Curbing Sugar

I recently accepted a challenge with a co-worker to cut out sweets for a week. For me this means:

• Cookies
• Cupcakes
• Ice Cream
• Hot Chocolate
• Processed granola bars (Fiber one) and cereals (Honey bunches)
• Sugar yogurt (only eating plain greek)

I’m not avoiding fruits, my regular bread or regular peanut butter. It is a happy balance for me and so far, so good and I”m 5 days in. I only had one slip up because I wasn’t paying attention. Oh Reddi-Whip at the office, you got me!

Zoe has been obsessed with muffins, ever since we were gifted some, so I was motivated to find a healthy muffin that I would feel good about giving her, and able to eat myself.

I found this recipe online, http://travisjessjones.blogspot.com/2012/03/banana-oatmeal-muffins.html. Below are my modifications:

Ingredients
2 /1/2 cup oats (old fashioned kind, not quick cooking)
1 single serving cup (or 1 cup) of plain low fat greek yogurt
2 eggs
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 bananas (I used 2.5)
*6 Tbsp Peanut Butter
*I removed the sugar/stevia from the recipe.
*3 Tbsp Chia Powder

Follow the baking instructions from the link. Verdict? She likes them! I think they are just OK, so I’m going to play with upping the peanut butter and banana ratio.

I didn’t snap a photo of the finally product. Enjoy!

Recent Kitchen Staples

Happy Holidays everyone. Things have been busy around here and our days have been filled with family, friends, good food and lots of laughter. It has been an amazing couple of weeks.

I realized recently that even though I haven’t been as active in the kitchen, there are definitely some weekly must-haves that I use to whip together simple dinners and tasty packed lunches.

Roasted Veggies

Lately, I’ve been obsessed with roasted vegetables and they have become a staple in my kitchen. Chop whatever is on hand (brussels sprouts are a must for me!), toss with salt, pepper and olive oil and then pop them into the oven for 40-45 minutes at 425. Mmmmmm. They make the perfect salad topper, and addition to pasta or soup or a casserole. The options are endless in my opinion.

Vegetable Purees

I have so much summer squash and zucchini puree for baby Z, that I’ve started adding a serving to everything. You name it, I’ve added. (Chili, soup, pasta, lasagna, casserole, etc) It’s amazing and helps our family get those veggies into our diet. So even if you don’t have a toothless little around, I highly recommend keeping some pureed veggies on hand.

Kitchen helper

She is quite the entertainer. 🙂

Spinach

This is a no brainer, but I always have a huge container of spinach on hand. I add spinach to the base of pasta, chili, rice, etc. It is also my to-go lunch especially with my roasted veggies.

Hummus

We have a Costco membership which allows me to purchase the largest container or hummus I’ve ever seen. Hummus is a perfect salad dressing, sandwich condiment or afternoon snack. I’ve been eating my weight in hummus lately now that EJ is gone for dinnertime. Hummus + Cheese + Tortilla Wrap + Panini Press = Heaven

And there you have it, my recent kitchen must haves. Basic and simple but oh so tasty. I’m embarrassed to admit how many dinners I’ve eaten recently that include ALL of the ingredients listed above.

Happy New Year to all! 2011 was amazing but I’m excited for all that is to come in 2012.

Confessions of a Midwest Blogger

1. This isn’t the first time I’ve dressed as a cow on Halloween. It is just toooooooo easy and a comfy (warm) go-to costume.

2. I’m not looking forward to Winter. GASP. I’m just not looking forward to be freezing, even though I love the pretty snow.  I’ll be wearing a snuggie and fleece socks for 5 months. Cheers.

3. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my talented cousin’s new blog and she is such a great blogger. Check her out. Delicious Duds.

4. I’m sort of obsessed with fleece lined tights...please refer to #2. Halle – Do you approve? I wish you could dress me daily.

5. I have ZERO clue what brocade pants are….can someone inform me. Halle?

6. I’ve eaten more pb&j, quesadillas and random sandwiches in the past 5 months than I’ve ever eaten. It hasn’t been the more blog worthy couple of months. Apologies.

7.  My daughter fell asleep during story time and before her last feeding. I’m in for a loooooooong night, but the sleep deprivation is totally worth it.

8. We smoked our own brisket this weekend….disregard #5 for a second….because I completely forgot to take ANY pictures. #bloggerfail

9. Getting back into shape sucks. Ugh, it is so darn hard. It is soooo good for my heart and getting rid of my muffin top. 🙂

10. I love me some dairy. I’m a proud Wisconsin girl and I love my cottage cheese, cheese, yogurt and milk.