</span></li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOYUjzEnQp_oWuQr6eH2ycSUDglT7KTKHL9UiiRJdbaPfDImMt7B_ChqbxDw1YxTfQeNmXT9NSLqHvVxj4PLHvO-WPz6PjcGfOWfBKJ6HsPhjB1RBGhDx94huowv_bkb-kb10aEE872Kr/s1600/IMAG1355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOYUjzEnQp_oWuQr6eH2ycSUDglT7KTKHL9UiiRJdbaPfDImMt7B_ChqbxDw1YxTfQeNmXT9NSLqHvVxj4PLHvO-WPz6PjcGfOWfBKJ6HsPhjB1RBGhDx94huowv_bkb-kb10aEE872Kr/s400/IMAG1355.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My new mixer! It cranks up and down. Awesome!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih37nbwCAUzZQhPzoYWNC2o0aO66TFzXrN0sy4Z9ThGe4tM0j5pzu8fwJrgqBGQpM3GsZyejSvzDvlI3r6ij7j9J7hrgA6W680-vAlxppG3YOb05uiqY_DKrr6VxTOAEglfebQEuXXTNLN/s1600/IMAG1356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih37nbwCAUzZQhPzoYWNC2o0aO66TFzXrN0sy4Z9ThGe4tM0j5pzu8fwJrgqBGQpM3GsZyejSvzDvlI3r6ij7j9J7hrgA6W680-vAlxppG3YOb05uiqY_DKrr6VxTOAEglfebQEuXXTNLN/s400/IMAG1356.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I ate some dough, of course...yum!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdx1BvOcmGZZ-o562MDoDVDRi1RFacSu54a2U_9FLSjeixf4UKnvRmmQr_luLciLGQ-uY6ygVDcUIzdAevICRQ1R1ZU1LlDUbr7klG9kmvSmXbTFSvOuN_ANF8l1VrJ03IkmJ-DXQRIgG/s1600/IMAG1357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdx1BvOcmGZZ-o562MDoDVDRi1RFacSu54a2U_9FLSjeixf4UKnvRmmQr_luLciLGQ-uY6ygVDcUIzdAevICRQ1R1ZU1LlDUbr7klG9kmvSmXbTFSvOuN_ANF8l1VrJ03IkmJ-DXQRIgG/s400/IMAG1357.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rolling and dropping the dough</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiId7kelzkwKYuYBr-5ObinURmq7OxBncVLigM6TAyhDCGoy079aaBil_9o0b8uAaaq2-VamodmBzcb2GWZuvnjQIxpIf9oIxQuMw4Xa5Hwwvh31jdJv404D_dUh6_IO9MUXxOrD3HXbvFr/s1600/IMAG1358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiId7kelzkwKYuYBr-5ObinURmq7OxBncVLigM6TAyhDCGoy079aaBil_9o0b8uAaaq2-VamodmBzcb2GWZuvnjQIxpIf9oIxQuMw4Xa5Hwwvh31jdJv404D_dUh6_IO9MUXxOrD3HXbvFr/s400/IMAG1358.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Final delicious product</span></td></tr>
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<div>
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<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix all the ingredients except the chocolate chips together. It's easiest in a mixer, but your biceps work well too! If you don't have almond butter on hand, these can be made with peanut butter, but then I would use raw honey instead of maple syrup, just based on my favorite flavor combinations. Fold in the chocolate chips. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. THIS IS IMPORTANT! Parchment paper was created by the Baking Gods to make your life (and clean up) easier. Drop your cookies on the sheet, leaving lots of space between them so they don't spread together. The dough will be VERY sticky. Don't be alarmed. Bake 18-20 minutes. Watch the cookies carefully, over baking will alter the texture. Let cool and enjoy!</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What you get:<br /></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A yummy, soft, Paleo chocolate chip cookie! You won't even miss the flour! Along with being delicious, these cookies provide more protein than your average baked good, thanks to the nut butter. Cinnamon can decrease inflammation and chocolate has a multitude of health benefits! It can lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and fight UV damage with antioxidants. It may even have anti-clotting properties to help keep your blood flowing!<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <i>And a cookie is bad day cure all! </i></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBdiydR-WD1g48tH1qXb2XQxnmp5Twj35NDUYj6jnMGWJpYpDVv9NzTUamm84rF1Zl4-2vehgE_NrPlw0j8O05fbs_HAQdrXMaRetoHpNJFMu7saLeu1LqJAgEsnsFhnRDEIlKu_lavpq/s1600/cookemonster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBdiydR-WD1g48tH1qXb2XQxnmp5Twj35NDUYj6jnMGWJpYpDVv9NzTUamm84rF1Zl4-2vehgE_NrPlw0j8O05fbs_HAQdrXMaRetoHpNJFMu7saLeu1LqJAgEsnsFhnRDEIlKu_lavpq/s640/cookemonster.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />CMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02914252354477945149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7170217562022626971.post-4847017763964163502013-04-11T08:08:00.004-07:002013-04-11T08:08:27.818-07:00Asian Broccoli Slaw<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I just realized it has been an entire MONTH without a blog post. And what a month it has been! Everything has been turned upside down and right side up and upside down again! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can call the changes <i>Spring Fever</i>. But I'd prefer to say that Spring symbolizes growth and a fresh start. Your attitude in life is half the battle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So I'm ready Spring, let's go! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yPoRFB8RMoi82tcC2R1E4P5l16VuEiLUsfiz4HbIjlqTmetugYxYMcMiGR5_AsuA-FgMSaXnGwwMaEqKtZ3_v5OamuWxyFABtYgiRBkwdJ269LE84Z48qxRZharAFjr0PPFe1dfd5IG4/s1600/psalm5110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yPoRFB8RMoi82tcC2R1E4P5l16VuEiLUsfiz4HbIjlqTmetugYxYMcMiGR5_AsuA-FgMSaXnGwwMaEqKtZ3_v5OamuWxyFABtYgiRBkwdJ269LE84Z48qxRZharAFjr0PPFe1dfd5IG4/s400/psalm5110.jpg" width="286" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A little Spring inspiration for you.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Spring also marks the return of local produce and farmer's markets! Hooray! But, so far, Chicago has been really rainy and I've been stuck inside working ER shifts with no break and studying for my boards (April 22nd can't come soon enough). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So recently it's been imperative that food be fast and filling. This recipe took 5 minutes (minus cooking the protein), it has tons of fiber to keep you full, tons of vitamins and you can pack it up for a quick meal at work! It makes a upwards of 5 servings and tastes even better the next day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Asian Broccoli Slaw</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_XBRdozopVR8UVvH04xZdPHDX35FzTeifLOyFDhAe1rsKbAM4RvGZdBNLIc44jlIHJmwDW9Z7xt3-M8hsHkY2380Hmzks8Dp4xO-GKR-uniKSN7ulMU5ySDMCNDiP7J8zJmFKf9EFNfU/s1600/IMAG1214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_XBRdozopVR8UVvH04xZdPHDX35FzTeifLOyFDhAe1rsKbAM4RvGZdBNLIc44jlIHJmwDW9Z7xt3-M8hsHkY2380Hmzks8Dp4xO-GKR-uniKSN7ulMU5ySDMCNDiP7J8zJmFKf9EFNfU/s640/IMAG1214.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Hands on time: 5 minutes</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Total time: 5 minutes (plus cooking of whatever protein you choose)</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What you need:</b></span></div>
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<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 package broccoli slaw</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 bunch scallions, chopped</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">1 package sugar snap peas (I cut mine in half, just a preference)</span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4-1/2 cup Asian Dressing (I'm a fan of Newman's Own Light Sesame Ginger) </span></li>
<li style="font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">8 ounces protein (I used salmon since I had some defrosting that I had forgotten about, but chicken or tofu would be great too)</span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 package shredded red cabbage</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2/3 cup crunchy chow mein noodles</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mix everything together in a giant bowl. Top with crunchy noodles. DONE! ENJOY!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD71H1nTMdVJkbFZ7vPXHNpNt9JGQhPiicQ96d_yfhITMgw1EStttgUYjTHbs0zP1wLT9tQeSXGHTc8hwoRo0CwXvsIN_LLqFjav33FWhq7NKpc73-Y8dpnfk9Wyidv09fKNaN_43cBBgU/s1600/IMAG1210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD71H1nTMdVJkbFZ7vPXHNpNt9JGQhPiicQ96d_yfhITMgw1EStttgUYjTHbs0zP1wLT9tQeSXGHTc8hwoRo0CwXvsIN_LLqFjav33FWhq7NKpc73-Y8dpnfk9Wyidv09fKNaN_43cBBgU/s640/IMAG1210.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Fast Salmon: 450 degrees, slices of lemon, drizzle olive oil, salt and pepper, 15 minutes!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TEvSIAq5j6I39xWhYFOCPhXyQZnE6eUCMDECfL-gKddcmyISk97heapUV7LW23PI-4zGRDRFdWEV2jA1qPTEId-ROcF2OKARI6BKIpkw-iSfyS5AwAUzgeBY30AZmu4HqQiLQx_TmjRQ/s1600/IMAG1211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TEvSIAq5j6I39xWhYFOCPhXyQZnE6eUCMDECfL-gKddcmyISk97heapUV7LW23PI-4zGRDRFdWEV2jA1qPTEId-ROcF2OKARI6BKIpkw-iSfyS5AwAUzgeBY30AZmu4HqQiLQx_TmjRQ/s640/IMAG1211.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The goods</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1a1PeKSz0f7LcAUWz8SIcGx_aphyphenhyphenJHEYBS0S9LU3eYmVEOfjBMQclkuV3NQm3Gx55nlz0LKvGpFfs1A72SMBbyoMvdkG5ZYxZ6_w0rgn28K-GRQh13_h0-dbMI2E_gQTQ3bG18uh2KDM/s1600/IMAG1212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1a1PeKSz0f7LcAUWz8SIcGx_aphyphenhyphenJHEYBS0S9LU3eYmVEOfjBMQclkuV3NQm3Gx55nlz0LKvGpFfs1A72SMBbyoMvdkG5ZYxZ6_w0rgn28K-GRQh13_h0-dbMI2E_gQTQ3bG18uh2KDM/s640/IMAG1212.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Crunchy and colorful</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHuOpvYuZAuceqpPcuLJKll8xsY6Dr_3OJlfMb8qdB99TnFQgBkLqO7y8mWsUG2mqdF9hun6pLDepnyunYH-8KCkYaEY2PUPWW3DsVtw6kDk9_gbfiZlhCjeD0oQEQ7q-Q3eOOzvmxQTH/s1600/IMAG1213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHuOpvYuZAuceqpPcuLJKll8xsY6Dr_3OJlfMb8qdB99TnFQgBkLqO7y8mWsUG2mqdF9hun6pLDepnyunYH-8KCkYaEY2PUPWW3DsVtw6kDk9_gbfiZlhCjeD0oQEQ7q-Q3eOOzvmxQTH/s640/IMAG1213.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Final Product</span></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What you get:<br /></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">An easy, tasty salad that's</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> great as a main course, but could be delicious without the protein as a side, or even on top of a turkey or salmon burger!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Also, you get all the benefits of broccoli without that icky broccoli taste. I've never liked the florets and would only eat the stalks, which is a waste. This solves that problem! Broccoli has a ton of vitamin C and antioxidants that help to support your immune system and connective tissue. A serving of broccoli also has about as much calcium as half a glass of milk! Pretty good for a vegetable! Broccoli also has protein and fiber! Basically - it's a food pyramid in itself! AND it is much more nutritious and filling for the base of a salad than plain old iceberg lettuce. Eat up!</span></div>
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<br />CMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02914252354477945149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7170217562022626971.post-75479730095641238612013-03-15T18:44:00.003-07:002013-03-15T18:50:54.721-07:00Guinness Bread and St. Patrick's Day!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">March signals the "you better hurry up because summer is right around the corner, so get to the gym" frenzy! Swimsuit season is almost upon us!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Soon I won't be hiding behind baggy scrubs at work and snuggle-worthy sweat pants at home. And it is my goal to finally make it to the beach this summer. I haven't swam in Lake Michigan yet and I've lived in Chicago almost a year! Wow, time flies! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To jump start my shape up, and my wake up <i>(see what I did there? word play)</i>, when the alarm goes off <i>(5:30am sharp)</i> every morning, I've been doing this awesome 10 minute body-weight workout. In addition to my regular post-work-stress-relieving gym time, I will be back in summer shape in no time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Supplement your regular workouts or do it on it's own.<b><span style="font-size: large;"> <i>Just do it!</i></span></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5ztUT8aUTNc0ABYquS3G12mmjh2DqRdbdkS4da31KfIxYYYe6_Fd4EjB_7jTDHkBwLySIIxuAuTiPFgcSpplvEs7T2UcfoY-tHkkpHq-L7_hlHhb5XJZPYJg-Gyk7f2mcfNAYQY51d16/s1600/workout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5ztUT8aUTNc0ABYquS3G12mmjh2DqRdbdkS4da31KfIxYYYe6_Fd4EjB_7jTDHkBwLySIIxuAuTiPFgcSpplvEs7T2UcfoY-tHkkpHq-L7_hlHhb5XJZPYJg-Gyk7f2mcfNAYQY51d16/s640/workout.jpg" width="390" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is also the most wonderful time of the year! Some say Christmas...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I say</span><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">St. Patrick's Day!</span></b></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCGv4G377FLU81nJhW3hR2rpLF4G3XBIgtDqfDsXPs1oaXHRXhXO7ZJaGcNbIrVDaNYRxaL78tAi4XutQn42UvzWaBz9-Rjma71X7h-JFPySaN9QjKKG0gwBMVBli9M5FkD0UL4p45VRS/s1600/irish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCGv4G377FLU81nJhW3hR2rpLF4G3XBIgtDqfDsXPs1oaXHRXhXO7ZJaGcNbIrVDaNYRxaL78tAi4XutQn42UvzWaBz9-Rjma71X7h-JFPySaN9QjKKG0gwBMVBli9M5FkD0UL4p45VRS/s400/irish.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />I look forward to this day all year! Wearing green, being ridiculous and celebrating the day of my people! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_t2sUb62rqiW3YTbmJNUgNWzjvb-3j-d4EJvyK0XwjOPUgfM1g4LCJcXsUUVt159f6dSfMXCgGrZbpDjZI5bPCbgSyJ1heS-ENstZcfAZU0Nv1HIhkzMBWK06ShRsWkBqeV6nkdDOqHNj/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_t2sUb62rqiW3YTbmJNUgNWzjvb-3j-d4EJvyK0XwjOPUgfM1g4LCJcXsUUVt159f6dSfMXCgGrZbpDjZI5bPCbgSyJ1heS-ENstZcfAZU0Nv1HIhkzMBWK06ShRsWkBqeV6nkdDOqHNj/s400/031.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made monkey bread for brunch last year! Not. Healthy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVBCMlJLJRLXqKDDic5f7tieNArbZsoAQLSJ6PzmmuPHb9RgQshLpYBeMlIDp-KQpFwCHjs06zKFAA6bfZh7qP6r-XW9aXYMPR76T8jwaEX1lke2cTzo5Mx0Qpd0e50ivsEy8wtjNdjAt/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVBCMlJLJRLXqKDDic5f7tieNArbZsoAQLSJ6PzmmuPHb9RgQshLpYBeMlIDp-KQpFwCHjs06zKFAA6bfZh7qP6r-XW9aXYMPR76T8jwaEX1lke2cTzo5Mx0Qpd0e50ivsEy8wtjNdjAt/s400/057.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Patty's in the D! On a people mover adventure!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Looking for something a little more authentic and surprisingly healthy to bring to your St. Patty's get together? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a can of left over Guinness from some pre-St. Patty's festivities? <i>(Wait. What's leftover Guinness?)</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Guinness Bread</i></span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8C3Ew93RKIPfxgaC5609lqpEMxVVZaQI_AeGKqbgGAxZbYRbSENNkQwT-Qs_Htwg3MWgn9Vjsh6WXi1gnOpSylpGzS4gAkFMxsTQefhPBrbLmfdTylMSW88qP8mrPOuupzKOkZfQZ5QrK/s1600/IMAG1120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8C3Ew93RKIPfxgaC5609lqpEMxVVZaQI_AeGKqbgGAxZbYRbSENNkQwT-Qs_Htwg3MWgn9Vjsh6WXi1gnOpSylpGzS4gAkFMxsTQefhPBrbLmfdTylMSW88qP8mrPOuupzKOkZfQZ5QrK/s640/IMAG1120.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFKDyDAEAtpPjOtenLaGBrRuIbYM9Q1D3MD0BdClywG1tTMSE64KGn-g8VAFL9Vjl8Z9J02tUrEvlUySpglwtMcze_q6OO_2_lfQKK03J1jIOr7PykOJwEGNE1UaLahTZNARL0tnm5DRJ/s1600/IMAG1122-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFKDyDAEAtpPjOtenLaGBrRuIbYM9Q1D3MD0BdClywG1tTMSE64KGn-g8VAFL9Vjl8Z9J02tUrEvlUySpglwtMcze_q6OO_2_lfQKK03J1jIOr7PykOJwEGNE1UaLahTZNARL0tnm5DRJ/s640/IMAG1122-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Hands on time: 10 minutes</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Total time: 1.5 hours</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What you need:</b></span></div>
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<ul>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 cup quick oats</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 cups whole wheat flour (or white)</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">1/3 cup brown sugar</span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 tsp baking soda</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">1 tsp baking powder</span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 tsp salt</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4 cup applesauce</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 cup nonfat plain greek yogurt</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">12 oz Guinness</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 T honey</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6r3jKHZpox-d_TaDedoH2-mJjOz-ENMkN3bgQocDBlxxROtyxrr3aPUU5dnwUQvT46YBjnbRB0uN4mcwsFNroTUWGkxGgx-I_32MkxSEA6iGvIB3scKJo2zs8_9B4YMBOyq1FBhnlbKCC/s1600/IMAG1110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6r3jKHZpox-d_TaDedoH2-mJjOz-ENMkN3bgQocDBlxxROtyxrr3aPUU5dnwUQvT46YBjnbRB0uN4mcwsFNroTUWGkxGgx-I_32MkxSEA6iGvIB3scKJo2zs8_9B4YMBOyq1FBhnlbKCC/s400/IMAG1110.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Mix together the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix all the wet ingredients. If you're using the Guinness cans, don't use the whole thing! They are almost 15 ounces! Take a sip!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQT4PpFFh1Tn6QHYzVtMvEyL0p0p0nxAY8ToeJwlrX_FpSi32sUEXGzoCG9rZ5AwMq_85FAKw4gZoZlVLZqIiraRLjHhl7VERIPV36MVONWHbpbVJ9BrUGG7ocHalXTaHj1iOP96NO0bKP/s1600/IMAG1111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQT4PpFFh1Tn6QHYzVtMvEyL0p0p0nxAY8ToeJwlrX_FpSi32sUEXGzoCG9rZ5AwMq_85FAKw4gZoZlVLZqIiraRLjHhl7VERIPV36MVONWHbpbVJ9BrUGG7ocHalXTaHj1iOP96NO0bKP/s640/IMAG1111.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pour the dry ingredients into the wet and mix, mix, mix. Grease an 8x8 baking pan and pour the batter into it.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ehPQmw9CIQyRWDKXb-jwXAlp1BKF2kEhNcmKRn0jta1qAEqLoTdwtuVChvT0oAgsQoAj0kRvPhYycvuAhaYq_HQcb3OKomJxS2wMuDSspJwJV7o5o4vWA0SZLFZX8vXJ0mZ2PDl3k4Mx/s1600/IMAG1115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ehPQmw9CIQyRWDKXb-jwXAlp1BKF2kEhNcmKRn0jta1qAEqLoTdwtuVChvT0oAgsQoAj0kRvPhYycvuAhaYq_HQcb3OKomJxS2wMuDSspJwJV7o5o4vWA0SZLFZX8vXJ0mZ2PDl3k4Mx/s640/IMAG1115.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sprinkle with some leftover oats. Bake for 20 minutes at 425, turn the oven down to 400 and bake another 20 minutes. Now turn off the oven. Open the door a smidge and let the bread sit in the oven ANOTHER 20 minutes.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDsTqbLi0-NL0GkKnK8kReqL2B8ekWrgJTkjZHcpVbWvrKYhnOsRnA36K-tkCxkJxJJkPm9r-fFLYtNbESi9nD0duTr9rfRRD65GJanjzrwoi4a_FquIwPn0F-HCu74GWovgX4v_JHdL3s/s1600/IMAG1117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDsTqbLi0-NL0GkKnK8kReqL2B8ekWrgJTkjZHcpVbWvrKYhnOsRnA36K-tkCxkJxJJkPm9r-fFLYtNbESi9nD0duTr9rfRRD65GJanjzrwoi4a_FquIwPn0F-HCu74GWovgX4v_JHdL3s/s640/IMAG1117.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let cool completely and enjoy! </span></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Have a safe and fun St. Patrick's Day!</span></h2>
CMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02914252354477945149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7170217562022626971.post-15675429853193237532013-02-20T13:01:00.000-08:002013-02-20T13:01:51.880-08:00"Cliff Bar" Cookies and learning to run again<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've had a lot of trouble motivating myself to work out independently the past few weeks. This has </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">meant LOTS of group fitness classes and practically ZERO running since the new year started. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today, on my day off, I strapped on my super-sweet-neon Newtons and ran it out. The endorphins from running can get you so revved up that you do too much too soon, which is when injuries happen! However, starting slow is not really my forte. I prefer jump in and give it all you've got. But, I've got no time for injuries, and with age comes wisdom right? My joints can't handle all that pounding. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the Fall, I could run an easy 6-7 miles, pre-residency and pre-dark-all-the-time Chicago winters. Based on that, my goal is a 10k in the next few weeks. And here is the plan I am following... Let's do it together!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNwJ9ouCEOxo3Cs1xQObW62SaSev0UeIZKaJkfrwJqGTNJ4stkQMm5OguXi-lRcMca6uJYXA8vcU24kA8RuJeSc7AF6rxvdGsyR2mKIgkm1GJdZ3Y5Gc5AJROGPozFtmYDKnuR5ogkeWx4/s1600/runplan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNwJ9ouCEOxo3Cs1xQObW62SaSev0UeIZKaJkfrwJqGTNJ4stkQMm5OguXi-lRcMca6uJYXA8vcU24kA8RuJeSc7AF6rxvdGsyR2mKIgkm1GJdZ3Y5Gc5AJROGPozFtmYDKnuR5ogkeWx4/s640/runplan.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">from lifeshinysideup.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Also, on my day off, I FINALLY made it to the grocery store. But instead of walking out with my favorite, McCann's Quick Cooking Irish Oats, I accidentally bought steel cut. A pretty horrific mistake! I eat oatmeal every day, but steel cut?! Yikes! It takes too long to cook and is too creamy for me. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hfihcyoXP8RvwpoBkfCGPKdj5s8IkKqGPsO_KfNPrSnyB-nJzs1-6d3zzqp9mi_HczdZ0vasglCa0lv1cNOX25-kGYZLu0iIDhd8boOxw-DQo7rP3FgTL4OCHrUQFvaR91E9OZQnv5tm/s1600/IMAG1045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hfihcyoXP8RvwpoBkfCGPKdj5s8IkKqGPsO_KfNPrSnyB-nJzs1-6d3zzqp9mi_HczdZ0vasglCa0lv1cNOX25-kGYZLu0iIDhd8boOxw-DQo7rP3FgTL4OCHrUQFvaR91E9OZQnv5tm/s320/IMAG1045.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">So instead, I made these delicious cookies!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLVDUA5s3t6p7yJUQCk0vYzLw0ULejdR7E4Axy13MQOCLzYaG41pQ8jJYsaCED0epVVW-A_VzGkxpdr7-41q8R50YrD81uiLDqceLSYBut9iyajamYOj3CRuLoxxyGfW0nI4_DqWX5WUV/s1600/IMAG1048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLVDUA5s3t6p7yJUQCk0vYzLw0ULejdR7E4Axy13MQOCLzYaG41pQ8jJYsaCED0epVVW-A_VzGkxpdr7-41q8R50YrD81uiLDqceLSYBut9iyajamYOj3CRuLoxxyGfW0nI4_DqWX5WUV/s640/IMAG1048.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1oJBB420cK39OrGRo7ir8YV6RSptfRhS-qs_v0HqvP1Evj-9pQ-V7fXpI6ji60am__hW_fa_m-MZxX1cIjsHbeq4vo5EmJo8izZddpfW7ZTS2cG_ux1V6dQT4nKM9EdyedQi_szAXCoy/s1600/IMAG1047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1oJBB420cK39OrGRo7ir8YV6RSptfRhS-qs_v0HqvP1Evj-9pQ-V7fXpI6ji60am__hW_fa_m-MZxX1cIjsHbeq4vo5EmJo8izZddpfW7ZTS2cG_ux1V6dQT4nKM9EdyedQi_szAXCoy/s640/IMAG1047.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A twist on no-bakes to use up the steel cut oats that would otherwise just sit on the shelf. They are full of fiber, protein and of course, chocolate! Also, the whole recipe took one saucepan and about 10 minutes! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>"Cliff Bar" No Bakes</i></span></h2>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Hands on time: 5 minutes</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Total Time: 10 minutes</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What you need:</b></span></div>
