Frozen Hot Chocolate

Last night my sisters and their spouses all came over for dinner at my house last night! We had a great time laughing and joking throughout the night. We had a repeat dinner of 

Stuffed Chicken, 

As a appetizer I just made a healthy dip

Its SO SIMPLE

all you need is Fat Free Cottage Cheese and a packet of Ranch Seasoning- Put a cup or more of cottage and the whole packet in the food processor, mix it up and serve with your favorite veggies!

Delish!

Although the stuffed chicken and Dip were quite the hit last night. Dessert took the cake! 

No, it wasn't cake. It was

FROZEN HOT CHOCOLATE

If you have ever been to Serendipity in NY and now in VEGAS it is a MUST to hit up Serendipity and get a FROZEN HOT CHOCOLATE!

Seriously, best thing in the world

This was a late Christmas gift from my sister in-law.

This girl knows me well. While we were in Vegas a few months ago with the family I wanted to go to Serendipity for this reason only. But time did not allow.. (the babies were only 9 weeks old) So between feedings in nap. It was a no go :(

My sister in law loves me so much she gave me two!

Although the sugar is high, I don't even care.. its dessert for a reason. Right?! 

Each packet made 5 servings so we split it between the six of us. 

So good! 

How does it compare to the real thing? Pretty dang close. 

Its not as pretty as they make it at the restaurant but I think I could of devoured the entire packet myself.

If heaven was made out of chocolate.. THIS would be it. 

enough said..

Today, I decided to try something new

KALE CHIPS

Kale Chips are all over the food blog world. They are very popular. 

I must say this was my first time trying Kale.

This recipe I got from cute Laury at thefitnessdish

CLICK HERE for the entire recipe. 

Cut the stems of the Kale. Rinse and dry, This is when a salad spinner would come in handy.. 

lightly cover with olive oil and your favorite seasonings

I used Mrs Dash Original

Preheat oven and bake for about 18 minutes. Keep an eye on them. Keep them green and crispy ;)

Kale CHIPS

Now, Don't expect tostidos.. Since this was my first time with Kale, I believe that it requires a required taste. 

Laury has recipe for a white bean dip here.. That I would try it with. I didn't have all the ingredients so I just topped them with hummus. They sort of have a bitter taste, But are light and crispy and kind of dissolve in your mouth.. If you are a rabbit eating lover aka.. you like salads and lettuce and kale.. kind of person. You may love this. If you are a nacho chip, Doritos, Frito's person. These may take some getting used to. 

I liked them .. not loved. but that's just me. 

make them again? Sure.. but not for an appetizer.. Ill stick with the dip. 

Breakfast this morning was just a quick bowl of oats

1/2 C. old fashioned oats

1/2  scoop of chocolate elite protein

slivered almonds

scoop of greek vanila yogurt!

Happy MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY!

Q. Have you ever been to Serendipity? Tried the frozen hot chocolate?

Q. Any other recipes for Kale CHIPS?

{Blueberry pancakes}

Hey everyone, I hope your having a good Sunday so far! We woke up and snuggled in bed with the babies for about an hour before we actually decided we were hungry.
Some of you might be shocked.. but I didn't make my "original" oats breakfast..

{Blueberry Pancakes}

Ingredients

1 1/4C. water or skim milk
3/4 C. Oat flour

3/4 C. Quick Oats
2 Scoops of vanilla Protein
4 egg whites
1 tsp Baking Powder
1/4 tsp Salt
2 tsp Cinnamon
1/4 C. Blueberries or any type of berry

How to Make:

1. Heat Milk, Stir in oats and set aside
2. Beat egg whites until stiff foam

3. Mix remaining dry ingredients together and stir in the oatmeal
4 . Fold in egg whites
5. Stir in berries

wow.. blueberries make it look really "delicious" don't ya think?

"blue" pankcakes

6. Pour on to hot skillet & let cook for about a minute on each side.
please note: these do not bubble like normal pancakes do. So just watch them.

Top with your favorite toppings!

Peanut Butter

Almond Butter

Greek Yogurt

Bananas

Maple Syrup

Whats your Fav?

YUM! 

ENJOY!!

{stuffed chicken}

Sorry, I have no creative name for this meal.. but it is what it is ;)

You will need:
4 chicken breast
Hummus (flavor of your choice) I used Roasted pine nut

fat free feta cheese

2 egg whites

whole wheat bread crumbs

& the most important.. 3 dark chocolate kisses for good measure.

