Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Milkshake

We made this for our FHE treat last night and it was so yummy!
This website is awesome.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Milkshake (vegan)
makes 24 oz (about 2 servings)

Ingredients:

2 frozen bananas
3/4 cup almond milk (homemade or store-bought)
1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup (optional)
2 Tablespoons cocoa powder
1/4 cup natural peanut butter
pinch of sea salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
7 ice cubes (about 2 handfuls)

Directions:

Throw all the ingredients into a high-powered blender, and blend until smooth and creamy.

http://detoxinista.com/2012/05/chocolate-peanut-butter-banana-milkshake/

Crispy Cauliflower with Capers, Raisins and Breadcrumbs

Oh man, this is to dye for!
I thought this would make enough for a meal but it wasn't, but it was so rich and delicious, we put it on double stuffed potatoes. (Potatoes that I put in the microwave, scooped out the inside and put the skins in the oven til crisp and mix up the inside stuff with greek yogurt).
Also, I forgot to add the breadcrumbs and it was good- I don't know what its like with breadcrumbs.
Another also, I halved the amount of olive oil and I think I could even 1/4 it because it was more than enough.
I didn't use anchovy paste.

We will be making this again soon.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 large head of cauliflower (2 pounds), cut into 2” florets
• 6 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons salt-packed capers, soaked, rinsed, patted dry
• 3/4 cup fresh coarse breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup low-salt chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
• 1/3 cup golden raisins
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or Champagne vinegar
• 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley

PREPARATION

View Step-by-Step Directions

• Preheat oven to 425°. Toss cauliflower florets with 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large bowl; season mixture with salt and pepper. Divide cauliflower mixture between 2 large rimmed baking sheets, spreading out in a single layer. Roast, tossing occasionally, until cauliflower is golden and crispy, about 45 minutes. DO AHEAD: Cauliflower can be made 4 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature. Reheat before using.
• Meanwhile, heat remaining 3 Tbsp. olive oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until just golden, 5–6 minutes. Add capers and cook until they start to pop, about 3 minutes longer. Add breadcrumbs and toss to coat. Cook, stirring often, until breadcrumbs are golden, 2–3 minutes; transfer breadcrumb mixture to a plate and set aside.
• Add chicken broth and anchovy paste (if using) to same saucepan. Bring to a boil. Add golden raisins and white wine vinegar and cook until almost all liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. Do ahead: Breadcrumb and raisin mixtures can be made 2 hours ahead. Rewarm raisin mixture mixture before continuing.
• Transfer warm cauliflower to a serving bowl. Scatter raisin mixture over, then toss to distribute evenly. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle cauliflower with breadcrumb mixture and parsley.

Delsih! Split Pea Soup

Split Pea Soup

 2 C. Split Peas
1 Slab of lean ham steak (1/2  pound)
6 C. Water
1 C. Carrots diced
1 C. Celery Diced
1 Onion Diced
1 T. Parsley Flakes
1 tsp. Basil
1/4 tsp. Allspice
1/4 tsp. thyme
2 Bay Leaves
2 tsp. Garlic Salt
1/2 tsp. Pepper

Put everything in a crockpot, and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or 4 on high. Once cooked dice up ham steak and put back in soup. This soup is even better the next day! Serve with hearty corn bread, and apricot mango jam.

Hearty Corn Bread

Hearty Corn Bread
2 C. Whole wheat flour
2 C. Corn Meal
1/2 C. Agave or Honey
3 Packets Stevia
1/2 C. Greek Yogurt
1 1/2 C. Milk
2 T. Baking Powder
1 tsp Salt
1 C. Applesauce (See my recipe for homemade applesauce )
2 Eggs
2 tsp.Vanilla
Mix all ingredients together for a few minutes, put into pans.
Bake at 400 for 10-12 minutes if baked in muffin tins. Bake for 15-18 in a 9x13 pan.
Makes 32 Muffins
It has been my experience that when using two types of natural sweetners in baking or cooking you can use way less agave, saving you money and calories, and the end result is a delightful little treat. You can also add vanilla and it gives more sweetness and depth to baked goods. Enjoy

Apricot Mango Freezer Jam

Apricot Mango Freezer Jam

10 C. Fruit blended but still chunky.  (I did about 5 mangos and the rest apricots)
3 C. Agave
 Juice from 1/2 lemon
1 tsp. Lemon Zest.
Put all Ingredients in a large pot and allow to cook for 45 minutes. The flavors get so strong and concentrated from the cooking process. Allow to cool and store in freezer bags or jars. This recipe made 4 quarts.

