Paleo-ish

February 7, 2014

So we have been feeling a little sluggish in the household lately. Our main motto is to try and be as healthy as possible during the week so we can indulge a little on the weekends. Well since the holidays, our approach feels like two steps forward, three steps back. Our weekends have run over into the weeks and our M-F routine has gone out the window. Enter: Paleo.

I will say it is definitely a better fit for my husband who is a meat guy. He can’t be bothered with “sides” so I thought this would be good for him. I am by no means a Dr. so I can’t speak to the science of it, but basically we have eliminated sugar, grains and dairy, and pumped up the protein, veggies and fruits. As to be expected the husband was a fan and is officially on-board. He has downloaded two Apps and I keep getting emails with different recipes to try. For me, I was hoping to use this as a jumping off point to get back into some sort of reasonable eating pattern. I’m not sure I can move away from my yogurt and whole grain carbs. I feel like with my body, when eaten in moderation, they actually help my energy and keep me fuller longer.

Here are some of the things we ate this week.

I couldn’t give up my smoothies. Except for one day when I had eggs, I still had smoothies for breakfast and some of them did include yogurt-oops!

I only took a picture of one.

Here are the Breakfasts.

This smoothie had almond milk, frozen banana, protein powder and blueberries.

Excuse this horrible photo, our house is super-dark in the morning. This was two egg whites, banana with Trader Joe’s Roasted Almond Butter (Hurry up and get here TJ’s!!) with strawberries and blueberries on the side.

This one was the husband’s. Definitely more “Paleo”. Leftover mojo pork, a fried egg, tomato slices and a quarter of an avocado. Looks kind of gross here but he was really hungry and when I was ready to snap the pic he had already dug in. Men.

Lunches were good.

Monday I got to eat mine with this smiley face.

Deli turkey over shredded kale, brussels sprouts, romaine and broccoli slaw. Added a tomato, half an avocado and salsa for dressing. As you can see the strawberries and blueberries were promptly confiscated by the berry-monster.

Tuesday’s lunch was was a lot like Monday.

Same salad mix but with leftover roasted broccoli and brussels sprouts and I added dried cranberries and sunflower seeds (they came in the kale/brussels sprouts salad kit). Pineapple on the side.

Wednesday was Chipotle with this guy. We had to head home so we took it to-go and ate outside.

His cilantro rice, chips and chocolate milk. Cheese quesadilla already gone.

Mine was a Barbacoa salad with veggies, tomato and medium salsas and guacamole. I added Tabasco Chipotle sauce when I got home. This was super yummy and it was nice to be able to eat out.

Dinners

This one was spicy Italian chicken sausage sauteed with broccoli slaw and the kale/brussels sprout salad mix. Roasted cauliflower, broccoli and brussels topped with Sriracha. Tomato and avocado on the side.

The other nights that I didn’t photo included a Brazilian Curry Chicken from PaleOMG. It was really good and we had leftovers the next night and last night we had spaghetti squash with turkey tomato sauce. I just made up the sauce with some whole canned tomatoes, mushrooms, ground turkey breast and tons of seasonings. Pretty tasty, but I think I will work on it a bit, to see if I can get more flavor (add chili flake, tomato paste maybe).

All in all the week went okay. I’m not sure I’m ready to commit 100% but I will incorporate some of the fundamentals because I think they work for us. Love: lots of veggies, fruits and proteins. Don’t love: the uber-prep time for everything and of course the yogurt-thing. 😉

We’ll see how it goes.

Have a great weekend!

What are your thoughts on Paleo? Like or dislike?

Pimento Cheese Recipe

January 31, 2014

For my first recipe in the “Hand Project” I thought I would go with something simple but delicious. The purpose of this project is to take the recipes given to me by my Grandmother (via my Aunt Beverly. Hi Aunt Bev-Love you!) and re-create each one and share them here.

That’s my Grandmother in the middle.

My plan is to stick to the recipe as close as possible, but I may change them here and there to either make them a teenie bit healthier (only if I can keep the integrity of the recipe intact) or make them fit into our lifestyle. I will also make sure to include any changes I mak to the original recipe, via notation. Okay, enough housekeeping back to the cheese baby.