First PREHEAT oven to 350 degrees! Then put the egg whites in a bowl & whole wheat crumbs in another bowl

note: fresh eggs from my sisters pet chickens! 

Cut your Chicken in half and spread hummus inside the middle and sprinkle the feta on top of the hummus 

Put toothpicks in to hold the chicken together..

Carefully take each chicken breast and roll it in the egg whites until fully covered then into the bread crumbs and place back into your tinfoil covered baking pan. 

Place in oven for 35 minutes 

While chicken bakes enjoy those 3 dark chocolate kisses..

(left over Christmas candy is the best)

Dessert before dinner is always okay in my book ;)

{ENJOY}

you know he did 

Shake, shake SHAKE!!

Hey everyone! This post may seem a little repetitive.. see if you can find a pattern?
 I have been remodeling my guest bathroom in my house..Pictures coming soon!!  But I did manage to make more whole wheat cinnamon rolls.. and mix up some yummy shakes!!
I have a new obsession..

Raspberry Shake

1.5 scoop of vanilla gourmet

1 tsp of xanthan gum

5-6 ice cubes

 1/2 C. water/almond milk add more depending on how thick/thin you prefer. 

1 cup of frozen raspberries

1/2 banana.

Last night the Mr. and I went to test drive a 4 door rubicon jeep.. those salesmen do not back off easily.. ugh.. anyone have any thoughts? We need to do a car switcharoo.. Long story short.. The Mr. has a jeep,and I have a Mazda CX7 both of which we love but the Mr. Drives a lot for work and gas is a bit pricey for the jeep.. So.. the plan is to sell the jeep, sell the mazda, buy a rubicon.. (lucky me) and get a car for him to cruise around. My husband NEEDS a jeep at all times in his life.. its mandatory. But we now need 4 doors instead of 2.. SO wish us luck.. Does anyone drive a jeep Rubicon? good family car?
Anyway.. sorry I babble.. back to the purpose of this blog!
After the Test Drive I was craving something..

surprised?  I can't get enough..

This morning I woke up ate my breakfast quickly out the door.. no time for a pic. But it was Oats.

WORKOUT

I taught an awesome Body PUMP class this morning! I love the gym in January, I love seeing all the new faces in class and meeting new people.
After class, I HAD to run.. I'm training for the Moab Half! I haven't ran for a while.. Due to the bitter cold outside it has put a damper in my training. I need to start setting date nights with the dreadmill. Which has been hard to do. So today, I only had time for a quick run.
     Minute           Incline                Speed
 1:00-5:00               1                       4
 5:00-10:00             1                       6
 10:00-12:00           1                       6.2
 12:00-13:00           1                       7.5
 13:00-13:30           0                       9
 13:30-14:00           0                       10
 14:00-15:00           0                       4
 15:00-20:00           0                      6.2
 20:00-25:00           0                       7
 25:00-25:3             0                       9
 25:30-26:00           0                      10
 26:00-26:30           0                      11
 26:30-30:00          10                       4
 30:00-32:00           1                        4

WHEW! That will make you nice and sweaty FOR SURE! 3 miles down.  Now, just to add about 10 more..

I came home and made myself yet ANOTHER Raspberry Shake!

With a handful of Almonds. 

I'm telling you.. MAKE THIS.. So delicious! 

Raspberries remind me of summer! I can't wait for summer..

only like 24 more weeks.. 

Please NOTE: This is not all I eat.. I just happened to make these delicious shakes post workout and dessert for the past few days;) I really eat all day long.. just no time for any creative meals! But tonight I have something up my sleeve!

& I can't wait to share it! 

Q. Anybody training for a race to?

Q. Whats your favorite "summer" fruit?

Have a good Saturday!!

Easy shoppin and lovely salmon!

hey, everyone!! First off I'll start with dinner last night! So easy.. so fast..

I like fresh fish.. Its the best if you buy it fresh then freeze it. When your at the grocery store you check out the seafood section and see if you can luck out on a "managers special" They have been responsible for many cheap and healthy meals ;) Its already usually seasoned so all you have to do is pop it in the oven!