Quiche Jessica.....or Green Eggs and Ham

Recently I was reading recipes of good quiches. One that was quite popular was Quiche Lorraine. I thought to myself, "Who the heck is Lorraine anyway?" So I decided that this lady named Lorraine made a killer quiche one time, and she loved it and she loved herself so she named the quiche after herself. Hence: Quiche Lorraine. So with that I give you Quiche Jessica, or Green Eggs and Ham. And Yes, it is as fabulous as me! he he. The oodles of spinach and basil give it the GEand Ham Nickname.

Crustless Quiche Jessica

1 Onion finely diced
1 Large bunch of Basil
8 C. Packed Spinach chopped
16 Eggs
1 C. Greek Yogurt
1 C. Skim Milk
2 tsp. Garlic Salt
1/2 tsp. Pepper
1/2 C. Parmesan Cheese
1 C. Sharp Cheddar
1/2 Pound of Lean Ham Steak

Optional Ingredients. (I didn't use these, but any extra veggies would be super yummy.)
1 Can of Artichoke hearts drained.
1 Package of mushrooms rinsed and sliced
Zucchini
If you use any extra veggies give them a quick saute with the onion and ham.



Saute in pan onion and Diced up ham Steak. In a blender mix eggs, yogurt, milk and seasonings. Whip it good. Then add rest of ingredients. Pour in 9 x 13 and bake at 350 for 45 minutes. If cut into 12 slices it clocks in at about 220 Calories a slice. Make a big pan and freeze it individually for a quick and healthy breakfast!!!

Don't forgets!

Don't forget to put your points on the Excel sheet! (Mom, Dad, Mary and Jacob!)

Also, don't forget drinking water is double points this week! (6 points)

Thanks for sharing such yummy recipes Jessica!

Guiltless Alfredo

Guiltless Alfredo Sauce

 

Ingredients:
2 C low-fat milk
1/3 C (3 oz) low fat cream cheese
2-3 T Wheat flour
1 t salt
1 T butter
3 garlic cloves
1 C grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Place milk, cream cheese, flour, and salt in a blender and blend until smooth.  In a non-stick sauce pan, melt butter on med-high heat and add garlic. Let the garlic saute for about 30 seconds, you don’t want to burn it.

Then add milk mixture to the pan. Stir constantly for about 3 or 4 minutes or until it just comes to a simmer. Keep stirring and let it cook for a few minutes more. It should be much thicker now.

When it’s nice and thickened remove the pan from the heat. Add the cheese, stir it up and then cover immediately. Let stand for at least 10 minutes before using. It will continue to thicken upon standing. Season with additional salt if needed.  Also, if you have leftovers in the fridge, the sauce will thicken almost into a solid. Just re-heat and add a little milk and it will be back to normal again. Serve over whole grain, whole wheat pasta.

I use this sauce for so many things. Here’s a few ideas:

-Over pasta (obviously)
-As a dip for breadsticks
-As a sauce on pizza
-Mix it with pesto for a creamy pesto sauce (so good)
-Mix it with marinara for a creamy marinara sauce
One time when we had dinner guests over with a bunch of kids, we did a pasta bar. I made a couple different pastas, a couple different meats, and then made this sauce, marinara, and pesto. Everyone had so much fun mixing and matching and combining. The adults could get fancy with alfredo-pesto over bow-ties and the kids could have plain ol’ spaghetti if they wanted to. Toss in some french bread and a salad and you have a really fun, and really easy meal!

This entire recipe was from my favorite cooking/crafting website called www.Ourbestbites.com Check them out they have soooo many yummy recipes

Hearty Lime And Enchilada Soup

Hearty LIme and Enchilada Soup.

 
This recipe makes a huge pot of soup. It freezes great, and I feel it is a perfect lunch, that is why I make a batch this big.
1 7 oz can of diced chiles
1 large can of green enchilada sauce
2 15 oz cans of tomatoes
4 Cans beans, I used kidney, garbanzo, black, and pinto
2 Cans corn
1 Cup Carrots
1 Cup celery
3 Cups Kale
1 Cup broccoli
1 Onion
2 large limes or 3 little ones
1 T. Onion Powder
1 T. Garlic Powder
1 T. Chili Powder
1 T. Cumin
4 T Ranch Powder
1 1/2 tsp. Salt
1 1/2 tsp pepper
1 T. Basil
1 Pound ground beef, turkey, or deer.
Chop up all your veggie pretty small. I use my food processer. Sautee everything with the browning meat except the kale. Once veggies are tender crisp, add all your cans and their liquids to the pot. Next add your spices, and allow to simmer for 20 mins. During the last 5 minutes add the kale.
Serve with sour cream, green onion, cilantro, and tortilla chips.

