28
May
2012
Paella on the Grill

This Memorial Day weekend, we went over to my parent’s house to celebrate Psycho Holiday Baker’s birthday (my Mom). There was no baking going on with her this weekend… thank goodness since it is her birthday! But, my Dad was hard at work on the grill.
Such a colorful dish! I forget that you can pretty much grill everything if you have the right cooking technique.

Here is the recipe he made from Food Network Magazine:
He followed this recipe almost perfectly, except he used more liquid for the rice. It just depends on what kind of rice you use to make this. Follow the instructions on the rice that you purchase.

My healthier recommendations for the recipe:

Use quick cooking brown rice and add more smoked paprika to add flavor.
Use a reduced sodium vegetable broth instead of regular chicken broth. You could also use half water to reduce the sodium further.
Instead of chorizo, try a smoked and spicy chicken sausage.

After doing these modifications, I realize you will not have an authentic paella at all, but it is a way to have similar flavors and create a healthier dish. Just depends on what you are going for.

Try this side dish of cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light basil dressing: I added some feta on top of mine. I loved this recipe (posted below, but cucumbers were added). It was so light a refreshing. The whole meal was a crowd pleaser
The key is that you must use fresh basil. It really adds flavor and fragrance to the dish.

Hope everyone has a nice weekend and day off!

23
May
2012
Week 2 of My “Training” Plan

I made it through week 1 of the training plan that Mr. Cyclist gave me. Phew! I did everything as he told me. This week got a little crazier with work so, I couldn’t do the yoga that I was supposed to do.

Well… re-phrase that: I made an excuse to get out of the yoga that I was supposed to do. But, hey, I worked a 9+ hour day. I empathize with those who work multiple jobs, and are running around with even less time than I had.

Even when you think you are too busy to exercise or do something, there is always someone out there with less time than you that is fitting in their exercise. No excuses.

Anyway, I feel like I am sleeping better and have less anxiety when I have more structured and more intense exercise. Or maybe that is just like a placebo effect. An added bonus is that it is toning me up more.

As far as nutrition goes…
My goal is to try to eat less junk carbohydrates like processed sugar, chips, crackers, and more high quality carbohydrates like cooked grains (oats, brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat pasta, etc.).

Example A: Mr. Cyclist made a baked whole wheat pasta with some chicken, tomatoes, and artichoke hearts on top. Delicious!

On to this next week!

20
May
2012
Snacks of the Week: Chocolate Prunes, Kale Dip, Parfait

I know it may seem odd to some, but I love prunes. They are like a tasty fruit candy. So, I figured I would try the dark chocolate covered bits of prunes. Sunsweet likes to call them dried plums because it sounds better.
They are a slightly healthier raisinet. Prunes have a much higher antioxidant capacity than raisins do. But, other than that there is no health difference. They both contain a processed dark chocolate product coating on the outside. And the texture seems a little plastic-y.

I still enjoy them because it makes me feel like I am getting more antioxidants!

Discovered this kale spinach dip at Trader Joe’s:
I was leery because I have had some Greek yogurt dips that have not been that great. But, this was fantastic. Loved it! It is loaded with bits of vegetables, and only 30 calories per 2 Tbsp–although, I probably eat about 100 calories worth of it every time I eat it. Perfect to dip veggies in!

I could probably re-create this. The key is to add a little bit of mayonnaise.

Made this breakfast parfait this week (which could also be a healthy snack option):

Frozen blueberries, thawed, on the bottom (can use fresh if you have them)
1 thick layer of plain Greek yogurt
1/2 packet of stevia sprinkled on top of the yogurt
Strawberry slices on top of the yogurt (perfect time of year–they are in season)
Sprinkle of cereal (or dry oats) and nuts on top

I put it in the Tupperware so that I can tote it with me in the car to eat on the way to work. It is perfect because you get healthy fruit, healthy carbohydrates, plenty of fiber, and a protein source.

Do you have some more healthy snack ideas?

16
May
2012
My 2 Week “Training” Plan

Mr. Cyclist wants to see what I am capable of if I actually trained for something. I never been big into races or competitions. Mainly because I don’t feel that I am that good at a specific sport.

I used to be good at skiing… but, can’t really do that here in the South. I was decent at tennis, could run OK, and danced for a while. But, aside from that I have always just been “fit” and not really athletic at anything in particular.