This is one of those recipes that really gets my memories going. My Grandmother used to make the BEST pimento cheese. We would sit at the table and spread it on crackers while sipping glass-bottled Coke (with peanuts of course). There are a few recipes that just scream “Hand Family”. When I think of us, this is definitely one of them. I didn’t actually have the written recipe on this one so I am going by memory.

I have tried tweaks here and there over the years. I will admit that I have used pre-shredded cheese several times. It tastes okay but the consistency just doesn’t work. I think the anti-clumping additive that is in the pre-shredded kind keeps the mayonnaise from sticking the correct way. I also like the way that when you shred your own cheese the actual shred is thinner. So, when you stir it all together some of the pieces break up and mush (technical term) with one another to create a really good spread. As opposed to the pre-shredded kind, where if you like to put the finished product on say Wheat Thins (that is my favorite way to eat it), the shreds of cheese hang off the sides of the cracker and fall off when you take a bite. No bueno. Don’t get me wrong, if I’m short on time (or motivation) I will definitely skip shredding on my own, but it really makes a big difference. Break out the shredder. Do it.

I also tried adding cream cheese once. Meh. It just adds bulk without flavor. It is good if you are looking for more of a spreadable, cheese-ball-type consistency, but I don’t like to take away from the sharp flavor of the cheese and I tend to like mine a little more mayo-y.

The addition that I have made recently that I will definitely be keeping is Wickles Pickles. So here is the thing with these pickles. They are so great. They are similar to a bread and butter pickle but the are spicy! The heat is just enough to add great flavor without being painful. My husband and I are fans of their sandwich relish too, but the pickles are perfect for this and really put it over the top. I used to spread my pimento cheese on a cracker and just put a pickle on top like a little hat and it was great. But then I got hungry and the hungrier I get the lazier I am. So I decided to cut the Wickles up and incorporate them into the pimento cheese. Mind blown. So good. I’m not sure my Grandmother would like the addition as she wasn’t a real fan of super-spicy. If you aren’t a fan either, I would suggest trying just plain bread and butter pickles, but make the hats first to see if you like it, then stir it in if you do!

Wickle Hat

Incorporated into the mix

**Now the servings depend on what you want to do with this. We normally just make ours to put in a container and use over the course of a few days on crackers, dipped with raw veggies, etc. If you want to make grilled cheese sandwiches out of them (I would definitely recommend that-not even joking, so good) the servings will change a bit. Obv.

Pimento Cheese Recipe

Total Time: 20 minutes

Number of servings: 4

Per Serving 364 calories

Fat 34 g

Carbs 1 g

Protein 14 g

Ingredients

1 8 oz block of Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1/3 cup Mayonnaise

I use full-fat for this but you can use light

1/4 tsp Paprika
1 4oz jar diced pimientos
1/4 cup Wickles Pickles
Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

I use my handy box grater and shred the block of cheese over a plate. I’m weird and like it when the cheese comes all the way to the top of the inside of the grater and then falls everywhere when I take it off. Mature, I know. My kids like it because the cheese that falls off the plate is fair game.
Next I put the cheese in a mixing bowl. I don’t shred over the bowl because my knuckles always hit the sides and it is annoying. Once the cheese is in the bowl I add the pimientos. I usually drain half the liquid from the jar before adding. Mix that up and then add in the mayonnaise. At this point it is about stirring and sprinkling. I then add the paprika (not sure if this was in the original recipe, I think it is an addition but it works.), salt and pepper and mix everything until combined.
You can serve immediately but I recommend refrigerating for at least an hour so the pimento flavor is there. I store mine in an airtight container for up to a week and just use (remember the Wheat Thins?) as needed.

Enjoy.

Happy Adeline Day

January 28, 2014

Yesterday, my sweet firecracker we celebrated your third year in this world. You amaze us every day. I love your fire and determination and I don’t think you are scared of anything.

Here are some things you really like now:

-“Logurt”

-Gummy anything (but especially worms)

-Dresses (especially ones with tulle)

-Princesses and Ballerina’s

-Any form of pasta you can get your hands on.

-Wearing nightgowns every night. You especially love the “Ariel” one and you always ask me, “Mommy Ariel is clean right?” so you can wear it.

-Saying “This is my jam” (so funny)

-Listening to me read books to you. You love books.