Homemade Applesauce and Apple Juice

Apple Juice and Sauce Homemade

Each week I usually buy a large bag of apples, as they are usually a delish snack. This week the bag was awful. In a too sweet, gritty and mushy when you bit into them. I didn't want to throw them away so I decided to make juice and sauce out of them. I only own a blender, not a juicer, so I decided to blend them, stems, seeds and all. There are lots of nutrients in the "throw away parts" of the apple.
So here is what I did. I took 12 apples and put about 3 in a blender at a time. I first cut them into sections, and covered with about a cup of water. I repeated this till all apples were pureed. I then put them through my smallest hole strainer, thus separating the juice from the sauce. Next I added a tablespoon of lemon juice and 3 packets of stevia to the apple juice, and 3 packets of stevia and a tablespoon of lemon to the apple sauce.You really have to go by taste on the ratios. You may need more or less lemon and stevia. It all depends on the sweetness of the apples and your drink preference. Do not cook it. Its just as good raw and you get way more nutrition from the apples. To the juice, I put in a few ice cubes and like magic, I have a healthy laxative for my enjoyment.
Let me tell you what apples I think are best for eating, baking, juicing, etc.
Best for Eating: Honey Crisp, are very crunchy and watery. They also have a ton of flavor, they are sweet and sour, and really quite delightful. These are my favorite apple. They are usually very large and very expensive.
Jazz or Jazzy Apple, these are also sweet and tart, not as crisp as a honey crisp, but a good second choice. Usually much cheaper.
Golden Delicious, only buy these when the skin feels thin, and they feel firm. Sometimes these are kind of bland.
Gala, good for eating. Nothing too special.
For juicing I would suggest, Fuji, Golden Delish. this makes for sweeter juice.
Baking. I only love to use the most crisp and tart apples for baking. I suggest Honey Crisp and Granny Smith. Because we usually add sugar when baking and they hold their crunch.

I know how to blog!

Oh yeah!

Sugar Exchange Table for Agave

Food Category	Amount of Agave vs. Sugar	Calories Saved (per cup basis)
Beverages (lemonade, powdered such as Kool-Aid, etc.)	Use 1/2 to 2/3 cup of agave for each cup of sugar (or 50% - 66% of the amount called for)	180 to 330 calories per cup savings (23% to 42%)
Cooking (sauces, salad dressings, etc.)	Use 1/2 cup of agave for each cup of sugar (or 50% of the amount called for)	330 calories per cup savings (42%)
Baking (cakes, brownies, cookies, etc.)	Use 2/3 cup of agave for each cup of sugar (or 66% of the amount called for)	180 calories per cup savings (23%)
Canning (canned fruits, jams, jellies, etc.)	Use 1/2 cup of agave for each cup of sugar (or 50% of the amount called for)	330 calories per cup savings (42%)

Oatmeal Cake

Amazing Oatmeal Cake

One day at a family gathering my brother n law brought an oatmeal cake to a family party. It was his "Chef Dad's Recipe" It was soooo Delicious! I had never tried Oatmeal Cake before. After eating a slice or two I felt terrible. There is so much sugar and butter in the regular recipe, I was sick.  I knew I had to find a healthier substitute. This recipe met all my expectations!

 1 1/4 C boiling water
1 cup oatmeal (I've used both quick cooking and regular oats and they both work)
1/2 cup applesauce
1/4 cup buttermilk
 1 1/2 cup agave
 2 egg whites
1 tsp vanilla
 1 1/3 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
 2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Pour boiling water over oatmeal.  Cover and let stand for 20 minutes.  Add applesauce, buttermilk, agave, egg white, and vanilla.
Whisk dry ingredients together then mix with the wet ingredients (you can do this by hand).  Pour into a greased 9 x 13 inch square pan.  Bake for 20 minutes.

Frosting:
Put 1/4 cup plus 1/8 cup amber agave, 3 Tbsp light or regular butter, and 2 Tbsp evaporated skim milk in a small saucepan.  In a small bowl, combine 2 tsp cornstarch with 1 Tbsp evaporated skim milk.  Add this to the saucepan as well.  Bring this to a boil, then cook 1 more minute.  Stir in 3/4 cup flaked coconut  and 1 cup chopped and toasted pecans.  When the cake comes out of the oven, pour the frosting on top and smooth out with a knife. Put cake under broiler for a spell while the coconut toasts and gets a little crunchy.

Notes:
The reason I use amber agave in the frosting is to give it a darker color (like brown sugar would).  If you don't have the amber on hand though, just use light agave.
The pecans in the frosting are optional.  I don't usually put them in, but most people love them.
This cake is delicious both warm and cold. 

