Tag Archives: healthy

Cooking

Venison and Broccoli

Venison and Broccoli:  This week I am enjoying some much need down time. So I am making easy meals that taste great and a crowd pleaser.  This week is filled with kids off school and leisure time,  I don’t want to spend all day cooking.  So I check out what I have in the freezer.   I have some Venison in the freezer and it is a great meal to do some prep and the family loves it.

Venison and Broccoli

Venison and Broccoli

  • 2 lb of venison
  • 1/4 cup  soy sauce
  • 4 tablespoon of honey
  • 1 teaspoon of powdered ginger
  • 1 tablespoon of barbeque
  • 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
  • 1 -2 heads of broccoli
  • 4 cups of rice
  1. Trim and cut the venison in to bite size pieces removing any veins or silver skin, cut cross grain place in a gallon zip lock
  2. In a separate bowl mix together soy, ginger, honey, barbeque, garlic- mix them together and pour over meat
  3. Mush into meat  ( marinate for 4 hours  or overnight) in fridge
  4. Dinner time Start Rice  according to direction package
  5. Cut broccoli in to bite size pieces put in a saute pan with 1/4 cut of water to steam)
  6. Remove broccoli when slight tender
  7. Tum frying pan on high and cook venison in 2 batches on quick heat caramelizing meat med rare
  8.  Add meat to broccoli and deglaze the pan- add liquid to meat and broccoli and serve over rice

Venison and Broccoli

Menu Planning:

Monday: Venison and Broccoli

Tuesday: Pinto Bean Soup

Wednesday : Pizza and Salad

Thursday: Chicken Stew

Friday: Chilli

I am linking up to Organizing Junkies Menu Plan Monday

Product Reviews

Nutribullet Smoothie Recipe: Ginger Fig

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smoothieGinger Fig NutriBullet Smoothie Recipe:  We have been eating healthier, I have been experiment with new health and not traditional smoothies.  This is my latest nutribullet creation. Blueberries, pineapple, banana, fig and ginger.   The benefits of blueberries is antioxidants which fights aging.   Bananas help overcome depression due high levels of tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin AKA( the happy-mood brain neurotransmitter.)  Ginger is a great to add to your diet it helps with stomach and digestion but some people find ginger helps them with the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection, bronchitis, cough, menstrual cramps, arthritis and muscle pain.  Figs are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps to control blood pressure.

Consider this smoothie to be your all around good for you drink.ginger fig smoothie

Nutribullet Smoothie Recipe: Ginger Fig

  • 1 banana
  • 1/4 frozen blueberries
  • 1/2 frozen pineapples chunks
  • 1 dried fig
  • 1 table spoon of grated ginger
  • 1 table spoon of honey
  • 8-12 oz of almond milk or skim milk

Combined all and Blend in Nutribullet.

Printable version Nutribullet Smoothie Recipe Ginger Figginger fig smoothie

TIP: I found the figs at at local produce stand when store properly the will be great for months.  I store on a zip lock in my cupboard.  The ginger can keep for month if left whole root in freezer.

A year with my Nutribullet Review:

I have owned my Nutribullet for a year,  it is used daily in our home by both my husband, myself or my kids.   I really love how it makes all the ingredients smooth no chunks of frozen fruit once blended a year after I received the NutriBullet it still blending smoothly.

TIP: You must only fit to the fill line.  Do not go over the fill line because it need space for air to go during the blending process.

I also use mine to make sauces and bases. My son who does not like the texture of onions but like the flavor I will blend the onions in my nutribullet,  so I have a smooth non “onion slimy” consistence.  Also when I use the more smell items (Onion, garlic) the Nutribullet does not hold the flavor of past blends,  so you can never taste the onions in your smoothies.. which is a good thing. After a year I am still satisfied with my Nutribullet.

I make, smoothies, sauce, purees, humus,dips, gravy.

Space It takes little space on my counter.. I keep the large cup and blade out all the time.  I keep the other attachments in a bin on top of my fridge for easy access.

Disclosure this post contain affiliate links which help to pay for the cost associated with running this blog.Get top beauty brands delivered to your door every month with Beauty Box 5. Click Here!

Cooking

Simple Easy Egg Burrito : Meal Planning September 23

egg burrito wrap

Meal Planning and  Simple Easy Egg Burrito

My son is headed back to school today ! So it is a lovely day.  This is my easy morning omelet wrap.  I love this because I get the taste I want with little mess. One pan clean up and i makes me feel like a splurge.

