Planning Basics

Breakfasts and lunches will be the same all week. Dinners vary. I've learned from our meal planning to not set specific days for what to eat. Who says you have to have chicken breasts on Wednesdays and Paleo Chili on Tuesdays. Making it a list allows us to pick what we are in the mood for on that at particular day. Seems basic, but really helps. 

Considering jumping in, you won't be disappointed. I am going to try and post a weekly update on how the week went. Week 1 is the hardest, with the "carb flu" setting in around Day 3. So sad how dependent our bodies are on they crapola we eat, but feels great to know you are getting it out of your system. 

All recipes on my Pinterest board entitled "Whole 30". Clever huh?

Xoxo

SDB

Whole 30

Started rereading 'It Starts with Food' last night. The first time I read it (9.5.13), I had downloaded it to my Nook. There are certain things I have no problem downloading and do only having on my Nook (50 Shades, anyone?). Other things really ought to be a tried and true book. This being one of them. Yesterday I set out to buy a real copy of the book, because let's face it, it's not real on the Nook. #sorrynotsorry I had a gift card to Barnes and Noble from one of my sweet students, so I set out for the 4 minute drive to Crabtree. I had been avoiding the mall post Christmas, but alas I needed to get my relationship with food shit together, like yesterday. No copies there. Three B&N's later I had nabbed the last copy, in what seemed to be all of Raleigh. Needless to say I have been highlighting and using post-its galore. You simply can't argue with the science and experience that went into writing this book. It is written in language that really hits home. Like they know exactly what you are thinking before you even realize that is what you are thinking. Ya dig?

They are doing a big Whole 30 starting on 1.1.14. (Visit whole9life.com to learn more) Gee I wonder if anyone else I America is cleaning up their act on that day? Don't let that stop you from making  a change, that is if you are ready to make a change. That's my start date and I've signed up to get the daily emails.

The Basics (via page 207 of 'It Starts with Food')

Follow these guidelines for the entirety of your program. No cheats, no slips, no excuses.

YES: Eat foods that make you more healthy- meat, seafood, eggs, lots of vegetables, some fruit, and plenty of healthy fats.

NO: Do not consume any added sugar, alcohol, grains, legumes, or dairy.

NO: Do not attempt to recreate junk foods or desserts by using "approved" ingredients.

NO: Do not step on the scale for the entirety of your program.

Here are Dallas and Melissa. How cute are they?

Who's in?

2014 on the Horizon

What's your goal for 2014?

Scout's is clearly getting in some good zzzzzzzs.

Christmas 2013

Chicken and Rice Soup

 

Chicken and Rice Soup

1 cup of brown rice

2 boxes of low sodium chicken broth (64 total oz)

cream of chicken condensed soup

2 chicken breasts (diced)

carrots (diced) 

parsley

-I used Pacific Brand for the broth and soup. Available at Whole Foods. The broth is lower sodium than any brand I have found. The condensed soup is also great by Pacific, no questionable ingredients.

-I used 1 bag of baby carrots and diced them. I am a carrot lover! Use more or less for your tastes. I do not love celery, but that could be added as well if you wish!

-I used parsley to taste, no specific amount as I am a nonspecific kind of gal.

Bring 2 cups (16oz) of the chicken broth to boil. Add in rice. Bring back to a boil, reduce heat and simmer covered for 20 minutes. Add remaining chicken broth, soup, carrots, and diced chicken breasts. Let simmer for additional 25 minutes to allow chicken to cook through. 

The first time I made it, I added the juice of one lemon. It really brightened up the recipe. This time I didn't have lemons on hand, but it was just as savory!

Enjoy!

Life Lately

I really enjoy eating and cleaning, err I mean eating clean! No really I do. But I won't lie to you, it takes dedication and I wish I'd dedicated myself sooner. I feel 110% awesome. Skin is glowy, sleep is deep, and energy is boundless (without coffee!). Planning is crucial. As the saying goes "Fail to plan, then plan to fail" or something like that.

Meal planning tips up tomorrow? Sure why not. I am tracked out after all...

Pumpkin

I'm beginning to think the PSL is the female version of the McRib. Limited availability makes things of so exciting. 

Favorite Things About Fall

1- leaves changing

2- cooler temps

3- crockpot comes out

4- crisp clear blue sky

5- sweaters & boots

What are your favorite things about autumn?

