The problem with eating healthy

I actually love eating healthy, I feel so much better when I do. The scale agrees with me and my face is clearer. I have more energy and I am kinder when I eat whole, unprocessed foods. The problem is that sometimes I am in a hurry and will grab a (healthy) shortcut and be sadly disappointed. For example, I have not mastered making my own pie crust yet (I know it is easy, I just haven't mastered it yet) so I purchased a "organic" ready made one the other night. I read the ingredient list, and while it wasn't the best, it wasn't horrible either. I followed the directions and made my chicken pot pie. Upon my first bite and knew that it wasn't going to agree with me. It had a fake, sweet taste to it, one that I used to enjoy. The other problem is that this "food" is highly addictive. I find myself craving more knowing that I am not hungry. I will chalk this up to one more lesson learned on my whole foods lifestyle.

Have you noticed your taste changing once you start eating healthy? Do you tolerate processed foods now that your body is accustomed to real food?

What's cooking good looking?

Since the start of the New Year, I have been really trying to cook more dinners at home. Many nights I find the 4 o'clock hour approach and realize that I have not planned out what to make for dinner. Previously, I would call the hubs and have him pick up something "quick" on the way home. Have you ever thought about the time that it takes to pick up something "quick"? If you have a well stocked pantry, you can prepare something healthy in less time than it takes to stop and get that pizza. AND what you prepare at home will be healthier and cost less in the end (bonus!).

One of my staples in the house is Quinoa. I happen to like the sprouted version (read: you don't have to rise before cooking), and it cooks in only 15 minutes! To up the flavor, I often cook it in chicken broth.  Here is a veggie loaded, nutrient rich, fill-you-up, soup that has been in my belly the past few weeks:

The recipe is as follows:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup quinoa, prepared per directions on packaging
• 4-5 kale leaves, stems removed, leaves chopped
• 1 cup (or 1 can) cannelli beans
• 1-3 tablespoons oil (olive or any other mild healthy oil you have on hand)
• 3-4 cups chicken broth/stock (depending on how thick you like your soup)
• Ground pepper to taste

Directions:

• Heat oil in medium sauce pan over medium heat
• Add onions, carrots, and garlic, stirring until onions are soft (4-5 minutes)
• Add broth/stock and kale leaves, cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes until kale is tender
• Add quinoa and beans, cook additional 1-3 minutes until heated through
• Add ground pepper to taste and serve

Now this is my kind of soup, it is loaded with veggies, plus full of protein and fiber from the quinoa and beans. If I had my way, this would be served with a nice piece of whole wheat/multigrain bread with a big slab of local grass fed butter!

What is your healthy go-to dinner recipe?

Weekends are made for relaxation

I used to really look forward to sleeping in on weekends, back before I had a child... As a mother, I find that weekends are often times more crazy than weekdays. I look forward to spending time as a family, either by running errands or relaxing by taking a walk. But factoring in meals and naps can make the day seem so short. In an effort to make the weekends special, I have started some traditions. Either Saturday or Sunday morning, we sit down as a family and have homemade pancakes or waffles. I have mastered (read: my husband asks for them) super fluffy (Clean) waffles and I am willing to share my waffle recipe with you here!

For those of you that know me, I tend to modify every recipe that I find. It is against my every fiber to follow a recipe, do not ask why:) So here is the link to the original recipe.

And here is my version:

• 2 eggs
• 2 cups flour ( I use 1 cup whole wheat flour and 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour)
• 1 cup milk
• 3/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup ground flax seeds
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Beat eggs until fluffy with electric mixer
2. Add all other ingredients and mix until combined
3. Cook per your waffle maker instructions

I tend to make a double recipe of these as they freeze well. 

What does your family do to make the weekends special?

September, the disappearing month

Can you believe that September is almost over? Where did it go?

We have had some beautiful fall weather here in Upstate New York. What have you done to get back in touch with nature and enjoy the last few weeks of great weather before the winter kicks in? My family finally checked out Beaver Lake Nature Center in Baldwinsville. If you have never been, make sure to check it out. The walking paths are beautiful and there is plenty for your little one to explore.

We also were able to get out apple picking. There is a little organic farmer near us in Jamesville called Adams Acres. This man has planted an organic Apple Orchard in his backyard as a hobby- how cool is that! Unfortunately he lost about 80% of his crop this year due to the frost this spring. His apples are still delicious; so make sure to keep him on your list for next year.

With the change in temperatures, I am finding that my body is craving more comfort foods in the forms of soups and stews. I am looking forward to making a batch Shepard’s pie this weekend with some local lamb and beef. That is the ultimate comfort food at this house. I have an amazing recipe that is definitely a labor of love, and worth every second!

For those of you in the Syracuse area, I have some upcoming classes you may want to check out:

Kick Start Your Health Mini-Series at The Beattie Sanctuary 

10/11- Got the Sugar Blues?

10/18- Deconstructing those cravings

10/25- Intimidated by Green Smoothies?

Make sure to visit my website: www.besthealth-forlife.com for more information on these classes and more!

Rejuvenation

What do you do to regroup when you are feeling stressed? This week I am officially on my summer vacation with my family. I left behind the stress of my {OT} job, and house cleaning for a week in Maine. And let me tell you it has been therapeutic! My daughter and I spent some time at the top of a mountain while my husband did some mountain biking. Just watching her explore brings the biggest smile to my face.

Monday night we took her to the ocean, you should have seen her eyes light up! Here is a picture of her running on the beach, just look at the innocent joy on her face.  

Having a child really does bring out the child in you. I find that I am re-experiencing life through new eyes, and it is amazing.

I find that just breathing the fresh, salty air clears my mind and rekindles my soul. It also sparks my creative juices and leaves me motivated! What motivates you?

 For those of you in the Syracuse, NY area, I will be hosting some great workshops this fall to help kick start your health. Check out my website for details.