Easy Egg Burrito or Breakfast  Wrap

Ingredients:

  • 3 egg (toss 2 yokes) to make 3 whites, 1 yoke
  • 1 slice of cheese
  • hot sauce
  • 2 slices of lunch ham
  • 10″ tortilla
  • non stick cooking spray  or butter

 

  1. In a pan spray with non stick spray heat medium heat
  2. Put eggs in (1 yoke 3 whites ), add hot sauce if you want (I save the other yokes for the dogs)
  3. cover to spread up the cooking processegg cooking steps
  4. Uncover add the ham
  5. Then add the cheese
  6. Place tortilla right on top of the egg/ham/cheese
  7. Cover allow the steam to soften up the tortilla
  8. Carefully flip the egg tortilla on a platetortilla on pan and plate

Fold and eat !  This is how you fold so it does not all fall out. how to fold a burritoBe sure to check out my Pinterest board for more great Ideas  at  Sherry Aikens easy egg burritos

 My meal Planning for week 9/23

 

Monday : Crock Pot Creamy Italian Chicken & Rice Casserole (with Dairy Free option)   From Stacy makes cents

Tuesday : we: I crock pot night I am doing beef roast and potatoes

Wednesday: Perfect Cooked fish with couscous

Thursday: BBQ Pizza with Apples and Gouda- Revisit from last weeks post  I have more dough

Friday Taco Night (rice, re-fried beans, meat, and cheese)

Saturday up for grabs.

Linking up to Organizing Junkies Meal Planning Linky Head over and check out all the meal planning ideas.

Product Reviews

Walgreens Healthcare Clinic: What to Expect

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Disclosure This post is a Sponsored post for Walgreens Healthcare Clinic  and Collective Bias on healthcare options that are convenient and affordable.  I am being compensated for this post but the opinion are all my own.healthcare clinic

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Walgreens Healthcare Clinic.  If you are not familiar with the Walgreens Healthy Care Clinic you should be because they are a re a great alternative to an emergency or even your doctor.  The clinic are open 7 days a week and they are always staffed with trained licensed professional.

Think it is a weekend your doctor is closed and you feel terrible.  Lets face it your not at the point that you want to head ot the ER and be stuck waiting hours. Walgreens Health Care Clinic are a great option.  The Healthcare Professionals are in store every day except for Christmas and New years.  So you can go get the help of a medial professional everyday!  If you work non traditional hours, are new to an area,  because they are open nights and weekends it is a great option.

A great feature of the Walgreens Website in the Healthcare Clinic area  you can look to see how long of a wait time it is to see the doctor so you have an idea before you head over.

How Much does a visit to Walgreens Healthcare Clinic  cost?  they take most insurance and the cost can be a copay amount.  Also if you don’t have medical insurance the cost is $89 .. to see a doctor or nurse practitioner.  I noticed on the web site they are currently offering a special of $39 for back to school physicals.   My doctor charges way more  for a office visit without insurance..like  $165,  and I have to wait to see her over a hour when I had an appointment.  Walgreens Healthcare Clinic are a great option for my family because it is affordable  and convenient .  For family without insurance it is a no brainer,   I myself have been without health care and the Healthcare clinic have been a life saver for my family when it was needed.healthcare clinic

What services does Walgreens Healthcare Clinic offer?

  • Vaccines
  • Wellness visitsSport Physicals
  • Blood pressure screening & counseling ages 18+
  • Cholesterol screening & counseling  ages 18+
  • Diabetes screening & counseling  ages 18+
  • Health screening  ages 18+
  • Health screening with health risk assessment  ages 18-65
  • Influenza A & B testing4
  • PPD/Tuberculosis testing
  • Illness, Aches & Pains
  • Skin Conditions
  • Minor Injuries

Check out the full list here on the Walgreens site Healhcare Clinic Service :

So what to expect at a Walgreens Healthcare Clinic:

When see the Walgreen from the street ,  you will notice a Health Care Clinic sign on the side of the building. walgreens outer building

Then you head inside You can see the Healthcare clinic from the front of the store.   Headback to the clinichealth care clinicHeadback to the clinic.  You check in at the check in kiosk  if needed you can ask for assistance,  if there is a registration helper at the desk.   It is a simple screen to fill out. sign in at a health care clinic

Have a seat someone will be with you. seats at the clinic

If only the Health Care professional is work with a registration helper you might see this sign to tell you someone is there working in the Clinic. sign

So when the Licensed Healthy Care Professional calls you in to see you. What do the rooms look like?   Like any Doctors Office healthcare clinicscale

During my visit I was able to speak with the Registration helper and Nurse Practitioner on staff and I have to say she was a lovely lady.  She let me know she spends about 20 minutes with each patient after  they are registered.  That is great she really takes the time to assess the problem properly.