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<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 cup quick oats</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup steel cut oatmeal</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">1/4 cup peanut butter</span></span></li>
<li style="font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">1 ripe banana, mashed</span></span></li>
<li style="font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">1/4 cup cocoa powder</span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup skim milk</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/8 tsp salt</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 tsp vanilla</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4 cup Truvia baking blend (if using normal sugar use 1/2 cup)</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BY4V6JxdmTx_EMS0kz2v-jAjCugg05futggWAWhCPJLyk_Ktzh1GAHfrrZ2gCj236Uj0RPxZlVidh4s2qy2XzO-zkBqp66T1EhZu-gvGxVcAlmPrJbelvuwIQGxs9aMHGR4i1C1a2wYr/s1600/IMAG1043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BY4V6JxdmTx_EMS0kz2v-jAjCugg05futggWAWhCPJLyk_Ktzh1GAHfrrZ2gCj236Uj0RPxZlVidh4s2qy2XzO-zkBqp66T1EhZu-gvGxVcAlmPrJbelvuwIQGxs9aMHGR4i1C1a2wYr/s400/IMAG1043.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mix all the ingredients except the vanilla and the oats in a medium saucepan over low/medium heat. Stir to combine and beat with a fork until smooth. Allow the mixture to come close to a boil, but not quite. Then add in your vanilla and the oats. Mix well. Remove from heat and allow the dough to cool just enough that you can roll it into small walnut sized balls. Put the balls on wax or parchment paper and press them down into coin sized cookies. Allow to cool completely.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What you get:</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A delicious, filling cookie for 40 ish calories! (Mine were made with almond milk and truvia, so the calories are based on that.) I was able to make approximately 50 cookies from this recipe! Holy cow! They have TONS of fiber from the oatmeal, protein from the peanut butter and milk, vitamins from the banana and antioxidants from the cocoa powder. They are a great pre-workout energizer, after school/work snack or dessert! A great cliff bar/cookie combination!</span></div>
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CMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02914252354477945149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7170217562022626971.post-40402552218170773292013-02-14T07:26:00.000-08:002013-02-14T07:26:09.472-08:00A very (mac and) cheesy Valentine's Day!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've always loved Valentine's Day! You can be disgustingly sappy, but no one can fault you for it, because you've got a holiday for an excuse! This day can make you feel incredibly special, or, as many Valentine's Days for many people have, kinda lonely.<br /><br />One of my favorite Valentine's Days was my sophomore year of college. I lived in a house with my two best friends from childhood. We were all single, and rather depressed <i>whomp whomp, </i>that we had no dates that evening. So we were each other's dates! It was a homemade-meat-filled-cheese-drenched lasagna, a bottle (or 3) of red wine, and an SVU marathon kind of night. And it was great. I was with people who loved me more than anything. And celebrating love, any and all kinds of love, is what Valentine's Day is really about.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnZg2OqXB_bDbIdAaRsD4JbOM2ho5fMiv9xuaWV-SXtweyHAKbPParKzBaH5i3-sfpar9sogKId-zzXrAmOFB0RPhhwBNTB8WQXftzzZ9jii_Rs0Nt_YAmEdJfOc4_VEs1qRQNaGfWvmi/s1600/bbq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnZg2OqXB_bDbIdAaRsD4JbOM2ho5fMiv9xuaWV-SXtweyHAKbPParKzBaH5i3-sfpar9sogKId-zzXrAmOFB0RPhhwBNTB8WQXftzzZ9jii_Rs0Nt_YAmEdJfOc4_VEs1qRQNaGfWvmi/s400/bbq.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">My two best friends in the back yard of our college house, dancing (obviously) at one of our famous BBQs</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although I cherish that memory, things have changed. My attempts to live healthy no longer allow me (thankfully) to eat a 1/3 of a lasagna and drink a bottle of wine. But that doesn't mean I can't enjoy some delicious cheese! <b>Enter homestyle cauliflower mac and cheese! </b></span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I told you cauliflower would change your life. </i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also have a wonderful boyfriend...who happens to be, currently, hundreds of miles away (I love you!).<b> Enter my best friend and early makeshift Valentine's Day date. </b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjh_hiFRbXswFoGBIfPYBWJWVfVYzOAhqzcJbO2WkrVqhiW15XHLgJTR33DrbADfSi43P-iJSvY91v6ANnuCCRXdQ37I54qNrvzvZTyk4cccb2uP92lv8kNY9ynMKVSuRqAuSSegym-M29/s1600/IMAG1026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjh_hiFRbXswFoGBIfPYBWJWVfVYzOAhqzcJbO2WkrVqhiW15XHLgJTR33DrbADfSi43P-iJSvY91v6ANnuCCRXdQ37I54qNrvzvZTyk4cccb2uP92lv8kNY9ynMKVSuRqAuSSegym-M29/s640/IMAG1026.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Brett, enjoying a yummy meal!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMKFxu5tYZhsgoHdzwn-rlUZIK35QYaj3NXz1mjwvJT4Qh5NrumE8JS_0Y2zaEKauh4sFpH_ouY-BfjBIxdd0LnrRgfZ0o4dhNCfYhr4m4qApHn1W2cGDAK_ErBiAuMfTgj4oevUpeeRY/s1600/IMAG1019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMKFxu5tYZhsgoHdzwn-rlUZIK35QYaj3NXz1mjwvJT4Qh5NrumE8JS_0Y2zaEKauh4sFpH_ouY-BfjBIxdd0LnrRgfZ0o4dhNCfYhr4m4qApHn1W2cGDAK_ErBiAuMfTgj4oevUpeeRY/s640/IMAG1019.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Salad, Mac and Cheese and Malbec</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Looking for something to make for your valentine tonight? Or be your own valentine and make it just for you! PS it's approved by one of America's most loved power couples...the recipe is based on one of Mrs. Obama's favorite dishes! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Cauliflower Mac and Cheese</i></span></span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxR0M8ILW-RNDkYXK6sZh_J67tfMqyKYmMxm2GbmuzmAV0jSni7g103P3JgDtUTEUKu26sEebGMlt2fNdNxPv0QJjKn1XZ7lXkpraogHXIPZsYb41Wytb_IPFl4z4i_EHpb-cOzVy-sAOc/s1600/IMAG1021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxR0M8ILW-RNDkYXK6sZh_J67tfMqyKYmMxm2GbmuzmAV0jSni7g103P3JgDtUTEUKu26sEebGMlt2fNdNxPv0QJjKn1XZ7lXkpraogHXIPZsYb41Wytb_IPFl4z4i_EHpb-cOzVy-sAOc/s640/IMAG1021.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixG5vbF8bAotP9jxCm_f27x7bGYnhQ3e5qtqIrLRhTYyFRPp7nW5SeCbFpOfeyQB2w8Yo1dbtUicag9EOo997hnW6Bmfca0vz8SkPYztKkR0oxMwlrlSq9LhlqUb1ynyW4VERThdMZ_oUe/s1600/IMAG1022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixG5vbF8bAotP9jxCm_f27x7bGYnhQ3e5qtqIrLRhTYyFRPp7nW5SeCbFpOfeyQB2w8Yo1dbtUicag9EOo997hnW6Bmfca0vz8SkPYztKkR0oxMwlrlSq9LhlqUb1ynyW4VERThdMZ_oUe/s640/IMAG1022.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Hands on time: 10 minutes</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Total Time: 30-40 minutes</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What you need:</b></span></div>
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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 lb whole wheat penne pasta</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 cup skin milk</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">1 lb shredded part skim cheese (I used half mozzarella and half cheddar)</span></span></li>
<li style="font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">1/2 head of Cauliflower cut into florets</span></span></li>
<li style="font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">1/4 cup parmesan cheese</span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Salt and pepper to taste</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 tsp garlic (I used powder because I was lazy)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 chopped small yellow onion</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup bread crumbs</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Tbs butter</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Tbs olive oil</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fresh parsley</span></li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDx7ljK_MkLRp5lx07HjG-ZEBplCC1TTD8xN1yToZVIkBx0e7_6VWt6sLn3eiG6DScIIiaaHshIr6F12on0mYGNrSF5oFN8BQGdKF-OxlgqrOhASonmraKERkESCRd1p4EZPkCWORfpKiS/s1600/IMAG1012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDx7ljK_MkLRp5lx07HjG-ZEBplCC1TTD8xN1yToZVIkBx0e7_6VWt6sLn3eiG6DScIIiaaHshIr6F12on0mYGNrSF5oFN8BQGdKF-OxlgqrOhASonmraKERkESCRd1p4EZPkCWORfpKiS/s400/IMAG1012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love my food processor, pulverizing the cauliflower</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJiXRJKrbmigBo4pZiVYBHqvKQuqxnqLzUJ8L3mRvS8M6MCDCmM_WOHH99cywJSxQJVQUozwIMeasI6ezGrPagYiyahW1dWOX1O0B0hEZTItyMZ_cWht7WbtrRV0wlmwuFvfHYJ3rsokh/s1600/IMAG1013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJiXRJKrbmigBo4pZiVYBHqvKQuqxnqLzUJ8L3mRvS8M6MCDCmM_WOHH99cywJSxQJVQUozwIMeasI6ezGrPagYiyahW1dWOX1O0B0hEZTItyMZ_cWht7WbtrRV0wlmwuFvfHYJ3rsokh/s400/IMAG1013.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hidden cauliflower puree</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVNTwwdxQ0ZskPvWk79XgFugg6Qpa4gWLEM9wS9vA5TkFOyE9rzYjJ6POESMH3vDbzsV9-BcdpKuviToGb3fjERZKJLwwr_vqldmyczX8_h_XBd8ibDPYdlBfFjTJLAoB6PLLbIwLNFoq/s1600/IMAG1014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVNTwwdxQ0ZskPvWk79XgFugg6Qpa4gWLEM9wS9vA5TkFOyE9rzYjJ6POESMH3vDbzsV9-BcdpKuviToGb3fjERZKJLwwr_vqldmyczX8_h_XBd8ibDPYdlBfFjTJLAoB6PLLbIwLNFoq/s400/IMAG1014.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Getting all the ingredients together</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGRVGwO9nMGEnvUhsMNHrwmcIos0PW-MwDwXl9RuVWMi6vUxSM1jrIzir4OYbxB3CNezAhIgJD6iJDqOICwbdkn9ySqbIBBBZ9kNQJBgMmA2ytyFPXqz8JRjBQkEXmD7l-KQ9gKBJG52vl/s1600/IMAG1016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGRVGwO9nMGEnvUhsMNHrwmcIos0PW-MwDwXl9RuVWMi6vUxSM1jrIzir4OYbxB3CNezAhIgJD6iJDqOICwbdkn9ySqbIBBBZ9kNQJBgMmA2ytyFPXqz8JRjBQkEXmD7l-KQ9gKBJG52vl/s400/IMAG1016.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just before the oven</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVriRGHb6859D70DzqhKFmu9r5QX1kL4GUQFj_H8L_QjPsDR_vrB9EB03M3O8pFBVymglZwk1cOiADDSBNn7FpgZ1QPcinpp2PmE7-ijdaPy0cny2WSLUMT_jmqUKW9IqNIXUT2M9Iyu3t/s1600/IMAG1017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVriRGHb6859D70DzqhKFmu9r5QX1kL4GUQFj_H8L_QjPsDR_vrB9EB03M3O8pFBVymglZwk1cOiADDSBNn7FpgZ1QPcinpp2PmE7-ijdaPy0cny2WSLUMT_jmqUKW9IqNIXUT2M9Iyu3t/s400/IMAG1017.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fresh out of the oven! Bubbly, crusty and delicious</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Steam your cauliflower. I used fresh and so I put my florets in a pan with a little water and did it the old fashioned way. You can also use those steam in a bag microwave cauliflower packages. Whatever works, save time where you can! Now put a pot of water on the stove to boil. If you are using real garlic, chop up a clove and chop up your onion, cook them in a hot skillet with the olive oil until translucent. Put the pasta in your boiling water and while that is cooking, add your steamed cauliflower florets to a blender or food processor and turn it into a smooth cream. Add the cauliflower puree to your oven safe casserole dish. Mix in the onions, garlic, milk, and shredded cheese. When your pasta is done (cook it al dente since it will keep baking) mix it into the dish. Chop your fresh parsley and add a few pinches to the mac and cheese, along with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. Top with the parmesan cheese. <i>How many times will this post say cheese, love it! </i>Cut the butter into teeny tiny pieces and mix it with the breadcrumbs. I just used a fork and then my fingers to blend it together. Sprinkle on top and then pop in the oven for about 20 minutes! The top will be cripsy and golden and the cheese will bubble up when it's done! Garnish with the remaining parsley before serving!</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Valentine's Day! </span></i></span></h2>
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<br />CMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02914252354477945149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7170217562022626971.post-63467179460083745792013-01-31T19:29:00.003-08:002013-01-31T19:29:48.276-08:00(Healthy) Superbowl Snacks!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's just about time for arguably, the biggest sporting event of the year. I can admit that I have zero idea which teams are in the Superbowl this year. Last year my "Superbowl Party" consisted of watching a TV marathon with my Dad and ignoring all things football. Honesty -- if it isn't U of M football, it isn't football to me. <br /><br />I'm sure some people are excited for the game, but<i> everyone</i> is excited for the <b><i>food. </i></b><br /><br />Why don't you try these super delicious and healthy twists on Superbowl snacks at your party this weekend!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Or just eat them on a normal Wednesday (or your meatless Monday!), which is what I did... </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXb7piOciy7XF5nHoaY712lPDcDgBgR8LugTdhQIMPo9wIYLJouNoVPZSW5jVmggwS-mgb0HaMlXlauYzynnai7u4WA9myhaldKCZrac9VDriy4kEmosDrHMWyP7CBUr0thH4gdei3mCJc/s1600/IMAG1006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXb7piOciy7XF5nHoaY712lPDcDgBgR8LugTdhQIMPo9wIYLJouNoVPZSW5jVmggwS-mgb0HaMlXlauYzynnai7u4WA9myhaldKCZrac9VDriy4kEmosDrHMWyP7CBUr0thH4gdei3mCJc/s640/IMAG1006.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Buffalo Nuggets with a side of celery and ranch dressing for dipping!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">First off --- I made Buffalo Nuggets! </span><br />With Tofu! Baked, hot, and super easy (sounds like a bad date in college, ooh or a bad joke, sorry, it's been a long day). </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_SUrUdxJpVgWSPMHeUXsnsBx687YRhy7xqXiLDMZrKom1HKzDQLLbSZ1tppq7c-4CqJDbPy43mX6tJLW330zcD-LQFG66oVsOeev_9twRw9sp-FLCdosIVe8jx18kCBAYqwV0iMVh6Cw/s1600/IMAG1005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_SUrUdxJpVgWSPMHeUXsnsBx687YRhy7xqXiLDMZrKom1HKzDQLLbSZ1tppq7c-4CqJDbPy43mX6tJLW330zcD-LQFG66oVsOeev_9twRw9sp-FLCdosIVe8jx18kCBAYqwV0iMVh6Cw/s640/IMAG1005.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Or if you're bringing the dessert...Black bean brownies! Or as I called them </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>"Triple Bs"</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span>When I was younger, I would never EVER eat beans. Not in mexican, not in my grandma's famous goulash, no beans. But as my dad would say, "My tastes have changed." And since I heard about black bean brownies, I've been intrigued and a little scared. How could you DO THAT to chocolate?! But they were DELICIOUS! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6XylkZXxUs2UM6_DPp0IGnQSrzl0tyvRkxNhQLC47Tfe3s7bCE79ecyMJKZCmVsZbpg7P4C9oFVSR4El_fFAVJFwGIdXYwwXJpwihpVadlOYI9QtTqedva0Ba_3C5dzvn5-VUtsdXQel/s1600/IMAG1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6XylkZXxUs2UM6_DPp0IGnQSrzl0tyvRkxNhQLC47Tfe3s7bCE79ecyMJKZCmVsZbpg7P4C9oFVSR4El_fFAVJFwGIdXYwwXJpwihpVadlOYI9QtTqedva0Ba_3C5dzvn5-VUtsdXQel/s640/IMAG1000.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDvATzKmFR_tE93tGo3-vXxdkM15mFY_GxpBNcv5FwuPtr2_ZLD-PWacnD4ZBAjaiC2qV84hpTQHElq9uXz_6xO-UzvMQM7BtXtYtesXELDxArzot7uy1Jem8fN2KY5hy8lBfASjcbUiD/s1600/IMAG1003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDvATzKmFR_tE93tGo3-vXxdkM15mFY_GxpBNcv5FwuPtr2_ZLD-PWacnD4ZBAjaiC2qV84hpTQHElq9uXz_6xO-UzvMQM7BtXtYtesXELDxArzot7uy1Jem8fN2KY5hy8lBfASjcbUiD/s640/IMAG1003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h2>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Buffalo Nuggets</span></h2>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hands on time: 5 minutes</b></div>
<h4 class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Total Time: 35 minutes</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What you need:</b></span></div>
<ul>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">firm or extra firm tofu, with the water removed by wrapping it in paper towel for an hour or so</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 egg or 1/4 cup egg substitute (almond or soy milk works too if you're serving vegans!)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4 cup Frank's Red Hot Buffalo Sauce</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/3 cup bread crumbs</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 tbs garlic powder</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fresh ground pepper</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ranch dressing and celery for serving</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Heat your oven to 400 and cut your tofu into whatever sized nuggets you prefer. Mix together the egg and hot sauce. Drop your tofu pieces in the egg mixtures and let them marinate for a few minutes while you combine the bread crumbs, garlic and pepper in a shallow dish. Coat the egg covered tofu pieces on all sides with the bread crumb mixture. Place on a greased cookie sheet for 15 minutes. Flip over and bake 15 minutes more until crispy. SO EASY! They have a great crunch and a spicy kick!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Triple Bs</span></h2>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hands on time: 5 minutes</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Total Time: 25 minutes</span></h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyN693evlRiuI2CQrOnJokwERJGtFRcx7r9SDc8gOYtCjv5I0SjvtYrY28KqmefNNnporGOwWRac-_bXLvMqoRnvD55I74aDrPg_UY5mNaeCmYN29zdGRqCMr3pWxPXbyd5vnako8q5i4a/s1600/IMAG0993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyN693evlRiuI2CQrOnJokwERJGtFRcx7r9SDc8gOYtCjv5I0SjvtYrY28KqmefNNnporGOwWRac-_bXLvMqoRnvD55I74aDrPg_UY5mNaeCmYN29zdGRqCMr3pWxPXbyd5vnako8q5i4a/s640/IMAG0993.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main ingredients</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB69oFvUgq59dtSZHW7q21I04shqCWmo9y5lGzfdXmx55l4XstcVBwgwlt7LEd8D5omp_T5v0a-gk3KJlG5FOmmKHb_yWM3PJ-cDFtH3QBbkokQYCfDc1omsgMPNzaPjumpZmmaiM-NoZ0/s1600/IMAG0994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB69oFvUgq59dtSZHW7q21I04shqCWmo9y5lGzfdXmx55l4XstcVBwgwlt7LEd8D5omp_T5v0a-gk3KJlG5FOmmKHb_yWM3PJ-cDFtH3QBbkokQYCfDc1omsgMPNzaPjumpZmmaiM-NoZ0/s640/IMAG0994.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love my new food processor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYm5Rfyh2eJV2XjjWUO__xeIIFfJU-5a_UGW3jv82QTWMyVgaCqNkKNIk9AWzAjXB3m1m5FV0JiG5uqDvKqYdTgF-NtYovm-UvwiTbAhlvqh2zeZHM_LpWLEf3_JBIWDn4pZdhZki9vZW/s1600/IMAG0996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYm5Rfyh2eJV2XjjWUO__xeIIFfJU-5a_UGW3jv82QTWMyVgaCqNkKNIk9AWzAjXB3m1m5FV0JiG5uqDvKqYdTgF-NtYovm-UvwiTbAhlvqh2zeZHM_LpWLEf3_JBIWDn4pZdhZki9vZW/s640/IMAG0996.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjripxYhbDvurp__MCT0ZwMB8qp7PSiCQenAtmlg89OlURiiGgMoY_BC3ysGKMrP91XjRrCCrkba4zyzMDTy5nPkfVeuL9jwfoUER5uDu-GqbcMM-BHNf69t_n-imbCeOYzTgZF6BCvIP7a/s1600/IMAG0997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjripxYhbDvurp__MCT0ZwMB8qp7PSiCQenAtmlg89OlURiiGgMoY_BC3ysGKMrP91XjRrCCrkba4zyzMDTy5nPkfVeuL9jwfoUER5uDu-GqbcMM-BHNf69t_n-imbCeOYzTgZF6BCvIP7a/s640/IMAG0997.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before baking</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPRb2B9ow2YoArMClmJjmFwLGafsmQ6lZJ_JKvK_S6NATE9A3A7z50kzEJfHFf6Fi0pJ-ATQkpq4tABkCj4YARJYvxi-ur92mkNy7a-OZYfGlNzspWUEM7VCSkTp7EoGjfW2ISPEj_ymH/s1600/IMAG0999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPRb2B9ow2YoArMClmJjmFwLGafsmQ6lZJ_JKvK_S6NATE9A3A7z50kzEJfHFf6Fi0pJ-ATQkpq4tABkCj4YARJYvxi-ur92mkNy7a-OZYfGlNzspWUEM7VCSkTp7EoGjfW2ISPEj_ymH/s640/IMAG0999.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After baking...and taste testing!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What you need:</b></span></div>