Spray Tanning

All I could think of yesterday was Ross. While I stood in the booth, while I was "drying", and while I waited for the color to appear. The verdict? I'm a fan. Nice glow with no streaks. 

What about you? Are you a fan?

Xoxo

Currently Reading: It All Starts with Food

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I have become increasingly aware of how scary food today can be. Scary additives, ingredients you don't recognize, things we can't pronounce. I am looking forward to diving into this book on our flight tomorrow morning. It approaches our food choices from a psychological as well as physiological standpoint. I'll definitely keep you posted. Good news is... It All Starts with Food pairs well with a lot of the recipes from my new cookbook by Gwyneth. 

By doing the Whole30, this should also be a good test on the gluten/dairy intolerance for me. I think I am mildly intolerant, but am still curious. This would give me a good 30 days of data to share with the allergist before getting tested. Getting an email from Morgan could not have come at a better time. Girlfriends are the best! 

Whole30 Day 1 ::: 9.9.2013. Luckily, it is not crazy drastically different than the way I have been eating lately.

xoxo

Wallpaper Wednesday

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New Wardrobe Lovelies

Loving these new lovelies that I snapped up this weekend. What are your favorite new pieces for Fall?

1 J.Crew "Minnie" Pants ::: I purchased in store one pair in navy, then promptly came home to order a second pair in black. These are the PERFECT pants. Perfect fit, perfect look, perfect wardrobe staple. 

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2 J.Crew "Matchstick" Jeans ::: Classic Rinse, Short Length (I'm only 5'4" afterall!) Ultra-flattering fabulous fit. Slim through the hip and thigh, slim straight leg. 

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3 J.Crew "Scalloped Dress" ::: I got the black one in store (I see now it is on sale online only, grrr) This dress is absolutely adorable, comfortable, and fits like a glove. I'll be sporting this dress this weekend when we go to Connecticut for a wedding. Might rock it again to Brittany's rehearsal dinner the following weekend.

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4 Ann Taylor Loft "Geometric Lace Short Sleeve Dress ::: Ladylike day dress. Perfect for an upcoming bridesmaids' luncheon at the Olde English Tea Room in Wake Forest.

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5 Ann Taylor Loft "Ruffle Tie Neck Shell" ::: Great for weekend wear or teacher wear. I grabbed this in "Oasis Purple" and think that is a great transitional color as we move into fall.

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6 Ann Taylor Loft "Beaded Peter Pan Collar Shell" ::: The color is "Crisp Navy" and I love that the beaded color detail is in black. I love a good black and navy combination. 

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xoxo

Rainbow Chicken

2 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp ground pepper
1 Tbsp white vinegar
1 tsp olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 red onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 zucchini, sliced
2 red bell peppers, diced
1 lemon, thinly sliced

Preheat oven to 425. Mix together first 7 ingredients in a large bowl. Place chicken breasts in spice mixture, turning to coat. Place in a single layer in a 9x13 Pyrex.

Toss vegetables in remaining spice mixture. Scatter vegetables in Pyrex, spreading evenly to cover chicken.

Finally, cover vegetables with lemon slices.

Cover dish with tin foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove from oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, and enjoy!

Tonight, I served this with mashed potatoes. Steamed potatoes, mashed, 2/3 cup unsweetened almond milk, and 2 Tbsp butter. I went with a side of water, but as you can see, down the way the mister enjoyed a marg!

It was a hit!

xoxo

It's All Good

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Just received Gwennie's new cookbook (I love Amazon). So far, looks fantastic! I have been toying with going Dairy Free / Gluten Free. Not for any reason other than, I feel 110% when I do not eat dairy or gluten. I will keep you posted on how the recipes turn out. I plan on making a few this weekend. 

Click the photo credit to read a funny review. It was highly entertaining to read reviews of this cookbook. So many people have pretty intense feelings about GP. People either love or love to hate her. I happen to love her.

Our dinner tonight was gluten-free, dairy-free. Not a GP recipe, Whole Foods made it for me.

Salmon with Mango Salsa 

& Cajun Roasted Sweet Potato

xoxo

Chocolate Banana Almond Butter Smoothie

Chocolate Banana Almond Butter Smoothie

1 cup Silk Light Almond Milk

1 frozen banana

1 packet Justin's Classic Almond Butter

1 packet WW Chocolate Smoothie Mix (order here or available at WW)

Blend and enjoy. 

