What I Ate Wednesday (WIAW): 4.22.2014

Thank you to everyone that sent me kind text messages and Facebook messages after yesterday's post. In the end, I do know that everything with this move will go smoothly, so I really do not have much to be concerned with. But, I am an ultra planner and don't handle "surprises" well. My emotions are pretty much in check, well until Sunday, and things are falling into place. In all, I just felt it necessary to share why I was quiet for a week and a half. I do realize that families move frequently for many reasons, and I am no different. I am just not that great with sudden change. I have really had to grow with this being married to Coach Kemp. Our first few years of dating, I was all about the 5-year plan, and sticking to it. Well, in this business 5 years is a very long time. I had conceded to a 2-3 year plan, but I may be rethinking that idea as well!

Today I received such a kind present from Julie Kowalcyk that I must share before delving into my regularly scheduled post, which I am planning to return to. I took a picture of the scarf that she gifted me as well as some presents my mother sent me last week. Well, the scarf is green with navy polka-dots so I can remember my Toledo Basketball Family. I am very appreciative for the gift and the fun season that was had at the University of Toledo. My mother also sent me these cute green heals from Zara as well as two pairs of earrings. She also sent Coach Kemp a few green ties and a pocket square. I love the care packages that my mother frequently sends. She also has special things for all of us, including Prince!

Breakfast

Over the weekend, while Coach Kemp was in town, I made this healthy Spinach, Caramelized Onion, and Feta Cheese Quiche. It was super easy and really tasty, even Coach Kemp who prefers the whipping cream-ladden version quiches devoured it. In this recipe, I did not make my own crust, I simply used the pre-made version. If I desired to make it a smidgen healthier, I would have only used eggs whites and made my own crust. I think I will try this recipe again with these modifications and share at a later date. Currently, I am trying to eat all the food in the house, including all the frozen meats. So, my meals, as you will see for dinner, are not that delicious!

Snack #1

I ended up having to go to the main office, so on my way home, I took a little detour to one of the local HerbaLife smoothie stores in town, Nutrition Resolutions. I had not had a smoothie in some time, and wanted something different, so I had the Snickers flavor. I forgot to take a picture before throwing the cup in the trash!

Lunch

I got really adventurous for lunch and had my all-time favorite Turkey Mash with a sweet potato. I did add a smidgen of agave, which I typically do not do.

Snack #2

En route to Renegade I had one of my ever favorite Cookies and Cream Quest Bars! Have you read my full review?

Dinner

Although this does not look all that appetizing it was actually good. On Monday I boiled a few pieces of chicken breast to use during the week. Yes, I recently purchased that Costco sized bag of chicken breasts! Lord help me, lol. The other night when Coach Kemp was in town, he asked if I wanted to buy a whole chicken from The Fresh Market. I typically jump at this idea, but I quickly notified him that I have only been eating chicken breasts and ground turkey during the week. The sight of chicken breast and ground turkey on the weekends, is simply not appealing. Basically this is 1/2 C orzo + steamed brussel sprouts (in water), and chicken breast. I did add some Italian seasoning and salt as well as Parkway Spray butter; which most likely is not qualified as a healthy fat, but again, I am trying to eat all the foods in my fridge.

Michelyn

What I Ate Wednesday (WIAW): 2.18.14

Breakfast

I ended up working out after-work, so I did not consume my pre-workout BCAA's as I did last week.  So, to break my fast, I had three Applegate breakfast sausages, sauteed spinach, and blueberries. I highly recommend the Applegate brand as it is GMO-free and organic . I have only tried the Chicken and Apple Breakfast Sausage, but many at my gym also rave over the bacon! I will pick this up at The Fresh Market this weekend! I have included the recipe for the sauteed spinach below. It is super easy and free of all oils!

Sauteed Spinach Recipe

Ingredients:

• Handful fresh spinach
• Organic Minced Garlic
• 1/4 c Organic Tomato Sauce

1. Place organic tomato sauce in pan, with a "squeeze" of minced garlic. Allow pan to get hot.

2. Place fresh spinach in pan, stir frequently and allow to wilt

3. Serve and enjoy!

Snack #1

On our 7 week challenge we are encouraged to eat plan 2% Greek yogurt. Chobani is my favorite brand, and can be purchased in the larger containers at most grocery stores and/or Costo/Sam's. This is a new-to-me concoction of 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 2-3 drops of Cinnamon Vanilla NOW Better Stevia liquid sweetener (so yum), and a sliced banana. I then added two small yellow tomatoes to get some veggies in as well.

Lunch

Last week I discussed my desires to decrease my oil intake, and one of my childhood friends, Chris (Hall) Curtis who blogs at Curtis Family, shared with me that she and her health-conscious husband sautee using water! What! So, of course I had to give it a try. I used water to saute the onion and mushroom mixture, and it was delicious! I will share the recipe for this dish tomorrow, so stay tuned. I also used Bragg's Liquid Amino's instead of salt. I know, I said I was not going to fret over my salt consumption, but I lied and I think it is for the good!

Snack #2

Prior to getting my sweat on at Renegade, I decided to make a quick protein shake. The base of this shake is HerbaLife, since Jason and I are distributors, contact me if interested. Are you wondering if your computer screen is ok, it is! I also added a serving of Swanson's Green Food which made the shake green, like The Hulk. I also added a frozen 1/2 banana, water, and natural/organic peanut butter.  It was so darn good!

Dinner

Dinner was oh so delicious! My husband is half-way on this healthy-eating bandwagon, but last night's dinner may have made him a converter. This is flank steak from The Fresh Market which we allowed to marinate for 2 days. I also had a small side salad with a super easy dressing of Red Wine Vinegar + 1 Stevia packet. I actually made enough for two salads with that recipe, and I was surprised that I enjoyed my salad much better! Jason also threw in a little feta cheese, which never hurt nobody!

I too purchased a food scale, or two, to be exact last Sunday. In the picture, below, you can see that I first bought a super cheap-o one. When I opened it to use, I learned that it was broken! Now this thing only cost $5.99, so I should not have been surprised. Lesson learned that sometimes, ok most times, it is worth paying a little extra for an item that is more durable and last-longing. I then went to Bed, Bath, and Beyond and purchased the Biggest Loser 6.6 lb Digital Kitchen Scale. This only cost $19.99 and then I was able to use a 20% coupon, major score!

Do you use a kitchen scale? What brand?

What flavors of NOW Better Stevia have you tried?

What do you enjoy in your smoothie?

Michelyn