<ul>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 can black beans, reduced sodium prefered, drained and rinsed </span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup quick oats</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 1/2 tbs cocoa powder</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 tbs instant coffee or espresso powder (can be omitted, but I love this flavor)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4 tsp salt</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 tsp cinnamon</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/3 cup agave or maple syrup</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 tbs sugar, or 1 tbs truvia baking blend (my new favorite ingredient)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 tbs vanilla</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 tsp baking powder</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3/4 cup chocolate chips, divided into 1/2 and 1/4</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Heat your oven to 350 degrees. Prepare an 8x8 baking dish by greasing it or laying in some parchment paper. Combine all ingredients except the chocolate chips in your food processor. Now that I have one of my own, I don't mess around with a blender, but I bet that would work too. Make sure the batter is smooth. Go ahead and lick the scraper...pretty yummy, right?! Fold in 1/2 c of chocolate chips. Spoon into your baking dish and top with the last 1/4 c of chocolate chips. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. </span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What you get:</b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I rave about oatmeal, chocolate and cinnamon all the time. So let's chat about beans! "Beans, beans the musical fruit, the more you eat, the more you..." feel full from the protein and fiber they provide! They also have antioxidants and vitamin B6. Remember B6? Essential to the functioning of your nervous system! Black beans also have Molybdenu<span style="line-height: 19px;">m, a trace metal, which helps break down sulfites in food like wine. Molybdenum is also found in the enamel of our teeth and may help slow tooth decay. So pour a glass of heart healthy red wine and enjoy a nutritious black bean brownie!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7c7mmyW2ueBYsTbQ4ZIKYTbyInrXPD9So7SiMdJmXVF9s9LE-wJwGv0FGGzBUGV-TGt0Giy_4mbP88b3yVyTL7M9GK0Ma3dzYjOE53SySdJgGaEA0maJ_v4c_a0p9XqoLD4zOXL9p7dJr/s1600/IMAG0998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7c7mmyW2ueBYsTbQ4ZIKYTbyInrXPD9So7SiMdJmXVF9s9LE-wJwGv0FGGzBUGV-TGt0Giy_4mbP88b3yVyTL7M9GK0Ma3dzYjOE53SySdJgGaEA0maJ_v4c_a0p9XqoLD4zOXL9p7dJr/s400/IMAG0998.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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CMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02914252354477945149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7170217562022626971.post-33156426837361923272013-01-20T07:30:00.003-08:002013-01-20T07:30:35.676-08:00Set it and Forget it Oatmeal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you remember this infomercial?</span></span></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoUkJmWjpK7_N_Unc5P0G1bBDki3GsVe8Cb5rlH82-BV_TmUXnRBS48vOy1iJ2HU_N2kJDXM4jicsNGrrqJqgJe-sU59D0ub14E_uebo83Otp4tbGJONhtRRzZfWoLZVW4189O_RtAkmbn/s1600/set-it-forget-it-rankings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoUkJmWjpK7_N_Unc5P0G1bBDki3GsVe8Cb5rlH82-BV_TmUXnRBS48vOy1iJ2HU_N2kJDXM4jicsNGrrqJqgJe-sU59D0ub14E_uebo83Otp4tbGJONhtRRzZfWoLZVW4189O_RtAkmbn/s400/set-it-forget-it-rankings.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>SET IT AND FORGET IT! </b>The showtime rotisserie oven! Still one of my favorites, and now a pop culture icon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If only all meals were as easy as set it and forget it...especially breakfast. A lot of my colleagues think a cup of coffee on the way to work with a little bit of milk for "protein" counts as breakfast. Me? If I don't eat something with fiber and <i>REAL</i> protein, I'm <i>STARVING</i> by 9 am and snacking by 10 am.<br /><br />I'm a HUGE oatmeal fan and usually wake up early enough to cook some plain oatmeal on the stove, throw a tablespoon of almond butter on it and enjoy it with a cup of coffee BEFORE I go to work. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijG2f_HA00_tAflYHf1tjhst3-uoy03_WjmsUb-rH6HUPXKewVjcoNxkxOICisHQSOXEFTB0Q1SS3R3ceo5CEIVQ3tAsUB7rVqq7y5EqiHsEEMPZohYyT-lMAZjv395IflcMvogGHPqv_h/s1600/gohumans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijG2f_HA00_tAflYHf1tjhst3-uoy03_WjmsUb-rH6HUPXKewVjcoNxkxOICisHQSOXEFTB0Q1SS3R3ceo5CEIVQ3tAsUB7rVqq7y5EqiHsEEMPZohYyT-lMAZjv395IflcMvogGHPqv_h/s400/gohumans.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How I feel at work when I eat my oatmeal!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Recently, though, getting to work before the sun rises and leaving after it sets, I'm tired. But I still want my oatmeal! CUE </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Set it and Forget it Overnight Oatmeal! </span></b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2mLqIbHR7U2NFhMAATLvQ0BjIRc-uCdsBQonyHaI_MqtrR2aD-1A5cThi50YgLVq4uSxjohNQyI4VvKweXzXrMh1DqAHhIyrPd7dp1JmjymTNHjfnCmfnfWrsQfHJtLv13YRf_1jEkR5/s1600/yummylife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2mLqIbHR7U2NFhMAATLvQ0BjIRc-uCdsBQonyHaI_MqtrR2aD-1A5cThi50YgLVq4uSxjohNQyI4VvKweXzXrMh1DqAHhIyrPd7dp1JmjymTNHjfnCmfnfWrsQfHJtLv13YRf_1jEkR5/s400/yummylife.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overnight Oatmeal, photo from theyummylife.com I'm not this fancy, let's be real...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />You throw it together the night before, or a large batch Sunday night. Take it out of the fridge in the before and take it to work to enjoy at your desk! BOOM. So easy. No more excuses for the most important meal of the day. The topping possibilities are ENDLESS! Right now, since it's so cold, I'm loving a tropical combo! (And I have half a can of leftover crushed pineapple from a carrot cake cookie recipe that will find it's way on the blog soon!)</span> </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEYK4ouMVcAGqe-GaifB4b2Ugr_fS1JXwrZt0SVrxu8aXfMWfk3myV9ucPyBXbuImoMgCo6Yqw_yeFPqKNowBF56leXBXOawMIIPi7vKO884vz3TE8YZUO8mE_Yh2rt1luUUXQUPGOdVp/s1600/IMAG0964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEYK4ouMVcAGqe-GaifB4b2Ugr_fS1JXwrZt0SVrxu8aXfMWfk3myV9ucPyBXbuImoMgCo6Yqw_yeFPqKNowBF56leXBXOawMIIPi7vKO884vz3TE8YZUO8mE_Yh2rt1luUUXQUPGOdVp/s640/IMAG0964.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quaker Oats, my breakfast container, and a sneak peak in my pantry.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6X7XuuCCrgyQHK7AvbT2-gKNWwNcbigCIMOxNMjNuaBgQKRD3P3PmSwQYebVlYTH8xEo1RfRWr8e6hSwe1EhJap2ggMaerQpP7FJBd1kQcpeCgHOYOKSBEUvubaYmW-5Kqck1uszOynC/s1600/IMAG0961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6X7XuuCCrgyQHK7AvbT2-gKNWwNcbigCIMOxNMjNuaBgQKRD3P3PmSwQYebVlYTH8xEo1RfRWr8e6hSwe1EhJap2ggMaerQpP7FJBd1kQcpeCgHOYOKSBEUvubaYmW-5Kqck1uszOynC/s640/IMAG0961.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The night before with my tropical toppings...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFEe81avn0D9fmj3O_xX1-48n24u1WTJ3wRPjcc7Pirb82OoOqybDE8IbtfMVUKB6P-3PEiexrTrnsH2_nNXNZcesPdNoVlcCiJ7oKda54nHVzhPvCkxeT02nCASUs2CUpYzH8ueA3NDp/s1600/IMAG0966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFEe81avn0D9fmj3O_xX1-48n24u1WTJ3wRPjcc7Pirb82OoOqybDE8IbtfMVUKB6P-3PEiexrTrnsH2_nNXNZcesPdNoVlcCiJ7oKda54nHVzhPvCkxeT02nCASUs2CUpYzH8ueA3NDp/s640/IMAG0966.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The next morning!</td></tr>
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<h2>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Set it and Forget it Oatmeal</span></h2>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hands on time: 5 minutes</b></div>
<h4 class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Total Time: 5 minutes + overnight </span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What you need:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>The base:</b></span></div>
<ul>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/3 cup quick oats (I like Quaker or McCann's)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/3 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/3 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or whatever milk you have!)</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Tropical Mix ins:</b></span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4 cup crushed pineapple</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 tbs shredded coconut</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Half a banana chopped</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Other tried and true mix in options</b></span></div>
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<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Almond Berry: </i>1 cup fresh or frozen mixed berries, 1 tbs slivered almonds, 1 tbs Smucker's Simply Fruit Strawberry Jam (or any low sugar jam)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Pumpkin Pie: </i> 1/4 cup canned pumpkin, dash of pumpkin pie spice, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1 tbs walnuts</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"Cookie dough": </i>1 tbs mini chocolate chips, 1 tbs almond butter, 1 tsp vanilla, sweetener as desired</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>WHATEVER YOU WANT! Be creative!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now pick your container! I use something with a lid to grab and go in the mornings. Mix it all together. Put it in the fridge. The oatmeal "cooks" overnight. Done and done. </span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What you get:</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A SUPER easy and healthy breakfast. Greek yogurt has calcium and protein to get your metabolism going and keep your bones strong. Oatmeal is the king of breakfast foods! It is hearty and keeps you full for hours thanks to all the fiber it provides. Fiber helps lower your bad (LDL) cholesterol and protects your heart. It also slows down digestion and prevents your blood sugar from spiking, so you have long lasting energy and no sugar crash. Oatmeal also has magnesium, vitamin E and, yes, even more protein! Amazing! No excuses, eat breakfast! </span></div>
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CMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02914252354477945149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7170217562022626971.post-80501445206836154502013-01-08T15:30:00.000-08:002013-01-08T15:30:04.354-08:00New Year's Resolutions<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They're the same every year. Practically the same for everyone. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Save more money. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lose weight. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Spend more time with friends and family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's new year, new you! Every year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSSDzNaYtX5tde_rGIc8I8WcLWaJSJSgtS38KuPVD7KziDYujvqFUEirFHvJ-DJy149NaYzGOvHBomd6gGEE6Yq6H8NmYyno72XpWyo4Vm4rjgbHTM1KGyJEP8EBPMDlhElDh4uZnPhgG/s1600/happy_2013_dribb_1x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSSDzNaYtX5tde_rGIc8I8WcLWaJSJSgtS38KuPVD7KziDYujvqFUEirFHvJ-DJy149NaYzGOvHBomd6gGEE6Yq6H8NmYyno72XpWyo4Vm4rjgbHTM1KGyJEP8EBPMDlhElDh4uZnPhgG/s320/happy_2013_dribb_1x.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo from dribble.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's the time of year when you need to get to group fitness classes 30 minutes early just to get a spot. But hey, if you're hard core that is 30 minutes of weights before spin, or a quick run before Killer B's weight class. So as frustrating as the crowds may be, think of it as extra workout time! And you know what, most of those people will be gone in a few weeks and those that don't give up...props to them! Make them your new workout buddy since they have killer determination! </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfptXgQTplvjQkcp-t6-HFM8oGagHuB9yNmKocKIktLLGml_w1ONIPdbvY4pkDUxjD0bn67pMqwZAvXlGvJ8lBWFHUGvbHNRzjddhxbhDXyU1NMPXgkTzc5cvHq78bWORaHF3L-XvPX2eA/s1600/triumph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfptXgQTplvjQkcp-t6-HFM8oGagHuB9yNmKocKIktLLGml_w1ONIPdbvY4pkDUxjD0bn67pMqwZAvXlGvJ8lBWFHUGvbHNRzjddhxbhDXyU1NMPXgkTzc5cvHq78bWORaHF3L-XvPX2eA/s400/triumph.jpg" width="270" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Motivation! <br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo from fitsugar</span></td></tr>
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<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My resolutions for 2013 are few and it's the first year in a long time I've made any, so I'm going to give it my all to keep them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>1. Be a better long distance friend</b> -- As we've all grown up and moved to different cities it's been really hard to stay in reliable contact with my friends. Even with a bajillion methods of communication, it can sometimes take me two weeks to return a phone call, or two days to return a text. I am, however, a great letter writer! But, I will do better friends, I promise. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>2. Have more patience</b> -- With my patients, my family, and overall with my life. Everything will happen when it's supposed to happen. Faith in God includes faith in his timing.<br /><br />On a less serious note, for those of you whose resolutions include eating healthier, here is a recipe for my favorite kale salad. Kale has been getting a lot of hype recently as a super food and truth is, it is delicious...if you know what to do with it. Leave the kale chips behind and try this awesome, unexpected salad instead!</span></div>
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<h2>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Favorite Kale Salad</span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Adapted from <a href="http://www.eat-drink-smile.com/2012/07/parmesan-kale-salad-with-raisins.html" target="_blank">Eat Drink Smile</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFBmbcw82uvI8C2RFZK61i3OlwXlpCYA4qBRrtTe_cpxIuDT1sfHSsYTDHztrJ-6ZMy6Sy65nW3Tl7txdaocyf3_Ulltg0uEK1SUR-SwD_ACoOXQ8NxNjuy7jZas64PIGSCoHVpkFW-Uf/s1600/178336_10101781656248413_889593536_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFBmbcw82uvI8C2RFZK61i3OlwXlpCYA4qBRrtTe_cpxIuDT1sfHSsYTDHztrJ-6ZMy6Sy65nW3Tl7txdaocyf3_Ulltg0uEK1SUR-SwD_ACoOXQ8NxNjuy7jZas64PIGSCoHVpkFW-Uf/s640/178336_10101781656248413_889593536_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Hands on time: 5 minutes</b></span></div>
<h4 class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Total Time: 5 minutes</span></h4>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What you need:</span></b></div>
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<br />
<ul style="line-height: normal;">
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 bunch of kale, washed and torn from the stems</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="line-height: normal;">
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup raisins </span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="line-height: normal;">
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup golden raisins</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="line-height: normal;">
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Juice from one freshly squeezed lemon</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="line-height: normal;">
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Zest from the fresh lemon</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="line-height: normal;">
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="line-height: normal;">
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4 cup olive oil (start with half and add more if needed)</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="line-height: normal;">
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup chopped walnuts</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="line-height: normal;">
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pinch of sea salt</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tear your kale from the stems and wash it. Pat it dry with a paper towel or maybe even use a salad spinner! Throw back to a great infomercial! Pulse the kale in your food processor until it is in small pieces. Put kale into a medium sized bowl and add lemon juice, lemon zest, parmesan and the raisins. Mix together. Start with 1/8 cup of olive oil and toss with the salad. If you can't coat all the kale, add a little more, but not more than 1/4 cup or it will be soggy tomorrow! Toss in the walnuts, salt to taste and devour! </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What you get:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let's talk about kale! It has gotten so much press lately and is a "nutritional powerhouse". Kale has tons of fiber and is very low in calories. Vitamin A, vitamin C, iron and vitamin K are all abundant in this meaty, leafy green. Calorie for calorie, kale has MORE CALCIUM than milk! Believe it! AND antioxidants. Kale also has omega-3 fatty acids -- 10% of the daily recommended value in one cup. Fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and can be beneficial in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and may help to lower the risk of heart attack! </span></div>
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CMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02914252354477945149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7170217562022626971.post-69393061634897420922013-01-05T10:33:00.000-08:002013-01-05T10:33:02.841-08:00Cookie doughn't you want some?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't think I have <i>EVER</i> made cookies and not snuck a little bit of the dough to eat before I baked them...or just ate the dough straight from the bowl and had very little left to bake! Guilty as charged!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnK6BhU6y_BTp4q_d4QrIR_n-J8mR6rRaW5x7h9JSFpcCbS_w5PLL4Se2wO8Eq4yfC0BPYyHRovtc8KOZ3aL5MvDT4cBGHHw0xx9gcuYF-BaitrMOTF70l5LFga6Q83m9EcHA1YEAvSxB0/s1600/salmonella-my-ass-im-eating-the-batter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnK6BhU6y_BTp4q_d4QrIR_n-J8mR6rRaW5x7h9JSFpcCbS_w5PLL4Se2wO8Eq4yfC0BPYyHRovtc8KOZ3aL5MvDT4cBGHHw0xx9gcuYF-BaitrMOTF70l5LFga6Q83m9EcHA1YEAvSxB0/s400/salmonella-my-ass-im-eating-the-batter.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I won't lie, coming back to work after vacation and visiting my friends and family was really tough. I've spent a night or two just hanging out in bed, missing everyone. There are a few things just are just GREAT for cheering yourself up -- exercise, of course (I am so happy to be back sweating it out at The Mercury Method), best friends (so happy Brett is finally moving to Chicago!), and<i><b> JUNK FOOD! </b></i><br /><br />Everything in moderation. And there are times you just need to indulge. Especially when you're feeling a little down. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have two delicious edible cookie dough recipes here, one is healthy, and one is, well, let's call it <b><i>traditional.</i></b> The choice is yours! </span></div>
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<h2>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Eggless Cookie Dough</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqcSQSf1xzv6tgyNTFl0_A3BxdLdFEa9Y5IZlE9B2SPROCtgpNuEzAvIF9r53W4Uj14TcLqO02BpVms-b6o6CtlZSNG3iSWhOjuMkBqrLn9XDnY5_sUaxlBp8vTmAlqmyxGN4v6QYDsBRr/s1600/IMAG0929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqcSQSf1xzv6tgyNTFl0_A3BxdLdFEa9Y5IZlE9B2SPROCtgpNuEzAvIF9r53W4Uj14TcLqO02BpVms-b6o6CtlZSNG3iSWhOjuMkBqrLn9XDnY5_sUaxlBp8vTmAlqmyxGN4v6QYDsBRr/s400/IMAG0929.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCH4JDx4qKG2zpwJ222KAUaYlARqx-UyFUK8GRpi-ZKuT3tGEuG0ktP94eSD0KprjQ1iOVcPmFv6bZfcbXsB2rR7kvVe0c1DeIMOLmw4hhakdyTBbHiWaVTARdSLINbOrb_xzm3Q6nithx/s1600/IMAG0932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCH4JDx4qKG2zpwJ222KAUaYlARqx-UyFUK8GRpi-ZKuT3tGEuG0ktP94eSD0KprjQ1iOVcPmFv6bZfcbXsB2rR7kvVe0c1DeIMOLmw4hhakdyTBbHiWaVTARdSLINbOrb_xzm3Q6nithx/s400/IMAG0932.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Hands on time: 5 minutes</b></span><br />
<h4 class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Total Time: 5 minutes</span></h4>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What you need (all of which is conveniently already in your cabinets, for those cookie dough emergencies):</span></b><br />
