I will be posting some of my recipes, tips, and advice in this section of my blog.
I will also be sharing stories of Greg and my journey with IBD.
I will also be sharing stories of Greg and my journey with IBD.
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I have been a vegetarian for over 10 years & I strongly believe in the benefits of a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains as well as regular exercise.
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Yoga helped saved my life.
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My Power Juice
3-6 Carrots
4-6 stalks Celery
3-4 c. Spinach
3 Tbs Ginger
1/2 lemon
Parsley
Parsley
1/2 Apple
1/2 Red Bell Pepper
I use the Jack LaLanne Power Juicer & enjoy a cup of this every morning.
You can change it up & add any other fruits and vegetables such as oranges, beets, kale, pineapple, etc.
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Healthy Homemade Mac n' Cheese
8 ounces whole wheat pasta
2 cups cheddar cheese
1/2 medium onion
1 bell pepper
splash of lactose free milk
Garlic (to taste)
Salt and Pepper
Cook the pasta al dente, drain, and set aside.
Spray a casserole dish.
Layer the noodles, vegetables, and cheese.
Add the garlic, salt & pepper to each layer.
Add a splash (or two) of milk to the top.
Cover &cook in a 350 degree oven for 20-25 minutes
Uncover & cook for 10 more minutes until golden brown.
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Try to be active for at least 30 minutes a day.
My Pyramid to Accomplish This:
Find a workout buddy & use your gym membership.
Take your dog for a walk & enjoy a beautiful day.
Take your dog for a walk & enjoy a beautiful day.
Go for a walk on your lunch break.
Get 4lb weights for your desk.
Dance in front of a mirror.
Go rollerblading.
Join a sport.
Yoga.
Yoga.
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Light some candles
& take a bath.
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Roasted Vegetables
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 medium carrots, cut into 1/2-inch slices
1 large zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 large sweet red pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 onion, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup of olive oil (eyeball it)
few teaspoons of your favorite herbs
2-4 garlic cloves, minced
In a mixing bowl, combine the veggies. Combine the remaining ingredients; drizzle over vegetables. Stir to coat.
Transfer to an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until tender.
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See your dermatologist annually
Especially if you have lots of freckles/moles like me.
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Simple Veggie Pasta
2-3 cups whole wheat pasta of your choice
1/2 cup bell pepper
1/2 cup of artichoke hearts
1/2 cup of broccoli
2 tbspn olive oil
1 cup of marinara sauce
2 tblspn minced garlic
1 tsp onion powder
salt and pepper
crushed red pepper flakes
parmesean cheese (optional)
Bring water to a boil. Add the broccoli to the water for 2 minutes. Set aside.
Add the pasta and cook until al dente.
Meanwhile, in a saute pan add the olive oil and vegetables and seasonings. Saute on high heat for several minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Drain the pasta and combine with the vegetables.
Add the marinara sauce and parmesean cheese.
Enjoy!
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Nacho Average Nachos
Tortilla Chips
Cheddar Cheese ( I also like Pepperjack)
Whole Black Beans
Red Bell Pepper (optional)
Green Onions
Tomatos
Jalapenos (Optional)
Avocado
Taco Bell Mild Sauce
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
Fill a baking tray with the tortilla chips.
Pile on as little or as much cheese as you prefer.
Now pile on as little or as much beans as you prefer.
Add diced red bell pepper and jalapenos (optional)
Drizzle with Mild Sauce.
Repeat for layer 2 (if necessary).
Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. You may want to add a few more minutes depending on how big of a serving you are doing and how crispy you want them!
Top with green onion, tomato, and avocado.
ENJOY!
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No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
2 cups peanut butter - divided use
3/4 cup butter or margarine
2 cups powdered sugar
3 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 cups (12 ounce package) Chocolate Chips (dark, white, milk)
Beat 1 1/4 cups peanut butter and butter in large mixer bowl until creamy. Gradually beat in 1 cup powdered sugar. With hands or wooden spoon, work in remaining powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs and 1/2 cup chocolate chips. Press evenly into greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Smooth top with spatula.