-Playing with your brother (until he takes something of yours and then you scream)

-You pride yourself on not being scared. If I ask you, “Adeline are you afraid of that”?” you say “No Mommy, I am brave”. You truly are.

-Believing that you can do ANYTHING anyone else can do. I love your competitive spirit and fearlessness when it comes to trying new things.

Here are some things you are NOT a fan of these days:

-Being told “No”. For any reason, at any time.

-Transitioning into new activities before you are ready. Goes with the determination. You do not like to do anything if it isn’t on your terms.

-Maybe TMI but poopy on the potty. You will not do it. I’m hoping this will change soon.

-Pants aka anything that is not a dress (see above.)

-Me holding your hand when I pick you up from school. You want to walk BY YOURSELF.

You have made our family complete and each day I think how very thankful I am that you are here. We love you Addie-Boo.

Some Recent Eats and Drinks

January 23, 2014

We have had a pretty busy long weekend and week. (Now that it is almost the weekend again). Sheesh time really flies. My oldest was out of school for two days so it gave us an excuse to eat lunch out a couple extra times.

Pho Friday- This was with tofu and vegetables. There were TONS of veggies, even cucumber! I’m not usually a fan of warm cucumber (“That’s what she said.” Do people still say that?). Anyhoo, the addition in this was great.

This face.

We also had lunch at a Mexican/Taco place one day. I had the California Fish Tacos. They were good, but not unforgettable. Don’t get me wrong, I love cabbage, but these puppies were LOADED down.

Loved this light fixture.

Quick stop for ice cream in the afternoon.

Sandwiched between those two days we made it to a Scottish Festival. There were some nibbles, but mostly this.

Can’t wait for the weekend. Birthday celebration for this one.

Chat soon. xo

Gym Machine Workouts

January 14, 2014

I have been going to the gym off and on for years (more off than on). I know my way around pretty well but for some reason I am completely and utterly intimidated by the weight machines. Every day I skip my butt to the Arc trainer and jog/climb/run/walk whatever it is I am actually doing and get my cardio in for the day. I watch the people making their circuit rounds on the machines and it looks pretty effortless really. Unfortunately, when I try to use the machines my absurd social craziness kicks in and I feel like every.one.is.watching. Watching me look at the machine to see which muscles I will be working, and then when I clumsily pull on the handle to adjust the seat (26 times) then finally get ready to go and just know I look like a dufus. I’m sure I am exaggerating but I really want to become more comfortable with the machines. I know the benefits of strength training and have really been trying to incorporate this into my workouts. I have been scouring Pinterest to find good workouts and schedules for each day of the week but keep coming up short. I will keep looking for ideas. My husband said he will walk me through it as apparently he is a exercise equipment master. So I will give it a try again tomorrow and see how it goes. Will give a report on the dufusness.

Breakfast followed my gym escapade. This smoothie had Unsweetened Almond Milk as the base, Chobani strawberry yogurt, almond butter, a frozen banana and a scoop of Designer Whey. So yum. I just really love smoothies. Mainly because I usually have zero time to eat breakfast in the mornings but also because they are so good.

Lunch was inhaled at my desk. Strawberries, cheese stick, deli turkey breast and a tomato and baby carrots dipped in Ken’s Blue Cheese Vinaigrette.

I am also getting back into using MyFitnessPal. Love this App. Has a million different food choices. I was a Weight Watchers member for a while and I was always searching for foods and having to calculate when I couldn’t find them in the database. MyFitnessPal has SO many things in the database. Love it. I really like getting back to keeping track of what I eat and how much I move.

Hoping to try a turkey chili recipe for dinner tonight. We will see how it goes!

Happy Monday

January 13, 2014

We had a very fun and full weekend. Lots of fun. Too much fun. Still recovering fun.

On Saturday we went to the grand opening of a new Farmer’s Market in town. There was a huge turnout. So huge that we thought we would have a difficult time parking (read: cars lining both sides of the street and people directing traffic) but we eventually found a place that was pretty close. Once in the farm it didn’t feel crowded at all. The property is a huge space and they had it set up into sections. The market with vendors, some food trucks and then a separate area where the kids could feed the animals! The vendors on the market side were spread out nicely so it didn’t feel too cumbersome. They had two large fruit/vegetable tents.