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<ul>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3/4 cup brown sugar</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4 cup butter, or maragine, whatever you have, softened</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4t vanilla</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4 cup skim milk (I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk because it's what I happened to have)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 cup flour</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/8 t salt</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup chocolate chips</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Cream together the butter and the sugar. You can use a mixed or do it by hand depending on how urgently you want to eat the dough! Add in the vanilla and milk. Finally combine with flour and salt. Fold in your chocolate chips...and YOU'RE DONE! The dough tastes best if you put it in the fridge for an hour or so. It can also be frozen and eaten later! OR I have even rolled it into little balls and then covered them in cocoa powder to make cookie dough truffles!<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<h2>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Flourless Cookie Dough</span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> adapted from </span><a href="http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2011/05/23/want-to-eat-an-entire-bowl-of-cookie-dough/" style="font-size: x-small;" target="_blank">Chocolate Covered Katie</a></span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3XRp8ML_Dn66jQXnhsEPP96b0Y488pCa4yMnkb86EfxpQKuKqUKNyBuKCRatd79kVgZnpBNTECVoTlFr4z4af4iDj4NhyphenhyphenEugwP_LC0mYlKKYK0eogCT7G44_biIK06e8zf1MtUpZVBxu/s1600/IMAG0840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3XRp8ML_Dn66jQXnhsEPP96b0Y488pCa4yMnkb86EfxpQKuKqUKNyBuKCRatd79kVgZnpBNTECVoTlFr4z4af4iDj4NhyphenhyphenEugwP_LC0mYlKKYK0eogCT7G44_biIK06e8zf1MtUpZVBxu/s400/IMAG0840.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIExatULuBHTe7ShDP2_aVJYlfCBUxgLoJalvslfCKt5vWq3Ns_4cy7ziTdQYI7q3TJQQF_-w1V9a6lUSCMNreFEAnVI6hIVlujfshfdYDpMUgjjZwWEbo3og2EqnEVY77NsRk8msIihM/s1600/IMAG0841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIExatULuBHTe7ShDP2_aVJYlfCBUxgLoJalvslfCKt5vWq3Ns_4cy7ziTdQYI7q3TJQQF_-w1V9a6lUSCMNreFEAnVI6hIVlujfshfdYDpMUgjjZwWEbo3og2EqnEVY77NsRk8msIihM/s400/IMAG0841.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hands on time: 5 minutes</b></div>
<h4 class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Total Time: 5 minutes, food processor or chopper required!</span></h4>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What you need:</b></span></div>
<ul>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/8 t salt</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/8 t baking soda</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 t vanilla</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4 cup nut butter, almond is probably the best if you want it to taste like traditional cookie dough, but peanut works too for a little extra flavor! </span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Splash of milk, to taste for consistency </span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup brown sugar </span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup chocolate chips</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3 T quaker oats</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This one is super easy. Dump everything besides the chocolate chips into a food processor and blend until desired consistency. Add a little more or else milk depending on how thick you want your dough. Transfer to a bowl and fold in your chocolate chips. TA DA! Cookie dough dip! WITH PROTEIN! </span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What you get:</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Try one! Or try them both! Healthier choice or not, you get an edible cookie dough, and let's face it, when it comes to cookie dough, no one really cares about nutrition, so just enjoy! </span></div>
CMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02914252354477945149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7170217562022626971.post-10805272225801818902012-12-30T12:22:00.001-08:002012-12-30T18:59:50.230-08:00Comfort Food<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The men in my life love their meat and potatoes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My dad would take chicken and dumplins (yes, dumpli<b>N</b>s no g) and meatloaf with mashed potatoes over any other meal. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4b6XjR0nDilV3j3KShd1phnLOc-kf-KgoNVbroHbUzduFX-PkpLJdDLOmvkHPIHJnkQWqHjjyIJnCP6DeMj6_iV0hSavr9DhC3G_pThRQiaCqF-g78LXCFUWdJgfgK8E-9vlQs_oNbM22/s1600/DSCN3423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4b6XjR0nDilV3j3KShd1phnLOc-kf-KgoNVbroHbUzduFX-PkpLJdDLOmvkHPIHJnkQWqHjjyIJnCP6DeMj6_iV0hSavr9DhC3G_pThRQiaCqF-g78LXCFUWdJgfgK8E-9vlQs_oNbM22/s320/DSCN3423.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With my Dad on Christmas 2012 </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The key to my boyfriend's heart may be the perfect sheppard's pie. My best friend...well, he just likes to eat. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqL_O8B4d6TT2o2oS4zTSeSy1HMT7rGCEcDEOTpTXhvob_rBkpIRcdZttTSKbxEU_uFNqrGPqYkuodktdvuC0rDgI-YUG8eFBHPvMYjQP0CL-4V0srArQhDdwVPzcFDADz3Gt69P-f2RPD/s1600/boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqL_O8B4d6TT2o2oS4zTSeSy1HMT7rGCEcDEOTpTXhvob_rBkpIRcdZttTSKbxEU_uFNqrGPqYkuodktdvuC0rDgI-YUG8eFBHPvMYjQP0CL-4V0srArQhDdwVPzcFDADz3Gt69P-f2RPD/s320/boys.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My two best guys, boyfriend (on MY right) and best friend (on MY left)!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maybe it's the German in all of us, but meat and potatoes form the basis of the food period for my family. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While trying to please the carnivores in my family, I also have some vegetarian palates to satisfy. I definitely believe that cooking and sharing a meal is a way to show your love, so I wanted to serve a holiday meal that was like a hug on a plate for all my friends and family. AND let's be real, I am lazy and wanted a one-dish entree. AND it wouldn't be "typical CMS-approved food" without some health benefits. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Meat, potatoes, vegetarian, one-dish, comforting, warm, healthy... geesh, you can't please everyone, right?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b><i>WRONG!</i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hearty, healthy, Vegetable Pot Pie!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Even my doubtful dad, loved it!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Vegetable Pot Pie</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hands on time: 30 minutes</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Total Time: 1.5 hours</span></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgWGv0_1JmnJNfJxGWXJOnu1ZR0gEab3dKsM6TMfi6Pxdvg9vl_R0jsqQaLht6mekWxYUioPZQpC-EOC0I8sZXdYr1Vln6yQlBk7Fjp8NwOyhh5nKoxvEF6CYfOgR7jhZwhQHjJZW9ehA/s1600/IMAG0875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcT9VZHhAEHuMIN2vhDlOv8h6ZBmH5ClKuS5MoZujgpGXsgHte4hZTuvJyn900ARJzo15d5h46XDh8n98yf-_G2hyphenhyphenMsu1QouUm6b8fnNFcrso1Do4_e6jI9diWjUCiFbQaE5DeuBPw9Pd4/s1600/IMAG0872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcT9VZHhAEHuMIN2vhDlOv8h6ZBmH5ClKuS5MoZujgpGXsgHte4hZTuvJyn900ARJzo15d5h46XDh8n98yf-_G2hyphenhyphenMsu1QouUm6b8fnNFcrso1Do4_e6jI9diWjUCiFbQaE5DeuBPw9Pd4/s320/IMAG0872.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What you need (this is a long list but man is it worth it, you FEEL the love and the time in this dish):</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Filling:</span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 bulb garlic</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Olive Oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 pound parsnips</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 pound turnips</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 pound butternut squash</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 pound carrots</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 pound celery</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6 fingerling potatoes (to ease those meat and potato withdrawals)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Salt and Pepper</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 teaspoon thyme</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fresh rosemary</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sauce:</span></div>
<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgWGv0_1JmnJNfJxGWXJOnu1ZR0gEab3dKsM6TMfi6Pxdvg9vl_R0jsqQaLht6mekWxYUioPZQpC-EOC0I8sZXdYr1Vln6yQlBk7Fjp8NwOyhh5nKoxvEF6CYfOgR7jhZwhQHjJZW9ehA/s1600/IMAG0875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgWGv0_1JmnJNfJxGWXJOnu1ZR0gEab3dKsM6TMfi6Pxdvg9vl_R0jsqQaLht6mekWxYUioPZQpC-EOC0I8sZXdYr1Vln6yQlBk7Fjp8NwOyhh5nKoxvEF6CYfOgR7jhZwhQHjJZW9ehA/s320/IMAG0875.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 medium yellow onions</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 T Olive Oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 T mustard</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 T thyme</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3 T flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 cup of dry white cooking wine -- IMPORTANT make sure this is wine you would actually want to DRINK! For two reasons: 1) If you don't like the taste why cook with it?! 2) You are only using a cup, you've got more than half a bottle left to enjoy!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Salt and Pepper</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4 cups vegetable broth</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Crust</span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3 cups Flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 1/2 teaspoons salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 t baking powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup COLD shortening (vegetable shortening the recipe is vegetarian!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 stick COLD butter</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup ice water</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 egg yolk (for an egg wash later)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">WOO! That's enough now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Preheat your oven to 425 and peel and chop all of your veggies to roughly 1</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">inch cubes of equal size. Go ahead and chop up your onions for the gravy at this time too but set aside. Place your veggies on cookie sheets, spread in a thin layer and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, thyme and lay the fresh rosemary sprigs on top. Slice the top off your garlic bulb and cover with olive oil. Wrap it in tin foil and place it with the sheets of veggies in the oven for 45 minutes, turning the veggies over half way through. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next let's start your dough for the crust! Combine flour, salt and baking powder in a large bowl. Cut in your COLD (ice cold, the colder the better, but not quite frozen) shortening and butter. By this I mean cut it into little pieces and drop it into your dry ingredients. Then, and I love this part, using your fingers or a pastry blender, or I guess if you're fancy a food processor, blend the cold fats into the dry goods until you get a tiny pea like consistency. Then add just enough of the ICE COLD water to get the dough to form a ball, you can use a fork for this as it will freeze your fingers off if it is the right kind of cold! Put the dough ball in plastic wrap and put it in the fridge for 30 minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At this point, you probably want to turn over your roasting veggies!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SViLBlJ1pk0maz55UQHE2ZAtlyHuTJ9wmCHczy4jN2HLGhS0YSciduypurhqL-SLBUrhKwluokavy0XPmoMAKFnU7nx30E1Z-WB05S8Asq7LyOUUQeRnTVWBFKU9v6y2YU8xZhMS1Zeq/s1600/IMAG0874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SViLBlJ1pk0maz55UQHE2ZAtlyHuTJ9wmCHczy4jN2HLGhS0YSciduypurhqL-SLBUrhKwluokavy0XPmoMAKFnU7nx30E1Z-WB05S8Asq7LyOUUQeRnTVWBFKU9v6y2YU8xZhMS1Zeq/s640/IMAG0874.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Time to hop on the gravy train! (I had to say it, sorry haha.) Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add in the onions you already cut and cook until translucent, probably about 5 minutes. Now add in the mustard and the thyme. Cook for a few more minutes before adding in your flour. Once you add the flour stir often to get rid of the flour flavor and achieve the thickening benefits. After the flour begins to turn brown and stick to the bottom of the pan, add in your wine and the vegetable broth. Simmer for 25 ish minutes until it reduces in volume by 1/4-1/3. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Make sure you check the veggies and take them out if they are tender and well roasted. Transfer them to a 13x9 glass baking dish, or lasagna pan. Mush the roasted garlic out of the bulb and mix with the veggies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When the gravy is done pour it over the vegetables in the dish. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On a well floured surface, roll out your dough into the shape of the top of your baking pan and cut to fit. Place the dough on top of your vegetables and gently press the corners and edges down so the dough sticks but none of the filling comes out. Make 6-8 cuts with a sharp knife in the top of your dough. Combine the egg yolk and some cold water with a fork, brush over the crust to get that beautiful, yummy, color. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bake in a 375 degree oven for about 40 minutes until the crust is golden brown, allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serves 8.<br /><br />This will make TWO pot pies in a 13x9 pan. You can easily chop half the amount of veggies (they are sold in pounds) if you only want to make one. Or still chop and roast them all and serve the extras alone as a side dish!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDV26058hR1XEBKyH1PutorZQb9uBb07yEx0eMFj0MjyiOvY959lrnwDa3-sAl0Wmaqj3UE-CJiChA5opQO_NOJJq8AZALDCZJR5XjRZwqvP7-wttDZr7iTWTAojmtP1KztUjmBhuSFHUT/s1600/IMAG0877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDV26058hR1XEBKyH1PutorZQb9uBb07yEx0eMFj0MjyiOvY959lrnwDa3-sAl0Wmaqj3UE-CJiChA5opQO_NOJJq8AZALDCZJR5XjRZwqvP7-wttDZr7iTWTAojmtP1KztUjmBhuSFHUT/s640/IMAG0877.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What you get: </span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A delicious, healthy and satisfying meal for your friends and family! All the vitamins and nutrients of root vegetables (see the roasted root vegetable post for more detailed info) and butternut squash! Butternut squash is one of the new super foods! It has TONS of antioxidants and fiber. It also has B vitamins, such as B6, that are so important for the nervous system and folate which is essential to women in pregnancy to help the baby's spinal cord develop correctly. One cup of butternut squash has almost half a day's worth of vitamin C and since it's orange, yes, like carrots, it has the nutrient beta-carotene, that our bodies use to make vitamin A! </span></div>
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CMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02914252354477945149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7170217562022626971.post-25868387778426715042012-12-15T17:00:00.001-08:002012-12-15T17:00:49.731-08:00Home for the Holidays<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Man, vacation feels good! Two whole weeks off of work and
getting to spend the holidays with my family, I am a lucky girl.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But being home for the Holidays means, no set workout
schedule, no mercury method, tons of holiday parties, wine, food, <span style="font-size: large;">food</span> and<span style="font-size: x-large;"> more
food. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am constantly talking about how to stay healthy over the
holidays, but still enjoy all the delicious food. And it’s so hard to stay
motivated to exercise when all I want to do is cuddle up on the couch with my
puppy and a cup of hot chocolate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruger - he is getting so big!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">For me, there are two </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">HUGE</span><span style="font-size: large;"> pieces of advice to get through
the holidays. </span><br />
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1. Figure out what you need to get to the gym and GO! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. Eat your favorite holiday foods, but lighten them up when
you can. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">SO – First thing is first, exercise over the holidays…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just finishing my paleo cleanse, I was high on my health
kick and as soon as I got home to Michigan, joined a gym for 2 weeks. Step one to holiday exercise motivation: if I spend money on it, I feel guilty if I
don’t use it. The two week membership was only $20, but to a twenty-something
with tons of student loans that is a good chunk of change. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Also, gym time is essential
to me over the holidays so I can get out of the house and have some "me" time. I
love my family, but a little escape over the holidays is always welcomed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another way I motivate to workout over the
holidays is so I don’t feel bad eating that cookie, or that delicious dinner
roll. Let’s be real, I run so I can eat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally, my most fool-proof way to
keep working out over the holidays is to buy myself a present (or three) and
get some cute new workout stuff! I always want to show it off! I couldn’t wait
to put on this sassy new tank top and my brand new neon running shoes, and so I
couldn’t wait to get to the gym!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYeokO2V9y-Ne625rF9hD9LaW06c-3GMfIfsVLfhy10s5YCSPI4H8XPY9wbpmMIHj4FhmMxyjxcHx3JSCfJ-owcmWqasajmuocsYNJQs7dRSeH5xC1qhRHF6TBR2K89s-ABoSELorWWk8/s1600/IMAG0866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYeokO2V9y-Ne625rF9hD9LaW06c-3GMfIfsVLfhy10s5YCSPI4H8XPY9wbpmMIHj4FhmMxyjxcHx3JSCfJ-owcmWqasajmuocsYNJQs7dRSeH5xC1qhRHF6TBR2K89s-ABoSELorWWk8/s640/IMAG0866.jpg" width="347" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New shoes! Lululemon pants! Awesome Fashlectics tank that says, "Weakness is a choice, I choose strength." And Fashlectics headband that says, "Live. Love. Lift." Awkward pose to highlight the shoes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRE20-OO1TlomCd3KWzlvXTAKVNjZNgHVvvE0RB25R_5NCvXaKfvv_Nb3lAxiM85g_vo5bVHewgOkXMfPHHf84mLLd29XcV6_yeR6bGJqgNMsP8P96pPBG1itFTgEuWYbdlNlvqExz4-VI/s1600/704681_10102143122063023_393913975_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRE20-OO1TlomCd3KWzlvXTAKVNjZNgHVvvE0RB25R_5NCvXaKfvv_Nb3lAxiM85g_vo5bVHewgOkXMfPHHf84mLLd29XcV6_yeR6bGJqgNMsP8P96pPBG1itFTgEuWYbdlNlvqExz4-VI/s400/704681_10102143122063023_393913975_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing new Newton running shoes. Killed my calves the first few runs, but improved my strike and my stride.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To recap:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Don’t waste your money<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Me time<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->FOOD!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Cute new stuff :-)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Moving on to lightening up your favorite holiday foods! It
is surprisingly super easy! One sneaky thing I do is hide mashed cauliflower in
my mashed potatoes. I use 1:1 potato to cauliflower and if you season them and
use nonfat greek yogurt instead of sour cream, they have great flavor and great
texture. No one will know! Some things you just can’t change though. My mom
makes her famous mint chocolate brownies every year and I wouldn’t touch that
delicious and decadent recipe. Make good choices. Go for a walk after dinner,
come inside and warm up with hot tea and a brownie. We keep a nice balance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My favorite and not-so-healthy holiday dish is spinach dip,
normally made with mayo and sour cream. Here is an amazing new, healthy recipe,
full of veggies and delicious roasted garlic! I would never give up my bread bowl
though…but you could dip veggies in it too! </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioC2mTGl6_yy6vMY-h8-ywoA8rYTJqbYx3GNzY9yuCQlTIGtbcnBLvDULWJwHkonK8kjrIBHfQX2VaGFOR0hrQcWaUfvlXbBMiWzkpaBvh-XZhZ4NnASJuWAERwRP1uFCHldRE-HpxwIrq/s1600/DSCN3099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioC2mTGl6_yy6vMY-h8-ywoA8rYTJqbYx3GNzY9yuCQlTIGtbcnBLvDULWJwHkonK8kjrIBHfQX2VaGFOR0hrQcWaUfvlXbBMiWzkpaBvh-XZhZ4NnASJuWAERwRP1uFCHldRE-HpxwIrq/s640/DSCN3099.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Roasted Garlic Spinach Dip</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hands on time: <span style="font-size: x-small;">15 minutes</span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Total Time: <span style="font-size: x-small;">1 hour</span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What you need:</span></h4>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 bulb garlic</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">16 oz plain nonfat greek yogurt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 medium onions</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 10oz package of frozen spinach, thawed, with excess water removed</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 T white wine vinegar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">salt and pepper</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 T olive oil, divided</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Preheat your oven to 400 and cut the top off your garlic bulb, exposing the cloves. Wrap this is tin foil, cover with 1 T olive oil, twist the foil to close it up and pop it in the oven to roast. Meanwhile, heat the other T olive oil on the stove top and thinly slice your onions. Add the onion to the hot oil, stirring often, until they are a translucent, caramel color. Place onions in a bowl to cool. After the garlic roasts for about 45 minutes (it will be soft to the touch) and the onions are completely cool, squeeze the roasted cloves of garlic into the bowl with the onions. Add the yogurt and then stir in your spinach, combine well. Finish with the white wine vinegar and salt and pepper to taste (I used about 3/4t salt and 1/4t pepper). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What you get:</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">LOTS of protein from the greek yogurt, as well as calcium and vitamin D, heart-healthy garlic and spinach, which is in my opinion, a super food. Spinach is full of fiber, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Interestingly, spinach also contains flavonoids, nutrients that slow down cell division in some human tissues, and can thus, help prevent some cancers. There is a evidence that spinach can also lower blood pressure by inhibiting an enzyme in your body, angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE-I). Blocking ACE-I helps blood vessels dilate and therefore lowers blood pressure! Finally, spinach is a great source of Vitamin A (vision) and Vitamin K. Vitamin K is important in blood clotting, bone health, and protecting our nervous system!</span></div>