So, I decided I could follow Mr. Cyclist’s 2 week plan for me, and see if I really do see any improvements. Maybe it will motivate me more to see what I am capable of. Who knows.
If anything, maybe I will be able to keep up more with the more serious cyclists. Hahaha.

Day 1: Rode my bike with Mr. Cyclist and friend for 1 hr 45 min–almost 2 hrs. Always pretty hard trying to keep up with him.

Day 2: Run 50% more than I normally would at average pace. So, instead of a 3 mile loop, I did about 5 miles. Was very tired from yesterday.

Day 3 (today): Will do a strength class for 1 hr at my gym. And maybe some extra strength exercises of my own (extra abs and legs).

Not sure what else. I basically ask Mr. Cyclist what to do everyday, and go do it. The nice thing about it is that I can tell him at the end of the day if I completed it or how it went.

Love Your Humps Wednesday:
Found via Pinterest from Marzipan

Now, a message from my sponsor:

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14
May
2012
Tastiest Nachos

Mr Cyclist and I make the best nachos. They are not covered in too much cheese, so some may still desire more cheese, but we’re trying to keep it a little healthier.

Secrets to the Best Nachos:

Start with a layer of organic tortilla chips (used Costco brand)
Add some black beans and corn (1 can of each, drained)
Add some diced pickled jalapenos (or fresh)
Reduce 1 can of Rotel on the stove top (this means: boil off the liquid until the Rotel looks like diced tomatoes in a pan). Then, add the Rotel.
Add your favorite cheese (we used a sharp cheddar, shredded). If you add too much cheese, the chips won’t get as crispy and you will make the nachos less healthy. Try to use less than 3 oz.
Dice about 6-7 oz. of grilled chicken (cooked with your favorite seasonings) OR to keep it vegetarian, add more beans or a healthier re-fried bean (ex: Amy’s lower sodium organic).
Add some sliced veggies if you have it. We used a yellow bell pepper that had been lightly sauteed first with the chicken.
Sprinkle cumin, ground black pepper, garlic powder, chipotle chili powder on top.
Bake at 350 for about 10-15 minutes, then broil for about 3 minutes.
After cooking, add fresh cilantro.

There you have it! The perfect nacho recipe. And slightly healthier because not as much cheese was used. We ate a salad on the side to make sure to get in some greens

14
May
2012
26th Birthday

So, I had a birthday this weekend. Nothing epic since last year was a milestone year. But, nevertheless, we celebrated over at my parent’s house on Sunday which was also Mother’s Day. I argued with my brother that my birthday took precedence over Mother’s Day because if I was never born, she wouldn’t be a mother. Silly.

Anyway, my Dad made some amazing grilled salmon:
We didn’t have a ton of food for dinner because we always fill up too much on appetizers (and my Dad complains about this every time). For appetizer, we had seed crackers, cheese, sour cream dip, and carrots/celery.

And my Mom made me a tasty (not healthy) jello surprise cake:
I was almost more obsessed with the chocolate fudge ice cream. The cake was actually pretty light–nothing to heavy. But, crazy sugary. More than I am used to.
My brother made me a card with carrots on the front of it.

So, of course, we all got sugar crazy and hyper after eating. And my Dad decided to scare us all with his crazy face mask.
So silly and creepy.
Anyway, for Mother’s Day, I made my Mom this Pinterest inspired star collage for the wall:
It turned out super cute. All you need is a metal star, some black and white photos, 3 pieces of scrapbook paper, and modge podge.

10
May
2012
My “Junk” Food

I grabbed some quick lunch at Trader Joe’s:
I wasn’t paying attention, and I got the California rolls by accident. Meant to get the salmon. I was slightly annoyed by this because the fake crab meat is so terribly processed.

At least it was still brown rice. One container is about 380 calories, and 55 g carbohydrate. I ate the whole thing, and then, I continued to read the nutrition facts and ingredients…
Not very good. I try to eat as “clean” as possible… meaning as few additives, artificial ingredients, and preservatives as possible. The ingredient list went on and on. But, hey, I figure this is my “junk” food, so it’s not that bad compared to other foods I could’ve chosen.

