Black Bean Brownies!

Black Bean Brownies With Avacado Superlicious Fudge Spread!

Have you tried a black bean brownie?  I have and they are so good!  This recipe is perfect if you are trying to feed your family more nutritious snacks!  A very healthy alternative to regular brownies!

Ingredients: 

• 1 1/2 Cups soft cooked black beans
• 2 ripe bananas
• 1/3 Cup agave nectar
• 1/4 Cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1 Tbsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 Cup instant oats
• 1 Tbsp walnut pieces

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Grease an 8x8" pan and set aside. 
2. Combine all ingredients, except oats, in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth, scrapping sides as needed. 
3. Stir in the oats and pour batter into the pan. 
4. Bake approx 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 
5. Allow to cool before icing.  

Superlicious Fudge Spread

• 2 Avocado's
• 1/4 agave nectar
• 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

Pour all ingredients into blender and blend until smooth.  

Tastes like chocolate pudding the kids raved!


Sharing with What Cooking Wednesday

Swiss Cheese Onion Soup

I have been eating a lot of soup lately.  Cream soups are my comfort food for cold wintry days!  Please note the cook times 30-40 minutes to prepare.

Swiss Cheese Onion Soup

• 1/4 cup butter
• 3 cups thinly-sliced onions
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth(or you can use beef, or veggie)
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 3/4 cups milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
• Buttered bread

Melt butter in large saucepan.

Cook onions over medium heat for about 10 minutes. 

Stir in chicken broth. Bring to boil. Cover and simmer 15 minutes.

Whisk flour and milk in a measuring cup. 

Stir milk mix into onion mixture.  Cook on medium heat until soup comes to a boil and thickens.

While cooking cut bread into the shape of the bowl and butter.  (Save crusts in freezer to use for bread crumbs when needed)

Remove from heat. Stir in 3/4 cup of the cheese until melted. 

Ladle into oven-proof soup bowls. 

Top with bread butter side up.  sprinkle with with remaining cheese. 

Broil until bread is toasted!

Yummy!

WMWW -WATER- We all need it, Do you get enough?

Water

We all know that drinking plenty of water is essential to good health and wellbeing.  And yet through our busy everyday lives we are not only constantly dehydrating ourselves, but also failing to quench our body’s need for water. Our skin suffers, our eyes are dry, we can’t seem to shake off colds, we complain of headaches, lack energy, often feel bloated or constipated and our concentration levels are poor.  

Did you know?  You should drink between 7-10 glasses(about 48 fluid ounces) of water every day.  But if your not used to this amount, build up to it – your body will need to adjust.  If you don't like the taste of water.  Add a squeeze of lemon or lime or even crushed mint for a little flavor.

So what can you do?  

• Drink a glass of water when you wake up.  Have your water carafe in your bedroom, so before you get out of bed you can drink a glass!
• Drink a glass before you eat.  Sometime we mistake thirst for hunger.  This also helps with weight loss!
• Drink water after you exercise.  You lose water through sweat, make sure you replenish it.
• Keep water where ever you are.  Get yourself a BPA free reusable water bottle, also have a water carafe near you if you work at a desk, also in the bedroom/living-room, that will be so handy to keep your glass full.  Sip as you work, play and relax.

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What are your tips of getting enough water?

This is January's blog hop! Add your old or new post below with Linky! You can post once a week.

I can't wait to see all the helpful tips/recipes/stories you have!

Please link directly to your post and not your blog URL. If you could please link back here, so that everyone can join in the fun!

Cauliflower Vegetable Chowder

Another yummy soup recipe your family will be sure to enjoy!


Cauliflower Vegetable Chowder

• 1 tbsp  butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cauliflower, chopped
• 1 cup broccoli, chopped
• 2 carrot, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar

Melt butter in large saucepan. Cook and stir onion over medium-high heat until tender. Add cauliflower, broccoli, carrot and chicken broth. Bring to boil.

Reduce heat, cover and simmer 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Whisk milk into flour until smoothly combined; add to saucepan. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture boils and thickens.