Other Walgreens Healthcare Clinic Information:

  • Walgreens Healthcare clinic can also forward any information to your regular doctor.
  • If you need a prescription filled you can get it filled else where if you prefer
  • Vaccination are or standard immunization done require  and office visit so you just pay for the shot.

I have to say I was really impressed with the Walgreens Healthcare Clinic It is great to know there is an option for my family in health care when needed.

Cooking

Easy Perfect Fish Recipe and Meal Plan Monday

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fish

Easy Fish Recipe One of my family’s favorite meals lately, this is my easy Fish recipe  in one pot. The white fish  is steamed cooked on top of a Pearl Couscous, mushrooms, onions and veggies.  They fish is tender, healthy, and tastes amazing.  I use my Ninja MC701 Multi Cooker 3 in 1 Cooking System
I used Basa fish which is a Asia version of cod.   My brother works for food distributor and is teaching me how the classification of fish is not as you would think. White Fish= a fisheries term referring to the flesh of many types of fish Any white colored fish can be called White Fish,  so ask what is the white fish. (from cod, white fish, monk fish, basa, catfish,  pollack, sea bass, and more)

The other trick making it amazing is the Israel Pearl Couscous it is bigger then normal sandish couscous, (my husband hates the sandlike couscous).  The pearls absorb the flavor and is like a toasted pasta.  I used this one, I found it at Target in the ethnic food isle.pearl couscous

I found the Basa at the local Asian Markets Fish counter. It was reasonable priced at $4.99 lb,  the fish was thick and mild.   I highly recommend going to an Asia market for fish.  I have found it to be fresh, better priced then typical grocery stores. I try to go to an Asia Market every 2 weeks.  My kids like to go, see the fish, and it exposes them to new food.

Easy Recipe for Perfect Fish

  • 1 1/2 lb of white fish
  • 1 teaspoon of butter or oil
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic
  • 10 mushrooms sliced
  • 1 small onion diced
  • Israel Pearl  style couscous (I found mine at Target in the ethnic food isle)
  • 1 can 14oz of chicken broth
  • 1 bunch of broccoli or asparagus
  • salt & pepper for fishuncooked fish
  1. Tools a Ninja cooking system or a pot with steamer basket (I prefer my ninja for simple clean up and cooking method) It is a layered method.
  2. Saute with butter, onions, garlic, and mushrooms in bottom till onions are translucent
  3. Add couscous with 1 can of brothcouscous
  4. Then layer the vegetable (broccoli or asparagus)
  5. Season fish and place in mesh steamer basket and place on top of veg/couscousfish layered over the couscous
  6. Cover and cook for 15-20 mins till the fish is done-white

how to cook the prefect fish Have fun cooking your fish.  Easy Print recipe Easy Recipe for Perfect Fish

So what is my Meal Plan for this week.

  • Monday: Spring rolls, bean thread noodles, and my Asia meatballs
  • Tues: Kale Bean Ravioli Soup from Jennifer Perillos book  Homemade with Love  and homemade bread from Make and Take
  • Wed: Curry Chicken over Rice (another trip the Asia market .. the lady talked me into a box.. we loved it)
  • Thursday: My Easy Fish Recipe  over couscous  with Asparagus
  • Friday :Taco night with refried beans and left over Rice

New things I am trying to do this week. Cooking with raw beets (roasting them)  My husband did it Sunday night,  yummy.  He is using them in our smoothies, and we ate them straight. (Beet Red smoothies)beet

I am reviewing Jennifer Perillo Homemade with Love cookbook which I already read cover to cover the 1st day I got it at swim team 2hr Practice.   Watch out for the full review next week,  But it is excellent like have a friend in the kitchen.  I might try to make my own Ricotta cheese, per Jennifer’s book.  (next week I might make yogurt)

This week I am linking up to Organizing Junkie Menu Plan Monday


Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to help offset the cost associated with running this blog