Here are some tips on baking with Agave. Because regular sugar is the Devil.
 "When adapting a recipe to use agave nectar, reduce the other liquids by one-third.  When replacing table sugar, plan on using about 25% less agave nectar to achieve the same level of sweetness; for example, use 3/4 cup of agave nectar for every cup of sugar.  Also, baked goods with agave nectar brown more quickly, so reduce oven temperatures by 25 degrees to avoid burning."

Tylers Points for week #3

Tyler did a little better with points this week.  He lost 2 lbs. for a total of 20 points plus the 5 points for maintaining.  He got 165 points for his weekly points for health and 300 points for finishing the "Eat to Live" Book.  It was very informative.  He realizes that he will need to eat a lot more fruits and vegetables to receive the important fibers and vitamins.  He doesn't know if he can go completely vegetarian but does realize that he needs to make the main portion of his meals the green vegetables and fruits through out the day and eat little portions of meat and animal products.   Its going to be a hard change for a Texas. :)
 Total of 490 points this week

The Best Chicken Stir-Fry

The Best Chicken Stir-Fry


2-3 pounds chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce
1/2 cup corn starch
1/2 cup cold water
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/3 cup honey
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
Pinch of red pepper flakes, optional
1 package frozen stir-fry vegetables
Hot cooked Brown rice, about 6 cups cooked
Instructions:
Heat a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add the oil and heat for 30 seconds. Add the chicken and cook until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
While the chicken is cooking add all of the sauce ingredients to a quart mason jar, add a lid, and shake well to combine.
When the chicken is cooked through, reduce the heat to medium and pour the sauce over the chicken. Stirring continuously cook until the sauce thickens and the color changes from a muddy brown to a more clean reddish color. This should take about 3 minutes.
Add the frozen vegetables and cook until the veggies are heated through.
Serve the chicken, sauce, veggie mixture over hot cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onion and sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
To ensure there are no corn starch lumps in the sauce I recommend combining the corn starch and the cold water and shaking those together well before adding the additional ingredient.
If you’d like the sauce a bit spicier make it a few hours ahead of time with the red pepper flakes. Let the sauce rest in the fridge and reshake before you are ready to use. Letting the pepper flakes sit in the sauce will gives them time to release more of their heat.

Cauliflower and Brocolli Cassole

Cauliflower and Broccoli Cassole

 
4 C. Cauliflower
2 C. Broccoli
2 C. Lean Ham
1 Package Fresh Mushrooms
2 T. Butter
1 T. Flour
2 C. Skim Milk
1 tsp. Garlic Salt
1 C. Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1/2 C. lite Sour Cream

Steam the broccoli and Cauliflower until tender crisp. Wash and Saute the mushrooms in 1 tsp. of the butter add chopped ham. Make rue with rest of butter and flour, add the milk and allow to simmer til thick. Then add the sour cream and cheese and stir for a minute or two. Mix all ingredients together and top with a little sprinkle of cheese if desired. Bake in 9 x 13 pan for 10 mins on 425.

Flax Wheat Pancakes with Mango Strawberry Comptoe and Cream

Flax Wheat Pancakes with Mango Strawberry Comptoe and Cream


Pancakes:
1/2 C. Cold Milled Flaxseed
4 tsp. Baking Powder
2 C. Whole Wheat Flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 C. unsweetened Applesauce
1 tsp. Salt
2 C. Low Fat Buttermilk
2 Eggs
1 C. Water
Yields 24 Pancakes (approx. 50 Calories each)

Mango Strawberry Compote
Dice up 2 cups each, strawberries and mangos. Heat over the stove for a minute to release the natural sugars and juices. Add 3 Packets Stevia.

 Cream
2 T. Agave
3 Packets Stevia
2 C. Lowfat Cottage Cheese
1/2 C. Greek Yogart
1 T. Vanilla
Put everything in food processer or blender. Puree til super smooth. It is a bit tart with the greek yogart, but I enjoy that. If you want it to taste more like creamy cheesecake, omit the yogart.

Mom Jacob and MaraLyn's stats for weeks 1 & 2

Week 1 Jan 7-13, 2014
Mom's start weight 185
Points earned 165 plus 60 for weight loss=225
Weight 179

MaraLyn's start weight 165
Points earned 124
Weight 165

Jacob start weight 128
Points earned 183

Week 2 Jan 14-19, 2014
Mom points earned 245 plus 35 for weight loss=280
Weight 176

MaraLyn
Points earned 218 plus 75 for weight loss=293
Weight 158

Jacob
Points earned 249

Steve and Cherise's Week #2 Points

Steve's Points from Week #2
Points= 216
Weight loss=0

Total= 216

Cherise's Points from Week #2
Points= 242
Weight loss= 5 (maintained my weight)

Total points= 247

Tyler and Jess Stats Week 2

Tyler and Jess Stats week 2
We are looking so good already you probably don't recognize us!


