Birthday Celebration - Healthy Eating Challenge

Recently, we celebrated my husband's birthday. It was going to be a busy weekend and we were going to go out to a restaurant to celebrate his birthday -on the Saturday- and then celebrate his birthday at home the following day. So it was going to be a Healthy Eating Challenge. So let me tell you what I did.

Here we are on the Saturday afternoon attending a play with Melanie's Girl Guide troupe- a presentation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Do you know what where we ended up for dinner after the play???? Yup, Red Lobster, Brent's favourite. It wasn't our plan to go to this restaurant, but it was right there, so after waiting a little too long, we finally got a table. The server was 'wayyyyyyy' to efficient with serving us the Cheddar Bay Biscuits. They are my favourite and the reason I love this place. But I knew I had to eat in moderation. So I had just one to start... I later found out they are 150 calories each- so good choice.

I decided to order my favourite, crab legs, a whole pound. I was thinking, this is probably the healthiest choice because it's just steamed, no other sauces are poured on.

Well, I was right, one pound of crab legs is 180 calories, and think of the effort you have to put into getting at that crab meet, cracking and picking and all! Well I did dip it in a bit of melted butter, the butter had almost as many calories as the crab. Which weighs more on your body? a pound of butter or a pound of crab legs???

Melanie looks frightened here.... holding a crab leg in fear! But we have a rule, she has to try a new food once, just to taste, just one little bite. So I gave her a little piece of crab and she ate it, but unfortunately, she didn't like it.  But Brent liked it! He never really had it before. I had a garden salad to start, balsamic vinaigrette on the side, it came with rice, and I just gave it away so I could enjoy another biscuit... good call! So that wasn't too bad of a dinner. I managed to make healthy choices, somewhat, and really enjoy my dinner.

After dinner I still wanted to celebrate with something sweet... but something that wasn't giant and sooooooooooooo unhealthy. So we went to Starbucks, ordered skinny Cafe Mistos and had a mini pastry each. I wished they had the red velvet whoopie pie (my favourite), but they were out, so I had a chocolate whoopie pie, it was really good, it had a coffee taste to it... and decadent... It was 190 calories for that little bite. But it was worth it! Just dance it off girl!!!

Next day was Brent's birthday, we celebrated at home with some cute little sports-themed presents... his favourites! I made Steak Fajitas for dinner, his favourite.

I made him the type of dessert he enjoys... (not for me) a creamy whipped desert. I got this from the Kraft Cooking Magazine I get in the mail. So it's not at all 'clean' eating... except I made it light with light cool whip and sugar-free butterscoth pudding.

You do use milk, pecans and butter- cleaner ingredients...

But what counts the most is that Brent loved it! Here is blowing out the one candle, I can't afford to put the right number of candles on this pie for him - hahahahaha!



Chantal Egg Muffin

So I have figured out a plan... and let me tell you.... it's all about planning... to make dinners work.

Monday night- Brent BBQ's meat
Tuesday night- Crockpot something or Stirfry
Wednesday night- funky 'dinner' sandwhich/wrap
Thursday night- omelette or egg fun
Friday night- pita pizza night
Saturday night- mexican or burger night
Sunday night- soupy sundays!

This is my plan, now sometimes it doesn't work, sometimes we add pasta in there, of course there are always veggies and salad on top of that... but that is my plan. And guess what, Brent has become a great little sous chef. He is following recipes, asking what ingredients are and if we don't have them what to substitute for them... I just love it. I am the planner and he shops for the ingredients on the list, and we cook together.... ahhhh, isn't that love... and team work. Well you've got to do this to make it work in a busy house where I work full time, have appointment on Tuesday night, Mella's got activities on Wednesday and Thursday night and we have to go for at least 4 walks a week.... See what I mean? So here you have it, my take on a healthy Egg McMuffin... and it's soooooo fast for those busy activity nights.
 

Chantal Egg Muffin

Ingredients- for 1 sandwhich

1 whole wheat english muffin

1 egg

1 slice of light cheddar

2 slices of turkey bacon

I used the Blue Menu Whole Wheat English Muffins. Toast your English Muffin.

Cook 2 slices of turkey bacon in a pan until crisp.

Spray a litte Pyrex cup with Pam and crack an egg into it and scramble it a little.

Microwave it for a little less than 1 minute, put a paper towel over it, as it will pop.

Now, assemble it. Put the cheese on the warm English muffin and the egg on top of that, so that it melts and put the folded turkey bacon on the other half and then slap it all together.... do you like that word slap? Just serve with a nice green salad and you have a complete dinner with all the food groups.

Nutritional information for one sandwhich:

314 calories

25g carb

12g fat

25g protein

3g fibre

1g sugar

A couple of days in my life... no wonder I'm tired...