Cooking, Fitness Fridays, Product Reviews

NutriBullet Review and Ice Pop Recipe

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strawberry ice popsI was so excited when I received the NutriBullet to review.The idea of a smoothies as a meal has always been a good idea but a lot of work with a traditional blender.  I have been using the Nutri Bullet NBR-12 12-Piece Hi-Speed Blender/Mixer System
for a few weeks.  I really love how smoothly the Nutribullet blends the ingredients, with less clean up. The Nutribullet has so many uses in my kitchen, from a apple,kale, and avocado smoothies or blending oats fine to be part of a meat loaf. I keep finding new ways every day to use it.  The Nutribullet keeps all the nutritional value of the food so I can add or blend it in my families food. nutribullet

NutriBullet comes with 2 different blades one that keep the food in pieces and one that purees.  I find that I am finding uses for both on a daily basis. They nutribullet system comes with 3 different cups,  so I can make many different shakes for my family in the morning to everyone in the house. Also since all the parts are easy clean and dishwasher safe it is a breeze to use.  I am leaving the Nutribullet out on the counter since take up little space and get used so often.

Since I started using the Nutribullet I noticed that I have had an easier time maintaining my weight.   Actually I have been noticing a lower weight than normal.   So I am excited to see the long term results (I will keep you posted)

I have been replacing one meal a day with the Nutribullet smoothies and really feel better.  I have been following the smoothie recipe book that was included with the NutriBullet System.  I also like  creating my own treats for the family.  Like these all natural fruit pops.

nutribullet making a ice popNutriBullet Strawberry Banana Ice Pops

  • 2 bananas
  • 5 strawberries
  • 1 cup of milk
  1. Blend using double Nutribullet blade
  2. pour in to molds
  3. freeze for 4 hours , enjoy

kids eating an ice pop

Overall Opinion:  The NutriBullet is a great blender/smoothie maker.  The600rpm  power of this product is amazing it is fast and efficient.  The cost is over $100,  I think the unit is worth the price because of how finely and smooth it makes the food it process.  Which make tougher greens palatable and enjoyable therefore being healthy.  I am really impress with the Nutribullet. I did have a friends Dad tell me all about the NutriBullet prior to me reviewing it.  He said it changed his life,  making him healther so I had high expectation going into the review.  I have to say the Nutribullet did not disappoint. I would recommend the Nutribullet.

Disclosure: I received the Nutribullet  to review,  this review is of my own opinion,  This post does contain affiliate links.

Fitness Fridays, LIfe

Weight Loss 52 weeks Later

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fitbit Weight loss.. Yea back to the grind.  No, it is not the New Year that gets me back on track.  It is the end of my businesses busy season that pulls me off healthy track:  because I have to ship and play Santa, because I go in survival mode.  Many people would say you have to remember yourself when stress levels get high.   Yea, I am not good at that, so for about a month and half all that matter is getting my orders shipped.  During this time I work had and try to be a super human.

The good news this year is I did not gain over the holidays because I work and forget to eat.  I force my self to work and reward my self with an apple or cup of tea.  I was also sick cold or flu for a week so I just drank water and tea.  I did partake over the holidays but not that much as usual.

Started walking  with my good friend Hilary again. So I am back on track we went walking on Friday and today.  I am already hitting 10K steps a day.

I also been using the FitBit to track my progress.  My weigh myself on the Fitbit Aria scale is a big help because it syncs with my fitbit.  The Fitbit is a interactive pedometer that syncs with your computer it tracks  your steps, stairs,burn rate, activity rate, and more.   How about your sleep pattern fitbit will track yours.  The fitbit clips to your bra, waistband and they even have a new bracelet.  The Fitbit interface will offer remind via text or email you how many steps you have to do to reach a goal. You can also link up the fitbit with social media.  I love it it keeps we going through out the day.  You’re just steps away from better fitness.

I am really looking forward to getting back to being active.

One year ago today  I weight 276  today 258.6-    19.4lb lost in the last year

Good Health to you in the new year!

I am linking up with Barb Hoyer’s Motivation Monday post at Abalancedlife.net .

(this post contains affiliate links)

 

Try Fitbit now.

Cooking

Prefect Healthy Breakfast Eggs

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egg breakfastPrefect Breakfast.   My favorite meal is breakfast.  Even better is a healthy breakfast.  I love eggs but the doctor says I should not be eating many. So I do a yummy variation less cholesterol because it has whites and less yokes . I love to fill my eggs up with a ton of veggies.  The key is a lot of veggies and adding flavor.  Mushroom are my favorite I love the wood earthy flavor. I buy the pre-sliced so I can get my morning healthy meal on the table quickly.   For me healthy eating has to be easy and quick.