Melt remaining peanut butter and remaining chocolate chips in medium, heavy-duty saucepan over lowest possible heat, stirring constantly, until smooth. Spread over graham cracker crust in pan. Chill for at least 1 hour or until chocolate is firm; cut into bars. Store in refrigerator.
Makes 60 bars.
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Homemade Marinara Sauce
Nacho Average Nachos
Tortilla Chips
Cheddar Cheese ( I also like Pepperjack)
Whole Black Beans
Red Bell Pepper (optional)
Green Onions
Tomatos
Jalapenos (Optional)
Avocado
Taco Bell Mild Sauce
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
Fill a baking tray with the tortilla chips.
Pile on as little or as much cheese as you prefer.
Now pile on as little or as much beans as you prefer.
Add diced red bell pepper and jalapenos (optional)
Drizzle with Mild Sauce.
Repeat for layer 2 (if necessary).
Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. You may want to add a few more minutes depending on how big of a serving you are doing and how crispy you want them!
Top with green onion, tomato, and avocado.
ENJOY!
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No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
2 cups peanut butter - divided use
3/4 cup butter or margarine
2 cups powdered sugar
3 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 cups (12 ounce package) Chocolate Chips (dark, white, milk)
Beat 1 1/4 cups peanut butter and butter in large mixer bowl until creamy. Gradually beat in 1 cup powdered sugar. With hands or wooden spoon, work in remaining powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs and 1/2 cup chocolate chips. Press evenly into greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Smooth top with spatula.
Melt remaining peanut butter and remaining chocolate chips in medium, heavy-duty saucepan over lowest possible heat, stirring constantly, until smooth. Spread over graham cracker crust in pan. Chill for at least 1 hour or until chocolate is firm; cut into bars. Store in refrigerator.
Makes 60 bars.
Homemade Marinara Sauce
1 large (28 oz?) can of whole peeled tomatos
1 (6 oz) can of tomato paste
1 medium sized onion- diced
garlic (at least 4 cloves), minced
3 tablespoons of olive oil
3-4 tablespooons of dried Italian Seasoning (or basil, parsley, oregeno)
pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
salt and pepper to taste
1 (6 oz) can of tomato paste
1 medium sized onion- diced
garlic (at least 4 cloves), minced
3 tablespoons of olive oil
3-4 tablespooons of dried Italian Seasoning (or basil, parsley, oregeno)
pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
salt and pepper to taste
In a medium sized saucepan heat olive oil and onion until the onion begins to sweat out and become translucent (only a few minutes)
Meanwhile, add the whole tomatos (I drain the sauce but its up to you), tomato paste, garlic, and seasonings to a food processor until smooth.
Add tomatos to the onion, cover and simmer for at least 20-40 minutes.
Taste and add additional seasonings if necessary.
Enjoy!
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My Pre-Hawaiian Getaway Plan
Meanwhile, add the whole tomatos (I drain the sauce but its up to you), tomato paste, garlic, and seasonings to a food processor until smooth.
Add tomatos to the onion, cover and simmer for at least 20-40 minutes.
Taste and add additional seasonings if necessary.
Enjoy!
My Pre-Hawaiian Getaway Plan
Monday/Wednesday/Friday- walk on lunch break & Zumba class
Tuesday/Thursday- walk on lunch break & Yoga class
Saturday- do something active. Hikes, walks, weights, etc.
Sunday- cheat day
Try to squeeze in weights, squats, lunges, and abs as much as possible.
CUT OUT ALL PROCESSED FOOD!!
limit frozen yogurt to 1-2 times a week.
Be Smart.
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Moist Banana Oat Bread
Moist Banana Oat Bread
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 cup white sugar (I used half brown)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon Molasses (my secret ingredient)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup quick cooking oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (I like more!)
- 1 1/2 cups mashed bananas
- 1/4 cup milk (I use Lactaid)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease one 9x5 inch loaf pan and set aside.
- Cream together the shortening and sugar. Add eggs, molasses, and vanilla, beat until fluffy.
- Sift together the flour, oatmeal, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Add dry ingredients alternately with bananas and milk. Mix until blended.
- Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes; remove from oven and cover for 5 minutes.
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