The frozen banana is the key. It functions as ice, but makes the smoothie so errrr smooth? Super creamy. I always keep frozen bananas on hand. Once the bananas get a bit too ripe to eat, I pop them in a freezer bag and toss them in the freezer.  Justin's is available in the jar, but I always buy the packets. That way they are always perfectly portioned and ready to go. I go with the classic, but the maple is equally yummy. This smoothie is perfect for a protein filled breakfast (17 grams!). 

Cheers!

National Dog Day

Scout has brought so much joy to our lives. She loves cuddling, giving kisses, and guarding her pack. She still does not bark or growl, but has a defensive stance when looking out the windows. She loves rolling in the grass, chasing bunnies, and trying to sneak a pinecone snack. She loves to cuddle with her favorite pink blanket and her raccoon (see above).

We love you, Scout!

Mini Goals for September

- finish Gone Girl

- begin new book (suggestions?)

- lose 10 pounds

- clean baseboards

- walk Scout daily

- 100 oz of water daily (or bust) (or is that literally bust?)

- fresh hair cut

- research granite options

- research back splash options

- attend mass weekly

cheers to the weekend, y'all!

Scout's Favorite Things

There are two ladies in this house. Scout is every part a ladylike, Southern Belle. Here are Scout's Top 10 favorites that she thinks your canine children will love too!

1. Nature's Logic "Canine Lamb Meal Dinner Fare"--- My girl does not enjoy gluten or funky synthetics. She LOVES Nature's Logic. 

2. Wholistic Pet "Wholecran Intense" --- Natural support for the urinary tract. Scout got several UTIs within the first weeks of being home. Since we started supplementing her diet with this 100% cranberry extract, she has never had another UTI.

3. Katie's Bumpers "Frequent Flyer" --- Made from durable fire hose material, this toy squeaks, flies, and floats. Durable, even for the most hardcore chewers (Scout). 

4. Westpaw Design "Bumi" --- Fun "S" shape that stretches to make tug of war more fun. 100% recycled material, BPA and phthalate free, non-toxic, and dishwasher safe. 

5. Deer Antlers --- No Southern dog's life is complete without a deer antler to chew on. Super durable and great for my girl.

6. Complete Natural Nutrition "Cheese Please" --- Scout loves these! They are (supposedly) yummy for humans, too. 

7. Lupine "Plum Blossom" Collar and Leash --- 100% guaranteed, even if chewed!

8. Gentle Leader "Easy Walk" Harness --- Great for our longer walks, this totally revolutionized our walks. It "gently leads" Scout in the ways of walking in a ladylike manner. Scout has the hot pink (obvi).

9. Dog is Good "Dogism" Treat Jar --- I swear she can hear it opening from across the entire house.

10. Unleashed --- All of these (and more!) can be found at Scout's favorite hangout, Unleashed. (see here). We love supporting local businesses and Scout loves the personal attention that she gets there. The staff are super knowledgeable and friendly. They heavily research any product that they put into their store. I tell my friends it is Scout's version of Whole Foods.

What does your dog love?

xoxo,

and Scout

Wifely Wednesday

Eric will basically eat anything that I put in front of him (within reason). However, this meatloaf is his absolute favorite. Recipe from "Weight Watchers New Complete Cookbook". (get your's here) I try to select recipes that serve 4, so that Eric can have an extra serving if he is still hungry. That leaves 1 extra serving for a great leftover lunch option. 

Our Favorite Meatloaf

2 tsp canola oil

1 cup finely chopped white mushrooms

1 finely chopped onion

1 finely chopped carrot

1 pound extra lean ground beef

1/2 cup quick cooking oats 

2 large egg whites

3 Tbsp ketchup

1 Tbsp worcestershire sauce 

1/2 tsp dried thyme 

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

3 minced garlic cloves

1/4 cup tomato sauce

1. Preheat oven to 350.

2. Heat oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add mushrooms, onion, and carrot; stirring, until onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Transfer to large bowl.

3. Add all remaining ingredients except tomato sauce to vegetables in bowl; mix well. Press meat mixture into loaf pan.

4. Bake for 30 minutes. Brush tomato sauce on top of loaf. Bake until instant-read thermometer inserted into center of meatloaf registers 160 degree for well done, 30-45 minutes longer. Let stand about 5 minutes. Cut into 8 slices.

Serving Size is 2 slices (6 points). 

Bon Appetit, Y'all!