Beets and radishes are such pretty colors!

Local honey. My Mom and I got some Wildflower honey. Super good.

Baby goats!!! So cute.

There were all sorts of animals. Cows, a Brahman bull, ducks, chickens, a turkey, pigs, rabbits. The kids had a ball. We will definitely revisit this market.

The rest of Saturday involved watching the kids play in the front while enjoying a nice cold beverage.

Then dinner was roasted chicken (will post our recipe soon!).

With it we had rice with shredded zucchini and cheese, and a salad with carrots, broccoli slaw, bell peppers and avocado.

Sunday we had a birthday party to go to and dinner involved this delicious bucket of goodness. Why are crab legs always so stinkin good? Butter bath maybe??

Fabulous end to a really nice weekend.

I did make it home in time to watch 3/4 of the Golden Globes. My bedtime is normally like that of an 80 year old so I was proud of myself for holding on as long as I did. Jennifer Lawrence needs to be my BFF. Seriously. Love her.

Hopefully your Monday has been totally bearable.

This Week

January 10, 2014

This week was good, because it was the first week back into some sort of a routine. Back to school, back to the gym and back to the 9-5. I blinked and now it is Friday. Here are some things that happened today.

Finished reading this. I was thrilled to find this at Barnes and Noble this week. It encompasses everything I was thinking when I started this blog. Perfect timing. I hope to be able to talk about all these articles soon.

The husband had some of this. The cup says Shipyard Summer Ale but this was actually Shock Top.

Lunch was this. Crab Cake Caesar Salad. It was pretty yummy. The crab cakes could have been a little firmer but they were filled with crab and not filler, which is how I like my crab cakes.

And after school snack involved this. #notashamedthatIstealmychildrensfood

The weather was absolutely beautiful today here in the FL. I am hoping to take the fam outside this weekend to enjoy it! Happy Friday!

Resolutions

January 6, 2014

I love the promise a new year brings. A fresh start filled with opportunity. For me, this year is all about trying new things and trying to become better at each and every thing I do. I will try to be a better Mom, wife, friend, worker, sister, daughter…the list goes on. Today, bettering my health is my focus. That started with 30 minutes on the Arc machine.

Breakfast was a smoothie. This seems to be my go-to lately. This one had blueberry Greek yogurt, coconut almond milk, handful of spinach, a frozen banana and half a scoop of Designer Whey chocolate protein powder. Hit the spot.

The holidays were crazy when it came to eating. I seriously need some vegetables in my life. Lunch had a little of this and a little of that. Spicy hummus, carrots and cukes, an apple and honey dijon almonds (I am a little obsessed with these), a cheese stick and a Fiber One bar for a snack.

Hoping all goes well today. The temperatures are supposed to drop here tonight. But nothing even close to what’s going on in other parts of the country. Stay warm!

Thursday Adventures

December 13, 2013

Today started like any other day. Patter of little feet at 6:00 in the morning. A whirlwind of breakfast making, lunch packing, coffee drinking, Dora dressing, Elf on the Shelf conversation, and about 100 other things that fit in the span of one hour before we head out the door for the day. A pretty typical Thursday.

The day did include lunch at a new place. My husband and I have driven by this Greek restaurant several times and finally decided to give it a try. We were the only ones there. We shared a Trio of Dips with Hummus, Feta Dip and Taramosalata (caviar spread). My husband was a fan of the caviar spread. The other two dips were a bit salty for me, but still tasty.

We also ordered the Dolmades and they were by far the best part of the meal. They were warm with lots of meat and rice packed in and the leaves had a really nice minty taste.

We also shared Greek Salads with gyro meat. I am a huge gyro fan but prefer when the meat is shaved off one of those huge rotisserie cones of lamb. This resembled more of a Steak-Um. Not my favorite. Tomatoes were mushy also, which is a bit of a pet peeve of mine.

Overall, meh on the place but it was nice to have a grown-up lunch date.

The rest of the day was pretty typical. Work, car lines, more work, putting screaming kids in car seats, trying to check off all the things on my to-do list (I was not successful). I will just be back at it for a Friday and hope to get more things checked off that list!