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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ChocoCoconut Butterscotch Cookies

Chocococonut Butterschotch Cookies These easy, gluten-free cookies are full of fantastic flavors! Prep: About 20 minutes Bake Time: 12 minutes at 375 F Makes 30 Cookies This amazingly easy cookie recipe is gluten free and full of amazing flavors!  I came up with this idea from a dessert my mom used to make called 7-layer bars.  They are really high in sugar, and so I tried this recipe to make them a little more balanced!  I love the flavor of the maple syrup in these!  They are also dairy-free for…

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Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs

My Great Grandma had great Italian roots and she liked everything super spicy!  My dad called these the “3 glasses of milk meatballs” because she would make them so spicy.  You don’t have to make them spicy.  My kids (7 and 3 years old) don’t love spicy, and so we keep these mild.  The cayenne pepper is really not necessary as they have excellent flavor without it, but if you like a little spice, go for it.  Add 1/8 tsp for a little spice and 1/2 tsp for a lot…

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