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CMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02914252354477945149noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7170217562022626971.post-35510408837970467632012-12-08T15:17:00.000-08:002012-12-08T15:17:30.727-08:00A date for the Holidays<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not THAT kind of date...</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Although with my boyfriend what feels like a bazillion miles away (California), I wish it were. I'm talking about the fruit, date. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This month, I have been working in the Medical Intensive Care Unit and all we do is eat. Generally Dunkin' Donuts or delicious homemade baked goods! And I've been dragging since Thanksgiving.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEq-4os-aBBwxEy3J538pyJTWUtz7DjSDl2aD28fnW5u3UY3uaRQtnG5KzIrBb56GxISHyTchE86qriRjnLc7yvCDQGnp0o0R_6sFvJVcvYRe8M6ODJ1scGNX2SmUYj1ZxwyWYDrQ230GZ/s1600/DSCN3106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEq-4os-aBBwxEy3J538pyJTWUtz7DjSDl2aD28fnW5u3UY3uaRQtnG5KzIrBb56GxISHyTchE86qriRjnLc7yvCDQGnp0o0R_6sFvJVcvYRe8M6ODJ1scGNX2SmUYj1ZxwyWYDrQ230GZ/s320/DSCN3106.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanksgivng Dinner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyumNEEwHAMHyy4z11lx8CuFWqZJMOKUwx2OUeGoRsuamkgwelh_w_M8rnvwVP8sq8unPHy53hyJtskyeGxNiqYNiJZ_stRf-q87hW_HXv37CqjbDfK5YRywVxL5j9Ep0myEFoNa9V8QN/s1600/DSCN3113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyumNEEwHAMHyy4z11lx8CuFWqZJMOKUwx2OUeGoRsuamkgwelh_w_M8rnvwVP8sq8unPHy53hyJtskyeGxNiqYNiJZ_stRf-q87hW_HXv37CqjbDfK5YRywVxL5j9Ep0myEFoNa9V8QN/s320/DSCN3113.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friends gathered for "Friends-giving"...See there were vegetables! Check out the salad! </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2geG50Ju7J50gaEkol44K9vAOYDukuWehuxoy8DPQ4H_NTKenPPOo8cnOm0AHqHYxnHuiYJaPOnim-wTzTD6fyv5fTfoaq3DEhiEZwMqeqTnJNy04Whcx0NXYI0brPCtM672y6wIc0zj/s1600/DSCN3114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2geG50Ju7J50gaEkol44K9vAOYDukuWehuxoy8DPQ4H_NTKenPPOo8cnOm0AHqHYxnHuiYJaPOnim-wTzTD6fyv5fTfoaq3DEhiEZwMqeqTnJNy04Whcx0NXYI0brPCtM672y6wIc0zj/s320/DSCN3114.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just SOME of the friends-giving desserts...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">SO for the past two weeks, I went back to my paleo diet. It's definitely not a lifestyle for me and I could never rigidly follow the diet, but it definitely makes me FEEL better to cut back on carbohydrates and processed food. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But no refined carbs between Thanksgiving and Christmas?! All the delicious cakes and cookies?! And it's gingerbread season. My absolute FAVORITE! Ugggh... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Luckily, I found a great alternative that completely satisfies my sweet tooth! I was very skeptical of these recipes since I really don't like dates...unless they are stuffed with cheese...and wrapped in bacon... But these are terrific paleo treats that anyone can enjoy. </span></div>
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Raw Vegan Gingerbread Men! </span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFu_SGN2bmdkT2ih3RZFo-mrNavqztqQFPdP5X0tzUQ6AjPCC9x4qM1hYnd2_UTyzcXpkbaON7JrFwodznzE-L5Xa3HzGG11T5jvVjEsYDvgVSOSeb9uUT1rM_FlEphkTwiJpb9Itl9J0/s1600/IMAG0847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFu_SGN2bmdkT2ih3RZFo-mrNavqztqQFPdP5X0tzUQ6AjPCC9x4qM1hYnd2_UTyzcXpkbaON7JrFwodznzE-L5Xa3HzGG11T5jvVjEsYDvgVSOSeb9uUT1rM_FlEphkTwiJpb9Itl9J0/s640/IMAG0847.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And, since I only made half a recipe and thus had a half a bag of dates left, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Brownie Balls!</span> </span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqaaSQFGy32egYuakjaUB187LtjUaQ2LJ2rLgzQzMjV1BQ1s_BWhUxh1KfhNu9PHuX9jHNvNJh4nfSliRsCh0kfc4tu84KRxyayDzgNsKiqq4sfenPODEvpZa0Oh83K4SqyPWLGJjTPmB/s1600/IMAG0850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqaaSQFGy32egYuakjaUB187LtjUaQ2LJ2rLgzQzMjV1BQ1s_BWhUxh1KfhNu9PHuX9jHNvNJh4nfSliRsCh0kfc4tu84KRxyayDzgNsKiqq4sfenPODEvpZa0Oh83K4SqyPWLGJjTPmB/s640/IMAG0850.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ooh, first thing I do on vacation is get a manicure!</td></tr>
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">HOLY COW GUYS, THESE ARE AMAAAAZZZING! Make them NOW! Try not to eat them all tonight! </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To get out of my, tired, sluggish funk, for the past two weeks, I've also started every morning with this -- 7 minutes, extra energy, and I don't feel guilty when I'm too tired after work at 9pm to get to the gym. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Every little bit counts. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0iXV19B2YQkYO2TXxxyWec3O17-FH2v1B4mapsOltlyXOErnHbObOMokyyMA9n1MRcEGyXGBUw85Hw1GTiX1-hKK551am2N9oQTZcTLZbksQmRvpGTYZaKgIC7GbWberSemvSKzPNEguW/s1600/morning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0iXV19B2YQkYO2TXxxyWec3O17-FH2v1B4mapsOltlyXOErnHbObOMokyyMA9n1MRcEGyXGBUw85Hw1GTiX1-hKK551am2N9oQTZcTLZbksQmRvpGTYZaKgIC7GbWberSemvSKzPNEguW/s320/morning.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h2>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Raw Gingerbread Men</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">adapted from <a href="http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/" target="_blank">Chocolate Covered Katie</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hands on time: <span style="font-size: x-small;">10 messy, fun minutes!</span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Total Time: <span style="font-size: x-small;">10 minutes!</span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What you need:</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is a for a full recipe, I only made half so I could also make the brownie balls with one bag of dates! I highly recommend a kitchen scale for this recipe. And in life, I weigh all my food, makes portion size so much easier!</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">120g of dates, if they aren't squishy go ahead and soak them in warm water for 20 minutes (about 2/3 cup)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">40g of raw almonds (mine were dry roasted, more flavor, no salt! about 1.5T)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4 t cinnamon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">1/4 t ginger</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">1/8 t nutmeg</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/8 t cloves</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 T crystallized ginger</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/16 t salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 tsp vanilla</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Using a food processor, heavy-duty blender or food chopper, grind up your dates and your almonds into a paste. Then add in all the spices and the vanilla. Once combined, shape the dough into cute gingerbread men or women. I used my fingers because I couldn't find my cookie cutters, but I think they would have been prettier if I used a pre-made shape, but man, did they taste good...I may have eaten at least 2 cookies worth of dough before having the chance to shape them!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">adapted from <a href="http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/" target="_blank">Chocolate Covered Katie</a></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is only one picture...mostly because I got distracted by how delicious they were to keep photographing</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Again this is for a full recipe...You may actually want to double it, they are THAT good. </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">220g of dates</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">120g of raw walnuts (about 1 cup)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 t vanilla</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">4 Tablespoons dutch cocoa powder (or whatever you have on hand)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">1/8 t salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1-2 t agave (optional, I like dark, bitter chocolate, so I left it out, you could also use maple syrup if you need a little extra sweet in here)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chocolate chips!</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here we go again! Get out the food processor/blender/chopper and mix everything except the chocolate chips together. If you are using full size semi-sweet chips, I would coarsely run a knife through them before you add them, mini chips might work better. Stir in your chocolate chips and form into balls! I rolled a few of them in unsweetened shredded coconut. AMAZE-BALLS! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A raw, vegan, paleo fix for your sweet tooth. No deprivation during the holidays here! Ginger is known for it's many health benefits including reducing inflammation, settling an upset stomach and relieving muscle cramps! Honestly, it may be voodoo but I think it really helps prevent motion sickness too, works for me at least. Nuts have healthy fats and provide protein to help fill you up on just one cookie (or two). And we've talked all about cocoa powder. Bring on the chocolate!</span></div>
CMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02914252354477945149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7170217562022626971.post-71229996806980592162012-11-20T18:03:00.000-08:002012-11-20T18:03:19.873-08:00Meatless Monday and an Ode to Zucchini<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In college, I lived with my two very best friends from growing up, Laura and Diana. We lived in a beautiful house off campus and created our own little family complete with family dinners in the dining room. At that time, my roommates were two of the biggest carnivores I had ever met. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’m talking... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No date for Valentine’s day?<i> Homemade three meat lasagna in front of the tv to drown our sorrows.</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No food in the fridge? <i>Don’t worry - summer sausage straight from the wrapper lasts forever.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas 2008 pre-vegetarianism, illustrating our love for the Christmas ham </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the past few years they have both been vegetarians! (Although Diana now eats meat again for energy reasons, listen to your bodies people, it will tell you what it needs!) I continue to love my meat…but I have adopted Meatless Mondays! Well, at least one day a week where I don’t eat any meat, it’s very rarely Monday. Let’s be real. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Meatless Monday</span> is a public health movement which encourages people of all ages to cut out meat one day a week to improve their health and the health of the world by reducing their carbon footprint. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This week my meatless dish was a green pepper stuffed with zucchini, carrots, breadcrumbs and sautéed onions. Sorry about the lack of picture, I was REALLY hungry after work and didn't think about it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I bought two zucchinis thinking the filling would take much more than it did and I needed to figure out a way to use them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><o:p></o:p>Enter, carb-less Tuesday! </b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Zucchini Ribbon Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Grilled Chicken!</strong> Basically, I cut the zucchini into spears and then used my mandolin to turn it into thin strips (you could also use a vegetable peeler to get it thin enough if you don't have a mandolin) and sautéed it in just a little bit of olive oil until it was al dente and <em>pasta-like.</em> Then I dressed up with Giada’s canned pesto sauce and tossed in the tomatoes and chicken. YUM! And <strong>paleo</strong> too! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I used half a zucchini here and STILL had some left. Good thing I like it! I used the other half in this delicious healthy apple bread! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Apple Zucchini Bread</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hands on time: <span style="font-size: x-small;">10-20 minutes depending on your available kitchen tools</span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Total Time: <span style="font-size: x-small;">1 hour 10 min</span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This makes one loaf, but it is easily doubled</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 cup shredded zucchini (I used half a zucchini and shredded it by hand with a box grater...this is what took so long, I recommend a food processor)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 diced apple</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 cup whole wheat flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">1/2 cup white flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">1/2 cup applesauce</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 egg and one egg white (or 1/4 cup egg substitute)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 tsp Cinnamon </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 tsp Salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice or nutmeg</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">1/2 tsp baking soda</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Start by shredding and dicing the healthy stuff. Yum! I personally don't mind leaving the skins on, but feel free to peel your fruits and veggies. Next mix together your sugar, applesauce, and eggs. Once this is combined slowly add in your flour, baking soda, and spices. It will be a thick, delicious, spicey mess at this point. Now go ahead and fold in the good stuff. It may not look tastey yet, but just wait! Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and spread the batter into the pan. The parchment keeps the loaf from sticking and makes it super easy to lift out of the pan. Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick or fancy cake tester (that I stole from my boyfriend, along with my beloved stand mixer...and vegetable chopper...and measuring cups...) comes out clean. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let cool, slice and enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What you get:</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A moist, almost-cakey, spiced apple bread with all the benefits of zucchini and none of the taste. Although, zucchini bread itself is pretty delicious, so it wouldn't be bad if you COULD taste it. Applesauce is a great substitute for oil in baking, just make sure you use unsweetened, or cut back on the sugar in your recipe. We all know "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" and that apples and zucchini are good sources of fiber. Fiber helps to stop bad cholesterol (LDL) from being absorbed in the gut. Both apples and zucchini also have lots of vitamin A and vitamin C which are antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect cells against inflammation and breakdown. For more information on the health benefits of zucchini and apples check out my earlier <strong>"De-Stress and Dehydrate"</strong> post.</span></div>
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CMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02914252354477945149noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7170217562022626971.post-72096198796684364692012-11-11T14:02:00.002-08:002012-11-11T14:02:23.311-08:00It's getting hot in herrrre<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After a much needed girls' night in with wine
and cookies, and Magic Mike of course, I woke up today motivated and ready for
a productive day off. <br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The morning started (very early as per usual -- 7am) with my new obsession Dunkin’ Donuts Gingerbread coffee and a delicious pumpkin oatmeal mug cake! I made these addictive pumpkin molasses cookies earlier in the week and was left with half a can of pumpkin sitting my fridge and no idea what to do with it.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eEHCkfmGchqkUpfh3CEn0JSvqm9p6VHlfXWGx0Jq0aqz7jgGlAi7Iw9f9Rn6XDxMM0L6wQki4MygEHJ4w6cGIyU8h6nq6mY8etI-zCVKDE0qAsXzxnuutx44C5WSDc6IjuxhXEj4vsk3/s1600/IMAG0735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eEHCkfmGchqkUpfh3CEn0JSvqm9p6VHlfXWGx0Jq0aqz7jgGlAi7Iw9f9Rn6XDxMM0L6wQki4MygEHJ4w6cGIyU8h6nq6mY8etI-zCVKDE0qAsXzxnuutx44C5WSDc6IjuxhXEj4vsk3/s400/IMAG0735.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pumpkin Molasses Cookies<br />Recipe: <a href="http://www.nutritionnutontherun.com/2012/10/30/pumpkin-molasses-cookies/" target="_blank">Nutrition Nut on the Run</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So to fuel up a few hours before what was promised to be
sweaty and challenging workout, I made this protein and fiber packed breakfast
mug cake! </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcmYAEs7K6OsEIPXPwbNqpJB5pJOqpJOO0g9vZwmkaqkyNhZ3rm7Ky98J8KfLxqqJu3Q4pn8cqfWw8Va3fxPageN-lvnArafucmP02H2JN9heUs3hpBsUm19J6ApHk-sLFGQuLQl1TN3l/s1600/IMAG0737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcmYAEs7K6OsEIPXPwbNqpJB5pJOqpJOO0g9vZwmkaqkyNhZ3rm7Ky98J8KfLxqqJu3Q4pn8cqfWw8Va3fxPageN-lvnArafucmP02H2JN9heUs3hpBsUm19J6ApHk-sLFGQuLQl1TN3l/s400/IMAG0737.jpg" width="331" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pumpkin Mug Cake</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At 11:30, off I went to experience the hottest (literally)
new trend in exercise. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://themercurymethod.com/" target="_blank">Mercury Method </a></span>is a fusion of yoga, Pilates, strength
training and cardiovascular exercise in a heated room, set to almost club-like
beats. The classes promise to improve your flexibility, strength and stamina. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lucky for me, they just opened their first studio in
Chicago, right by my house! AND they were offering free pilot classes to get a
feel for the neighborhood and help train their new instructors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBy8FA_slXtpolOdLRAzx4i1rLRdvle8w5sRNXu7St0a6PdKHaN4vCemnGquDD8AXb9i5QWUkELrYh5mcIeVIR1d3EGp7aB4ZP2j-W0lbDk014NjTvu_kN22KQVQuqfLX_WZn5o5u0RHVH/s1600/IMAG0778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBy8FA_slXtpolOdLRAzx4i1rLRdvle8w5sRNXu7St0a6PdKHaN4vCemnGquDD8AXb9i5QWUkELrYh5mcIeVIR1d3EGp7aB4ZP2j-W0lbDk014NjTvu_kN22KQVQuqfLX_WZn5o5u0RHVH/s400/IMAG0778.jpg" width="225" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikq8pP7CD-ui-mRKiakN3dW1VTIl2qWOTLPIGLnpDvdsgrdBYaIMdhtOclzK_AEgi4qo0ZbLuW0ZGbeHKXLy0isU2QwGO0OzTEsR8RyB2jhV_9xRdArG3nXdbuauJO-UJZ3fP8PSqmy9Yd/s1600/IMAG0779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikq8pP7CD-ui-mRKiakN3dW1VTIl2qWOTLPIGLnpDvdsgrdBYaIMdhtOclzK_AEgi4qo0ZbLuW0ZGbeHKXLy0isU2QwGO0OzTEsR8RyB2jhV_9xRdArG3nXdbuauJO-UJZ3fP8PSqmy9Yd/s640/IMAG0779.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The studio is sleek and modern with heated floors and giant ceiling fans to distribute the 98.6 degree heat. New to Chicago, the staff was eager to adjust class schedules and incorporate feedback to meet the needs of their new clientele.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The class itself was incredible! I left class feeling strong,
sweaty and centered. Each exercise was rooted in core strength but targets all
the major muscle groups, and some I had forgotten I had! Serratus Anterior
push-ups, holy cow, if it weren’t for med school I wouldn’t have even known
these muscles existed, but I felt the burn. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The instructor, Diana, was motivating and provided much
needed comic relief with a well-placed swear word, or endearing catch phrase.