Tyler
Starting weight for the week 255
Current Weight                      252=30 Points +points for maintaining =35
Other Points                           98
Total                                       133

Jessica
Starting weight for the week 256.4
Current Weight                      255.4=10 pts + 5 pts for maintain =15
Other points                           207
Total                                       222

Creamy Chia Oat Bran

I've always loved cream of wheat, but it is not super good for us. Here is my better version that is just as yummy. This is a single serving recipe.

Creamy Chia Oat Bran

3 T. Oat Bran
2 T. Ground Chia Seeds
2 T. Sugar Free Syrup
1 t. Butter
Dash of salt
3/4 C. Water

Mix Oat bran, Chia seed, and water in a bowl and microwave for 1-2 minutes. Then add syrup, butter and salt.

Mexican Hotdogs

On Tyler's mission one of his favorite foods they were served was called Completos, or Mexican Hot dogs. It has since become one of our family favorites, and if done right can be quite healthy too!

Mexican Hot dogs

Good Quality Beef Hot Dogs boiled (My favorite is Hebrew National, from Sam's club. And they are only 150 calories a piece.)
Tortillas or Hoagie Buns
Pico De gallo
Sauerkraut
Parmesan Cheese
Sliced thin Cabbage, carrot and broccoli Slaw mix
Texas Caviar (See recipe from post before this one)
Guacamole
Mayonnaise
Mustard
Ketchup
If you don't want to make Texas Caviar, and have chili on hand that is a fun, delish topping also.

Directions: If you need directions for this post, you are a moron, and deserve to eat regular crappy hot dogs. Serve with a fresh cut fruit salad.

Crock Pot Fajitas with Texas Caviar

Crock Pot Fajitas with Texas Caviar


4 boneless skinless chicken breast
1 large onion
3 bell peppers
2 yellow squash
2 t. chili powder
1 t. cumin
1/2 t. salt
1/2 pepper
1 T. ranch powder
juice from one lime
1/2 chicken broth. (I use water with bullion)
Slice all veggies thin, put on bottom of crock pot. Then add chicken and top with seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4. When I am in a hurry I put the chicken on high for an hour or two, then drop to low for 3 hours. This helps speed the process up, while maintaining tender chicken. Shred the chicken when done and enjoy.

Texas Caviar
1 bell pepper
1 onion
3 tomatoes
juice from 1-2 limes
Bunch of Cilantro
1 jalepeno seeded (optional)
1 can of drained corn
1 can of drained black beans
dice all veggies about the same size. This recipe is super fast if done in the choppy chop machine.
Add corn, beans, and lime juice. Season with Garlic Salt and more lime if needed. Serve on top of the the chicken fajitas. It can be served warm or cold. Along with tortillas, sour cream, lettuce, salsa, and any other toppings you like on fajitas. I love to top them with chopped cabbage for extra crunch! This chicken tastes a lot like the shredded chicken from Café Rio.

Another dinner Idea. I also love to eat these two ingredients together as a salad. Today I tried this and it was super yummy.
1 C. crock pot chicken
1 C. Texas Caviar
1 C. shredded carrots, chopped cabbage and shredded broccoli. (You can buy this mix pre cut as a cole slaw salad to save you time)
1/4 C. Guacamole
Drizzle with lime and lite ranch.

My favorite Green Drink aka Hulk Juice

I have tried an abundance of green drink recipes, this one blows them all away.

Green Drink



2 C. Kale
2 C. Spinach
1 orange or 2 clementines
1 cup mango chunks
1/2 c strawberries
Juice from one whole lemon
1 1/2 frozen bananas
3 packets stevia
2 C. pineapple

Fill blender with spinach and kale, add enough water to cover the greens and blend. Add remaining ingredients and blend.

Chocolate Frosty Protien Shake

If you are craving something sweet, but don't want to add to the waist line, try this for breakfast or anytime of the day.

Chocolate Frosty Protein Shake
1 C. Almond Milk, I use vanilla
1 Frozen Banana, broken in half
1 tsp. Vanilla
1 TBS. Cocoa Powder
2 Cubes of Ice
1 Scoop Protein Powder

Mix all ingredients except protein powder til smooth. Then add in protein powder. And pulse blend quickly to mix in. I have found that If I throw everything in all at once, then it gets very foamy, and I don't like that. But if you are a fan of filling your tummy with unnecessary air and having gas for the rest of the day, then by all means throw it all in at once. Enjoy!

Strawberry Cheesecake Yogart and Apple Parifat

I have had this for a snack a few times and it is sooooo good!