Remove pan from heat; add 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese and stir until cheese is melted.

Sprinkle the rest of cheese and serve.

If you like chowder recipes please be sure to check out my potato chowder!

Homemade Whole Wheat Tortilla's

Yesterday I made baked tortilla chips!  So I thought it would be a perfect time to post my tortilla recipe!  Tortilla's are so easy to make!  You probably have all the ingredients in your pantry!  So give this recipe a try and let me know how it works for you!



Ingredients
4 cups        WW flour (also can use regular flour or half and half)
1/2  tsp       baking powder
1/2 cup       olive oil
1 tsp           salt
1 1/2 cups  warm water
You can also add any seasonings for fun if you want your tortilla's to have a little zip!

1. Mix together flour and baking powder.
2. Cut in oil until crumbly consistency.
3. Stir together water and salt.
4. Drizzle over dough while mixing to make soft dough.
5. Let dough rest for 20 min.
6. Divide into 16 pieces.
7. Role out into circles.
8. Fry on dry pan at medium heat, 20 seconds per side(until bubbles form).

Makes 16 tortilla's




To make baked tortilla chips, just cut into triangles and bake in a 340 oven for about 5-8 mins till crisp!  
Serve with salsa and guacomole!
Yum!

Dilly Chick Wraps

Dilly Chicks is my "on no what to make for lunch?" concoction.

Dilly Chick Wraps

1 cup chickpea sprouts
2tbls mayonnaise
1 dill pickle
2 handfuls shredded cheese
A few lettuce leaves
2 whole wheat wraps

Use a food processor to mix chickpeas, mayo, and a dill pickle.
Spread chickpea mix on a wrap.
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
Lay lettuce.
Roll it up!
YUM!

Watch My Weight Wednesday!

My Goals this week...

1. Work out 4 times this week!  I am using the RevAbs program and using my treadmill. 
2. Keep up with my water!   I am doing well with this!
3. Keep up with portion control!  Something I haven't been watching lately.

4. Eat raw veggies every day!  Did you know eating raw veggies helps you lose weight more than eating cooked!

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What are your goals this week?

This is January's blog hop! Add your old or new post below with Linky! You can post once a week.

I can't wait to see all the helpful tips/recipes/stories you have!

Please link directly to your post and not your blog URL. If you could please link back here, so that everyone can join in the fun!

Fit Meals Monday!

Fit Meals MondayI have to go grocery shopping so this meal plan may change...My goal is to have raw veggies served with every meal.  It could be a salad or veggie plate.  Did you know that raw veggies are more nutritious then cooked, and they also help with weight loss!  A win win for everyone!

Monday - Chickpea Taco's and Salad.

Tuesday -  Soup and salad.

Wednesday - Chicken stir fry with tons of veggies!

Thursday -  Thai Peanut Noodles  and raw veggies.

Friday -  Roast beef, potatoes, and salad.

Click on the above button to find some more Fit Meal Plans!

WMWW - 20 ideas to make this your best year yet!

20 ideas to make this your best year yet! 

Here are twenty healthy ideas to help you accomplish improved health and happiness in 2011.