My favorite was that she called our rest pose, downward dog, “Man’s best friend”
and I was very grateful when it came along. I was so focused on the heat and wiping the
sweat out of my eyes that I didn’t have time to doubt my abilities and cranked
out each challenging exercise. Including push-ups, on my toes! A personal goal!
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-E4zmmVG5HB8djatEVxp-cyvQ98xcSFxhVu2TbfAvCV1D1qZDs2uHQSKjDnyhdrcPVAyjQ3N70l2GlJ0VlGqr2g5CmgfEnDvL_aD_StbAthDLhg1nJQ37FSGBUfYmLKBA_yhzTzNwYZRl/s1600/IMAG0781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-E4zmmVG5HB8djatEVxp-cyvQ98xcSFxhVu2TbfAvCV1D1qZDs2uHQSKjDnyhdrcPVAyjQ3N70l2GlJ0VlGqr2g5CmgfEnDvL_aD_StbAthDLhg1nJQ37FSGBUfYmLKBA_yhzTzNwYZRl/s400/IMAG0781.jpg" width="225" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Super sweaty post-class with our awesome instructor, Diana</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I highly recommend the Mercury Method! It combines all the best aspects of my
favorite exercises into one quick hour and for the city it is super affordable.
Check it out! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They recommend you come hydrated, caffeinated and lightly
fed…This mug cake isn’t quite light…but it kept me full and energized from the
time I woke up at 7am through class at 11:30 and until lunch at 1pm! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Pumpkin Mug Cake</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluzZsIwNXh_NYNnmCz1aZVOLbrRI0Ii6XUTC37ipWp2Psc6bSY1E2LwEcjbWnWpiVoBRziJzYZRBj5g425K3zdXDhPA2nXWIQT6N8VTzbnOajBrCbky3kgJPhjQIqZBj8PIhAgbDSkm5r/s1600/IMAG0740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluzZsIwNXh_NYNnmCz1aZVOLbrRI0Ii6XUTC37ipWp2Psc6bSY1E2LwEcjbWnWpiVoBRziJzYZRBj5g425K3zdXDhPA2nXWIQT6N8VTzbnOajBrCbky3kgJPhjQIqZBj8PIhAgbDSkm5r/s320/IMAG0740.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hands on time: 3 minutes</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Total Time: 5 minutes</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What you need:</span></h4>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 ripe Banana</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4 cup Canned Pumpkin</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4 cup Old Fashioned Oatmeal</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4 cup Egg Substitute, or one whole egg</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 Tbs Molasses</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Tbs Chocolate Chips</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Tbs Walnut Halves chopped</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 tsp Cinnamon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mash up the banana in the bottom of your mug. Mix in the pumpkin, molasses and egg. Add the spices to this mixture. Next, stir in the oatmeal and chocolate chips. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts on top and microwave for 2 minutes. You want the center to still look a little wet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The cake is about 400 calories, perfectly portioned for a healthy breakfast. To me, it's okay to spend a lot of your daily calories at breakfast since it fuels your entire day. There is that old key-to-health proverb..."Eat breakfast like a King, lunch like a Prince and dinner like a pauper."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What you get:</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have you realized how much I love bananas? They are nutrient powerhouses, I eat one every day! Oatmeal helps to reduce your cholesterol, stabilize your blood sugar (helps to prevent diabetes), and has tons of fiber to keep you full. Pumpkin is also full of fiber (being full helps you eat fewer calories throughout the day). Pumpkin also contains beta-carotene, an antioxidant which may help fight cancer cells AND WRINKLES! Surprisingly, pumpkin has even MORE potassium than a banana, almost twice! Potassium is essential before and after a hard workout to balance electrolyte loss in your muscles and sweat. Finally, pumpkin is a good source of vitamin C. It's perfect that pumpkin is in season in the Fall and Winter, to help you battle those changing of the seasons colds!</span></div>
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CMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02914252354477945149noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7170217562022626971.post-39396800318112660962012-11-07T07:51:00.000-08:002012-11-07T07:51:12.133-08:00Will Run For Chocolate<h3>
The Hot Chocolate 5K & 15K was this weekend in Chicago.</h3>
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I won't lie, the motivation to run this race came from a cute sweatshirt for finishing and a free after party consisting of a giant mug of chocolate fondue and hot chocolate! I decided that gorging on chocolate post race is an example of a "healthy balance". And man was it good!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eNVhNZICJ345gdIPxYgLoK-BQUQDLX8D7hQSIH7MMBgeZ0kYWBCp-kZVDmg8rBKS4ahxBeE6-8PIdYFFWvRyU-19keM6TW3di17SoI7U4NuDl8pyYNDjZWKomG__2cQsX0hqvdO0fkqh/s1600/haha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eNVhNZICJ345gdIPxYgLoK-BQUQDLX8D7hQSIH7MMBgeZ0kYWBCp-kZVDmg8rBKS4ahxBeE6-8PIdYFFWvRyU-19keM6TW3di17SoI7U4NuDl8pyYNDjZWKomG__2cQsX0hqvdO0fkqh/s400/haha.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So true!</td></tr>
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The race was VERY cold and VERY crowded. Over 40,000 people ran it, including the Mayor of Chicago! BUT it was well organized with corrals based on estimated pace and staggered start times, which made the actual running of the race really easy. I set pace with the person next to me, and had a radius of least 2 feet between me and the closet runner!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrO_qiJlnBFQdzkzluDSuh6kkgB1tWWY-o9SKpxwn2etLddnnfoXecbAAzWwiq23ocKKsYTNWAImRgptKJAOXnS2j48DYJMc3cZ1t0UZ03K6RVsnYGwA_e8G2LTLm8bjIeU_FdYQTbhDJ0/s1600/IMAG0709_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrO_qiJlnBFQdzkzluDSuh6kkgB1tWWY-o9SKpxwn2etLddnnfoXecbAAzWwiq23ocKKsYTNWAImRgptKJAOXnS2j48DYJMc3cZ1t0UZ03K6RVsnYGwA_e8G2LTLm8bjIeU_FdYQTbhDJ0/s400/IMAG0709_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting in the corral for the race to begin, and the sun to rise.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nnx5YEPZLN739sAB1L6Y4WeyJrhS3W10kzskLzQTCJUKQ9Kl8wlgI_x28U7zEmeir_odlAcnuHUgLU3EewSnRRNOy_WmVGQDoFWUSFc4xeHDPymVVAaA_CpQ-mBUHrMjI1e_MBvMpPPN/s1600/IMAG0707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nnx5YEPZLN739sAB1L6Y4WeyJrhS3W10kzskLzQTCJUKQ9Kl8wlgI_x28U7zEmeir_odlAcnuHUgLU3EewSnRRNOy_WmVGQDoFWUSFc4xeHDPymVVAaA_CpQ-mBUHrMjI1e_MBvMpPPN/s400/IMAG0707.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corral G, a 10 min mile pace, totally reasonable! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was my first race since moving to the city. I know, I promise to do more, weekends off have been limited but there is already a plan in the works to run the Shamrock 8K shuffle in March. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The course itself was really scenic, through downtown, under the bridges and alongside the water. It was also essentially flat, perfect for your first race (which for some of my friends it was!). I could have done without the uphill trek to the finish line, but running past the Field Museum and seeing the Shedd made it worthwhile. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOOInQzvv7vL4wXFGmqr3x7q3WA8moYAPmBONlIYCW1jwPDOyPwx1aThqw56_bHLWgtzj4FDVcyWQCt-rtfZQlA_3Up0CwowV2gN-XJN28LoIcnnsywRlanP79FLjIgw8eEQNUx0FM5K-7/s1600/IMAG0723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOOInQzvv7vL4wXFGmqr3x7q3WA8moYAPmBONlIYCW1jwPDOyPwx1aThqw56_bHLWgtzj4FDVcyWQCt-rtfZQlA_3Up0CwowV2gN-XJN28LoIcnnsywRlanP79FLjIgw8eEQNUx0FM5K-7/s640/IMAG0723.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot Chocolate 5K finishers. It was the first race for all these girls except me, so proud of them! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
</h4>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">
Again, here's to whatever motivates you to get moving! </span></h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6r0r2xK9aKRMBJshag3Mt_L-2GN2nI8s-QDzWETzp6fAv_lAs-0YQBLX3cgDUND5IrFWuIvhxhvxSpdzCtve-MULeT8DvRiAcCJhQKPEvby3oWa8yAfNJAnmXIG0GviEKnVRDbcnnWPvM/s1600/IMAG0722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6r0r2xK9aKRMBJshag3Mt_L-2GN2nI8s-QDzWETzp6fAv_lAs-0YQBLX3cgDUND5IrFWuIvhxhvxSpdzCtve-MULeT8DvRiAcCJhQKPEvby3oWa8yAfNJAnmXIG0GviEKnVRDbcnnWPvM/s400/IMAG0722.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See there is a banana, that's healthy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After the race, my sweet tooth was raging! Eating that delicious chocolate fondue just sparked more chocolate cravings, so I baked cookies! Don't worry -- these cookies have no eggs, no flour and no butter. Just whole, delicious ingredients, a bit of chocolate to satisfy my craving and of course, fruits AND veggies!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4p3mRyLIdXUvDn90UZBKKl05SAmno1HCQKBrsEd7SNXFnZBwguOMAySYGlrciBnAwsgCgODK7xBASRX8tVbLxZoU2Zdky7b7R0lh1Niq6V4CHkU1XqAsTBN3CUuFkDechvZtZ_uUA8ny5/s1600/IMAG0680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4p3mRyLIdXUvDn90UZBKKl05SAmno1HCQKBrsEd7SNXFnZBwguOMAySYGlrciBnAwsgCgODK7xBASRX8tVbLxZoU2Zdky7b7R0lh1Niq6V4CHkU1XqAsTBN3CUuFkDechvZtZ_uUA8ny5/s400/IMAG0680.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Banana Oat Drops</span></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMqgsLYDPK9yJhTqczMscvnzjUeAN8I9_MHZUjdP7UZZGOGcBtIdWTrPqKHRFjAXbOEX359hoCyp6EltMpGi8bJD3EY4yUHK6-GsEH_p7z0XaYW-JDvwCRkX8ne9jz9yVv4vKlyr0ds0_/s1600/IMAG0681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMqgsLYDPK9yJhTqczMscvnzjUeAN8I9_MHZUjdP7UZZGOGcBtIdWTrPqKHRFjAXbOEX359hoCyp6EltMpGi8bJD3EY4yUHK6-GsEH_p7z0XaYW-JDvwCRkX8ne9jz9yVv4vKlyr0ds0_/s640/IMAG0681.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Hands on time: 10 minutes</h4>
<h4>
Total Time: 28 minutes</h4>
<h4>
What you need:</h4>
<div>
<ul>
<li>3 ripe mashed bananas </li>
<li>1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce</li>
<li>1/4 cup vanilla almond milk (or any milk of your choice)</li>
<li>2 cups oatmeal</li>
<li>1/2 cup of raw zucchini shredded or chopped in food processor (about 1/2 a small/medium zucchini)</li>
<li>2 Tbs mini chocolate chips</li>
<li>1/4 cup raisins</li>
<li>1 oz chopped walnuts (or any nuts you prefer)</li>
<li>2 Tbs shredded coconut (optional)</li>
<li>1 tsp vanilla</li>
<li>1 tsp cinnamon </li>
</ul>
<div>
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Mash up the ripe bananas (one of my favorite parts, gets the aggression out). Coarsely chop the nuts and grate the zucchini or pulse it in a food processor. Mix the bananas and zucchini together with the applesauce, cinnamon and vanilla. Next, stir in your oats and wet the mixture with your choice of milk. Finally, fold it all your mix-ins. The best part of these recipes is you can get creative, don't like raisins? Try chopped apricots! Don't like walnuts? Try pecans! Don't like chocolate? Wait what?! No such thing! :-) Shape the cookies into golf ball or walnut sized drops and place them on your cookie sheet. Press them down a little bit, they will stay in whatever shape they are on the sheet. Bake for approximately 18 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Let cool completely and enjoy! </div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqrJo_OlcQA-Qt6S6PoQiWByc9swSzR5fjg72bcHgw9pJydGo8qcJtm70AqlW0yL7VCN7nXylxe-sG2D7PqdbWgInAAM_enKiCUMpbsR6V13WTp15aDdsB5z5_41X54wnnIOTJtH1n9hv/s1600/IMAG0682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqrJo_OlcQA-Qt6S6PoQiWByc9swSzR5fjg72bcHgw9pJydGo8qcJtm70AqlW0yL7VCN7nXylxe-sG2D7PqdbWgInAAM_enKiCUMpbsR6V13WTp15aDdsB5z5_41X54wnnIOTJtH1n9hv/s640/IMAG0682.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super close up to see all the goodness!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h4>
What you get:</h4>
</div>
<div>
The perfect fix for your chocolate and cookie cravings, full of whole grains, protein and fiber! These cookies are great for the paleo diet too, you can substitute the oatmeal for an almond or flax flour, or just not be that strict. Moderation. :-) We've talked about bananas and walnuts in the past, and of course, my favorite, cinnamon. I just switched over to using almond milk. It has more calcium and vitamin D than cows milk for about half the calories! I love it in coffee, on cereal, on it's own and in my recipes. The real hidden nutrient knockout in these is the zucchini. It has folate, potassium and vitamin A. A half cup of zucchini also has approximately 20% of your daily needed Manganese. Manganese is important for the functioning of one of your bodies greatest antioxidants. It also helps to keep your bones strong and create the collagen that helps wounds heal! But be careful, as with many vitamins and minerals (and anything really), it isn't good for you in excess.<br />
<br />
My recipe made 2.5 dozen cookies! That makes each cookie approximately 50 calories! Yes, please!</div>
</div>
</div>
CMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02914252354477945149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7170217562022626971.post-90871888257662415132012-10-31T08:45:00.001-07:002012-10-31T08:45:16.097-07:00Leftovers I've never liked eating leftovers. There was something about food sitting around for an extended period of time that fed the hypochondriac in me. In fact, I've been known to simply throw out the tupperware, rather than identify and eat the leftovers in it. Even from a fancy restaurant, leftovers just sat in fridge. Basically, I was a food waster. My worries about eating leftovers, in context, made sense. I also had my med school roommate check every piece of meat I cooked to make to sure I wouldn't get sick from it.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFzwv2S0lLtBOaqQVRhyTBeS7FJNtVLwEw40cMPwvLyk9kPm59-R5nb4bjzC5E7XxhHz1jFg28vKUwbnS_WaTBZxRmGVXMESFfhSVzjLOuwrqXkpVPNOGGsrH32Qg0wXvMBJrGbqEvfjv/s1600/ecardleft.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFzwv2S0lLtBOaqQVRhyTBeS7FJNtVLwEw40cMPwvLyk9kPm59-R5nb4bjzC5E7XxhHz1jFg28vKUwbnS_WaTBZxRmGVXMESFfhSVzjLOuwrqXkpVPNOGGsrH32Qg0wXvMBJrGbqEvfjv/s320/ecardleft.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks, Loan! (Photo someecards.com)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Honestly, med school makes you a hypochondriac. I wasn't born this way.<br />
<br />
Okay, maybe <b><u><i>I</i></u></b> was. But this is common problem during the first two years where you are taught the details of every single rare and deadly illness. Many times during a lecture you would see a student look up from their notes, pale and terrified and hear the wheels in their head turning, putting together the symptoms they just learned about, thinking, "I've got that!"<br />
<br />
I can thank my med school roommate for many things. She and I kept each other sane through a mentally and emotionally challenging time. She may have thought the dishwasher should be used for storage of pots and pans, but she taught me that food wasting was inexcusable.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQx-48xoT-JsHHKMfiIQMkVQVJgRAHgrKGPgJ4iXROP_n9snei1rk5Q7WLui6ORbXRx8lriQsw4h0TrCOE5JCn-9NeElRXufCVcIas61s4_a61eYkNTZyBvDpzgz3xtjRAo22SMNkQKL3/s1600/29806_10100160839413343_7953002_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQx-48xoT-JsHHKMfiIQMkVQVJgRAHgrKGPgJ4iXROP_n9snei1rk5Q7WLui6ORbXRx8lriQsw4h0TrCOE5JCn-9NeElRXufCVcIas61s4_a61eYkNTZyBvDpzgz3xtjRAo22SMNkQKL3/s320/29806_10100160839413343_7953002_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Med School Roommate, Loan. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You've heard, "Clean your plate, there are hungry kids in INSERT THIRD WORLD COUNTRY HERE." Well, she believed you should use all your resources in eating and in cooking and not waste a thing.<br />
<br />
Recently, I've been on a pretty strict budget and have been channeling Loan with my eating habits.<br />
<br />
Last week, I made that delicious roasted vegetable dish with fresh veggies from the Farmer's Market in neighborhood.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEn28e8BQkwICuHl9xVpxUX0KmpskEoUx41TTwcNCjQkND1anmut9zmhb9_OIrpEdXlFP8v4cREdeNL0Yj8YjjihxmoN65sH1bCDQGcTbVf7lP931qWTdP-7ubWSF1QcnmNnJSBKFxJ-_K/s1600/wicker_park_farmers_market_0609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEn28e8BQkwICuHl9xVpxUX0KmpskEoUx41TTwcNCjQkND1anmut9zmhb9_OIrpEdXlFP8v4cREdeNL0Yj8YjjihxmoN65sH1bCDQGcTbVf7lP931qWTdP-7ubWSF1QcnmNnJSBKFxJ-_K/s400/wicker_park_farmers_market_0609.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Farmer's Market in my neighborhood. (Photo City of Chicago, CBS)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When you buy directly from the farmers (support local!), you get the ENTIRE vegetable, which left me with a HUGE bunch of green from the tops of my beets. They are full of nutrients, but I didn't know what to do with them. Until I had a day off and cooked up a huge batch of stuffed beet greens to eat throughout the week.<br />
<br />
This is a variation of stuffed grape leaves or Dolma. But I made them without rice, and of course, with extra "hidden" carrots.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOjPXna4md2OgAgkqyPbS0uvOQrKDJbyvbMi6c8VHywtbdoJumDPVDsTRUxvW3MKjV6GGYlsT5hm5Cuk4qj-mRi8ZiP1lWvofgRI9MEKGIBsYOim_CGBRW7S3EmVfAHvdFmIo2UR3U_Qr/s1600/IMAG0665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOjPXna4md2OgAgkqyPbS0uvOQrKDJbyvbMi6c8VHywtbdoJumDPVDsTRUxvW3MKjV6GGYlsT5hm5Cuk4qj-mRi8ZiP1lWvofgRI9MEKGIBsYOim_CGBRW7S3EmVfAHvdFmIo2UR3U_Qr/s320/IMAG0665.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beet greens, carrots, onion and garlic...yum!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Stuffed Beet Leaves</span></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtV85JtKbc5lBHYUPKrRAvNleeN3s0BReu7SX5KKDdUU45uDisuEj-hyta369qg-aWJs7hdG9wT2rNm-Z0C1Q2hpo0k-ZdiUqqFmqwwrV2o1qoNyA4B-YzBA5CK_5rvw1cmrIQ9tpWKQLa/s1600/IMAG0678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtV85JtKbc5lBHYUPKrRAvNleeN3s0BReu7SX5KKDdUU45uDisuEj-hyta369qg-aWJs7hdG9wT2rNm-Z0C1Q2hpo0k-ZdiUqqFmqwwrV2o1qoNyA4B-YzBA5CK_5rvw1cmrIQ9tpWKQLa/s400/IMAG0678.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Hands on time: 20 minutes</h4>
<h4>
Total Time: 50 minutes</h4>
<h4>
What you need:</h4>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Leftover beet greens (or grape leaves)</li>
<li>1/2 cup chopped onion</li>
<li>1/2 cup finely chopped carrots (I used the food processor)</li>