Strawberry Cheesecake yogurt  and Apple Parfait
1 C. Greek yogurt
1 T. Agave
1 T. Low sugar jam I used Strawberry
1 Packet Stevia
1 tsp. Vanilla
dash of cinnamon
1 Tart Apple, my favs are Jazz or Honeycrisp
1/8 C. low fat granola

Mix up the yogurt and other ingredients, chop up the apple and top with granola. Super yummy and loaded with protein.

Tyler and Jess Stats for Week 1

Jessica
 Starting Weight : 270.4
current weight:     255.2
Pounds lost 15= 150 points
other points=      162
Total                  312
Goals
To release 10 lbs a month.
To have spiritual scripture study, prayer, and journaling for 20 mins every day.
Biggest success this week was I made a menu for 2 weeks of healthy and fun food. And I have begun my cookbook. I will be posting all of my delish and healthy recipes on this blog.

Tyler
Starting Weight: :265
current weight:    255
lbs lost: 10=100 points
other points 54
Total =154
Goal is to be down to 190 in 6 months

Healthy Clean No Bake Cookies

Bring this to boil on stove for 1 minute.
1/2 c agave
1/3 c cocoa
1/4 c coconut oil

Add in:
1/2 c peanut butter
1/3 c coconut
2 c quick oats

Roll in balls and let sit until cooled.
Delicious!

Delish Homemade Pizza

Hey Friends, tonight I made this pizza that was killer. When we were growing up my mom would always make this veggie pizza that I loved. This dish is inspired by my childhood veggie pizza and penicillin. Super fast and easy dinner! This recipe is taken and adapted from my favorite cookbook called "Now Eat This" -150 of Americas favorite comfort foods all under 350 calories. by Rocco Dispirtio. One of the reasons this cookbook is so great is he takes recipes we americans like to eat, but he does them way healthier, and with whole foods. He also takes a chapter to teach you about all the best brands, and best quality foods to substitute your old unhealthy ingredients.

Delish Pizza
Dough:
1 tsp. Molasses
3/4 C. warm water
1 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
1/2 tsp. salt
1 3/4 C. Whole Wheat flour (plus a little extra for rolling out dough)
Proof yeast, molasses and water for about 10 mins.
Then add the salt and the flour and knead dough for 6 mins. Set the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a towel. Allow to rise for 30 mins, til it doubles in size.
Sprinkle a 11x17 with cornmeal to keep dough from sticking. Roll out your dough and put it on the pan. Bake at 500 degrees for 12 mins.
Now for the Toppings:
onion
mushrooms
fresh basil
fresh tomatoes sliced thin
fresh pineapple cut into tidbits
zuchinni or yellow squash cut as thin as possible into little coins.
Turkey Pepperoni
about 2 C. shredded cheese
 Sautee the onion and mushrooms in a tiny bit of olive oil. Once crust is baked, top with marinara sauce of your choice and cheese, and then layer the other toppings. Ending with the tomatoes and pepperoni last, so they broil nicely.
Put your oven on broil and allow to bake for a few more minutes, while your watching your cheese melt. Then serve and enjoy!
On my fitness pal for the crust, cheese and marinara its 204 calories. I'd estimate 300 calories a slice with all the veggies and fruit. Play around with the toppings. Makes 8 huge slices.

300 Points for reading Eat To Live!!!

300 Points for reading Eat To Live.  I am 30 pages in and I can already tell it has true concepts for eating health.

Live Long and Prosper.

Steve's Week 1

Starting Weight 184.6
Ending Weight 184.6
Loss of 2 lbs.

I got a total of 169 Points

I did pretty good on everything except exercise because on Wed I ran on the treadmill bare foot like I always to except this time I had a 3 inch blister on each foot.  That was fun.

Tyler is going down.

Here are my starting pictures.  I tried to look sad so the contrast will look a ton better.

Cherise's Points Week #1, 1-13-13

Steve and I are reading the book "Eat to Live" by Joel Fuhrman. It's way good and we'd recommend it. I'll be writing the highlights on this blog.

-Health=Nutrients/Calories
- We have a natural sweet tooth- it is should be fulfilled through fruit.
- Compared with whole wheat, typical pasta and bread and bagels are missing:
      - 62% of zinc
      -72% of magnesium
      -95% of vitamin E
      -50 % of folic acid
      -72% of chromium
      -78% of vitamin B6
      -78% of fiber
Pasta should be eaten as little as sweets. I've been fooled by the "whole wheat pasta" at the grocery store… they put a tiny bit of whole wheat in it so they can claim whole wheat. If you want real whole grain pastas and bean pastas, you'll have to get them at a health food store. I want to try them. Bagels that claim their whole wheat Dr. Fuhrman says they just have a "fake tan" by giving it caramel color… haha…
-This is cool. The more nutrient filled foods you eat, the fuller you'll feel sooner and longer. You should never be hungry. If you're hungry, you're probably eating the wrong foods.
-Dr. Fuhrman compares letting your children eat unhealthy is like letting a child smoke. They're both going to give them an awful and short life.