I was really feeling like veggies and so did not want green beans.. although I love them.. I wanted something different.. So cleaning out my fridge I found a eggplant.. and a zuchinni! Perfect!! I chopped both of them up and threw them on a skillet with a little coconut oil, covered with a lid and let steam for about 10 minutes YUM!! 

To bake my salmon, I preheated the oven to 350 and I covered a glass dish with tinfoil (easy clean up) and put the salmon in for about 20 minutes. (make sure its cooked throughly before taking it out of the oven)

I ate most before I took the pic.. I'm usually an impatient cow grazing on my food before I finally get a pic of it ;)

Perfection! 

Breakfast:

I don't know if any of you are like me, but I wake up STARVING every single day! And the fastest, most filling thing I think of is Oatmeal.. So thats usually what I go for! And with the Cold chill in the air.. its definatley a must each morning!!

1/2 C. Oats

Slivered Almonds

1/2 scoop of vanilla whey protein

and a spoonful or ... 3 of vanilla greek Yogurt!

I love the cold creamy yogurt mixed with the warm oats. 

splendid indeed!

LUNCH!

Shrimp Salad

It has been a LONG time since I have had a actual Salad.. with lettuce! I have to admit.. I usually go for something that isn't so messy to eat.. (does anyone else feel like you get stuff all over when you eat salad?) Anyway, This salad was perfect for today, it was exactly what I needed. It was light but filling. It would also be great to make for a family party or some other shenangans. 

Leafy Romaine Lettuce

Spinach

5 Shrimp (on sale at smiths!) 

mushrooms 

cherry tomatoes

1/4 C. of cottage cheese

drizzle with ff balsamic vinagrette!

This may be a repeat tomorrow for lunch!! 

I have so many emails and questions about grocery shopping. 

How to eat healthy and not spend to much money, because people tend to believe that eating healthy is expensive.. that blows my mind because its completely the opposite! 

Here is a easy healthy shopping checklist and other tips! 

Here is what I picked up at the store yesterday for all $60.47 

DAIRY 

Kroger Greek Yogurt

Cottage Cheese

Feta cheese

FRESH VEGGIES

Carrots, avocados, eggplant, kale, spinach, romaine lettuce,sweet potatoes

FRUIT

Frozen Raspberries and Blueberries, bananas 

HEALTHY FAT

freshly ground PB

slivered almonds

PROTEIN

Eggs

Chicken 

Ground chicken

Salmon

Shrimp

GRAINS

Ezekiel bread

Whole wheat kroger spaghetti noodles

Whole wheat Kroger Lasagna noodles

OTHER

artichoke hearts

crushed tomotaes

enchilada sauce

Canola oil spray

{My healthy shopping tips}

• Shop the perimeter of the store, Staying on the outside takes you through the fruits and veggies, dairy, meats etc. Keeping you away from the packaged food. Oreos, Chips, Candy, Boxed stuff..
• Buy in the BULK section.. this I allow you to go down an aisle.. Oatmeal, NUTS, granola etc. is cheaper if you get it there.
• Make sure you shop smart.. for example.. I really wanted strawberries and raspberries but when I got to the fresh ones.. they were 5.99 for the pint. wth?? must be winter. they just aren't in season.. So its easier to get them frozen.. which I got 2 bags for $5. 
• If you have time to store hop, go for it.. some things are cheaper if you buy them at costco vs. sunflower market.. smiths. etc
• If you plan your meals in advance it really can help budget wise and prevent you from buying things mindlessly and having them go bad. 

Here is where I like to buy certain things...

Costco- Meat, frozen fruits and veggies, Milk, Eggs

Sunflower Market- Fresh fruits and veggies!! Seriously.. extreme deals there! example.. 10 for $1 grapefruit..Old fashioned oats

Smiths Marketplace- Almond milk, Ezekiel Bread, Greek Yogurt,ff cottage, fruits, veggies (that are in season) 

Store hopping can be a pain.. but you don't have to do it all at once.. or even once a week, Just plan it out 

It really is up to you! Good luck!! 

Just a few of my Favorite things...

Hey everyone!
How are you liking the new site so far?  I hope its a little easier for you! Last night, I got together with the girls to watch a little drama.. The BACHELOR. Its entertaining to say the least.. Who else lurves for the fights and tears of it all??

This morning I woke up for breakfast. Nothing fancy.. just "the orginal"

mix er up

and on my way out the door to workout I grabbed on of these..

what? you have a problem with it? didn't think so. 

sugar cookie from heaven.. (left over from the bachelor party last night) 

Thanks Tara!! 