<li>3 cloves of garlic, chopped</li>
<li>8 oz of lean ground turkey (half of a package)</li>
<li>Salt</li>
<li>Pepper</li>
<li>Olive Oil</li>
<li>Red Pepper flakes</li>
<li>Sprigs of fresh rosemary (I'm still using it)</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZsl__u7l1HN2dba15-ifxMD7JVcUP_QvxUfY4NMTbKXr76pph2I5nBQi9JRstS7LE7bOSQxHEyC3BST6MeRkfPpyYCDuNL-5eoboNTymHs_kVNiRVqZQa6922WHNS4MgfmEwcdJ91mBs/s1600/IMAG0668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZsl__u7l1HN2dba15-ifxMD7JVcUP_QvxUfY4NMTbKXr76pph2I5nBQi9JRstS7LE7bOSQxHEyC3BST6MeRkfPpyYCDuNL-5eoboNTymHs_kVNiRVqZQa6922WHNS4MgfmEwcdJ91mBs/s320/IMAG0668.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Browning the onions, garlic, carrots and turkey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkMx3x7G82bC-ZSD1NlEqR07QtQO9-uXADFq_LgI6XdHxTN0r2gJdPFJAbocVTIxCE00Pl7wzANP7KkZus_gDC0xaAgCYmQd00hcGgGzbFawjqvj5-9S_wUMhgjZ7L4viILLzt21O8p-N/s1600/IMAG0670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkMx3x7G82bC-ZSD1NlEqR07QtQO9-uXADFq_LgI6XdHxTN0r2gJdPFJAbocVTIxCE00Pl7wzANP7KkZus_gDC0xaAgCYmQd00hcGgGzbFawjqvj5-9S_wUMhgjZ7L4viILLzt21O8p-N/s320/IMAG0670.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the leaves covered with water and simmering</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
Start with a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet, cook the garlic, carrots and onions until they become soft. While that is going, start boiling water in a big pot. When the water is boiling, drop the beet leaves in 2 at a time for just a few seconds. Then submerge them in a bowl of cold water for a minute, remove and set aside. Repeat this step for all of your leaves, it makes them pliable and easy to work with. When the onions are translucent add in your ground turkey, rosemary, salt and pepper. I also added some crushed red pepper flakes for a little bit of heat. Brown this mixture up and set aside. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now you're ready to roll! Literally. Put some of the meat mixture into the beet leaf and roll just like a burrito (fold the ends in first). As you finish rolling the leaves, sit them in a sauce pan coated with olive oil. Put the rolls as close together as possible, so they don't fall apart. When you pan is full, cover with a cup of water and add some sea salt. Allow this to come to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to simmer for 25 minutes. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There you go! You can eat them hot, or cold. You can eat them now, or all week!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h4>
What you get:</h4>
</div>
<div>
A healthy meal that travels easily and lasts all week. The star of this show is the beet leaves. Beet leaves have fiber and protein both of which help keep you full. You get 220% of your recommended vitamin A and 60% of vitamin C from a single serving of beet leaves! They also have 15% of your daily iron, necessary for the red blood cells that carry oxygen to your cells, and 15% calcium for strong bones and teeth.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You can also make these vegetarian by using rice instead of meat, but be sure to not overfill your leaves, the rice expands in the pot!<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Running the Hot Chocolate 5K this weekend, check back next week for how it went! </span></h2>
CMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02914252354477945149noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7170217562022626971.post-70459440228375698922012-10-24T13:47:00.000-07:002012-11-06T15:34:06.367-08:00Brought to you by the letter "F"<h4>
A few of my favorite F words... </h4>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Fall, Food, Friends! </span></h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dressed for dinner at Carnivale (I'm in the middle).</td></tr>
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I am lucky enough to have a great group of friends in Chicago who are big foodies! We are always discovering great restaurants around town. If you're ever in the city, we all agreed <a href="http://www.carnivalechicago.com/" target="_blank">Carnivale</a> was incredible, even for dietary restrictions, the vegetarian dishes were out of this world! Megan, a friend and fellow food blogger (<a href="http://domesticdivamd.com/">domesticdivamd.com</a>) said her steak was literally the best she had ever eaten. And it truly looks like a carnival inside, bright colors, huge glass lighting fixtures, and a knowledgeable, attentive waitstaff. Do not wait. Make a reservation now. Try the guac. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dinner at Carnivale... Braised short rib, cheese polenta, carrots and </span>candied<span style="font-size: x-small;"> pepitas.</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></td></tr>
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Last night, we were all able to get together to celebrate my favorite F words... fall, food and friends. We had a potluck! But...potlucks are always challenging when you are trying to eat healthy. <br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">In my friend Ashley's words, </span>"I am bringing a pumpkin roll, hope that's not too many carbs for you, I personally don't think there is such a thing." </h3>
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And there were carbs and pumpkin galore. It was Fall themed after all! Eight busy doctors, who all love their food, make for a potluck combination of pies, cookies, cakes, breads (all of which were pumpkin and delicious!)...and a veggie tray. We rarely have time to get together, let alone cook.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My potluck plate! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting the food ready</td></tr>
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Don't fear! I have the perfect set it and forget it veggie recipe for your next potluck (or any meal). There is nothing undercover about these carrots though. The best part of this recipe is letting the veggies speak for themselves! And a secret finishing ingredient that makes these the best roasted veggies you've ever tasted!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Roasted Fall Veggies</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Recipe adapted from Health magazine</span></div>
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Hands on time: 10 minutes</h4>
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Total Time: 1 hour </h4>
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What you need:</h4>
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<li>1 lb each: carrots and parsnips peeled</li>
<li>1 red onion cut into wedges</li>
<li>1 bunch of beets peeled and cut into wedges</li>
<li>6 cloves of garlic</li>
<li>1 head of cauliflower (changes your life) cut into florets</li>
<li>Salt</li>
<li>Pepper</li>
<li>Olive Oil</li>
<li>One half of a fresh orange --- SECRET INGREDIENT! DON'T LEAVE IT OUT! </li>
<li>Sprigs of fresh rosemary (I brought mine home from Michigan, my boyfriend's mom grows it and I've used it in every meal this week!)</li>
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Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Peel all your veggies and slice them up. Put them into a large bowl with about 3 Tbs of Olive Oil, a few good twists of your pepper mill and about one tsp of salt. Toss everything together. Spread your veggies out onto two cookie sheets. Mine were pretty crowded but you want one layer of veggies with as much space in between as possible. Place the garlic cloves throughout the trays and top with your sprigs of rosemary. Put the trays in the oven for 30 minutes.</div>
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During this 30 minute break -- I took a nap. I was up before the sun to get some gym time in! Good Morning America on the treadmill during a rainy morning. A pretty nice way to start the day.</div>
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After 30 minutes, flip the veggies over and put them back in for another 20 minutes. This time, I folded my laundry. Multitasking at it's finest!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The most important step: Take the veggies out of the oven when they are tender but have a nice brown to the edges... Juice half an orange over both trays! </b></span><br />
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The secret to juicing is holding the orange with the flesh side UP (not down, it's counter intuitive). That way no seeds get lost in your food.<br />
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What you get:</h4>
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An easy, delicious, no carb potluck dish! PACKED with vitamins! A few we haven't talked about yet...Beets contain a compound that may help to lower Homocysteine in your blood. Homocysteine promotes clotting and plaque build up in arteries. Heart healthy (and we've got garlic in this recipe, SUPER heart healthy)! Beets also have lots of vitamin C, vitamin B and folate. Carrots, everyone knows, are good for eyesight. This is because the beta carotene is broken down into a vitamin A derivative, retinal, that is used in your...yup retina! Parsnips, in my opinion, are an undervalued vegetable. They have a rooty, hearty flavor, all the health benefits of vitamin C and B, and they are a great source of fiber. Eat up!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The whole group at our fall potluck!</td></tr>
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CMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02914252354477945149noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7170217562022626971.post-19040687081895809182012-10-18T19:57:00.000-07:002012-10-18T19:57:12.465-07:00Let them eat CAKE!<h2>
Even during their 2 week Paleo challenge! </h2>
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Luckily, it is the last day of my (successful!) Paleo challenge. Just in time to go home to Michigan to celebrate my boyfriend's birthday. Which, no doubt, will be full of delicious carbs. Like, I said he can BAKE.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGrSsYy8W4oWXWcM_pM6zhRt1Q8hbFly5ot50psYsSh1905ISxPy3SotBsUCx8bTy1g40bq2gnROBTbm1DWWNcGyu5XUUPZzQWcLSSoJ5FBQSptr7mgL1_3nyItKeg4qZXkjfnQ77PsDU/s1600/IMAG0291-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGrSsYy8W4oWXWcM_pM6zhRt1Q8hbFly5ot50psYsSh1905ISxPy3SotBsUCx8bTy1g40bq2gnROBTbm1DWWNcGyu5XUUPZzQWcLSSoJ5FBQSptr7mgL1_3nyItKeg4qZXkjfnQ77PsDU/s200/IMAG0291-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">His Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake, my personal favorite, the picture doesn't do it justice. I'm salivating looking it.</span></td></tr>
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BUT a girl just needs her cake! A no flour, no dairy cake? Sounds gross to me. NOT SO FAST! I promised you some single serving desserts and I won't let my crazy 2 weeks of Paleo stop that. Tonight, I made this delicious, dark chocolate, walnut and strawberry mug cake. And it fit right in with my Paleo challenge.</div>
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One quality I look for in my friends,<i> I'm not kidding</i>, is that they appreciate dessert as much as I do. My med school roommate and I joke that we have a second stomach for dessert. My best friend from college, Rachel , and I can always count on each other to finish off a decadent dessert at the end of a dinner date. Luckily, Rachel is also a kick butt runner, so we influence each other in healthy ways too!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LOstaaJELrEVtRj4uXep1iUwsGZQSIn6NrniprCAiJhOqj18-IeRQoAMgLHFbHdpyQXrbcaSL8zBAo3BHBqGJM250uKzlgEB3aNhQKKpNCK5BurJQK9SBm8uysERfZ4HHqG3WYQkdxjP/s1600/astoria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LOstaaJELrEVtRj4uXep1iUwsGZQSIn6NrniprCAiJhOqj18-IeRQoAMgLHFbHdpyQXrbcaSL8zBAo3BHBqGJM250uKzlgEB3aNhQKKpNCK5BurJQK9SBm8uysERfZ4HHqG3WYQkdxjP/s200/astoria.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">How my med school roommate and I celebrated Match Day. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Every once in a while, it's okay to go (a little) overboard.</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhEG8mDAroAN7NvpxgQwcT6WZUvBk5kG1M2n1qgNonm33MEJU813NsAwx9226nCcortEKLWlbWKqWys7uS9CukKHsi9G6XB2O8DSzhKWsQVDupjeeOP1MBn8Ei8kh6sW_umgGkd6_EvCZ/s1600/469750_10101668744968523_542913491_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhEG8mDAroAN7NvpxgQwcT6WZUvBk5kG1M2n1qgNonm33MEJU813NsAwx9226nCcortEKLWlbWKqWys7uS9CukKHsi9G6XB2O8DSzhKWsQVDupjeeOP1MBn8Ei8kh6sW_umgGkd6_EvCZ/s320/469750_10101668744968523_542913491_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">With Rachel at the Bayshore Races May 2012. Where I ran my first 10K and she PR'ed her half marathon!</span></td></tr>
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So here is how I satisfied my sweet tooth tonight, all Paleo, and all delicious.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmaMKWsfQXw0qKWs0d72RXiyiQ42Oq62gFla9yEalB-Wo0FhYHWJGCGUYzeUAlNL06OxvfRyhXbNVL0YMfRtqfKTi3IO3V1F0DBqb4JldqXlSQTf77cOOhArq71lNygELz2_Ptqg4c1As/s1600/IMAG0602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmaMKWsfQXw0qKWs0d72RXiyiQ42Oq62gFla9yEalB-Wo0FhYHWJGCGUYzeUAlNL06OxvfRyhXbNVL0YMfRtqfKTi3IO3V1F0DBqb4JldqXlSQTf77cOOhArq71lNygELz2_Ptqg4c1As/s640/IMAG0602.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Again, the pictures don't do it justice. This may be the post that convinces me to use a real camera instead of my phone.</td></tr>
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<h4>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">
Chocolate Strawberry Walnut PaleOH MY GOODNESS mugcake</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">original recipe adapted from <a href="http://www.thewannabechef.net/2011/12/02/paleo-mug-cakes/" target="_blank">The Wannabe Chef</a></span><br />
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Hands on time: 3 minutes</h4>
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Total Time: Less than 5 minutes!</h4>
<h4>
What you need:</h4>
<div>
<ul>
<li>1 small banana</li>
<li>1.5 Tbs nut butter, almond or peanut are my favorites</li>
<li>2 Tbs cocoa powder</li>
<li>1 Tbs sweetener (if you want it, I like my chocolate dark and kind of bitter, so I don't use it)</li>
<li>1.5 Tbs egg substitute or one real egg</li>
<li>1 tsp vanilla extract</li>
<li>1 Tbs mini chocolate chips (or walnuts, or dried fruit, any combination, go anywhere you want here!)</li>
</ul>
<div>
Mash up the banana and mix in the nut butter until you get a batter consistency. Add in the egg and vanilla, blend completely. Next, stir in the cocoa and the sweeter. Finish with your "mix-ins". This is even tastier if you blend the batter together in a food processor, no lumps! Microwave for about a minute and a half, until the edges look cooked but the middle is still a little wet. Be careful not to overcook, you want a moist, delicious cake!</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I topped my cake with homemade strawberry jam! Yes, I also make jam. SO good. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Feel free to change the proportions a little bit until you get the consistency you like, I played around with the amount of egg substitute until I got it just how I liked it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
What you get:</h4>
<div>
The way I make it... a no sugar, no flour, satisfying chocolate dessert. If you add sugar (which you should NOT feel bad about, gotta make it worth it, just go sparingly), you still get lots of benefits. One, it's a single serving cake, instant portion control. Bananas have potassium, vitamin C and fiber. And of course, chocolate makes people happy (it also may lower blood pressure and decrease your bad cholesterol, LDL).<br />
<br />
<u><b>Note:</b></u> This is NOT low calorie, I'd approximate the whole cake at around, 300 calories, depending on what you put in it, but it is packed with nutrients and way healthier than any other cake you could get for 300 calories. You could even separate the recipe into two ramekins and make two cakes (watch your microwave time though), now only 150 ish calories a piece! And you can share...that would be nice of you.<br />
<br />
Let them eat cake! </div>
<br />
<br /></div>
CMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02914252354477945149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7170217562022626971.post-36553457230742944962012-10-15T16:45:00.004-07:002012-10-15T16:45:23.104-07:00Cauliflower will change your lifeNo, really it will.<br />
<br />
When I was a kid, I had what my mom called, "The Dorothy Hamil cut". It was basically, a blonde bowl cut. That hair cut, among other reasons, provided me with many choice nicknames growing up.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34z2C1kMSFWnQA7G66h_SFEc1sxJAMYkiAx6S8BtLqbJNnL0Fe1-0Q_6WCodYLLuUdJXKb0F2joGCLR87uAm3h6gBYfGh2Q-tdiJe5b5o6102qo4xjRM44G2Dmhk2jpIRObe17YdyXkx7/s1600/fam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34z2C1kMSFWnQA7G66h_SFEc1sxJAMYkiAx6S8BtLqbJNnL0Fe1-0Q_6WCodYLLuUdJXKb0F2joGCLR87uAm3h6gBYfGh2Q-tdiJe5b5o6102qo4xjRM44G2Dmhk2jpIRObe17YdyXkx7/s400/fam.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My family and my epic bowl cut. I can't lie, I actually like this picture.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My close friends called me <b>Col</b>, they still do. As this caught on, it sometimes turned into Col-iflower. A nickname that I absolutely hated! My parents once told me part of why they chose the name, Colleen, was so that I wouldn't have a nickname. That didn't quite turn out as planned. Needless to say, I've never really liked the bland, boring vegetable, cauliflower.<br />
<br />
Boy, was I wrong!<br />
<br />
I am over a week<i> (thank goodness)</i> into a two week Paleo challenge. Let me just say. I love carbs. But I also wanted to know what the hype was all about. I've tried Crossfit. I wanted to <i>die</i>. But it was AMAZING to have a total body workout done in 20 minutes. But the diet phenomenon that goes along with Crossfit? I wasn't so intrigued. Until someone told me they didn't think I could make it on a Paleo diet for two weeks. BAM! It's on! And here I am!<br />
<br />
SO what is Paleo... Essentially, it is eating the way our hunter gather ancestors would eat. No packaged foods (okay I cheat and buy my figs packaged and my nuts shelled, but really? that's too much). The diet includes lots of fruits and veggies, nuts, and proteins. It <i>excludes</i> dairy (the horror! please don't take away my cheese, this was my one concession, I ate dairy, growing girl, bone health, you know...) and grains, pasta, flour etc.<br />