  • 3 eggs (1 yoke 3 whites)
  • 1 cup of mushrooms sliced (you can also add carrots, peppers, spinach, onions)
  • cooking spray
  • salsa
  • Hot sauce (Like Petes red Hot )
  • 1 multi grain English muffin
  • 2 tbls of Trader Joe’s pepper spread
  • 2 kiwi
  1. Saute mushrooms with a spray of cooking spray (if you have a great pan use water)mushroom cooking
  2. cook eggs (1 yoke 3 whites) in pan add salt pepper and any hot sauce (for flavor)
  3. leave eggs to cook on low/med  (running or cover so steam can firm allow them to up)
  4. add mushroom back in panmushrooms cooking with eggs
  5. add salsa
  6. remove and plate
  7. add fruit , English muffin spread with Trader Joes Pepper spread and enjoytrader joes pepper spread

I like to leave the yoke runny-ish so when the yoke runs out it gives me the image of cheese.  I know it’s not but I like to play games with my food when I am being sensible.

What do you make for Breakfast?

 

Fitness Fridays

Fitness Friday- Random

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little girl swimmingSo this week has been tough.  I have been eating better and I am happy about that.  Stress is a factor.  I find that when I should be moving when I am stresses I sit and contemplate what I am stresses about.

Preface to this post.. this is written at 2 am when I could not sleep.

Not really the best idea when trying to get healthy. I know, I worry, I will fall in to my old habits. (yea I am there)

I like to write , that is why I have a blog.  I hope someone reads the words I take the time to put in cyber space. BUT writing is a sedimentary action.  So is watching TV something I like to do.  I need a treadmill with like dragon soft wear so I can dictate my posts.

Seriously.. I am physically lazy person.. when it come to fitness.

Argh!!!  I cant seem to get it out of my head. .. so I am putting it out here for you all to read.

Here is the break down…

My Stress: My husband took a job in Scranton.. we though we were going to move.  After being at the job for 2+ months he decided it was not the best move we could make for our family so he has returned home.  Aka no job again.. but I am happy to have him home.

The Truth : While he was away I found it difficult to get out and move.  The kids were home and it was hot..Swim team, work, ect..  I know excuses.

Another Truth: I also did not cook much, we ate out or did very quick meals. I love to cook.

My Future: Now that he is home he said he is going to walk with me.. we are starting around the block. He does not walk much because of his psoriasis .

My Other Future: There will also be eating healthy.

Next week I will be at Blogher 12- it is a blogging conference NYC Yea spend time with other bloggers .. I will try to be smart and healthy (at least I will be walking)

My promise: is I will try to be better the rest of the summer.. running or walking from telephone pole to telephone pole around the block. Back to basic 101.

weight 263

The reason I picked this photo was because of my daughter she started 1 month ago swimming breast stroke 25meters at 1 min 14 seconds.. this week she did the same race in 37.5 seconds. Hard work pays off I have to learn from my kids they have something to teach.


Fitness Fridays, LIfe

Diet Down Falls So I ate it all #fitnessfriday

This past week I was away went to a conference.  I thing it was great for me to grow but bad for my waist line. I did not blog last wee which just made things worse.  And down comes the spiral.  I ate a lot of carbs and sugar this week 2 things that will mess with my diabetes.

Exercise/food:

Sunday- I drove 9 hours to NC left at 2am arrived at noon.  And I ate.. I needed to stay awake.. i started healthy celrey and peanut butter .. then I need to open another peanut butter.. start of the spiral

Monday got up and ralk/ran on treadmill for 1/2  ate large bagel, lunch burger loaded, onion rings and shake.. dinner pizza and order of bread sticks

Tues: bagel, country fried steak, hash brown casserole and biscuits and gravy, crappy food in the car

Wed: cheese cake factory, skinny tacos , and calamari

Thus: walked 8000 steps with Hillary,. Chilipolte

Friday: walked  3000 steps, ate 1 pancake, salad, and pretzel bites w/ cheese.

 

So I gained 267 …

I am disappointed I hated falling off the wagon and can feel the extra weight in my waist.   I know I will get back on track. Focus and get good sleep and I should be good.

I know this is not the great est post but I figured I have to be honest and try to get back on track.