1. Eat more raw foods!  Try to add more raw salads, veggie platters, and fruits to every meal!
2. Go meatless once a week(or more).
3. Get more active!  Schedule 5 minutes more of activity to your exercise routine a day.  Don't have an exercise routine? Start with 5 minutes a day!
4. Meal plan!!!  Make a decision to think of food as nourishment instead of entertainment. Eat what your body needs, not what your taste buds desire.
5. Schedule in more quality family time!  Try a game night, or a sport the whole family can do together.  
6. De-clutter.  Find time to de-clutter your home.
7. Cut out the caffeine!   Replace with tea or water.
8. Get more sunshine!  No sunshine where you are?  Look into vitamin D supplements.
9. When shopping, park farther away. You'll get a little more walking exercise and a little more sunshine!
10. Make a point to get at least eight hours of sleep for 2-3 nights a week (or more, if you can). Most people are sleep deprived, and the health cost is enormous.
11. Start visiting local farmer's markets so that you eat more local food in 2011. You'll be healthier and happier as a result.
12. Grow your own sprouts!  Eating just one ounce of sprouts a day has a huge impact on preventing cancer and boosting immune function.
13. If you have space, consider getting a treadmill for your living room. You can walk/run while watching movies or documentary DVDs at the same time.
14. Learn pilates or yoga for core strength and flexibility.
15. Make a commitment to start a garden this Spring, and you'll reap so many health benefits in the months ahead.
16. Teach others how to be healthy! The more you talk with others about healthy habits, the more you'll follow them yourself. 
17. Enjoy a relaxing hot bath with epsom salts and soothing herbs like lavender. It will do wonders for your mind and your muscles.
18. Try quinoa: It's a high-protein, low-carb "grain" that can easily replace rice or couscous.
19. Get more indoor plants: They purify the air in your home.
20. Get a professional massage! Massage therapy is really, really healthy, and it's a great way to reward yourself for some of the other accomplishments you're making.

I hope you enjoyed these 20 ideas for improving your health in 2011 (and beyond).

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What are some of your Ideas on making 2011 the best year yet?

This is January's blog hop! Add your old or new post below with Linky! You can post once a week.

I can't wait to see all the helpful tips/recipes/stories you have!

Please link directly to your post and not your blog URL. If you could please link back here, so that everyone can join in the fun!

Fit Meals Monday!

Fit Meals Monday

Monday - Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas and Salad.

Tuesday -  Soup (Homemade Turkey) and salad.

Wednesday - Buttered Chicken with rice and Raw veggies.

Thursday -  Veggie Lasagna and raw veggies.

Friday -  Roast beef, potatoes, and salad.

Click on the above button to find some more Fit Meal Plans!

WMWW - Happy New Year!

I love New Years!  It is so nice to start a brand new year fresh. Making goals for the year ahead are easy to do, but may not be so easy to keep.  Whether you want to get fit, adopt healthier eating habits, look your best or improve your overall sense of well-being, now is the perfect time to take that first step!


First thing to do is to write goals down by hand!  And post them up where ever you will see them the most; on the refrigerator or bathroom mirror, in the daily planner, stuck on the computer screen. Maybe use sticky notes and post your goals in multiple spots around the house. 


Second, is to take action.  Figure out what is holding you back from achieving your goals.  And set a up plan.


New Years Resolutions


Some people set a goal to start eating healthier one way to achieve this goal is to eat a fruit or vegetable every time you eat.  Fruits and vegetables fight everything from aging to cancer, But sometimes it can be hard to get in enough servings in a day.

Being more active. Get up and get moving as much as you can!  Humans were made to move, and the more we do the happier and healthier we are. Start with things you enjoy that keeps you active. Get out every single day, turn some music on and dance while cleaning the house, take your dog for a walk, but also have some fun playing and running around with him, sign up for fitness class with friends, and if you have kids watch what they do and copy!

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What are some of your New Years Resolutions?  Any more tips on how to achieve them?

This is January's blog hop! Add your old or new post below with Linky! You can post once a week.

I can't wait to see all the helpful tips/recipes/stories you have!

Please link directly to your post and not your blog URL. If you could please link back here, so that everyone can join in the fun!

Go For A Walk In The Snow!

Today's Health Tip!


Go for a walk in the snow - Exercise improves sleep!  Studies from the University of Arizona show that women who even walked short distances at a normal pace during the day found their sleep significantly improved. Exercise reduces the time it takes to get to sleep by 12 minutes, and it increases total sleep time by 42 minutes.

Getting enough sleep has so many benefits!  To list a few...
Sleep Keeps Your Heart Healthy,  Sleep Reduces Stress, Sleep Reduces Inflammation, Sleep Makes You More Alert, Sleep Bolsters Your Memory, Sleep Helps You Lose Weight, Naps are known to make you smarter, and Sleep Helps the Body Make Repairs!