<br />
What I have learned from my Paleo challenge and all I will take away from such a restricted diet...Cauliflower will change your life!<br /><br />It helps you to sneak some healthy additions into favorite foods! One example is mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes... I am probably the worst Irish girl in the world, I don't like potatoes, so this substitution meant nothing to me.<br />
<br />
BUT I LOVE PIZZA, and the crust is the<i> least </i>nutritious part. Cauliflower to the rescue!<br />
<br />
I made my favorite pizza, barbecue chicken, using Sweet Baby Ray's sauce and fresh cilantro (which is third on my favorite food items list - <i>let's review 1. Gingerbread 2. Coffee 3. Cilantro</i>)! BUT I made a Cauliflower pizza crust!<br />
<br />
Cauliflower can also be used as a rice substitute. It makes a great fried rice or risotto!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWrLM7h1VdQfp1Vxpm8j0rUDR2BBvi3VkqQA4JBvaNVb-pMzazyXEfg3-1F0GU0-xuinHrAc1PVONNOw3URQw2OokZ9e0kN32YsBa3R4DSEwxJiepXea4dnSW6uqqqOev5qDH4MPG5OoJ/s1600/265282_10101940153743163_1298738743_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWrLM7h1VdQfp1Vxpm8j0rUDR2BBvi3VkqQA4JBvaNVb-pMzazyXEfg3-1F0GU0-xuinHrAc1PVONNOw3URQw2OokZ9e0kN32YsBa3R4DSEwxJiepXea4dnSW6uqqqOev5qDH4MPG5OoJ/s400/265282_10101940153743163_1298738743_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cauliflower Risotto...maybe a future post, still need to perfect it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">
Cauliflower Pizza Crust</span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original recipe adapted from <a href="http://www.damyhealth.com/2011/03/the-secret-life-of-cauliflower/" target="_blank">The Secret Life of Cauliflower</a></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jcFLo-qLLwYS8hayhOcXBVxeq9knGF1cVhw47KUXL3FDP0fNnyeBlBRkLRXkQOVzwjolJt8T4fM8PxDyZUx0zxUdLOWNM8OKCDcVOjr8GPK9_2Pn44NYs_KprzG6U8wU6rHhI2efksKa/s1600/413986_10101944294764523_1868150990_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jcFLo-qLLwYS8hayhOcXBVxeq9knGF1cVhw47KUXL3FDP0fNnyeBlBRkLRXkQOVzwjolJt8T4fM8PxDyZUx0zxUdLOWNM8OKCDcVOjr8GPK9_2Pn44NYs_KprzG6U8wU6rHhI2efksKa/s400/413986_10101944294764523_1868150990_o.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My BBQ Chicken Cauliflower Pizza Crust</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Total Prep Time: 10 minutes hands on</h4>
<h4>
Start to Finish: 45 minutes for the crust, 5 minutes in the broiler for the toppings = 50 minutes</h4>
<h4>
What you need:</h4>
<div>
<ul>
<li>2 cups grated Cauliflower - pulsed in a food processor until it looks like rice</li>
<li>1/4 c egg whites or egg substitute</li>
<li>1 cup low fat cottage cheese</li>
<li>1 tsp Oregano</li>
<li>1 tsp Parsley</li>
<li>1 tsp Garlic Powder</li>
</ul>
<div>
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees while you are grating your Cauliflower. Immediately put the Cauliflower rice in a large skillet and allow to cook with a tsp of water while you combine the other ingredients. In the food processor add all the other yummy stuff and pulse them to combine. By now, the Cauliflower rice should be almost translucent. Mix the Cauliflower rice with the wet ingredients in a big bowl. You can use a pizza stone, or a cookie sheet covered in parchment for the next step. Evenly spread the "dough" over the parchment. Bake 25-35 minutes, until lightly brown. Top with sauce and cheese and whatever other goodies you like on your pizza. Put it back in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and delicious! Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<h4>
What you get:</h4>
</div>
</div>
<div>
A delicious, no carb pizza crust! Extra protein from the cottage cheese! Cauliflower is an excellent source of Vitamin C (an antioxidant and essential in the building of collagen, which is part of all your connective tissues) and Vitamin A (great for vision), well as choline (it's a B Vitamin in cell membranes, especially in your Central Nervous System). Eat up!</div>
CMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02914252354477945149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7170217562022626971.post-69309597992183935102012-10-14T17:28:00.004-07:002012-10-14T17:49:57.706-07:00De-stressing and De-hydrating<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h2>
I promised you FAST recipes. </h2>
<h2>
But, some things just take time. </h2>
<h3>
And are more than worth the wait. </h3>
<div>
Last fall was full of questions and answers. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was interviewing for residency positions, sometimes with 8 interviews in one day! I was still trying to figure out what field of medicine, if any at all, was right for me. I was learning from and reflecting on the end of many relationships. And I was participating in a yoga teacher training program! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Teacher training was a deeply emotional, physically and mentally challenging experience. I was blessed to meet some of the most incredible and inspiring women, and Dave. :-) We began the 6 month, every weekend, all day, course, with an exercise where you sit with a partner and they ask, <span style="font-size: large;">"Tell me who you are.</span>" Knees physically connecting you to this person and eyes looking right into you, we all began spewing our life stories. What brought us here, what we wanted and ultimately who we <i>THOUGHT</i> we were.<br />
<br />
At the end of this journey, the exercise, which we practiced each time we met, became one of silence. We were so fulfilled and at peace in ourselves, that we could let our spiritual connection speak for itself. I'm not a highly emotional person (except at weddings, I'm pretty much a fountain at weddings), but these experiences with this special group of women, often moved me to tears.<br />
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekqCUyQ-GRUnWotzQ3cH_3a0_9wmRZIcdjut6uTwob7OY7w11E3nl-cSSMPNa6JSvfNK5l5g3tlMvNLhMQQaGuww0yNbo51bkE6zXy-8L74ze2LNBj8zRAhVVzpob4owvUp19_sawRez5/s1600/385148_10101105466108873_1392728071_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekqCUyQ-GRUnWotzQ3cH_3a0_9wmRZIcdjut6uTwob7OY7w11E3nl-cSSMPNa6JSvfNK5l5g3tlMvNLhMQQaGuww0yNbo51bkE6zXy-8L74ze2LNBj8zRAhVVzpob4owvUp19_sawRez5/s400/385148_10101105466108873_1392728071_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">House of Yoga Teacher Training Class Fall 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And by Spring, I was matched in the perfect residency program in Chicago. I had found a field of medicine that fit my personality and my health care beliefs. I had left behind some relationships that no longer served me and rekindled some that filled me with love and warmth. AND I was a certified yoga instructor. After three seasons of self discovery, I can very easily and confidently tell you who I am. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Some things you can't search for, or force to happen. They come with patience, and trust that in each moment, you are exactly where you need to be.<br />
<br />
Man, listen to me. I <b>SOUND</b> like a yogi. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The past few months have been so busy, and although I know that I am where I need to be in this new city, I have yet to find a new yoga home. Tonight, I returned to my mat, to my practice and to myself. It had been 4 months since I had a regular, daily yoga practice.<br />
<br />
I spent a <strike>grueling</strike> blissful hour and half this Sunday evening in a Vinyasa class at my gym. <br />
<br />
My mind wandered, my body shook, I'm sure I will be sore tomorrow in places I had forgotten muscles existed. But it was incredible, and it time, with practice, my body will once again be able to gracefully move through a 90 minute class. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpLUpjSDPUQQxrnGQ99yBmyBTh06yKFS7AgJmCXmtU8HF7d9YPE4ycAKz4eHc0lHlYlkpnamrBkJnvxJFDoRNg8MGZt7rkqkM8r88WLmB8SplCf5HKhLgzYXtCQYVpNrRt-HeKqzJofgL/s1600/noyoga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpLUpjSDPUQQxrnGQ99yBmyBTh06yKFS7AgJmCXmtU8HF7d9YPE4ycAKz4eHc0lHlYlkpnamrBkJnvxJFDoRNg8MGZt7rkqkM8r88WLmB8SplCf5HKhLgzYXtCQYVpNrRt-HeKqzJofgL/s1600/noyoga.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This isn't my picture...but I can't seem to remember where I found it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Speaking of things that take time, but are well worth the wait...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">These Apple and Zucchini chips rock!</span> I make a huge batch of both on Sundays. They are an awesome, healthy, crunchy snack during the week...if they last that long!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Remember that old infomercial, <b>"Set it and Forget it!"</b> That is how I describe these.<br />
<br />
I wouldn't lie to you, the hands on time is very very short, especially if you have a mandolin. BUT the two hours until they are done and ready to eat is excruciatingly long. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
Apple and Zucchini Chips: no dehydrator required!</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipc_joM3phVhVYYlzANZRqaQdKeWYGDDTxBbeB5ZSmbPOduGKC70WVmMCOuxJZuyAQOACFdG2Aslx48mLLwnSpuTdP6FqW3uBG19FN35EGZn31pn1bk5CY6NczbLUC9ubzUbbhkrTmAzWW/s1600/277822_10101849532349163_1443393118_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipc_joM3phVhVYYlzANZRqaQdKeWYGDDTxBbeB5ZSmbPOduGKC70WVmMCOuxJZuyAQOACFdG2Aslx48mLLwnSpuTdP6FqW3uBG19FN35EGZn31pn1bk5CY6NczbLUC9ubzUbbhkrTmAzWW/s400/277822_10101849532349163_1443393118_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salty, crunchy and delicious. But, I love zucchini to begin with!<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUKPt6HtYgR57U1eLrWoqqqNZG3KzFXpkGdq0msz_cMPc_B94KJ-6lV6nJommhAZZeigsgfov60lmWhheRsrTTRXRHErTV9WRmAKEaztVsRtR27eNBWzS5LZ21t8ap2KDYDe0P-u4DAqt/s1600/IMAG0590-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUKPt6HtYgR57U1eLrWoqqqNZG3KzFXpkGdq0msz_cMPc_B94KJ-6lV6nJommhAZZeigsgfov60lmWhheRsrTTRXRHErTV9WRmAKEaztVsRtR27eNBWzS5LZ21t8ap2KDYDe0P-u4DAqt/s400/IMAG0590-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall is the perfect time for apple chips!<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
Hands On Time: 5-10 minutes, depending on how large your batch is</h4>
<h4>
Total Time: 2-2.5 hours WORTH THE WAIT</h4>
<h4>
What you need:</h4>
<div>
Apple Chips</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Gala Apples (I used 2 which takes up about 2 cookie sheets and that's all I can fit in my oven)</li>
<li>Cinnamon </li>
<li>1 tbsp Brown Sugar</li>
</ul>
<div>
Zucchini Chips</div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>1 large zucchini (again it took up 2 cookie sheets for me)</li>
<li>Kosher salt -- use sparingly, you can always add more</li>
<li>Garlic Powder</li>
</ul>
<div>
Preheat your oven to 225 degrees. Using a mandolin set at 1/16, or a very VERY steady hand, slice your produce into thin rounds. Put them in a bowl and toss in your seasonings. Arrange in one layer, not touching, on the cookie sheets. Bake for 1 hour. Flip 'em over, and bake at least another hour. You make want to sneak a few during the baking process...just to see if they're the right texture, of course!</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
What you get: </h4>
<div>
An easy, tasty snack, that you can literally set and forget and then eat all week. They stay crunchiest if you don't put them in an airtight container. I just leave the lids of my tupperware loose...makes it way easier to pop one in my mouth as I walk by too! Apples are FULL of nutrients. An apple a day keeps the doctor away right?! Zucchini is a great source of folate (a B Vitamin essential for a healthy brain and functioning red blood cells), potassium and manganese (which helps fight free radicals that can damage DNA). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
CMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02914252354477945149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7170217562022626971.post-7907427662482438992012-10-13T14:51:00.000-07:002012-10-13T14:51:35.326-07:00I've always been a morning person<br />
<h3>
Not sure quite how many 20 somethings can say that. But I say it and I mean it.</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
I love the morning.</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When you are waking up to this face:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhOCrwOyZZUOylRRRAkzns95e_nskCSj3fcJr9UUCRrFjkti_I7CaslGHd3wNpRMX73IypCqSl05fV115_Lpmmc-61KB56xT4Mjq-mRetPgRePYQ71SfN0_eDymi5eJT0BMmEotuZ6ta-/s1600/332104_10100836153792913_8373991_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhOCrwOyZZUOylRRRAkzns95e_nskCSj3fcJr9UUCRrFjkti_I7CaslGHd3wNpRMX73IypCqSl05fV115_Lpmmc-61KB56xT4Mjq-mRetPgRePYQ71SfN0_eDymi5eJT0BMmEotuZ6ta-/s200/332104_10100836153792913_8373991_o.jpg" width="118" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our family dog, Ruger, as a puppy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Or this face:</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYS3DIYDurAefff1YTE53cP_PgldI4fmco0i4pdKBsUY7_C5-8jWoi9SNnwFTSiucxJejenkWYWEGo4raLbIlXUORAJvVsd2gAqeVsNpyvsj4NX4Tlnuey-CtvncecQc-bkBsMBq7FDHff/s1600/551193_10101849389415603_1301901392_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYS3DIYDurAefff1YTE53cP_PgldI4fmco0i4pdKBsUY7_C5-8jWoi9SNnwFTSiucxJejenkWYWEGo4raLbIlXUORAJvVsd2gAqeVsNpyvsj4NX4Tlnuey-CtvncecQc-bkBsMBq7FDHff/s200/551193_10101849389415603_1301901392_n.jpg" width="185" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My boyfriend, who also happens to be an incredible baker.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Nothing is better than a lazy morning. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
In college, thriving on my new found freedom and health kick, I would be at the gym at 5:30am. I'd walk there in the dark, and stroll back as the sun came up. Of course, back then, I had no responsibilities and going to the gym may or may not have been the only time I left the house.<br />
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(I may have gone to the University of Michigan, but that doesn't mean I always went to class. Hey! I graduated medical school, I did okay!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpPaTgflDwCOyTWHoI_fYtrOnN65CeWM1bUZXW8gZHQxFCUDbyLs85RUlrfFTjoWyw_-_A6g_huPPa8U_C7IX7x1QWpqW8Ha1N8alkh5m-G_IUzibmuVYSV4WfKHHQsA3ObY_dqCU8YN_/s1600/8am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpPaTgflDwCOyTWHoI_fYtrOnN65CeWM1bUZXW8gZHQxFCUDbyLs85RUlrfFTjoWyw_-_A6g_huPPa8U_C7IX7x1QWpqW8Ha1N8alkh5m-G_IUzibmuVYSV4WfKHHQsA3ObY_dqCU8YN_/s320/8am.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've also seen one that says, "Exercise in the morning, before your brain wakes up with reasons to stop you."</td></tr>
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In medical school, I lived for early Sunday mornings at a local Starbucks, when it was still quiet and calm. I'd lay out all my text books and settle in for a day of studying and caffeinating.<br />
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Now, with a real job, and ridiculous work hours, I'm lucky if I can peel my eyes open with enough time to shower and drive the 3 miles to the hospital.<br /><br />I figured I should start with one of my favorite recipes. Just because mornings are now rushed, hectic and starting way too early, doesn't mean you can't eat well. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day after all!<br />
<br />Truthfully - Breakfast starts your metabolism and sets the food tone for your entire day. These breakfast bars are SUPER easy, as much as I like to cook, none of us have time to spend all day in the kitchen. They are delicious warm, right out of the oven. AND they are also wonderful straight from the freezer, 45 seconds in the microwave as you put on your shoes, or defrosting in your bag during your commute to work!<br />
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<h2>
Grab it fast, soft granola bars</h2>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Original recipe adapted from <a href="http://katheats.com/" target="_blank">Kath Eats Real Food</a></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSE2xpDZXNZtj3pEvb4hGNp5eHsprYnVkp1yJ6sSh97fNOakl4T1uRP-B2Wfmi6hJLrLpOuGP8japIuLhEVU8b1n2pnlIoAgLzUaPhdlfrmprtO_k2iToRYEMbPCXUAVY_ljvpGo5pojw/s1600/469926_10101735146883553_1985833191_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSE2xpDZXNZtj3pEvb4hGNp5eHsprYnVkp1yJ6sSh97fNOakl4T1uRP-B2Wfmi6hJLrLpOuGP8japIuLhEVU8b1n2pnlIoAgLzUaPhdlfrmprtO_k2iToRYEMbPCXUAVY_ljvpGo5pojw/s640/469926_10101735146883553_1985833191_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey, maybe if this blogging thing takes off, I will get a real camera. Until then, thank you smart phone!</td></tr>
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<h4>
Total Prep Time: 5 minutes</h4>
<h4>
Total Start to Finish: 45 minutes plus cooling</h4>
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What you need:</h4>
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<ul style="background-color: white; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 1.538em 1.538em; padding: 0px;">
<li>1.5 cups rolled oats</li>
<li>1/4 cup chopped walnuts</li>
<li>1/4 cup chopped pecans (you can use all walnuts or all pecans but I like lots of texture)</li>
<li>1/4 cup raisins</li>
<li>1/4 cup dried cranberries</li>
<li>1/4 cup coconut</li>
<li>1 tsp cinnamon</li>
<li>a pinch of salt</li>
<li>1.25 cups skim milk</li>
<li>1/4 cup egg substitute (or one real egg if you have them)</li>
<li>1 tsp vanilla</li>
</ul>
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and spray it with some Bake Ease. Mix all of your wet ingredients in a large bowl, then stir in all of your dry. Combine thoroughly. Bake in a 9x9 dish for 40 minutes. Let cool and enjoy!</div>
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Makes 9 bars. Approximately 150 calories each (changes if you change up the recipe, which you should definitely get creative and try, I love throwing some chocolate chips in there). </div>
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<h4>
What you get:</h4>
An easy breakfast with no added sugar! Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties (I add it to everything I can). Oatmeal may help to reduce your cholesterol. And walnuts were recently proven to help boost memory! Wooh! So many reasons to eat breakfast...now if I just could get to the gym before work...<br />
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