Kale Chips, Red Wine, and 30

Recently, I have been trying to be more conscience about my health. Last year, I made a vow to be fit by 30 and it looks like the opposite happened. I gained 15 pounds. I'm 30 years old and I'm at the heaviest I've ever been.

It started with my 5 year old informing me that I needed to take care of the mustache on my lip... It must have gone a little too long between waxes, but it was all I needed for me to take an extra second in the mirror and realize how the past ten years have really aged my face. I have found that as I age, magical black hairs pop up all over my face. I don't remember worrying so much about the hair on my face. Not a fan!

The past couple of weeks I've really committed to at least 4 days a week of 45 minutes of stationary cycling. I've not been working out for the past couple years and there is really no excuse anymore, as I continue to gain year after year. I've also picked up on some cross training and yoga.

There is something invigorating about finally taking care of yourself. I have put myself last in a lot of areas and I finally realize if I keep it up, the people I care for wont have me around as long as I would wish.

Not that I want to turn this into a fitness blog, because I am not expert at that, but my wellness has become a big priority for me recently and I hope it becomes a lifestyle change. So you may see a few fitnessy posts in the future.... I hope you don't mind.

I've also managed to take some time for myself and unwind. Relaxation is gold for me and it's made a difference in my overall well being. Friday night I had decided to indulge in a little red wine and wanted a snack to go with it. Watching my calories has been another practice, so I brainstormed what I could make.

Amazingly, kale chips rock and pair wonderfully with red wine!

Kale Chips

What you need....

10 leafs of kale
Garlic powder
Salt
Pepper
Olive Oil

What you do....

Preheat oven to 375.

Chop the kale leafs and discard the stem. Lay the chopped kale out on a baking dish (make sure to spray your baking dish first)

Drizzle the kale lightly with some olive oil. Lightly season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Bake in oven for 15 minutes.

Take out of oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.

Enjoy!


I really liked the way these turned out. I can see these kale chips being very versatile and using then as a casual snack or dressing them up for when we entertain. Next time I might add a little chili pepper or cayenne.

Winter Blues and Juicing

I despise the winter. I hate the cold and the life outside is so depressing. I clearly don't get a long with this season in the north. I'm sitting here, watching another real estate show in some beautiful Hawaiian location, just wishing for some warm weather and flip flops! Good thing we had our Disney Vacation last week!! Pictures are coming!!

I have been on a juicing diet. Took a break for the holiday's and starting back up full gear for the new year! I know, another resolution.. but really I am going to get healthy and fit for 2013! I will be at my goal health by the time I turn 30 in October!!!

A great way to beat the winter blues is have a extra fresh and healthy juice! I like to start my mornings with more of a fruit than veggie ratio. The sugar gives me a jump start for the morning and replaces the need for coffee! This one is a good balance!

Carrot Apple and Ginger

Yummy food used:
2 Apple
3 Carrots
1/2 inch of fresh Ginger

The Working Mom's Sunday

I saw this news special on tv not too long ago, and I was intrigued by the idea. You can eat healthy frozen foods! Yes, it's possible!

Sunday's are now cooking days. Since being back at work, I've had to constantly readjust my week to find out what works best with two children and a full time job with a husband who works nights....

I usually make three dishes and portion out and freeze them. Cooking healthy can be quick and easy through out the week!

Breakfast...
I baked a huge pan of scrambled eggs and cut them into individual squares. I let them cool and freezed each square individually. Later on in the week all I needed to do is pop it in the microwave for a minute and a half and with a english muffin and a piece of cheese, you have a fast breakfast sandwich! Add avocado for the creamy texture!


*Note... Make sure you allow what ever you have cooked to cool to room temp before placing in the freezer... otherwise, it will start to crystalize and freezer burn!

More ideas to come...

Sloppy Janes!

I was looking at my pantry one afternoon, thinking of what I could make for dinner that evening when.....

I got an idea!!! I saw the Manwhich, but had no ground beef? Hmmm.... Chicken? Why not? Has anyone ever tried this before? I can't be the first...
This idea is so easy and great for entertaining!

What I used
5 Chicken breasts
2 cans of Manwich

Crockpot on low for 3 and a half hours.

With a fork shred the chicken while still in the crock pot.
Serve on a bun just like a sloppy Joe!


Yum!!