Wow!  Who is with me today!  Lets all go for a walk in the snow! Make a snowman or just have fun with the kids!

Mustard Crusted Potatoes (Potato Review)

I am in love with these little potatoes!  They are not only tasty but so good for you too!  These potatoes are already pre-washed and ready to cook.  No peeling or prep, just season and cook!  So nice for busy moms!

Tasteful Selections has eight varieties to choose from.

1. Ruby Sensation: A light fresh flavor with creamy flesh & tender skin
2. White Delights: Mellow with hints of sweet flavor and a firm, yet fine texture
3. Golden Temptation: A hint of butter flavor with a soft & creamy flesh and soft skin
4. Purple Passion: Slightly sweet, yet nutty with a plump texture and firm skin
5. Honey Gold: Buttery sweet flavor with velvety golden flesh and delicate skin
6. Sunrise Medley: A mix of sweet, nutty and fresh flavors with consistently soft texture
7. Gold Fingerlings: Golden flesh with a firm texture and rich buttery flavor
8. Ruby Fingerlings: Light red flesh with a creamy, moist flavor
9. Sunset Fingerlings: A bouquet of flavors and textures from buttery to nutty

With The holiday season here.  These would be a perfect potluck dish to bring to parties.  They will definitely be the dish everyone wants to try! I particularly like Sunrise Melody, looks so festive with three colors.  I would throw in an extra bag of Purple Passion as everyone wants to try a purple potato!  Yes the inside is purple!  Very fun and cool.

I tried this recipe from Tasteful Selections Website!  It was so yummy,  the kids gobbled them up and asked when I was going to make more!

Mustard Crusted Potatoes

• 1 package Tasteful Selections Sunrise Melody Potatoes
• 3 tbls Dijon Mustard
• 2 tbls Olive oil
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

Mix all ingredients together, Throw in potatoes to coat.  bake in preheated oven for 35-40 mins
And Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product exchange for my honest review. The opinions & thoughts expressed are my own. I received no other compensation for my review nor was I under any obligation to give a positive review.

WMWW - A Guest Post

Winter Workout: 6 Tips on Staying Active During the Holiday Season

Edward Stern is a guest blogger for An Apple a Day and a writer on becoming a phlebotomist for the Guide to Health Education.

During the season of eggnog, gingerbread cookies, and family feasts, it's hard not to overindulge. And why not indulge? After working so hard all year, you’ve earned the right to kick back and treat yourself.

At the same time, the end of the year brings new opportunities. Don't just make a New Year’s resolution to “exercise more” and “live healthier;” instead, kickstart new habits by beginning them right away. Here are six ways you can stay active during the holiday season:

1.    Sign up for indoor fitness classes. If you're already a member of a gym or YMCA, these classes are often free for members. Try something you've always wanted to learn, like yoga, or push yourself hard with a spin class or boot-camp. Sign up with friends to push each other to do your best, or meet some new people. For many, it's easier to stay motivated when you have others to hold you accountable.

2.    Go shopping. You'll need to do some holiday shopping anyway, so plan one or two days of mega shopping at large indoor malls to get some walking time in. Walking burns calories, and depending on the size of your gift list, you can log more than two or three miles in no time. If you're looking for a serious workout, wear light ankle weights or muscle-building shoes to give your lower body a better challenge.

3.    Try out winter sports. Go snowboarding, skiing, ice skating, or all of the above, especially if you never have before. Not only is this a great outing with family or friends, but it also gives you a tremendous workout--believe me, the next day muscles will be aching that you didn't know you even had before. Downhill skiing or snowboarding is great for your lower body and your core, and cross country is one of the ultimate total body workouts.

4.    Play in the snow. If your town is blanketed in a layer of fluffy white snow, get outside and enjoy it. Make a snowman, have a snowball fight, play tackle football while it won't hurt to go down. Bundle up to store heat and burn more calories. If you're the working type, shovel your drive and walkways for a terrific upper body workout.

