10 Tips for Better Sleep

Better sleep= Less weight More and more research is confirming that there is an inverse relationship when it comes to sleep and weight.  In general, this means, the less you sleep, the more you weigh.  Experts agree that adults should be getting 7-9 hours of sleep every night.  Some of us may have trouble getting in these much needed hours.  Here are 10 tips to help you achieve this goal.  Number 6 is so important for me! I didn’t even know I was a light sleeper until I had this…

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Cinnamon Oatmeal Pancakes

The whole family will love these made from scratch pancakes.  They are easy and taste delicious! Makes 10 pancakes (about 4” diameter) 1 cup Dry Whole Oats 1.5 cups Boiling Water 1 cup All Purpose Flour 2 Tbsp Sugar 2 tsp Baking Powder 1 tsp Cinnamon 2 Eggs 1 tsp Vanilla Extract ¼ cup + 1 Tbsp Milk 2 Tbsp Canola Oil In a large mixing bowl mix the oats with boiling water and let stand for 3-4 minutes.  In a separate small bowl, blend flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon. …

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The Danger of Tastes

The number one reason you are failing to meet your health goals is… “But it was just a small bite” You keep your meals healthy.  You choose whole foods most of the time.  You cook at home a lot, and avoid eating out too often.  You manage your calories at meals and snacks.  You are physically active most days.  So why can’t you reach your health goals?  Whether it is weight loss, fat loss, muscle building, or just wanting to be healthier, tasting is the number one reason you might…

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Black Bean and Green Chile Salsa

This salsa is without a doubt, my favorite!  It’s sweet corn and earthy cilantro cut the spiciness of the chiles.  It looks absolutely wonderful on any table.  And as summer approaches, all of these ingredients are fresh and in season at your local supermarket. Make sure to use fresh lime juice and fresh cilantro in this dish, the bottled or dried just doesn’t do!  Also, for a slightly milder flavor, omit the red onions.  You can also try adding some freshly minced garlic for a variation.  Lastly, be sure to use fresh or…

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Easy Home Made Fajitas

Easy Fajitas

Currently I would call myself a purist when talking about food.  I am trying to eat less processed and more natural foods, and cooking from scratch a little more.  I love my food to have a lot of flavor, but most pre-made seasonings have a lot of fillers and preservatives in them to give them a longer shelf life.  So I thought I should try to make my own, and it is pretty delicious!  This recipe makes about 3 recipes at a time so I don’t have to make it…

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Spinach Salad with Garlic Bacon Vinaigrette

This salad is so delicious, you will actually crave it!  The spinach gives an excellent dose of all of the B vitamins including folic acid, and is a good source of iron.  It is a great addition to any meal plan to help fight off the cold and flu this season! Ingredients: 3 slices of bacon, nitrate free is preferable 4 cloves of garlic, minced ½ cup rice vinegar ½ cup olive oil Salt and pepper to taste (start with about ¼ tsp each) 1 Bulb of garlic 1 Tbsp…

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Cinnamon Honey Roasted Almonds

Update: I first posted this recipe about 4 years ago when we had just moved to Ireland!  We are back in the United States now and I still make this recipe quite often as my whole family just loves them.  I hope you enjoy them also! I have been trying to find a suitable snack for our family when we go out for our Irish outings.  Since Adam is deathly allergic to peanuts, and Joshua is allergic to most of the other nuts, almonds are the only nut our family…

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What Vegetables are in Season?

In Season is Best for Vegetables I find it very helpful to increase the amount of vegetables I eat if I can purchase fresh, high quality vegetables for a reasonable price.  Much of my success in this has come from eating vegetables that are in season.   Benefits of purchasing produce go beyond just saving money.  When you purchase foods that are locally in season, you will find they retain more nutrients.  This is because they were more recently harvested closer to you.  This is beneficial to your overall health and…

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Rainbow Roasted Vegetables

These vegetables are quite possibly the most eye appealing way to eat your veggies!   Serves 6 Ingredients: 1 Red Bell Pepper, chopped into bite sized pieces 1/2 Butternut Squash, pealed and chopped into bite sized peices 1 Yellow Bell Pepper, chopped into bite sized pieces 1/2 pound Brussel Sprouts, trimmed and chopped in 1/2 1 Red Onion, chopped into bite sized pieces 2 Tbsp Olive Oil 1/2 tsp Salt Directions: Place veggies on a lightly greased cookie sheet in a rainbow pattern (like the photo).  Drizzle with Olive Oil. …

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Overnight Oats

Overnights Oats

Overnight Oats are great for Busy Mornings! I know you have at least heard about Overnight Oats.  These recipes seem to be everywhere right now, so what is the big deal?  Are they really that exciting?  Yes, in some ways they are.  Many people don’t eat breakfast for a variety of reasons, but a major one being that they don’t have time.  Overnight oats are a great solution for the busyness of the morning routine especially because you don’t have to cook them! Health Benefits of Oats Oatmeal has loads…

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