Love Your Humps Wednesday:
Body Image Infographic

7
May
2012
Sangria Weekend

I know I got the country celebration wrong when I made sangria. Sangria is a Spanish drink where as Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico’s heritage, etc. But, we didn’t really “celebrate” during Cinco de Mayo this year, so I went with making a light refreshing and somewhat healthy beverage instead.

I really need to get a glass pitcher… So ridiculous.
Healthier Sangria Recipe
Makes about 5 servings–I would recommend tripling this for larger parties or gatherings.

1 bottle white wine (used a pinot grigio)
2 oz. brandy (2 splashes)
1 lime, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
1 orange, sliced (or 3 clementines)
4-5 strawberries, sliced
handful of grapes, sliced in half
3 packets stevia
pinch of salt
sprig of basil (or mint) in each drink (optional)
sparkling water (seltzer): one splash for each drink

Directions:
Combine all ingredients, except for the seltzer water and herb (add some at the end). Stir gently to combine. Refrigerate at least one hour to let flavors combine, or overnight. Taste test before serving to check the sweetness. You can add another packet of stevia or more seltzer water to get it to taste how you like. Serve over ice.

The fruit will absorb some liquid, so it will look like it doesn’t make that much. This is also why I recommend increasing the recipe size.

Such a pretty drink. The picture doesn’t do it justice. Oh, and if you don’t like pulp, sorry, this drink will get a little pulpy. Mr. Cyclist strained it before he drank his.

Nutrition Tip: Most sangria recipes use a lot of added sugar or sugar syrup. But, if you start with a slightly sweeter wine, let the fruit sit, and use stevia instead, you can avoid all that added sugar (and calories!).

Also, made some chicken sauteed with leftover avocado, then placed on top of pico de gallo, and salad greens. Perfect!

2
May
2012
Protein Powder to Speed Up Metabolism?

I don’t think so. Evitamins.com sent me a free container of Almased protein powder. Anyway, this powder claims that it is healthy for the metabolism and can speed it up. I don’t really see why it would. There are no foods out there that have a significant effect on metabolism. Some foods like green tea and various veggies can help to improve the metabolism, but only slightly.

Ingredients: Soy protein isolate, honey, skim milk yogurt powder, potassium chloride, magnesium carbonate, calcium citrate, vitamin C, niacin, color additive: riboflavin, vitamin E, zinc oxide, ferrous fumerate, manganese sulfate, calcium pantothenate, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B1, vitamin A, folic acid, potassium iodide, sodium selenite, biotin, vitamin D3, vitamin B12.

The one good thing about this is that it is pretty simple–just soy, honey, skim milk, and vitamins. Would be a good choice for those that like soy proteins.

However, the big downfall for me is that I don’t know the quality of the soy protein. I doubt it is organic, and doubt that it is GMO free. Big negative in my book. Plus, soy is pretty controversial right now. There are many positives and also many negatives regarding soy.
There are still 12 grams of sugar in one serving (8 Tbsp.), but the glycemic index is low (27). This is likely due to the high protein content combined with the natural lactose (milk sugar) that help to even out the sugar absorption.

Taste: It didn’t taste that sweet. It smelled a little like baby formula though. I have never tasted baby formula, so I can’t tell you what it tastes like, haha. But, it really didn’t taste that bad. I could see it going really well in a smoothie and not even noticing it.

Conclusion: I doubt this product will help the metabolism, and would not market it to diabetics or the health conscious. But, surprisingly, I could see this for a child who needs a protein powder for their smoothie if they needed the added nutrition. Overall, I am not a big fan of the powder, and would not buy it at the store. I would rather buy a natural Greek yogurt and just eat that. Or, maybe an organic whey or rice protein. Just my opinion.

Anyway, on to Love Your Humps Wednesday:
Via Pinterest and Already Pretty and Redefining Body Image.

28
May
2012
Paella on the Grill

23
May
2012
Week 2 of My “Training” Plan

20
May
2012
Snacks of the Week: Chocolate Prunes, Kale Dip, Parfait

16
May
2012
My 2 Week “Training” Plan

14
May
2012
Tastiest Nachos

14
May
2012
26th Birthday

10
May
2012
My “Junk” Food

7
May
2012
Sangria Weekend

2
May
2012
Protein Powder to Speed Up Metabolism?

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