Sweet & Savory Brussels Sprouts with Quinoa

We went grocery shopping the other day and bought a TON of veggies!! We wanted to have brussel sprouts for dinner tonight and didn't wanna have meat. I didn't know what else to serve with them. I searched Google for ideas with brussel sprouts and quinoa. I was inspired by one that found on "The Kids Cook Monday". Grapes are a sweet surprise to the classic pairing of bacon with brussel sprouts, served over fluffy, heart healthy quinoa.

Ingredients:

• 20 brussel sprouts
• bacon pieces
• 1 cup grapes
• 1/2 cup quinoa
• 1 cup no sodium broth
• garlic pepper or your favorite seasoning

Preheat oven to 425. Lightly spray brussel sprouts with oil. Season brussel sprouts with garlic pepper or your favorite seasoning. Bake for 25 minutes.


Put quinoa and broth into a pan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat & simmer for 15 minutes.


Warm bacon and grapes. Stop when the grapes "pop".


Mix all ingredients together and ENJOY!!! 

On Top of Spaghetti

Let me just say I am LOVING the Engine 2 Diet cookbook!

Tonight we made the Pasta Primavera. It was delicious!

You should check out the book... and their Facebook page!

What are some of your favorite recipes?? Think about how you could alter the recipes. Here are a few ideas:

-Take out the meat and vegetables that are high in protein.

-Use fresh ingredients to make your own sauces or dressings.

-Don't use salt...it is optional in most recipes

-Try whole wheat flour or grind up oatmeal

-Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or mayo

It's your choice...make it healthy!

Brussel Sprouts?!

No wonder your mother always forced you to eat brussel sprouts - they're excellent for your cells. "They contain substantial amounts of a compound called brassinin, which helps support healthy cell growth...." says medical expert Dr. Isaac Eliaz from SHAPE


Why should YOU try them???

3 more reasons....

• Brussel sprouts are a nutritious vegetable. 1/2 cup contains 35 calories, 3 grams of fiber, and 3 grams of protein.  They are an excellent source of vitamin C and other antioxidant vitamins.  They are a rich source of minerals, such as, iron, calcium, and potassium.
• You probably need to eat more vegetables!
• They are sooo easy to make & taste delicious! 

(Muggs loved them! He used to say that he hated brussel sprouts! I kept snacking on them while the rest of the meal was cooking. I was pleasantly surprised at how good they were!)

Here's how I made them tonight:


We bought a bag of Brussel Sprouts at Sam's Club.

Put them in a bowl and tossed them in olive oil.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spread the brussel sprouts on a cookie sheet.  Sprinkle them with Garlic Pepper.

Bake for about 25 minutes. 

Enjoy!!!

countdown to SUMMER!!

Yesssss, I want to start one. I love countdowns!  There are 107 days until my official start to summer vacation!  I got super excited for summer when I bought a NEW bathing suit today!!

(Pic of my bathing suit from: www.victoriassecret.com. They have sooo many cute ones!)


We went to the mall & I tried a few on. I don't usually like ordering online because I get nervous that it won't fit. Now that I know my size, I might have to do some online shopping!!! Ahhhh, I can't wait to go to the beach!!

Countdown to summer means I need to BRING IT with my workouts!! Today I did x2 Shoulders & Arms and x2 Ab Ripper. It was an awesome workout!!

Yes, I used 2 cans of kidney beans for some of the exercises. hahaha. Tony Horton said to use "little to zero weight" for the Y-T move...so I busted out the cans of beans. I also used the beans for a few of the straight arm raises. They are still hard for me to do with 8 pound weights. But I did use the 10 pound weights for biceps and triceps.  Don't be afraid to modify the moves!! Don't give up. Stick with it and you will get stronger.


Do you want to get in shape for summer? You have PLENTY of time. Get started. Do it for yourself.

Portobello Mushroom Pizzas

Don't you just LOVE pizza?!

I do!

And I love these portobello mushroom pizzas even more because they are healthier!

Ingredients:

• olive oil
• salt, pepper
• 2 portobello mushrooms
• 1/2 cup spinach
• small can of tomato sauce
• 1/3 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup couscous
• 1 tsp pine nuts
• red pepper flakes

Directions:

1. Brush mushrooms with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
2. On preheated grill pan, grill 2 portabello mushroom until soft to the touch, approx 6 mins per side.
3. Top with 1/2 cup tomato sauce and 1/3 cup shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese and bake until bubbly. 
4. Place on a bed of cooked whole wheat couscous (1/2 cup) mixed with 1/2 cup steamed spinach and 1 tsp pine nuts. sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes:

• Used Hunts no salt added tomato sauce
• If you don't have couscous, serve it with pasta, quinoa, or your favorite side dish.
• Steam the spinach then put it ON TOP of the mushrooms before we cook them. That's my favorite way to make them because it ALMOST like like a real pizza! LOVE IT!!
• Add turkey bacon bits, sundried tomatoes, onions, or your favorite pizza toppings!
• Save some $$... Sam's Club sells mushrooms in a 4 pack for 5 bucks. 

Check out this recipe for a BBQ Chicken Pizza:
http://caralyoung.blogspot.com/2013/10/bbq-chicken-portobello-pizza.html

Peace, Love, and Fondue

Tropical Shakeology made its debut today!!! YAYY!! I can't wait to try it!
Here are some fun facts about the new Shakeology flavor:

My PB2 and banana sandwich morning snack was soooo good! I might make another one tomorrow.

Ends up that you need some gel fire stuff to keep the fondue pot hot and we didn't have that. We also weren't planning on eating a TON of chocolate...so we just decided to warm up some chocolate in a regular bowl for dipping. We still used the pokey things and super cute valentine plates!!

Menu:
pineapple
strawberries
16 discs of melting chocolate
(16 discs = 210 calories/2 = 105 calories for each of us...not too bad.)

I put the chocolate in the microwave for 1 minute, stirred, and did 30 more seconds. Then we dipped our fruit & enjoyed the fondue!

Obviously we REALLY enjoyed it!

We had a wonderful little celebration. Remember to love yourself & each other every day!

Prep for Valentine's Day!

Tomrorow is Valentine's Day!! <3


Last week, I noticed that our fondue pot is STILL in the closet and has not been opened...We decided to try out our it for the first time TOMORROW!!!

The Gracious Pantry posted about Clean-Eating Valentine's Day foods! I am gonna use the fondue recipe and change a few things to make my own. I bought pineapple and strawberries and chocolate!! I'm excited!


Check out the other delicious ideas here: 
http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/clean-eating-valentines-day/


Valentine's Day Food:


Breakfast:
Shakeology with strawberries :)


First snack: 
2 slices of Ezekiel Bread, 2 tbsp chocolate PB2 mixed with 1 tbsp water, 1 banana (sliced)

YUMM! Thanks Mom for the idea! Haven't had one of these in awhile.


Lunch: 
Boca Burger, veggies, roasted garlic & herb spice

2nd snack:
string cheese, almonds

Hmmm...I might pack another snack just in case....I love snacks.


Dinner:
We are going to have a GIANT salad...lots of romaine lettuce, avocado, tomatoes, chicken sausage, cheese. Then we will have our FONDUE!! yayyy!! I will be sure to take pics :)


Happy Valentine's Day Eve! <3