Starting weight= 157 lbs
Goal weight= 145-150 lbs
Strength goal- Do sprint triathlon in 2 hrs 20 min between April-June

Weekly points= 164 points
Weight lost= 6 lbs (60 points)

Total points=224 points

Yesterday I decided that I'd have my "treat day". I ate a few Andes mints, a fun size Almond Joy and a few mini Reece's PB… and honestly they didn't taste good. What's happened to me?! The healthy treats taste SO much better… and I don't lose 5 points! And I felt icky after I ate them.

So, let's see who beat me!

See you at 8:30pm MST tonight!

Holy Moly Carrot Cake!

Hey Peeps, I just made this for dessert sunday dinner. And it passed the taste test of even my pickiest eaters. Yes....Tyler. I quote him, "Not bad at all, pretty good." That's as good as a normal person saying, "Jess wow! This is off the charts amazing!" dunk! So heres the scoop on this skinny Carrot cake:)

1 C. unsweetened Applesauce
1 1/2 C. Agave or 1 C. Honey
3 Eggs
2 tsp. Vanilla
2 tsp. Baking Soda
1 tsp. Salt
1 C. unsweetended coconut
2 C. grated carrots
2 C. crushed pineapple (with juice)
2 tsp. Cinnamon
1 C. Pecans (If you leave these out it saves you 100 calories per slice)
3 C. whole wheat flour

Mix all ingredients together and pour into a 9 x 13 pan. Bake at 325 for 25-30 mins. Let cool and frost with this frosting. This cake tastes even better on day two! ....IF there is any left:)

Frosting
1/4 cube butter
8 oz. cream cheese
1 TBS Lemon Juice
2/3 C. Agave
Mix til smooth and pour over cake.

This recipe does make a lot of frosting, so you can cut it in half if you're weird and don't like cream cheese frosting.

this Recipe serves 15.
330 calories a slice with the pecans
227 calories a slice without the pecans

Chipotle Chocolate Chili

Chipotle Chocolate Chili Recipe

Sautee in 1 T. olive oil

1 onion chopped
1/2 head of garlic finely minced
1 bell pepper chopped
3 large carrots chopped
3 stalks celery chopped
 then add
1/2 lb Ground beef, turkey, deer or lizard
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
1 t. cumin
1 T. chili powder
1 T. agave or sugar (choose the first one if you want to live)
2 T. baking cocoa (Not chocolate milk!!)
2 Cans diced tomatoes
3 cans kidney beans drained
1 15 oz can of beef broth
2-3 T. Red Wine Vinegar (Start with less and season to taste)
Sauce from a 7 oz can of Chipotle Chilies in abodo sauce. (You can also add some of the chiles but be warned, they are spicy! )
Mix and allow to simmer for 20-30 mins. Top with green onions, cilantro, cheese, sour cream and tortilla chips.
Serve with love and enjoy!!!

Jessica, the lama-squirrel...

Hello Family and friends, I must say I am enjoying this challenge. My energy is really great, even though me and all my kids have been super sick. I have been eating like lama-squirrel. I say this cause I assume they eat lots of fruits and veggies and nuts:) Its amazing to me how when I start taking great care of myself everything in my life gets better. My house is cleaner, I plan a healthy menu, I am way happier, my depression becomes very mild, I spend less money. I put God first in my days with scripture study and prayer. I am greatful for this challenge, and the support we all give each other. I need you guys. I need a great support system to succeed. This past week has also been hard. mostly becacuse I have been afraid. Afraid of all of satans lies that I might fail.  The truth is I know I will fail, (keep reading, don't freak out.) I know I will "fail" or "mess up". Its part of Heavenly Fathers plan. But knowing that I will mess up sometimes allows me the freedom from having to be perfect right now. It allows me the abitily to know that my best efforts arn'et just good enough, they are great. All of you should read President Uchtdorfs talk in the Jan ensign called, "The Best Time to Plant a Tree." He talks a lot about the concept above. We will fail, we will mess up, and that's ok. Because we have the agency to let our mistakes empower us to work harder, seek more of the Lords guidance, and reach our goals. I am greatful for a loving Heavenly Father who will take me back and help me take care of my body and release this weight and let it be gone for good as many times as I am willing to try.........wow that was a long sentence. Anyhew I am in a good place, I know he will help me accomplish my goals. My goal is to loose 10 lbs a month. My Starting weight is 270.4. I have never been this big, but that's ok, because I am ready to change for good. That number represents a lot of neglected Jessica. Im putting myself first, so I can be the woman I was born to be.