Now that I am 'thinner', I have a lot more energy and I just love to help people and share the love so here is a recap of a couple of days I had and the food I cooked for them all and the love we shared...

I started the weekend and made some baked pasta, 1 for me and 2 to bring to my sisters... (recipe to come)

Oh and, I also baked chocolate chocolate banana muffins and the mini frittatas, you've already seen those recipes.

We celebrated my mother-in-law's birthday, I made a light Chicken Cordon Bleu (recipe to come) and mashed potatoes and salad.

Her favourite is strawberries.... so I made the same light vanilla cake I made for Valentine's day, but this time I used a square pan and cut it in half horizontally, used some light cool whip and cut some strawberries for the middle and then on top nice put strawberries. Real Pretty and easy to make.

The next day I had the privilege of going to spend the day with my sister and Stephanie. My goal was to give my sister a break and help her in the house.... so I rearranged her 'Tupperware' cupboard, made room for the new baby bottles and dishes, moved her party cups to the basement.... 'cause it's gonna be a while until she will be having a big party.  Then I made us lunch, loved her baby.... who actually opened her eyes for me, WOW!

Here is one eye open... and a smirk.

And here is a rare two eyes wide open and cute mouth and a little wave....

...but this is my favourite. It's the 'Stop the photos you annoying paparazzi!!!'

Then it got nasty... it was like.... 'Stop it, I don't like you changing my diaper and I am going to protest by kicking my legs as if I am ski jumping'!

Then it was back to peaceful love and napping in my arms... how peaceful. Unfortunately, after letting my sister nap and rearranging her cupboards, it was time for me to leave to go home and make dinner for my family + 1. Mella's BFF was coming over for a sleepover.

We went for a walk after dinner... the 'Glamour' Girls and I walking to the park...

I had to accompany my girls, you see... danger lurks in the park... I think I might have scared the girls, but I told them not to worry, coyotes don't eat cute girls... only dogs!  So there, you have it... that's why I was a bit tired- but filled with love!

Thin Girl Nachos

Now, when you go to restaurants and order Nachos, you're probably eating your whole day's calorie intake at one meal. But I have found a way to make 'Thin Girl Nachos' at home. It feels like you are having 'unhealthy' foods, but really, with the right portions and ingredients, you can make them healthy.

Here's how!  And it's so fast (you microwave it!!), really good for a quick dinner/lunch... just add a gardent salad to complete the meal.

Take your healthy tortilla chips. I love these Garden Fresh Gourmet. Add some delicious sasla on each tortilla chip...

                              

Add some light cheddar, whatever veggies you like... I added green peppers and black olives. Then microwave for 1 minute or until all the cheese is melted... and you are done!  Once it's done you can add more salsa, a bit of light sour cream or some guac...

Best French Fries that aren't Fried

I know that sounds funny... but Brent made these a few days ago and they were truly tremendous. What a Chef!

Potatos and Pam. All the ingredients you need! 

I used to make these with olive oil and spices, but these were soooo much better. All he did was take some potatos, cut them and place them in water for a few hours. I don't know if placing them in water made them taste better, but he sprayed the pan with Pam and then the top of them with Pam and placed them in the oven at 400 F for about 10 minutes and then flipped them for another 10 minutes. All we did is sprinkle a little salt after and gobbled them up. Even my daughter who only likes fast food fries (not that we buy those anymore), loved these! They were crispy, oh so crispy!

We just served them with a little piece of steak and a green salad and made a nice dinner of it all!



Weekend Brunch- Farm Fresh Eggs

I am lucky. I get to buy my farm fresh, organic, natural, eggs at work.... and no, I don't work at a farm.  Thanks to my colleague Sarah (who's in-laws run a farm) who brings them in for us to buy at work almost every week. I get to take home a dozen fresh eggs a week. They are a great, delicious protein-filled treat because they really do taste sooooooooooooo much better than store bought eggs.  Just ask my family about how much I love Sarah's eggs.

Here we have a nice little typical weekend breakfast/brunch. 2 eggs, over easy, some Stone Mill bakery bread and fresh fruit salad.

Here are some nutritional details about the 'goodness' of eggs detail taken from www.livestrong.com

Two large eggs contain 150 calories, including 12 grams of protein, 2 grams of carbohydrates and 10 grams of fat. Three of those fat grams are saturated fat. Two eggs also contain 426 milligrams of cholesterol.

The protein in eggs is a complete protein; it contains all of the amino acids necessary as building blocks in the body.

Fat-soluble Vitamins:

Two eggs supply approximately 15 percent of the recommended daily intake for vitamin A. Eggs are also one of the few dietary sources of vitamin D, which is needed for calcium absorption.