JUST a FEW of my favorite things! 

Cleaning Schtuff

Lets face it.. I hate cleaning.. we all hate cleaning but these things make it a little easier! 

I just discovered this.. Its really come in helpful for getting those stains out from baby food, puke and poop. 

Hasn't failed me yet ;)

I'm not a big rag fan, something about them sitting in the sink and wiping everything.. collecting bacteria everywhere.. Just doesn't seem to sanitary.. so after I'm done wiping my counter tops etc. I use one.. or two of these bad boys to just clean and disinfect my counter tops. 

Okay.. now, everyone. This is THE best laundry detergent out there. My clothes come out smelling fresh and clean and stay that way throughout the day..or until I have major sweat session. Its a wonderful thing.

YOU have To TRY IT! 

(side note: I only use it for my clothes. For the babies stuff I use the fragrance free tide, which is also wonderful.)

SKINCARE

I had a comment:

Anonymous said...

I love reading your blog! it looks great now! i love to try everything from it! now you just need to let us know how you get such great lookin' skin :)!

First off, Thank you for that sweet compliment... I really don't have perfect skin.. like right now I have one of those lovely underground zits..ugh.  But usually, yes, my skin is pretty clear. Genetics I think? I have never had very bad acne or anything. But some of my FAVORITE things that help me keep my skin clear.

{my face wash}

Clear Cell by IMAGE. 

It has exfolliant beads in it to clean out the pores and leaves my face clean and fresh.

I wash my face every morning post workout and every night before bed.

A little bit of this goes a long way! 

and BRONZER..

I don't go tanning..

possible a spray tan every once in awhile.. but I haven't had one recently.. and I think its about time..

But I do use a bronzer. To give me a little sun kissed color. 

Totally fake.. 

Bare minerals

Faux Tan all over face color

This is all I really use.. I don't use the bare minerals veil, or base color.. Just the bronzer..

Why not? Because.. Its messy.. I used to use it all..  but I got sick of having to clean my bathroom everyday.. that bare mineral dust gets everywhere.. but I won't ever get rid of the bronzer.. its perfect. 

Also, always make sure you wash your face at night before bed. If I fall asleep without doing so I will always wake up with a zit.. an underground huge one to prove it, and no joke.. the one I have now just proves it.

Now, for some more entertaining with my own little "bachelor" (don't get any ideas ladies;))

Q. What are some of your favorite Cleaning Supplies? Any tricks out there?

Q. Whats your "original" breakfast ? 

{a re-vamp}

Hey Everyone,
You have probably noticed by now that I have changed up the blog a little bit.
At first I was going to change the blog from a blogspot to a .com
After months of procrastination.. and finally trying to get it figured out.
I decided it would be best to keep it here. For a few reasons

• Its takes longer to post through windows live
• I have no clue how to create a website.. after many hours trying to figure it out.. I still don't
• Everyone already knows its here.
• I wouldn't be able to transfer all the shenanagins to the website.
• I already know how to use blogspot. So makes it quick and easy.

So here we will stay but not without an upgrade!!
Here is whats new.

• Search! In the upper left corner there is a blog search!! So if you can't find a recipe or workout or just missing an old story you can search for it here!

• COMMENTS!! Comments can now be left by everyone!! YES!! This is something I have been wanting for a long time, I always have people tell me they read my blog but I love comments! It actually makes me believe people read it.. SO PLEASE leave a comment anytime you like something, try a recipe or have a question ;) 

LABELS!! Finally.. These I'am still working on. I have added new pages and links. Home: will always take you home.. about me: is well all about me and the little blog.  Recipes: will link you to some favorite old and new recipes!! (I know this will make everyones life a little easier!) Workouts: These will be my everyday workouts, easy at home workouts, quick workouts. Etc. (which is still under construction) and Links: Are just some other of my favorite links to browse.

I hope you all enjoy the new site and find it pretty easy to navigate!
Let me know what else you would like to see! By contacting me at thebodyofamother@gmail.com
But the grammar.. Yes, that will always be bad.

P.S. Thanks to the Mister for his patience with me and help in creating the new look and labels for the blog! Thanks honey! I love you!

AND A BIG THANK YOU to all of you!! You really all motivate me to post and I hope that you continue to find motivation and healthy eats here!