Cherise's Quninoa that Steven can't get enough of!

Hey guys!

I've been trying to explore new recipes that are super healthy. I made this up the other day and Steven ate like 4 servings and has been begging for it since.

1 tsp coconut oil
1/2 red bell pepper
1/2 green bell pepper
1/2 can of corn
1 c shredded chicken
2 c quinoa
1 tsp chicken bouillon
1 c water
salt to taste

1. Saute the pepper in coconut oil until tender. Add the corn and chicken.

2. Cook the quinoa in the rice cooker with either water and chicken bouillon or chicken broth. Quinoa generally tastes "too healthy" and this makes it taste yummy!

3. Once the quinoa is done, add it to the pepper, corn, chicken mixture.

I'm guessing on some of the amounts since I just eye-balled it.

If you haven't used quinoa before, it is SO healthy! I bought mine at Costco (its cheaper than at grocery stores). Here are some reasons why you should eat more quinoa:
-8 grams of protein
-5 grams of fiber
-8 essential amino acids
-gluten free
-considered a seed, not a grain (good for Daniel)
-cooks fast (12-15 minutes)

Happy Cooking!
-Cherise

The Start

Hey guys!

Welcome to the COOPER HEALTH CHALLENGE!!

 Participants will be:

Dad, Mom, Jessica, Tyler, Jacob, Maralyn, Steven and Cherise!

We will be using the 6 sister points sheet with one change. Please use the attached one and not the one on the paper as one part has changed.

Everyone will be putting in $100.

Mom and Dad will match everything we come up with! Thanks Mom and Dad!

You will have 6 months to lose your weight.

You will maintain your weight for 6 months.

We will be sharing our results through a blog that we will be creating tomorrow.

We will Google Hangout every month to share our progress. (If mom and dad can figure it out)

How the money will be divided is still half will go to the point winner and the half will go to the biggest looser. The biggest looser will get half their money at 6 months and the other half if they maintain for 6 months. If they weigh more than they did at the 6 month mark they loose and the other half goes to everyone who did maintain their weight.

To get started you need to:

-Take a picture of yourself (like a before/after picture)

-Take a video of yourself sharing your goal of either strength, weight loss.

-Weigh and record your weight.

-Print out the attached paper for recording your points.

-Just a suggestion: Download the free ap my fitness pal in order to record what you’re eating. Add the family as friends so they can see what you’re eating and how you’re doing.

 Happy strengthening and weight losing!

 I am EXSTATIC to get started and do this together!

Here are some more rules...

-This is a 24-Week Challenge that starts on a Monday. January 7, 2013

-Decide an amount that each person pays to enter the challenge- $100

-There is a weekly point calendar for each of the 24 weeks

-Beginning on Week #2 there is a double point challenge (will discuss later in the competition -steve)

-You can exercise each day, but you will only receive points for exercising 5 days a week.

-You can choose to not each sugar/treats each day, but you will only receive points for not eating sugar on 6 days (everyone needs a free day!).

-There is a sample food journal that you can use or you can use your own kind of food journal to keep track of what you eat.

-Weight yourself anytime each Sunday and tally up all points by 9 PM. Make sure that you weight yourself under the same circumstances each week (for example: Morning/Night, Empty/Full stomach)

-Choose someone in your challenge who will be the one you send a weekly email/text to with your totally weekly points and totally weight loss points for the week. They will have to keep track of everyone’s points and then have them send out an email or text with everyone’s standings on Mondays. We said that all points had to be put on the blog by midnight Monday night. If you didn’t send an update the blog by that time, you received no points for that week. So each week you will send in 3 numbers: Your weekly points, you weight lost for the week, and your total points for that week.

-Daily contact with teammate: It’s amazing the strength that comes from encouragement from your teammates! We said that you could email, call, or text someone on your team to encourage them to have a healthy day. It helps knowing that you are all in this together and makes you accountable for what you do or don’t do.

-Example of weight loss points: You will get 5 points for maintaining your lowest previous weight AND 10 points for each whole pound. For instance, if you gained weight, you will report 0 points AND you don’t get any weight loss OR maintenance points in future weeks until you return to the lowest weight you had already achieved. If you maintained your previous lowest weight, you report 5 points. If you lost 1 pound, you would get 5 points for maintaining plus 10 points for that pound, so you would report 15 points.

-Cash prize money will be divided equally between the person who loses the largest percentage of weight and the person who has the most total weekly points. How the money will be divided is still half will go to the point winner and the half will go to the biggest looser. The biggest looser will get half their money at 6 months and the other half if they maintain for 6 months. If they weigh more than they did at the 6 month mark they loose and the other half goes to everyone who did maintain their weight.