Water-soluble Vitamins:

Eggs are also an excellent source of some B vitamins, with two eggs providing 16 percent of the recommended daily intake of B12. B12 is necessary for a healthy nervous system.

Minerals:

Eggs also supply numerous minerals including selenium, sodium, iodine, calcium and phosphorus. The phosphorus in eggs comes from lecithin, which is a fatty substance important for proper brain function.



Every time I eat them, I have to say it out loud... Yum, Sarah, I just love your eggs!

Tea Party... Downtown Style

I am pleased to share some great photos of our latest tea party.  This time Jenny, Szos and Georgia invited us to their home in Toronto. We were so excited to try a new location... and catch up of course.
We walked up to the 4th floor in an old historic home in Toronto's West End and were overwhelmed with love and beauty when they opened the door and greeted us, it was like wild butterflies were let out and were spreading their wings to welcome us. I don't think I have ever felt more welcomed or loved into someone's home. You guys really are truly special friends for life! SFFL, I just made that up!

Here's the spread... berries, homemade dark chocolate bark, organic white extra old cheddar cheese (yes, I had to police it for Melanie... again- she can't get enough of it), organic crackers, carrots and humus. Oh, and the host and hostess with the mostess posing like goofy maniacs... Szos and Jenny.

And the 'piece de resistance'... Szos' Guacamole, which was so delicious, I already shared the recipe with you last week.

Here are our girls with their 'fashionista flowers' in their hair.

The tea, which is hand made by Jenny's friend Claudia, who's recipe of the Spirit Balls I shared with you. Check out how she does it... http://franlife.blogspot.ca/2006/12/recipe-green-chai-tea.html

Can you feel the love!

Look at the view outside their living room windows... right into Lake Ontario and the big beautiful sky!

Jenny's bark, adapted from the recipe I posted, except she used walnuts and dried cherries. I think I loved it even more than mine!

Here is Szos taking a picture of Jenny and I.

The best thing was that after our tea party, he emailed me the photos he took. We asked him to take a nice photo of us... the funniest thing is that he captured more than just a pretty smile (last picture), he captured the way we interact with each other, our laughter, our goofyness, our love... all the different parts of our friendship. Thanks Szos, you are such a cool dude!

Live, Laugh, Love... The End!



Chocolate Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins

No, that's not a typo... there is a lot of chocolate kick in these good for you muffins. I baked a batch for my sister and her new family... and of course, kept a few for us.

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins (http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/08/chocolate-chocolate-chip-banana-muffins.html)

Servings: 12 • Size: 1 muffin • Calories: 170.5 • Fat: 5.3 g • Protein: 2.6 g • Carb: 31.8 g • Fiber: 2.1 g • Sugar: 16.1 g

Ingredients:

3 1/2 ripe medium bananas, mashed

1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce

1 1/4 cups unbleached all purpose flour

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

3/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

2 tbsp butter, softened

1/3 cup sugar

2 large egg whites

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325°. Line a muffin tin with 12 liners.

In a large mixing bowl cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer. Add egg whites, bananas, apple sauce, vanilla, and beat at medium speed until thick. Scrape down sides of the bowl.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt with a wire whisk.Add flour mixture to bananas, then blend at low speed until combined; do not over mix. Fold in chocolate chips and pour batter into muffin tins. Bake on the center rack for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Look at Stephanie, she's kicked up her feet in excitment over these!

Mini Frittatas- Great idea for busy moms!

Can you tell there is a bit of a theme to my posts this week.... many have to do with helping my sister out and making her some quick easy delicious meals and snacks... but the good part is that I also get to try out new recipes and keep half for me. It's a win win situation don't you think?

Mini Frittatas (adapted from http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/mini-frittatas-recipe/index.html)

Ingredients:

Nonstick vegetable oil cooking spray

9 large eggs

1/2 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 slices thinly sliced ham, chopped

1/3 cup light cheddar cheese

Thinly sliced veggies of your choice ( I used broccoli, red and green peppers)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Spray a regular size muffin tin (12) with nonstick spray. Whisk the eggs, milk, pepper, and salt in a large bowl to blend well.  Pour evenly into your muffin tins. Add ham, cheese, and veggies. Bake until the egg mixture puffs and is just set in the center, about 10 minutes.

Nutritional Information per frittata:  80 calories, 1g carb, 5g fat, 8g protein, 1g sugar

Here they are before going into the oven. Half are ham and cheese, 1/4 are 'all dressed' and 1/4 are all veggies. 

Here is an all dressed frittata.

... and a ham and cheese one. You can just reheat them in the microwave for about 50 seconds and you can eat it like that or put it in between a toasted english muffin. 

Look at Julie and Stephanie... just digesting one of those frittatas.

...and then kissing, ok, no, not really, but I had to post these gorgeous pictures of new mother and child.