5.    Check out holiday lights in your neighborhood. But don't drive—walk. Again, extra layers = extra calories burned, so bundle up well. Grab a significant other, friend, or relative in town for the holidays and go for a long walk around the neighborhood to admire the holiday decorations and yard displays. Sometimes, exercise is at its best when it's disguised as something else.

6.    Decorate the house. Housework burns calories too, even just everyday chores like vacuuming and dusting. For the holidays, ramp it up a little bit by going all out on the decorations. Spending lots of time on a ladder hanging up holiday lights or hauling out big, light-up reindeer from storage can be a good workout. So is cutting your own holiday tree, especially for upper body and core. 

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This is Decembers blog hop!   Add your old or new post below with Linky! You can post once a week.  

I can't wait to see all the helpful tips/recipes/stories you have!

Please link directly to your post and not your blog URL. If you could please link back here, so that everyone can join in the fun!

Quick Quesadilla's

Quick Quesadilla's

Sometimes during the holiday you will find you are to busy to make a whole healthy meal.  That is why I always relies on this quick and healthy recipe!  It one of our family favorites!

I always use what ever I have in the fridge!  

• tomato diced
• green onion sliced
• soft cooked black beans(can substitute w/chickpea's, or leftover chicken or beef)
• frozen corn
• jalapeno pepper, diced real small, no seeds.(this gives it some kick...just enough that kids will still like it)
• shredded marble cheddar cheese

Arrange ingredients in separate bowl and let you family members load up there own tortilla's!  When they are done, fold in half, and bake till cheese is melted and tortilla crisp!

So simple! So yummy!  No extra seasoning required!

Eat it with a side of salad and Enjoy!

I hope you have fun with creating your own quesadilla!  
Let me know, what do you like in yours!

Watch My Weight Wednesday

This is a blog hop! Add your old or new post below with Linky! You can post any helpful tips/recipes/stories you have!  Please link directly to your post and not your blog URL. If you could please link back here, so that everyone can join in the fun!

Five Question Friday!

It has been awhile since I participated in 5 Question Friday, I have been so busy trying to get ready for Christmas.  I still have many things to do and buy.  But I have a free moment to participate even though it is going to be Saturday in a few short minutes  :)

1. What's on the top of your holiday wish list and why?!

My wish list is full of wishes!  My #1 would be a 10cup food processor!  My little one just can't handle a family of 4.  But my real "wish" is for a food dehydrator!

2. What is your favorite Christmas gift from the past?

Diamond earrings from my husband...the year we agreed not to buy gift for each other!  It was such a beautiful surprise...He is very romantic like that.

3. If you had life to do over, what would you be when you grow up?

I wouldn't want to do it all over...I like the person I am today and wouldn't change anything.  I don't think I am fully grown up yet...so I still have time to figure out what I ultimately want to be  :)

4. When do you put up your tree?

Soon!  We buy a real tree, so we can't put it up to early.  But I am so excited to get all the decorations out and decorate!!!!

5. What is your favorite Holiday?

Christmas.  I like it cause it lasts for the whole month!  It is the best time of the year!

Watch My Weight Wednesday!

The holidays are here!  The cold weather has arrived.  And I just want to hibernate!   So I can't tell you how happy I am that I have a treadmill in my home!  It is so easy to turn it on and start going!  Between the treadmill and RevAbs I have lost 5lbs!  So that is a huge motivator for me to stay away from holiday treats!  I am trying to work out 5 days a week.  I still find it hard to do workouts on the weekend.  I am so pleased with my results so far, I can feel the difference on how my clothes fit!


So my question to you is...
What do you do to keep motivated during the holidays?  
Do you have a plan?


I have changed WMWW into a monthly link up party!  Now you can link up as many times as you like through out the month!  I will still post on Wednesdays.  You still can post  all your recipes, tips, and your weight loss stories! 

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This is a blog hop!   Add your old or new post below with Linky! I can't wait to see all the helpful tips/recipes/stories you have!
Please link directly to your post and not your blog URL. If you could please link back here, so that everyone can join in the fun!